Downtown Milwaukee is a city with a rich history and unique places to stay where you can get a taste of the past while enjoying the luxuries of the present day.
On top of being the perfect place to stay whilst in town, many of Milwaukee’s historic hotels are perfect for weddings, dinner dates, and special events. We are lucky enough to get visit & photograph these fantastic hotels regularly. I especially love it when our wedding clients select an amazing “getting ready location” for their wedding day – these are all great options!
If you are visiting Milwaukee or planning your wedding consider these top Milwaukee Hotels for An Overnight Stay, Wedding Day, or Dinner Date!
The Pfister Hotel
424 E Wisconsin Ave. | thepfisterhotel.com | Instagram: thepfisterhotel
For 125 years, the historic Pfister Hotel has been welcoming guests to downtown Milwaukee. When it first opened in 1893, the $1 million Pfister attracted guests with cutting-edge innovations like full fireproofing, electricity, and individual room thermostat controls. Today, it continues to impress visitors with fantastic architecture, excellent customer service, and an eye for art, including the most significant Victorian art collection housed by a hotel in the world. Its 307 guest rooms and suites have all the modern amenities you’d expect; many have beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the downtown area.
The Kimpton – Journeyman Hotel
310 E Chicago St. | journeymanhotel.com | Instagram: journeyman hotel
The Journeyman describes itself as the “ideal stopping spot,” It certainly lives up to that billing! The Journeyman welcomes visitors who want centrally located accommodations that resemble upscale city apartments with charm and charisma reflected in its modern interior. The location also houses Tre Rivali, a trendy Mediterranean cafe + restaurant boasting stunning tile-work and a full menu servicing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with Sunday brunch. The Journeyman is also the rooftop bar + restaurant, The Outsider.
Iron Horse Hotel
500 W Florida St. | theironhorsehotel.com | Instagram: theironhorsehotel
Once a century-old warehouse, the Iron Horse Hotel has been transformed into an upscale place to stay in downtown Milwaukee. Guests stay in chic loft-style rooms that incorporate some of the original architecture — including huge windows and 12-foot ceilings — while making all of today’s amenities readily available. The upscale Smyth restaurant pays homage to the craft of blacksmithing while an outdoor patio opens when the weather permits.
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites
1215 N 10th St. | brewhousesuites.com | Instagram: brewhouseinn
The famous Pabst brewery was reworked into this boutique hotel that offers Milwaukee guests an excellent downtown location. All remodeling, completed in 2013, was done to modern sustainability guidelines, and the result is a luxurious accommodation with a lot of history. Extended-stay options are available in addition to traditional rooms and suites. Download the app for the onsite Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub, sign up to be a VIP member, and receive a free PBT that reflects the site’s heritage.
Ambassador Hotel
2308 W Wisconsin Ave. | ambassadormilwaukee.com | Instagram: ambassador hotelmke
Known for its large rooftop sign that can be spotted throughout the city, the Ambassador Hotel has an Art Deco vibe that harkens back to the 1920s, but with all of today’s necessities. Book one of the ten king whirlpool suites for true relaxation and make dinner reservations at The Fitz, a classy high-end restaurant offering new takes on classic dishes. The Ambassador also provides a top-notch shuttle service to take you where you need to go downtown.
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
611 N Broadway | hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/
Across the street from the well-known wedding venue, the Grain Exchange, the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown is located in the historic Loyalty building. It boasts a sleek 5-story atrium with marble, granite, and iron details. Guests can comfortably walk to nearby attractions and a plethora of restaurants to appeal to any taste. Breakfast in the onsite restaurant draws rave reviews.
We are looking for the perfect spot for great photos, a place where you can schedule a once-in-a-lifetime event like a wedding, or the best accommodations for your out-of-town guests? We can offer additional suggestions based on our knowledge of Milwaukee-area venues.
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Photography Credit: Studio 29 Photography
