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
1 March 2026
AMAZING Staff, thank you for your service!
Exceptional place, will definitely return. Their attention to detail and customer respect is at a whole other level, genuinely impressed with their level of service. The rooms are ok, not impressive, which is expectable since it’s not a brand new building, but their staff make it all a fantastic experience.
We did have a small incident where I ordered room service one night and they basically.. forgot I guess? So I ended up having to wait about 2 hours on a club sandwich. But even that situation was handled with professionalism, and it was a really good club sandwich to be fair.
26 February 2026
Everything I expected from a historic hotel....and more!
I loved the historic feel, but everything felt fresh and updated. The suite was amazing. We enjoyed the cocktail lounge and a view of the lake at sunset.
No complaints
26 February 2026
A relaxing stay in a gorgeous piece of history - loved it!
The employee who checked us in was so wonderful and gave us complimentary club access when he found out we were celebrating a birthday. The glass of champagne at check-in was also an excellent touch.
My only "complaint" is that I wish they offered robes in larger sizes. We didn't get the chance to experience everything (spa, steakhouse, Blu), but what we did experience was fantastic!
25 February 2026
Beautiful hotel, great location and wonderful customer service.
We loved that there was room service, and a pool which we used- excellent view from top floor of the lake and city! We loved the location. It’s walking distance from Fiserv Forum and the riverwalk. Beautiful hotel and excellent customer service.
We ordered a blanket at night but it never came and our room’s minibar faucet didn’t work. I did mention it upon checkout and I was offered a $50 discount on the room which I thought was appropriate.
22 February 2026
Exceptional
Loved it all!!!!
21 February 2026
Exceptional
Most amazing staff, from moment walking in to restaurants, vell hops and bartenders. Never received such great service.
Our view from our room would be about the only thing I didn't like but we didn't really look out the window much, just being picky to try to think of something I didn't like.
19 February 2026
Exceptional
Everything..the hotel is amazing
The pullout bed was uncomfortable
18 February 2026
Amazing stay! Friendly staff, great food and coffee, incredible views of Milwaukee.
Classy, amazing views of the city, club lounge
None
14 February 2026
Exceptional
So gorgeous! The bars were great, staff was very attentive.
13 February 2026
The server Orlando was great
Proximity
Nothing
13 February 2026
Great, little getaway
Everything
Nothing
13 February 2026
Exceptional
Love everything about this hotel
12 February 2026
From the time I walked in I felt welcome room service was excellent. The food was excellent. The customer service was to
The property was clean and they had a very good customer service. Everything was excellent
There was nothing about the property that I didn’t like the art. The architecture of the building was just immaculate.
9 February 2026
Great staff!!
Great staff and ambiance!!
8 February 2026
Exceptional
Everything
Nothing
6 February 2026
I discovered this place by way of Milwaukee Summerfest 10 years ago and have not stayed in other place since then
Nostalgic
Zero
4 February 2026
Champagne upon arrival and more
Unexpected delight. Was not aware of historical significance of the location prior to visiting
Parking…as usual at any downtown location
2 February 2026
We were sad it was only for one night! It was comfortable and special. We can’t wait to come again in the future.
Beautiful setting, staff was super kind and helpful.
Just busy so we didn’t get to enjoy the lobby or Blu very much bc it was so crowded. But that’s bc it’s good!
2 February 2026
Nowhere else I’d rather stay! Amazing staff at every level.
Classy, beautiful without being stuffy. Interesting artwork and history on walls and hallways.
Nothing
2 February 2026
Exceptional
This hotel is beautiful! Art collection is wonderful to view as well. We had a king suite and it was perfect. Staff was very friendly, especially the gentleman in the café. We will return!
31 January 2026
it was excellent.
The experience was very pleasant. The check-in was very quick, and the staff were very helpful. The room was clean and quiet. The parking is very convenient.
very minor thing: add a shower cap to teh bathroom.
31 January 2026
Fabulous getaway!
The Pfister is a phenomenal historic destination. It contains so much interesting history, artwork and architecture. It is educational as well as intriguingly interesting. The staff made us feel like very special guests.
The parking was very expensive.
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
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

1 March 2026
We would 100% stay here again. The hotel is beyond gorgeous.