The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
Expert reviews
“Milwaukee’s grandest old hotel dates from 1893. The lobby’s long, high barrel-vaulted ceiling puts you in a Victorian frame of mind from the moment you step in. Rooms are decorated with a Victorian flavor and some are odd shapes, reflecting the complications of pouring modern amenities into an old structure—but this actually adds to the charm.”
“Milwaukee’s most historic hotel, the Pfister was built in 1893. The hotel exudes old-style European elegance.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Boutique style
- Comfortable beds
- Free Wifi
- Friendly staff
All you need to know
The Pfister Hotel is an expansive historic luxury hotel located in downtown Milwaukee. The building was opened in 1893 and was named the “Grand Hotel of the West,” and has since stood as an iconic landmark within the city.
The hotel is known for its grand architecture, lavish interiors, and elegant atmosphere and hosts many cultural and music events throughout the year.
The impressive Pfister Hotel has 307 guest rooms and suites, each with its own unique design and decor. The guest rooms have been designed with modern luxuries while retaining their historic charm.
Each room features modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, luxury bedding, and luxurious private bathrooms. The hotel also offers a range of luxury amenities and services, including a fitness center, a spa, and a salon.
The hotel has a variety of amazing dining options including Mason Street Grill, however, it is its impressive art collection that the Pfister hotel is noted for. With over 80 pieces of original artwork, the hotel is an important fixture in Milwaukee’s art scene and hosts many artists-in-residence, who live and work in the hotel’s studio space and interact with guests.
The glamorous Pfister hotel is well-located in the downtown area of Milwaukee, surrounded by many excellent restaurants and bars. The hotel is within walking distance of the Wisconsin Center, Cathedral Square Park, and the popular Pabst Theatre and is the ideal place for people looking to add a touch of old-style glamor to their stay.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
26 November 2025
Our overnight stay at the Pfister was perfect!
Universal helpfulness and courtesy from all staff members. Special attention for our young grandsons - their first experience in a five star city hotel. Dining at the Grille included excellent food and service. The pool area was sparkling clean and the boys loved it.
No improvements needed- just keep up the high standards.
21 November 2025
Astonishing
Everything was beautiful and loved the history
Woman who checked us in was rolling her eyes, a little sassy when asked if we were able to stay on a specific floor, otherwise the rest of the staff were great
21 November 2025
I waited too many years to stay at The Pfister and will return soon.
Love the lobby cafe and serving staff were exceptionally professional and kind Also chose the High Tea, which was delightful
Audio music of piano and brass jazz in the Blu Lounge for High Tea seemed inappropriate and intrusive and too loud. Recommend light classical for the environment, setting, and event ambience.
16 November 2025
A weekend stay for a wedding
Very nice. Excellent. Exceptionally clean!! However the towels were a bit hard a scratchy.
Everything
10 November 2025
very good
I did not have complimentary breakfast - was I supposed to? otherwise, it was fine.....the service was very good at the cafe
the room was dusty and not overall as clean as I would have expected. There were very few outlets - no power strips, so it was impossible to connect several devices at the working desk - laptop only, so I had to put phone and ipad elsewhere to plug it in.............I believe I left a charging cord behind as a result
8 November 2025
Exceptional
Second time here and it's probably my favorite hotel I've ever been to. Staff are so polite and helpful. They make you feel like an important person. Love the history here also and how they describe it on the TV. I wish the pool was heated tho.
8 November 2025
Beautiful, worth the price!
Architecture and decor! Every single staff member was courteous and friendly
Having to pay $38 for overnight parking in the structure
6 November 2025
The Pfister gave our Milwaukee stay elegance!
The Pfister is beautiful! From the lobby to our room, stunning but comfortable. Great location to walk to many areas of Milwaukee. Wonderful restaurants and bars in the hotel.
3 November 2025
We were there for a wedding. Everything was exceptional.
The elevators were very fast. Not much waiting.
The pool could have been a little warmer.
