With its vibrant blend of historic charm, thriving craft brewery scene, and stunning location along the shores of Lake Michigan, this city offers a uniquely welcoming urban experience. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Milwaukee based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best budget hotel in Milwaukee: SpringHill Suites Downtown
Best boutique hotel in Milwaukee: Saint Kate Arts Hotel
Best luxury hotel in Milwaukee: The Pfister Hotel
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
The Pfister Hotel, a true Milwaukee icon, has been the city’s “Grand Hotel of the West” since it opened in 1893. Designed by architect Henry C. Koch in a striking Romanesque Revival style, the building was a technological marvel for its time, featuring its own power plant, fireproofing, and individual thermostat controls in every room.
Fodors + 1 more“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.”
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites in Milwaukee offers an unforgettable stay inside the original Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery. This historic building, which dates back to 1848, was masterfully transformed into a hotel that opened in 2013. Architects Charles Hoffman and Otto Strack originally designed the complex in a stunning German Renaissance Revival style, and today it stands as a designated National Historic Landmark.
Lonely Planet“This 90-room hotel sits in the exquisitely renovated old Pabst Brewery complex. Each of the large chambers has steampunk decor, a kitchenette and free wi-fi. It’s at downtown’s far west edge, about a half-mile walk from sausagey Old World 3rd St and a good 2 miles from the festival grounds.”
The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee is a stunning transformation of a 1907 mattress factory into a luxury boutique destination. Located in the historic Walker’s Point neighborhood, the hotel pays homage to its industrial roots by preserving original Cream City brick walls and massive, 300-year-old pine timber beams. It stands as the last remaining timber-frame building of its kind in the city.
Frommers + 2 more“The motorcycle-friendly Iron Horse Hotel sits just across the canal from the Harley-Davidson Museum and offers amenities like in-room boot and leather storage, indoor motorcycle parking, and a bike wash. The boutique hotel also includes amenities to make business and leisure travelers feel at home.”
Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee is a gem for those who appreciate history blended with modern refinement. Housed in the iconic John Mariner Building, which dates back to the 1930s, the hotel is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. Its design leans into a sophisticated Art Deco aesthetic, offering a fresh, boutique take on the glamour of that era.
New York Times + 1 more“Centrally located is the 1927 art moderne Hotel Metro, another stylishly restored city landmark. It’s walking distance to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Pfister Hotel, the Milwaukee River and other city landmarks. It’s also close to a stop on The Hop, Milwaukee’s new streetcar system. There is valet parking and the hotel’s French-leaning restaurant Pastiche serves a good breakfast.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Milwaukee.
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is a stylish boutique landmark located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Designed by Dutch East Design, the hotel’s concept revolves around the persona of a world-weary traveling craftsman. This narrative is woven into every detail, from the lobby's raw steel and exposed concrete to the guest room credenzas, which are stenciled with the engine numbers of historic Milwaukee locomotives.
Lonely Planet“The Journeyman brings stylish digs to the heart of the Third Ward, right in the midst of cool-cat shops, bars and restaurants. The 158 large rooms have mod, earth-toned decor with pops of color, comfy beds and chunky wood desks.”
The Ambassador Hotel in Milwaukee is a stunning piece of 1920s history, first opening its doors in 1928. Designed by architects Urban Peacock and Armin Frank, this Art Deco landmark became a glittering hub for high-society gatherings. Throughout the decades, it has hosted legendary guests, including stars like Liberace and The Beatles, cementing its status as a true local icon.
New York Times + 1 more“The Ambassador Hotel is a recently refurbished Art Deco gem from 1927. There’s a restaurant, cafe and cocktail bar — called the Gin Rickey — on site. Liberace was the house pianist in the 1930s. And Kennedy and the Beatles visited in the 1960s.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Milwaukee.
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet
The best areas to stay in Milwaukee are: Historic Third Ward, Westown, East Town, Wauwatosa or Brookfield. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Milwaukee. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
For 3-star hotels the average rate is around $120 per night. If you're looking for a 4-star hotel then the rates are around $180 per night. The average rate for a 5-star hotel in Milwaukee is around $230 per night.
If you are on the hunt for an affordable hotel, then you should consider reserving SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown. It is a great option for those on a budget, as it provides good value for your money. Additionally, the hotel is in a great location, and professional travelers have given it their approval. Guests who have stayed at the hotel have also shared positive reviews. Need more tips? Check our shortlist of the best budget hotels in Milwaukee.
If you fancy a bit of extravagance but prefer to stay away from the well-known chain hotels, then the Saint Kate Arts Hotel in Milwaukee is an excellent option for you. This hotel has been very well-reviewed by travelers and experts alike. For more information on other cool hotels, take a look at our list of the best boutique hotels in Milwaukee.
If cost is not an issue, The Pfister Hotel is a great option for those seeking a luxurious hotel in Milwaukee. This establishment offers magnificent customer service, is situated in an ideal location, and has garnered high reviews from customers and travel experts alike. To discover more 5-star hotels, take a look at our selection of the top luxury hotels in Milwaukee.
To begin the day on a positive note, the Pfister Hotel is a great choice if you're seeking accommodations in Milwaukee with a fantastic morning meal. Those who have recently stayed there have provided excellent reviews about the breakfast provided at the hotel.
Milwaukee’s history is rooted in its geography, where the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic rivers converge at Lake Michigan. Long inhabited by indigenous tribes, the area became a bustling nineteenth-century trade hub following the arrival of European settlers. By the late 1800s, it had transformed into an industrial powerhouse, earning global renown for its foundries, manufacturing, and massive brewing industry, which cemented its enduring identity as “Brew City.” The city’s demographic landscape was shaped by waves of immigrants—most notably from Germany, Poland, and Ireland—who established vibrant communities that continue to define the local culture today.
In the modern era, Milwaukee has transitioned from its traditional Rust Belt roots into a diverse, forward-looking city focused on water technology, urban renewal, and a thriving arts scene. It stands today as a place of resilience and reinvention, balancing its rich architectural heritage—famed for its signature cream-colored brick—with contemporary developments like the lakefront’s iconic Milwaukee Art Museum. The city serves as a cultural anchor for the Midwest, hosting massive annual celebrations like Summerfest while maintaining a reputation for being a livable, community-oriented metropolitan center.
Beyond its public image, the city holds fascinating, lesser-known distinctions. Milwaukee is the birthplace of the QWERTY keyboard, perfected by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1869, a layout that still dictates how the world types today. It also features a unique landmark known as the “Polish Moon,” a massive four-faced clock atop the Rockwell Automation building that is larger than Big Ben’s clock faces. Additionally, the city’s architectural history is literally baked into its foundation; the “Cream City” nickname refers to the unique pale-yellow bricks produced from local clay, which once dominated the skyline. From these technological contributions to its idiosyncratic landmarks, Milwaukee remains a city of quiet innovation hidden in plain sight.
Get to know the city even better by reading our guide about where to stay in Milwaukee.
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