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AAA FOUR-DIAMOND HOTEL ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Powered By TripAdvisorCentrally located among famed museums, lakefront parks, and the city’s renowned breweries, Milwaukee’s grand dame, The Pfister Hotel has welcomed guests with its lobby lions, fireside lounge, and extensive art collection since 1893. To this day, this Victorian masterpiece and five-star architectural icon continues to be the top spot for all out-of-towners. Complementing this rich history, modern experiences set the AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel apart from other downtown hotels. Dine at the popular steakhouse Mason Street Grill, sip a signature martini while admiring Lake Michigan views from top-floor Blu, and take pleasure in the old-world charm of its guestrooms.
- Honored with the AAA Four Diamond Designation for 45 consecutive years
- Regularly listed among Condé Nast Traveler’s “World’s Best Places to Stay”
- Admire panoramic city and lake views — and inspired jazz — at the 23rd-floor bar, Blu
- Dine on tender wood-grilled steaks and delicious seafood at Mason Street Grill
- Treat yourself to a Remineralizing Hydrotherapy Bath or Hammam Steam Shower and Mud Spa at the WELL Spa + Salon
- Celebrate the expansive Victorian art collection — the largest of its kind of any hotel in the world — and world-famous Artist-in-Residence program
- Interact with the art and history of the hotel with the Augmented Reality Tour on your smartphone or tablet
Discover the impressive Victorian art collection on a hotel tour with the Artist-in-Residence, an up-and-coming artist who works in an open studio on the premises as part of a one-year partnership with the hotel. Learn from the Pfister Narrator about Antonio Torres’ "Grecian Girl," Alexander Pope’s "The Dog," and the two bronze lions, affectionately known as Dick and Harry, who have been watching over the hotel’s lobby and greeting visitors for more than 125 years.
Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
The 307 guestrooms and suites at The Pfister Hotel keep things classic with polished wood, cool pastel colors, floral bed throws, and feather bed toppers. Whether you choose accommodations in the main historical hotel or the renovated modern tower, you’ll benefit from majestic views of the city or Lake Michigan and amenities that anticipate every need. Freshen up in your Tower Room’s marble walk-in shower with WELL Spa toiletries or, if you upgrade to the three-room Pfister Governor’s suite, savor a long soak in the generous bathtub.
Club Rooms include access to the 23rd-floor Pfister Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast, light snacks, and evening appetizers in an atmosphere similar to a grand library. You can also make use of the club’s business services and concierge. There’s also 24-hour in-room dining available — ideal if you keep late hours — and special pet packages if you are traveling with your best friend.
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Dining
From breakfast at sidewalk terrace Café at The Pfister and brunch at The Rouge to dinner at chophouse Mason Street Grill, The Pfister Hotel caters to all your dining needs. End the day with a house-specialty martini at top-floor Blu or in the grand Lobby Lounge.
Mason Street Grill – Take a seat in a leather booth at Mason Street Grill to dine on a succulent steak or fried surf clams in buttermilk batter. Take a Hendrick’s Mule gin cocktail onto the patio before the live jazz music starts, or sit at the chef’s counter to watch the bustling kitchen prepare a special themed menu.
Blu – With panoramic views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan from the 23rd floor, Blu is one of the city’s most popular cocktail bars. There’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays and happy hour from Monday through Thursday — a great time to mingle with locals.
Café at The Pfister – Open for breakfast and lunch, Café at The Pfister serves quality coffee, breakfast items, including buttermilk pancakes and eggs Benedict, a variety of sandwiches, and homemade soups.
The Rouge – Sunday brunch is served in the historic dining room of The Rouge. Indulge in waffles with whipped cream and chocolate chips, bone-in gusto ham, or ricotta and spinach ravioli with Maine lobster. Pair with an award-winning Bloody Mary.
Lobby Lounge – The elegant Lobby Lounge dazzles with ceiling art and chandeliers. Sip a fine whiskey on a couch by the fire with soft piano music playing in the background.
Activities at The Pfister Hotel
Engage with the hotel’s art collection with The Pfister Augmented Reality Tour. Download the app and wander through the hotel scanning various artworks to reveal the history of each piece. Swim laps any time of year in the 23rd-floor, city-view indoor pool, or work out in the gym. Then relieve tight, sore, over-stressed muscles with an extended massage at WELL Spa + Salon.
