Long overlooked in favor of other metropolitan options, Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan. It’s a hip vacation spot that perfectly marries history, arts, the outdoors, and a vibrant beer scene!
Popular attractions include the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World, Milwaukee Public Market, Bradford Beach, and the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, known locally as The Domes.
For those interested in the beer history of the city, don’t miss the Historic Pabst Brewery and Pabst Mansion.
You’ll definitely want to visit the Third Ward district, which used to be the warehouse district of the city but which has been revitalized into an area bustling with trendy restaurants, galleries, boutique shops, and more.
Wherever you decide to stay in the city, you’re probably not far from the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which connects the city’s most bustling districts, including Third Ward. It’s also not surprising that many of the best luxury hotels in Milwaukee are found around here.
The Riverwalk is great for a stroll in sunny weather, as well as being home to a plethora of brewpubs (Lakefront Brewery is one of the favorites!), public art exhibits, and seasonal outdoor events like River Rhythms.
It’s also a great spot to learn about the city, with signs scattered along its length listing historical facts about the area. One thing about Milwaukee, which is the largest city in Wisconsin by population, is that there are plenty of luxury hotels.
While luxury may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of Milwaukee, the city’s revitalization doesn’t stop at the restaurants!
11 Best Hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1. The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel is a charming, historic property that dates back to the late 19th century. Today you’ll find plenty of modern amenities like WiFi, flat-screen TVs, an on-site spa, a fitness room, and a swimming pool.
If you’re tired after a long day of travel, stay in and have a bite to eat at the Mason Street Grill or the Pfister Café, or have a meal delivered to your room. The Mason Street Grill is popular with locals as well as hotel guests, with everything from its seafood to its burgers and its happy hour options.
Convenient drinks can also be found at the Blu Cocktail Lounge on the 23rd floor. The lounge has spectacular views of downtown and Lake Michigan, so it’s well worth the price of a drink!
When you’re ready to explore the town, you’ll find that The Pfister is close to all the action, with multiple museums and the Third Ward district within an easy walk of the front door.
By the end of your visit, you just might find yourself thinking about indulging in one of their extended stay packages. While it’s location downtown puts you close to some of the best attractions here, you may still want to consider a luxury car rental to explore the rest of the city.
2. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is dedicated to elevating your experience in Milwaukee. The decor is cozy and comfortable, with a homey and warm feeling. The hotel is built around the idea of experiences.
Whether it’s making friends while enjoying views at their rooftop bar, The Outsider, or having lunch with your travel companion at the on-site Mediterranean restaurant, the Rivali.
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (which is pet-friendly) is intent on giving you the kind of travel memories that you’ll remember forever. We’ve been to their rooftop bar before, and it offered a magnificent view of the city along with some fruit cocktails. See the photo we took down below:
Don’t miss the daily wine social hour happening in the lobby, where you can swap travel tales and maybe make a connection or two. The luxe rooms feature queen and king-sized beds, along with tubs and fancy linens.
But one of the best things about this Milwaukee luxury hotel has to be its location in the Third Ward district. Whether you’re looking for breweries, restaurants, boutique shops, museums, theaters, or just wandering around town, this is the perfect spot to set out from.
You’re mere blocks from the Riverwalk, Public Market, and more, making it truly all about the experience! There are even no-cost bike rentals, so you can bike around the area.
3. The Iron Horse Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel is a trendy reimagining of a 100-year-old mattress factory slash warehouse. Think industrial charm: high beam ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a no-nonsense attitude in everything they do.
Don’t miss a visit to the on-site restaurant, Ash, which specializes in open-fire cooking, using smoke and char to enhance the flavors of its dishes! For a less showy but nevertheless magnificent dining experience, the other on-site restaurant, Branded, serves up mouth-watering pub grub and exciting cocktails.
From happy hours to live local music to yoga, there are plenty of social activities on offer at the hotel to draw you into the community and make you feel like you’re at home.
This motorcyclist-friendly hotel is situated not far from the Harley-Davidson Museum, and if you’re traveling by motorcycle yourself, you’ll find covered parking and an on-site bike wash station, amongst other perks.
The Iron Horse Hotel is a little outside the main tourist districts, in the Walker’s Point District. It’s right around the corner from the Great Lakes Distillery & Tasting Room, as well as plenty of other restaurants, brewpubs, and more.
And when you do want to venture into the more traditional tourist areas, it’s only about a ten-minute walk or a quick Uber.
4. Plaza Hotel Milwaukee
The Plaza Hotel Milwaukee is a unique boutique hotel with Art Deco charm and character. Their rooms feel more like apartments than standard hotel rooms.
There are sitting areas and kitchens to truly feel at home in the city. You can also stop by the Café at the Plaza, which prides itself on serving up classic, heart-warming meals in simple but delicious new ways.
If the weather permits, make sure to sit outside in the ivy-covered courtyard, and you’ll forget everything you ever thought you knew about Milwaukee! There is also a 24 hour fitness center.
From the Plaza Hotel, it’s a breeze to wander over to the lakefront Veterans Park, and you’re less than a mile from museums as well as the Third Ward district and other tourist attractions.
But the hotel is tucked into a quieter, more residential neighborhood that allows you to escape the city and guarantee a peaceful stay.
Catch a show at one of the nearby theaters before retreating to your 20s-inspired room. Who says you can’t go posh without the New York City splurge?
We live really close to it, and I’d highly recommend their cafe for a delicious lunch or breakfast.
5. Brewhouse Inn & Suites
Milwaukee is famous for its beer history, and what better way to experience that history firsthand than by spending your nights at the original Pabst Brewery.
