The Ambassador Hotel, Milwaukee
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.
After falling into disrepair during the 1970s and 80s, the hotel underwent a meticulous $14 million restoration starting in the mid-90s. The project successfully revived its original grandeur, uncovering hidden details like vintage radio nooks and restoring the exquisite marble floors in the lobby. Today, the hotel remains famous for its iconic neon rooftop sign, which has been a beacon for travelers approaching downtown Milwaukee for nearly a century.
Beyond its architecture, the hotel offers a sophisticated blend of past and present. Guests can enjoy period-inspired dining at the on-site restaurants, while modern room reconfigurations have transformed smaller 1920s-era spaces into comfortable, contemporary accommodations. The historic elevators—featuring small cabs and manual swing-open doors—are a quirky, authentic reminder of the building’s storied past.
Its location on the near west side provides excellent access to Milwaukee’s cultural scene. The hotel is situated right across the street from The Rave/Eagles Club, a historic concert venue, and is just a short trip from the Pabst Mansion and the Harley-Davidson Museum. Whether you’re in town for a convention or exploring local history, this hotel serves as a uniquely elegant home base.
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
Location
Recent guest reviews
25 February 2026
Fantastic hotel with an amazing restaurant inside but a sketchy neighborhood
the free shuttle was fantastic as well as the older feel to the hotel, it has a lot of character but isn't outdated at the same time. I really enjoyed to elevator actually, it felt safe but still had that older feel to it!
The neighborhood didn't feel safe to walk around in, even upon arrival at about 5:45, we did not want to spend too much time out alone. It felt worse than lower Wacker in terms of safety. I wish the room had pens and a second chair near the door in the King room though.
20 February 2026
I had a pretty decent stay
Clean and smells great
I love the environment and I love the history.
20 February 2026
Exceptional
Loved it
Loved it
16 February 2026
Very nice, clean, comfortable accommodations in a great location.
Location, exceptionally clean, comfortable room in a charming art deco beauty. Free parking, shuttle to events & outstanding friendly & helpful staff.
Nothing we didn’t like.
14 February 2026
Very good
Rooms are adequate and staff is excellent
I feel a microwave in the room is expected. An additional charge of $10 and having it delivered is not okay and seems a bit greedy
14 February 2026
Very good
Great location. Beautiful facility and staff.
11 February 2026
Love it
Nice people made me feel welcome
10 February 2026
A comfortable stay!
A well-kept older building with a lot of character.
The exterior looks a bit off-putting, not as nice as the interior.
31 January 2026
Highly recommend The Ambassador
Beautiful hotel with excellent staff. Rooms were clean and co.fortable.
29 January 2026
Exceptional
Dining is exceptional.
Television would not turn off. It kept turning back on. I had to unplug it.
25 January 2026
Totally enjoyable.
Good price, reasonable for quality. All of the staff was friendly & accommodating. The Art Deco decor was really special.
My TV kept coming on on it's own. My handicap room was a little far to walk.
17 January 2026
Our go to when we come to town.
Loved the location, and shuttle.
Nothing
4 January 2026
RELAXED. Reset. Rebooted. - The plan of being left alone to recoup was accomplished.
From being checked in by my FAVORITE Front Desk Associate VINCENT down to the friendly night doorman who helped me reenter safely after hours, my stay was almost as wonderful as my last stay. This time i had a visitor, he was so impressed by everything. They will definitely see us again :)
I was happier with Sunday morning room service breakfast than what I received on Saturday morning. Being a private Chef I personally felt it needed a lot more love <3
29 December 2025
Great hotel, not the location
Beautiful older hotel, Clean, with a modern touch
Having to pay 20$ EXTRA to park at the hotel, very ridiculous, should be FULLY DISCLOSED, I would NOT have stayed there if I had known this
29 December 2025
Most relaxing, accommodating and thoughtful hotel I've EVER stayed & will return soon!