3 November 2025
Fabulous Hotel
It is an architectural jewel in the heart of Milwaukee. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with excellent attention to details.
31 October 2025
Perfect stay in downtown Milwaukee.
The historical beauty of the hotel. The lobby bar is wonderful with a roaring fireplace. The room was very comfortable and beautifully decorated. The hotel is in a great location downtown.
30 October 2025
Romantic spa getaway
The historical architecture is exquisite and kept up with dignity! Every square inch draws your attention and keeps you engrossed.
Nothing. Wish we could have stayed longer to explore it more.
29 October 2025
we will be back
Beautiful hotel. Friendly staff. Spacious and comfortable rooms. We had an excellent stay!
21 October 2025
Great value to stay in a classic boutique hotel in the heart of Milwaukee -- a must visit!
The freshly updated King Suite where we were upgraded was amazing! Staff was great, including the front desk's offer of a welcome champagne upon check-in. Cocktails at "Blu" did not disappoint -- fantastic views and great way to cap our night!
The 5:45 am garbage truck outside our window was an unexpected and unwanted wake-up call. We'll be sure to request a room away from the alley next time.
20 October 2025
The Pfister deserves its ranking as a top 10 historic hotel! Our favorite in Milwaukee!
Absolutely stunning hotel! The renovations on this historic hotel are fantastic. The lobby and common areas are gorgeous, and always seem to be in use by guests, which emphasizes a sense of comfortableness as well. Very friendly and attentive staff.
Nothing at all.
18 October 2025
Exceptional
Amazing room! Great service! Great facilities! Such a beautiful hotel
15 October 2025
Exceptional
The staff was friendly and accommodating.
15 October 2025
Everything was fantastic! The staff made the stay memorable…thank you Jack!
Location and history.
14 October 2025
Great place not worth a grand though
Location
Too much perfume
7 October 2025
One night stay as my wife & I were in town just for the Reds/Brewers Friday night game. The Pfister left an inde
BEAUTIFUL classic property. Beautiful architecture from a time when art was a part of architecture. I love everything about the Pfister!
Nothing
6 October 2025
Relaxed and Pampered
There’s everything to love at this property.
No complaints, deficient, or issues.
5 October 2025
Exceptional
Loved the location and the room. The room was very spacious. Great shower.
29 September 2025
Grand property well located in downtown Milwaukee. Very enjoyable stay and plan to repeat in future.
The property is a beautifully restored and maintained historic property, with old world charm.
The pool area was rather cramped for such a grand property. It checks it off the list as having an indoor pool but the pool and area is less than average.
21 September 2025
Exceptional
The king suite was perfect. Great lighting, superb decor. Wonderful to be there. Mason Street Grill was really good.
Leaving.
18 September 2025
Exceptional
The staff was exceptionally warm and welcoming, with the Bell boys standing out by offering excellent recommendations throughout my stay. Their friendly demeanor truly enhanced my experience.
18 September 2025
Grand old hotel
Old hotel but meticulously maintained. Very friendly staff, who go above and beyond to welcome and please.
No complaints.
14 September 2025
Overall we loved our stay!
Big rooms, super comfortable beds, great bathroom, great breakfast cafe
I wished the spa had hot tubs or steam rooms and a locker room.
9 September 2025
Exceptional
Everything about this hotel makes you feel like you're worth something. It was one of the best hotels I have ever stayed.
I couldn't stay longer 😂
6 September 2025
I will definitely consider staying their if I need to stay overnight for work.
The whole process, from parking my car to checking in to finding my room, was fast, easy, and enjoyable.
none
4 September 2025
Great trip loved staying in the city
Historic and great location
Nothing
2 September 2025
Beautiful historic hotel with updated accommodations.
The King Suite was very spacious and comfortable.
Overnight parking was expensive. We found parking in a nearby garage.
31 August 2025
Excellent facility in a convenient location well appointed with excellent service
The room was well appointed and the staff was fantastic
Initially the room smelled of cigar smoke but they managed to get the smell out
28 August 2025
Loved the champagne at check-in.