Although the rooms have been done up with modern amenities, you’ll find touches of the building’s original purpose dotted about the hotel. On-site conveniences include WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and a fitness room, as well as dedicated workspaces and kitchens in each room.
Now, the Brewhouse Suites wouldn’t do a very good job honoring its history if it didn’t feature a brewery on site! On Tap offers more than Pabst on its beer list, and you’re sure to find something that pairs perfectly with its premier pub classics.
Not only that, but it’s a great place to check out the spectacular architectural details of the original building, which have been lovingly restored and reworked into the structure of the hotel.
When you’re done gorging yourself at On Tap, wander around the Brewery District. You’re across the street from the Historic Pabst Brewery and not far from the Pabst Mansion either, so you can really delve into the history of this family and the beer-making tradition.
The Brewhouse Suites is located a little further from the rest of the tourist attractions that Milwaukee has to offer, but if you’re in the city to explore the brewery heritage, you’ve picked the right place! Brewery tours are an awesome thing to do during the winter.
6. Saint Kate Arts Hotel
Milwaukee has one of the most preeminent art scenes in the Midwest and Saint Kate’s is at the heart of it all!
From the on-site exhibition spaces at the boutique hotel to the multiple theaters within an easy stroll of the hotel, you find a little bit of everything the art world has to offer. There is even access to ukuleles in the rooms!
Saint Kate’s is all about connecting and collaborating, and what better place to do that than in one of the onsite bars and restaurants. Your options range from Proof for Neapolitan pizza and Aria for artisanal midwest cuisine to The Bar for coffee or drinks. The Bar is also well-known for their live music performances that happen most evenings.
Accommodations range from deluxe and king rooms that are spacious with amazing city views and stylish yet comfortable king beds.
If the stage has stolen your heart, you’re in the right place at Saint Kate’s to catch a different show every night!
7. Aloft Milwaukee Downtown
Aloft Milwaukee has all the amenities you need for a luxury stay.
It has high internet speeds, flatscreen TVs, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and meeting spaces for workers.
Whether you’re in Milwaukee as a business traveler or just for pleasure, it creates a home away from home atmosphere. You’ll also find an onsite, 24-hour grab-and-go eatery and a cocktail bar with extensive drink selections.
But the real thing to keep in mind is that you’re smack in the center of downtown, so you’ve got more than enough restaurants, bars, and nightlife options within a short distance.
Not only that, but you’re a stone’s throw from museums and other various attractions during the day, which makes it easy to explore Milwaukee! It’s also not far from the Milwaukee airport, in case you’re flying in.
8. Hotel Metro
The Hotel Metro, a Marriott property, is a charming boutique hotel in downtown Milwaukee. The property itself dates back to the 30s, so it shares some history with the city.
The pet-friendly hotel has been meticulously updated to modern standards, with fast internet, room service, a fitness center, and all of the other usual amenities. There are also workspaces for the occasional business traveler.
Rooms are spacious and luxurious, and you can’t beat the views from Pufferfish, the rooftop bar! Oggie’s, the onsite restaurant, is known for serving up European-style fare with a midwestern twist that can set your tastebuds dancing.
Whether your travel itinerary includes museums, theaters, or historical haunts, you’ll find that you’re close to it all at the Hotel Metro.
It’s within close distance to any of the downtown attractions, and the staff at the hotel are more than happy to point you in the right direction for unique local spots.
9. The Westin Milwaukee
The Westin is a contemporary Marriott property located right in the city center of downtown Milwaukee.
If you’re looking for clean and spacious rooms with tasteful decor and everything you need for a pleasant stay, The Westin is one of the best hotels in Milwaukee.
Large windows in each room offer impressive views of downtown and Lake Michigan. Their different room setups can accommodate your group regardless of who and how many are traveling with you.
With Discovery World and the Milwaukee Art Museum practically on your doorstep, as well as other attractions, planning your day’s outings couldn’t get any easier.
You’re spoilt for choice in restaurants as well. Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for, you’re bound to find the perfect place nearby. But don’t forget to visit the Stella Van Buren steakhouse on-site for dinner one night.
10. Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee
The Ambassador Hotel, with its art deco architecture and neon sign, has long been a landmark of Milwaukee.
Although they spared no detail in the renovation efforts, the hotel still offers plenty of authentic historic charm. Rooms are some of the most spacious that you’ll find in the city, and the whole place exudes an air of sophistication and calm.
Grab all-day breakfast or coffee at the Deco Café, or sip on cocktails at the Ambassador’s lounge, the Gin Rickey. When you’re ready to explore the town, the Pabst Mansion is located a block away, and the Historic Pabst Brewery and Milwaukee Public Museum also aren’t far.
But best of all, the Ambassador Hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service around the downtown area so that you can easily get around Milwaukee during your stay!
Or if you have your own vehicle, parking at the hotel is free, unlike at many other downtown locations.
11. Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee is a classic and contemporary hotel in the heart of Milwaukee. Onsite amenities include high-speed WiFi, workspaces, a fitness center and a Starbucks!
Dining options include Bistro 333, which specializes in fresh market-to-table dining to allow you to taste all the best food in Wisconsin. There is also Julep, a hip cocktail lounge where you can meet other travelers and sip finely-crafted beverages.
There is a huge selection of 481 rooms, with pet-friendly suites for your furry friend. The Hyatt Regency is located just across the river from a number of theaters, so you’ll have your thumb on the city’s vibrant arts pulse during your stay here.
Other local attractions like the Milwaukee Public Museum and Milwaukee Public Market, as well as Third Ward and other trendy city districts are nearby.
If you’re ready to forget everything you ever thought you knew about Milwaukee, go ahead and start planning your stay in this lively midwestern city. You won’t regret it!
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