The ambiance the decor the setting everything was stellar. I am so glad I chose to stay here at the last minute over a different location! Caught an AMAZING deal on the price for the last minute reservation. The breakfast provided by room service was quick stayed warm well after I arrived home and literally were all my favorite things to eat for breakfast. From the extremely comfortable spacious room, the peaceful surroundings and the infintely polite and genuinely helpful staff (Evening AND Morning), even the side door man was a sweetheart! Shout out to VINCENT at the front desk. So many kind people on the premises was a special treat traveling alone during the holiday season after a very stressful week. This location did not disappoint and I HIGHLY recommend it over the other place across the street. (IYKYK!) #10outof10 #WillStayAgain #BookYourRoomTODAY
Totally nothing to do with the hotel but the area is a bit sketchy after 10oclk, don't wander locally after hours.
28 December 2025
Fabulous
Staff, location
Parking charge seemed high
22 December 2025
Exceptional
The room was spacious, very clean and the bed was comfortable.
16 December 2025
I really enjoyed it
Everything! So close by the rave friendly staff
6 December 2025
Exceptional
Paying for parking...that was ridiculous since we're already paying to stay at the hotel.
5 December 2025
convenient affordable friendly clean delicious food
Affordable , great location by the rave / eagle club venue , staff was friendly , spacious , unique , non judgmental, room service was fast efficient friendly 10/10 would stay again if in the area for another event
no vending for drinks or snacks late night, absolutely not a deal breaker , will just acquire late night refreshments before check in
5 December 2025
Very satisfied
Close to downtown. U can find a good restaurant Michael next to it good food 😋
Parking
3 December 2025
Best Hotel experience in Milwaukee. Putting on the Ritz...
The Ambassador Hotel was like walking back into a time machine , it was rich, classy, art deco styling everywhere . There were beautiful restaurants to choose from, a lounge Gin Ricky's with the cost of your 2nd drink the price they charged in 1928! The elevator was straight back from the early days , the door we opened to our room , 714 welcomed us with a huge room, complete with a 1920s style bathroom and fixtures, a living room with couch amd chair amd ottoman...the 2 beds were to die for ...soft , cozy feather pillows , sparkling clean linens, then the best was the windows...we were in a corner room with windows overlooking the city streets below ( 7 floors high) we were treated to a magnificent view for the price of a budget hotel ( $102.00) . We were able to bring our chihuahua even who loved it too! There is room service and even a Starbucks coffee house right off the lobby. This is by far the best hotel in Milwaukee for the price ..hands down . 5 stars
We had no complaints whatsoever. Even valet parking ! Underground !! So during the blizzard our vehicle was clean and dry .
1 December 2025
This hotel was very nice and convenient to our concert. I would stay here again.
I liked the room. It was clean and met our needs.
27 November 2025
Loved it
The shower needs to be updated with a new shower head and drain plug. The tub drained very slowly while taking a shower.
26 November 2025
Excellent! I loved everything about it, also should mention the food in the bar was excellent!
The staff everywhere in the hotel! They all need some recognition. From the reception staff, bartenders, so kind and helpful.
I liked everything, except we were hoping for some supernatural experiences, which didn't really happen. Room 507 #iykyk.
19 November 2025
Enjoyed it, food was great.
A nostalgic setting of an old traditional hotel that has been updated.
17 November 2025
Very good
The. Front desk person was amazing and the shuttle people were fabulous!
The food was expensive
8 November 2025
Exceptional
Linda was amazing !🤩
3 November 2025
Greta location to stay for concerts at the Rave. Bar and restaurant on site to relax in.
Very nice spacious room. We went to the Rave for a concert so it's a great location right across the street. Restaurant and bar located inside the hotel and food was great. On site security so you feel safe.
Not a big complaint but just an FYI...Booked the hotel room, ate and had some cocktails at the restaurant but you still add an additional $20 to park. Not that it's going to break the bank but seems odd you don't include the parking for people staying the night.
31 October 2025
Exceptional
N/a
31 October 2025
Ambassador
Beautiful lodging, friendly staff, excellent food and drinks.
$20 parking.
