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
We partner with Booking.com and Agoda. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
31 January 2026
Well worth the price for this beautiful hotel!
Classy decor, warm cozy room, exceptional staff, parking garage
Chilly in the lobby area bar
29 January 2026
Wonderful oasis for a weekend stay during a snow storm
I stayed in a very well done stylish suite absolutely very comfortable king bed with 4 down pillows and down comforter. Espresso bar , marble shower, living room as well spacious stay. Beautiful ornate lobby with operating fireplace and live music and beautiful bar. The 23rd floor lounge had live jazz music and beautiful bar views of the city. I enjoyed a wonderful perfectly cooked ribeye steak dinner at the Mason Grill at the hotel. I enjoyed the pools while watching the snow storm. Can’t say enough about about the excellent staff that I encountered this place is top notch!
Parking not included in price of room if you 3rd party book. I was on a solo trip felt a bit lonely on the Sunday night stay not very bu as Saturday. Still luxurious though just nobody to share it with.
29 January 2026
Exceptional
This is such a unique and beautiful property. Our kids loved the swimming pool with the beautiful views, and my husband and I loved taking in all the artwork.
Food and drinks were pricey, but that was to be expected.
26 January 2026
Exceptional
Comfortable and sparkling clean
26 January 2026
Pfister is in a great location, it’s beautiful and friendly.
It’s beautiful, friendly staff, location
Curtains were tough to open, in room coffee wasn’t near a plug. These are little things but when you go to a high end hotel you expect little things to be done right.
22 January 2026
My first stay
The atmosphere and friendliness of staff and visitors alike.
22 January 2026
I would highly recommend and wish I could have stayed longer.
Beautifully maintained. Very comfortable and hospitable. Very comfortable room and bed.
I loved it all
21 January 2026
Wonderful hotel with charm and old world glam.
This is a very charming and lively hotel. We were there during the holiday season and the decor was out of a movie, complete with a fire in the fireplace in the bar area each night and piano player. The room was very comfortable and clean. We traveled with our dogs and were worried they would bark from other guests outside the door or above us, but it was very quiet and well sound proofed. The room was large and had everything we needed. It was convenient that there was a restaurant and coffee shop in the building for a late evening meal or early morning coffee. Location was superb for walking the city and seeing a few sights. The price was also great because we booked on Black Friday. Would absolutely recommend.
Nothing to report.
20 January 2026
Would recommend!
Exceptional service and staff friendliness. Food in the hotel cafe (breakfast) was excellent, as was service. The bar staff in the evening were very busy but made sure to acknowledge us quickly and take care of us with a smile. The hotel is lovely and an experience to visit. The views from the pool were amazing. The location was perfect in the downtown area.
We were given a very nice room that overlooked an alley, which was fine. However, an early morning garage truck emptying bins woke us up. I did mention to staff light heartedly upon checkout, and received an email from the hotel manager with apology and offer of free upgrade for our next stay. Will definitely return.
20 January 2026
Exceptional
Easy to get to, check in was easy and everything was ready on time
They double charged us for the room, my funds weren’t released until almost 48 hours after we checked out.
19 January 2026
Very nice
Clean room, great staff and close to everything
18 January 2026
Lovely old elegant hotel with great gym. Spacious and comfortable and quiet rooms.
Loved the grill--great food, music and vibe.
THe food at the bar downstairs was not good and overpriced. We tried to get tea at Blu at 3pm but were told the food was sold out--there were only a couple of tables full of people--???
17 January 2026
Great historic hotel.
Just a wonderful classic property with all the comforts of a new one
12 January 2026
Exceptional
Check in was quick and informative and the champagne was delicious.
11 January 2026
Exceptional
Amazing hotel. Run extremely professionally.
11 January 2026
Exceptional
The room was great and not uncomfortably hot, as it was the last time.
Everything was great!
2 January 2026
Classic 19th century opulence. Large rooms, full service.
The location is excellent for downtown dining and attraction access.
Front desk is sometimes confused on 3rd party bookings. Happened more than once.
2 January 2026
Exceptional
Absolutely loved this hotel and the stay was wonderful in downtown Milwaukee. The staff was absolutely amazing. Loved all of the amenities at the hotel.
30 December 2025
Accommodating and good amenities
Very spacious and accommodating. Friendly staff. Very comfortable bed. Slept great. Big room. Tv was good setup. Nice to have a fridge also.
I think paying 38 dollars for parking a night is absurd. If I knew that upon making the reservation I probably would not have stayed here. Also the hallways were quite loud and I heard noise through the walls. The rooms are really close to each other.
29 December 2025
Exceptional
Beautiful
Prices
27 December 2025
Very good
The architecture
No microwave or fridge in our room
22 December 2025
Fabulous
Beautiful hotel, excellent service and reasonable rates.
Hotel should validate parking.
21 December 2025
Was wonderful, will do again on a special occasion
Staff was professional and helpful. The facility was clean and well kept and quality was definitely shown to be a point of emphasis.
Bed was lacking in my opinion for a luxury hotel. Also nit picking here but could use easier access to things forgotten as in a tie or garments.
17 December 2025
Nice
The staff was and location was great always love the lobby it feels like you took a step back in time
14 December 2025
A beautiful Holiday treat to myself in Milwaukee
Omg where do I start? Let me see . I was greeted warmly and promptly and professionally I felt like a VIP immediately. The property was other worldly in class and distinction I felt I was back in the days of the Great Gabsy or time of the Vanderbilts.
The main bar and upstairs bars were very crowded;) but also good in a way a lot of people mixing nit up. Everyone happy to be present.
4 December 2025
Exceptional
Staff was excellent, professional, friendly helpful. Vlad from the front desk, was so kind and helpful. The housekeeper was also friendly and helpful...everyone was fantastic
4 December 2025
Exceptional
Vintage building and prestige of hotel
3 December 2025
Best stay ever
Staff was exceptional. My wife forgot her makeup bag. I called the next day to the lost and found and Alex looked and inquired and located the item.
30 November 2025
Very good
Beautiful old hotel. We had a very large king room with comfortable bed.
Bathroom was not clean.
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
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

31 January 2026
Fabulous getaway!