Very clean and elegant
The only thing I experienced was the noise from the rooms next to us and in the hall which made it difficult to sleep at times.
21 August 2025
Exceptional
Everything
Nothing
19 August 2025
Great experience with a really centric location
Great location for walking to various city sites, museums and the lake
Really great experience but the fact that guests have to stand in line for over 1 hr for restaurants on premise was a little annoying.
18 August 2025
Exceptional
It's very upscale and very clean
Parking is $38
16 August 2025
Exceptional
Beautiful hotel! The location is great and convenient to getting to see many of the sights around Milwaukee.
15 August 2025
Our 50th Anniversary stay to recreate our wedding night was memorable.staff was so nice and treated us to a free breakfa
Very historic hotel and it was a good location in downtown.
The heavy and lumpy duvet on the bed. We prefer a light blanket.
14 August 2025
Wonderful stay!
This is hotel is fabulously beautiful! The lobby, the room, the Mason Grill, and breakfast room exceeded my expectations. We had a delicious dinner in the Mason grill.
12 August 2025
Excellent
Clean ,friendly staff
11 August 2025
I’d stay there again in a heartbeat
Great location, clean and very nice staff
My room a/c wasn’t working very well.
6 August 2025
Elegant
Beautiful ornate hotel that feels like it would fit fine in any of the Grand cities of Europe. You will definitely feel fancy with people in long dresses and suits. Lots of helpful staff.
4 August 2025
Perfect anniversary weekend getaway
I love the smell of the lobby
Doors were a little loud
4 August 2025
This is the place to stay.
It is stunning. Champagne upon arrival was fabulous. Just gorgeous. Restaurant in the lobby was outstanding.
Nothing
1 August 2025
It’s sure not inexpensive, yet I’ve made this our Milwaukee spot for visits to see family because — wow! What bliss :)
Just gorgeous!
1 August 2025
All in all, our stay was a very interesting and pleasant experience.
We appreciated the story history of the hotel, as well as the beauty of the lobby. This situation coupled with the fantastic view from the 22nd floor and our room would certainly appreciated by us as guests.
Where is the bed was soft and fluffy. It was also too high off the ground. I couldn’t even get into bed. We had to go to the desk and get a stepstool in order for me to access the bed and seeing I am an elderly person that did provide a certain degree of risk. being Brewer fans, we were distressed that we were unable to access an important game on the evening of 28 July. Apparently you don’t carry the appropriate channels. I also found the little stall in which the toilet was located very awkward and difficult to maneuver in. The bathtub although it was certainly interesting and nicely placed was so high that I couldn’t get into the bathtub .
27 July 2025
Beautiful one of a kind stay.
Beautiful. Fancy. Had a couple drinks at the lobby bar. Enjoyed the bar on the top floor. Beautiful bathroom. Beautiful room and view. Comfortable bed. Hotel robes. Loved the location. Was able to walk to the Pabst Theatre for a show.
Wish the concierge told us initially we could park on the street for free on Sunday. Paying $38 to park at a hotel we're guests of is outrageous. Parking should be free for guests.
21 July 2025
Great Location with Nice Staff
Nice historic hotel in a great location in DT Milwaukee. The walkability was perfect to the Third Ward, Art Museum, and River Walk. Nice bar in the lobby and staff was very helpful and friendly. Parking is easy on-site.
Rooms in the newer tower felt a bit stale and there were parts of the hotel that try to offer some old world opulence actually felt gaudy and just old. Amenities were sparse too.
16 July 2025
Wonderful hotel!
Beautiful hotel. Lovely rooms with comfortable beds. Excellent restaurant on site.
I loved it all. Although bathroom door needs adjusting to shut properly.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Paid WiFi
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Evening entertainment
- - Spa facilities
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Live music/performance
Cleaning services
- - Dry cleaning
Parking
- - Parking garage
Pool and wellness
- - Rooftop pool
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

30 November 2025
Very good