29 October 2025
Ambassador’s staff is THE BEST!!
We LOVE the staff!!! Terrell, the shuttle driver ALWAYS makes sure we get to and from the stadium safely. Marquis and other staff will walk us to our vehicle if it’s dark out which is hugely appreciated. Demetrius & Erin the bartenders are always so friendly and accommodating! Their staff is the reason we stay ONLY at the Ambassador for all our Brewer games!
When there is something we encounter that isn’t top notch we talk to management and they always do what they can to make it right.
24 October 2025
Okay for overnight!
The lobby is classic and cute. The building is safe. The elevators were neat. The bed was very comfortable. We could see Potowatami Casino from our room.
Only entering one door. Parking is $20, or street parking. It's cold/windy dragging luggage. The room was smaller than most. Smaller than I anticipated. Seems like a hospital room, or tiny dorm room. The furniture needs serious updating. Our chair peeling, and dresser/vanity from the 70's/80's. Carpets need cleaning or changing. The curtains too, they need something...
21 October 2025
Traventure
The location was great. Free shuttle is very handy. Great staff.
N/A
19 October 2025
Exceptional
Perfect spot to stay at if you're in town for a night at the Rave. The hotel is absolutely beautiful and has so many cool details, the staff was super friendly all shifts, the beds were comfy and the room was really nice. They have a parking garage but parking is an extra $20.
17 October 2025
Exceptional staff! Loved in hotel bar and the ability to order food late into the night. One of my b
Good value and quick. Ordered at Starbucks in hotel.
Everything was good.
16 October 2025
Quick trip to AmFam stadium!
Historic
Architectural design
15 October 2025
Gorgeous hotel
Really beautiful hotel, comfortable bed, nice decor in the room
11 October 2025
Very good
The elevators not working
11 October 2025
My New Favorite hotel in Milwaukee!
Vintage hotel with amazing food and drinks. Staff was super friendly and went above and beyond.
Low toilet
10 October 2025
Great place!
Great property, the hotel is so vintage and beautiful. The room was clean, spacious, bed comfortable. Highly recommended.
The neighborhood where the hotel is located doesn’t seem nice and safe, that’s the only disadvantage.
4 October 2025
Enjoyable and comfortable. The shuttle service was very much appreciated.
There was a restaurant and bar in the hotel as it was some distance from town There was a reliable shuttle service during the day to get to town
No real issues
2 October 2025
Very good
Proximity to ballpark
Not a good area
1 October 2025
Would stay at again if I go back to Milwaukee and that venue for a show.
The decor of the lobby and was awesome. The hallways were well lit and clean also. The staff (Venton) was great. He got me a room on the lower level like I asked for. Was very helpful in actually making the reservation which I didn't have until I got there. Room was clean and bed was comfortable. Only there 1 night but would have had no problem staying longer. Didn't use amenities as I was in town for a show across the street. That was very convenient to be able to walk there. Neighborhood seemed a little sketchy, but I didn't go adventuring. They also had a nice parking area.
Can't honestly think of anything except maybe the neighborhood. Stay away from the McDonalds right down the block!
30 September 2025
Charming hotel with spacious rooms
We liked the spacious rooms. We also liked that the charm of the hotel had been preserved through renovations. The beds were very comfortable. It was nice that the bar was open after midnight so we could get a night cap after a busy day. We were there for Marquette Family Weekend & the hotel was close to our granddaughter’s residence hall. We will definitely be staying here again!
One elevator wasn’t working. The toilet in the room was very low; great for kids but a little challenging for a 60+ guest.
29 September 2025
The staff was very welcoming
The location, the nostalgia, the free shuttle to and from the ballpark!
I liked everything!
22 September 2025
We really enjoyed everything!
I enjoyed everything about the hotel.
15 September 2025
Great
Very clean and smelled good
6 September 2025
A fun one night getaway, close to things to do
Nostalgic feel to the hotel
Nothing
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
- - Paid WiFi
- - 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

More photos

26 February 2026
I would come again.