As a native of Milwaukee I can definitely say that this midwestern city has undergone (and continues to undergo) a transformation. When I was a kid people associated Milwaukee with beer, cheese, Laverne and Shirley and some of the really uninformed thought we all owned cows. My, how times have changes. Today this gem on the shores of Lake Michigan is known for interesting architecture (Santiago Calatrava did the art museum), a burgeoning culinary scene and hip, revitalized neighborhoods.
To get the best appreciation for what Milwaukee is and was, stay downtown. Two, four-star hotels, both housed in National Historic Buildings are ready to welcome the traveler seeking the old Grand Dame experience, or the traveler seeking history with a modern twist.
For over a century, the Pfister has been Milwaukee’s iconic hotel. Created by Charles Pfister, who imagined a “place for the people” the Pfister is a remodeled Victorian gem. The 307-room property (all non-smoking) is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. While rooms all boast modern conveniences like Internet and flat-screen TVs, the hotel's history is evident throughout the property. In fact, the Pfister has the world’s largest collection of Victorian art found in any hotel. Ask the concierge for a guide and, voila, you just found a free art museum in your midst!
But be forewarned, ghost stories abound at the Pfister. It’s the hotel that the professional baseball and basketball teams use when they’re in town and rumor has it that one player on the Dodgers sleeps with his baseball bat to ward off evil spirits and two members of the Florida Marlins bunk together when they’re in town because they’re both afraid of ghosts! Guests claim that the spirit of Charles Pfister can be seen looking out over the lobby from the grand staircase.
If you’re at the hotel on Friday night, make sure not to miss Fishnet Fridays in BLU, the Pfister’s 23rd floor lounge. All ladies in fishnet stockings and all men in fedoras can enjoy the jazz with half-price martinis all night.
Located right next door to the Pfister is Hotel Metro. Also a member of Historic Hotels of America, the Hotel Metro’s design has a Miami Art Deco feel with an eco-friendly twist.
The Hotel Metro, voted in the Top 500 hotels worldwide by readers of Travel & Leisure, was the first hotel in Wisconsin to be certified by Travel Green Wisconsin. The property has also applied for LEED status.
Some of the “green” features include carpeting made from recycled fibers; architectural elements constructed from reconstituted forest products and recycled grass. The hotel also offers guests use of one of their Hampton Malibu Cruiser bikes (a perfect way to tour the city in good weather) or the Metro Cab, a former black London cab that is 25% powered by biodiesel.
I’m a sucker for a well-appointed bathroom and Hotel Metro doesn’t disappoint. An extra-large tub dominates the room and a wide-selection of Aveda products (including bath salts) are there for your use.
Make sure visit Zen on Seven. This rooftop oasis, complete with a waterfall and pond is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage and drink in the city views. The adjacent inside area houses a small fitness area, saltwater Jacuzzi, dry sauna and rain shower.
No matter what hotel best fits your personality, both the Hotel Metro and the Pfister give travelers the ideal location and accommodation for you to experience the new Milwaukee for yourself.
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