Where to Stay in Milwaukee
Your Guide to the Best Hotels in Milwaukee by Neighborhood, Vibe, and Budget
Milwaukee’s hotel scene punches above its weight. From design-forward boutiques in the Third Ward to grand historic icons downtown, there’s no shortage of memorable places to stay. Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, a Bucks game, or just passing through on a Lake Michigan road trip, this guide will help you pick the right hotel without scrolling endless listings.
We’ve broken things down by neighborhood so you can find the perfect match for your vibe. Looking for rooftop cocktails? Walkable charm? Oversized soaking tubs? It’s all here. No filler. No random rankings. Just Milwaukee’s best hotels, handpicked for style, location, and comfort.
Downtown Milwaukee
Walkable to the RiverWalk, Fiserv Forum, and Milwaukee Public Market
The Pfister Hotel
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Gilded Age glam, luxury | Budget: $$$
Timeless and grand, with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and original artwork around every corner. This historic hotel blends old-world elegance with downtown convenience.
Best for: Luxury travelers, history lovers, couples seeking romantic lake views
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Creative, gallery-inspired | Budget: $$
Part hotel, part art exhibit. Expect in-room record players, sketchbooks, and bold installations throughout. A Milwaukee original with major personality.
Best for: Art lovers, creatives, weekend getaways
The Trade, Autograph Collection
Neighborhood: Downtown | Style: Industrial mod, sleek & polished | Budget: $$$
Set in the Deer District near Fiserv Forum, this newer hotel features exposed brick, leather accents, and rooftop energy without the late-night noise.
Best for: Bucks fans, business travelers, urban explorers
Historic Concordia / Marquette
Vintage character and quiet charm just west of downtown
Ambassador Hotel
Neighborhood: Historic Concordia | Style: Art Deco throwback | Budget: $$
This 1920s gem is all about bold geometry, marble floors, and retro charm. Oversized rooms and a moody bar round out the classic feel.
Best for: Vintage lovers, architecture buffs, Marquette visitors
Third Ward
Warehouse-chic, walkable, and full of creative energy
Kimpton Journeyman
Neighborhood: Third Ward | Style: Industrial, artistic, boutique | Budget: $$
Expect rooftop cocktails, local artwork, and serious weekend vibes. Located in the heart of the Third Ward with easy access to shops and cafes.
Best for: Stylish couples, foodies, rooftop brunch fans
The Iron Horse
Neighborhood: Third Ward | Style: Bold, sultry, masculine | Budget: $$
Housed in a converted warehouse, this edgy hotel blends leather, wood, and moody lighting. Originally designed for motorcycle travelers, now a haven for creatives.
Best for: Couples with edge, bikers, design lovers
East Side / Lower East Side
Close to Brady Street, the lakefront, and local gems
Kinn Guesthouse Downtown
Neighborhood: Lower East Side | Style: Minimalist, cozy and chic | Budget: $$
Feels more like a designer apartment than a hotel. Clean lines, mid-century lighting, and a quiet vibe make it ideal for travelers who want style without the scene.
Best for: Solo travelers, longer stays, introverts
County Clare Inn
Neighborhood: Lower East Side | Style: Irish charm, cozy | Budget: $
Think antique wood beds, fireplaces, and hearty Irish breakfasts. The pub downstairs is a Milwaukee staple.
Best for: Low-key travelers, culture lovers, budget-friendly stays
Wauwatosa / West Suburbs
Upscale comfort and sleek design outside the city core
Renaissance Milwaukee West
Neighborhood: Wauwatosa | Style: Modern, calming, Scandinavian | Budget: $$
Located near Mayfair Mall, this sleek Marriott delivers soft tones, clean design, and quiet comfort.
Best for: Business trips, chill weekends, suburban weddings
Worth the Drive
Two unforgettable hotels just outside the city
Delafield Hotel (Delafield, WI)
Neighborhood: Delafield | Style: Moody elegance, spa energy | Budget: $$$
30 minutes west of Milwaukee, this boutique property has oversized Kohler soaking tubs, modern furnishings, and an on-site restaurant I.d., worth the drive.
Best for: Romantic escapes, spa weekends, suburban luxury
The American Club (Kohler, WI)
Neighborhood: Kohler | Style: Historic luxury, five-star resort | Budget: $$$
A full luxury resort about an hour north. World-class spa, peaceful setting, and rich history. It’s a true getaway.
Best for: Special occasions, spa trips, full-on relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s the best neighborhood to stay in Milwaukee? | Downtown or the Third Ward are ideal for first-time visitors. They're walkable and near top attractions like the RiverWalk, Public Market, and Fiserv Forum. |
| Are there any boutique hotels in Milwaukee? | Yes—Saint Kate, The Iron Horse, Kimpton Journeyman, and Kinn Guesthouse are standout boutique options. |
| What’s the most luxurious hotel in Milwaukee? | The Pfister Hotel is the most iconic luxury hotel in Milwaukee. The Trade and Renaissance Milwaukee West also offer upscale stays. |
| Do Milwaukee hotels have soaking tubs or spa-like bathrooms? | The Delafield Hotel outside the city offers oversized chroma therapy tubs. Premium rooms at The Pfister also include elegant marble baths. |
| How far is Milwaukee airport from downtown? | Milwaukee’s airport (MKE) is only 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. You'll have a better experience staying in the city rather than near the airport. |
| Is Milwaukee a good city for a weekend getaway? | Yes. Milwaukee is great for a weekend trip, offering food, design, lakefront views, and stylish hotels. |
What About the Airport?
Flying in late or leaving early? Milwaukee’s airport hotels mostly cater to overnight layovers. If you’re looking for more than just a bed near baggage claim, stay downtown instead. It’s just 10 to 15 minutes away and a much better experience across the board.
Final Thoughts
Milwaukee’s hotels offer more than just a place to sleep. From the creative energy of the Third Ward to the Art Deco elegance near Marquette, and even the luxury escapes just outside city limits, these stays bring personality, comfort, and a sense of place. If you’re the type who picks hotels as carefully as restaurants, you’ll feel right at home here.