The Ambassador Hotel, Milwaukee
Expert reviews
“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.
“This renovated art deco gem, on the city’s western side, near Marquette University, is an affordable central option. Architecture buffs will love all of those ‘jazz age’ period details, such as the polished marbled flooring in the lobby and the bronze elevator doors.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
- Private parking
All you need to know
The Ambassador Hotel is a recently restored historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The hotel was originally built in 1927 and has since been restored to its original Art Deco splendor, while also incorporating modern hotel amenities.
The Ambassador Hotel features 132 guest rooms and suites, each of which is individually decorated with a blend of vintage and contemporary furnishings. Rooms have been designed with luxury and elegance and offer a calm oasis to retreat from the vibrant city of Milwaukee.
Guest rooms include amenities such as flat-screen TVs with Apple TV options, complimentary Wi-Fi, and plush comfy bedding. Suites at the hotel include an in-room whirlpool and complimentary Bath & Body Works Bath Salts.
One of the impressive features of the Ambassador Hotel is its historic charm and attention to detail. The hotel’s lobby features an original terrazzo floor and a restored ceiling mural, while guest rooms are decorated with vintage artwork and furnishings. The hotel also includes a fitness center, valet parking, and a complimentary shuttle service to the downtown area.
The hotel also has excellent fine dining options at the Gin Rickey restaurant, where American fare is served using seasonal local produce, and the cozy Deco Cafe which serves coffee and pastries.
The Ambassador Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many of Milwaukee’s top attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Market. It is the perfect stay for visitors looking to enjoy the city and then retreat to the comforts of their hotel.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
16 September 2023
Very good
The shuttle crew was awesome
13 September 2023
Fabulous
This historic hotel was fun. The retro decor was cool. Yes, because it is old, there are some quirks but the style and vibe outweighed the few inconveniences. We took advantage of the free shuttle and the drivers were very nice and accommodating. The room is big with plenty of space to spread out your stuff without tripping over it. We went to the bar at happy hour and had the signature drink, the Gin Rickey. It was super delicious and a bargain at the 2 for 1 happy price. Overall, our stay was great and we will return.
2 September 2023
Awesome time
Great fun. Very nostalgic we loved it.
N/A
26 August 2023
Friendly staff, clean room and comfortable bed.
Bar and restaurant on site. Bartenders were very friendly. Loved the shuttle service!
No pool or whirlpool. Could have used it after a hot day at the Brewer game.
24 August 2023
Very good
Used the shuttle service, very convenient, although does not go to the airport.
21 August 2023
Pleasant
It was interesting with the art deco design. It was clean.
The location was not the best. They charged me for parking and I didn’t park, when I called to straighten it out they said to call back the next day when a manager was there…now it’s a hassle. The elevators were small. The bed was a queen instead of a more comfortable king.
16 August 2023
Very good
Room was clean and comfortable. We used the shuttle service which was very convenient.
14 August 2023
Milwaukee is the best!!
If you understand the importance of preserving the best examples of Milwaukee history, this hotel is gorgeous example. The staff was welcoming and helpful. By no means is this is not a 5-star hotel, it does give you the feeling of being a special guest of the city.
Sports channel on tv. I like to have ESPN on all day and night when I am travelling. Not having that was kind of a bummer though I will admit it got me out of the room more and out to enjoy more of the city. BUT STILL GET ESPN
12 August 2023
Very nice hotel, nice staff.
It was great to have a shuttle available to take you where you wan tot go. Nice driver too. Comfortable room. Nice Bar and bartender
No bed side table on the one side of the bed. I get it there was no room for one but no outlet for phone or to put something down. Two sinks! Nice! A bar of soap at each sink would have been nicer :)
11 August 2023
Enjoyed it!
Great shuttle service/staff. Room was comfortable.
Location was convenient but a little run down.
11 August 2023
Work trip
My own car
The location is a bit sketchy. It took me almost 25 minutes to check in. The person at the front desk was literally running around with the customer ahead of me. Everyone was getting annoyed
10 August 2023
Comfortable, pretty, not far from tourist things with a car. But not directly in middle of action.
I didn’t realize it was a historical building, built in 1927/29. Gorgeous art deco architecture. Loved the old school details and elevator. Room was super clean, quiet. Bed was ultra comfy. Little bar and coffee shop attached. But parking lot was only for restaurants patrons. So it was twenty dollars to park in garage overnight. Neighborhood had pretty buildings but not much else. If you have a car location is good. But not much to walk to.
No restaurants in walking distance. Neighborhood a little iffy.
9 August 2023
Great option for the ballpark and state fair with shuttles available. Beautiful but small rooms
Art Deco details were amazing and staff was, to a person, quite helpful and friendly.. Food options at the Deco cafe were outstanding!
Hotel feels like it is still needing capital improvements....garage ticketing and elevators are not working and maid service is spotty in areas. Overnight parking is $20 which may have escaped your attention or is not disclosed.
9 August 2023
would definately stay again. stay every time we come to milwaukee luv ur facility
location perfect did not eat breakfast
7 August 2023
Very good
It was what I was expecting. I wish we didn’t ha e to pay for the parking. The rooms are expensive as it is No pool which is a bummer The staff was great Enjoyed your bar
Just paying for the Parking and no pool
7 August 2023
Very good
The shuttle service was great! Bed was comfortable. I loved the interior of the lobby, we ate at the restaurant, they have an outside eating area @ the bar. The cheesecurds were the best I've ever had.
I didn't like the people around the hotel. Homeless people were coming up to us asking for cigarettes, money, and food. The hotel is not in the best neighborhood 😕
2 August 2023
Fun Milwaukee weekend!
It was close to our concert venue. It was clean. The free shuttle was amazing.
The location was ok but you’re right on the edge of being in an area of the city in which you do not want to be. Just need to be mindful.
2 August 2023
Pleasant
The location is very nice , well taken care of hotel.
Since the last time the price was raised way to hi no fridge or microwave no pool or hot tub.
1 August 2023
Very enjoyable accommodations!
Good upkeep on an old property gives it a classy feel
Nothing I noticed
29 July 2023
Excellent location, staff and service.
Since my arrival the staff was very friendly and helpful . Good size room. The location was perfect for the purpose of my trip. With the shuttle provided by the hotel it was easy and a plus when I needed to go downtown.
Room could have been more clean.
17 July 2023
Wouldn’t stay here again , especially for the cost.
There was one lady at the front desk that was amazing in service and giving advice for local restaurants and shopping. There also was a complimentary shuttle which is very necessary because walking to attractions is not an option.
Location- far from downtown restaurants and shopping. Seedy neighborhood. Majority of the staff were aloof and unhelpful. Property is an old building w dated decor in the room. Very pricey room for all of the above negatives.
13 July 2023
Comfortable, clean and affordable
Historic and economical
Location was a bit out of the way
12 July 2023
Fabulous
We didn't use the shuttle, but it was great to know that was an option.
12 July 2023
Amazing!
Breakfast and accommodations were outstanding!
Our room keys got disconnected
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Minimarket on site
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Fitness
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Accessible parking
Outdoors
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
24 September 2023
It was quiet and safe, I’ll definitely be going back!
Gives off an older classy vibe.
Couldn’t quite figure out the gates to get car in and out of lot so just kept using main entrance.