Milwaukee is famed for its festivals, especially during the summer, but there is no shortage of options for music and culture any time of the year. Head to Milwaukee Art Museum, an architectural stunner with giant white wings that open and close each day; the Harley-Davidson Museum, home to the oldest known Harley; or PABST Theatre for jazz, blues, or world music. Browse the Historic Third Ward warehouse district for the public market and various boutiques. And don’t forget beer. Milwaukee’s rich history is rooted in beer, so there are brewery tours and a bar for every taste, from traditional Irish pubs to German-style beer halls and modern upscale clubs.
Location
In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, The Pfister Hotel is right in the arts and entertainment district, three blocks from Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is a 90-minute drive north of downtown Chicago, just over the state border in Wisconsin.
Address
424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, United Stateswhat3words Address
Transportation
- Airport
- General Mitchell International Airport is 8.5 mi / 14 km from the hotel.
- O’Hare International Airport in Chicago is 80 mi / 129 km away.
Reviews
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Beautiful historical property
Wed May 15 2024 13:49:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Pathfinder562850
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful hotel. The restaurant was elegant and the food was delicious. Our room was very comfortable.
You should have no doubt
Wed May 15 2024 12:46:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by adonaldj
Excellence in every category of interest and priced vary fairly! This is a facility I am eager to return to if and when the opportunity permits
Excellent hotel
Tue May 14 2024 17:42:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Gretchen G
We stayed at the Pfister at attend a wedding. Our overall experience was outstanding. I would highly recommend the Pfister….you will not be disappointed.
Always an amazing experience!
Tue May 14 2024 01:07:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Neal H
My wife and I and our little dog love to stay at the Pfister Hotel regularly. We recently stayed for two weeks. We always have a wonderful time wandering around in order to take in the beautiful art and interesting historical artifacts throughout the hotel. We learn something new every time we visit. I would like to give special thanks to some of the employees we’ve made new friends with during our stay. I met Joe from maintenance up in the Club Lounge early in the morning as I entered for breakfast and he was finishing up a repair. He took the time out to ask how my stay was going which turned into a great conversations about Milwaukee. When I saw him again the next day he even remembered my name! In the lobby lounge we made friends with James the knowledgeable bartender along with Grace and Abby the friendly waitresses. They always took a moment of their time to have short but delightful conversation. Dominico the bellhop was helpful and always humorous and prompt. Brianna the concierge was also very helpful and she attended to our many requests. Abraham took a moment of his time after meeting him in the elevator to give me a quick, little tour of what used to be the old fitness center and give me a bit of history of the hotel. In the Club Lounge, Damand, Dragica are always so friendly and attentive and take time out for some friendly conversation regularly. ( There’s a new gentleman in the club lounge that was also very cordial and remembered my name the following days which was a nice feeling as well) In the evenings you’ll find us having cocktailsor wine and great steaks at the Mason Street Grill where we enjoy the delightful company of Candie and Elizabeth. Our new and old friends (employees) at the Pfister are what makes our stay always so memorable. Thank you to all! We always are looking anxiously forward to our next stay! Sincerely, Neal Hamlin
Great hotel! Highly recommend!
Tue May 14 2024 00:55:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Jessie B
I’ve been staying at the Pfister many, many over the years. I have to say, the reason that I keep coming back is 100% THE STAFF! Everybody is so warm and accommodating. I can’t begin t9 describe….. From the front door, (Dominico). To the front desk and and guest services, (Parker, Brianna, Jack). Everyone went above and beyond to ensure that we had an amazing stay. Once you walk into one of the most beautiful lobbies ever…… Have a bite and a cocktail at the Lobby Bar. James the bartender will make you an amazing drink and Grace or Abby will definitely serve you with a warm smile. Anybody that stays at the Pfister should treat themselves to a spa treatment or a dinner at the Mason St Grill. We were very happy to have “club level” access, (highly recommended). Food was great views were amazing and again, the staff went above and beyond. Thanks Demond and Dragica. You guys are awesome. For anybody looking for a unique and exceptional stay in Milwaukee, look no further! This is where you want to be! I look forward to coming back very soon. Thanks Pfister, Jessie B
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