Holiday Inn Brookfield - ​​Milwaukee by IHG

I was only passing through Wisconsin and needed a bed for one night, so the short drive from I-94 worked well. Before I arrived, Mimi assured me by phone she’d hold a room under my name. When I got there, Aloha couldn’t find that reservation, but she was kind and got me a key after about ten minutes. The staff I met were all pleasant and apologetic, yet getting into the room took three trips to the desk before a card finally worked. I stayed put after that rather than risk being locked out again. The room was roomy and looked tidy, though it had just one wastebasket, and only one set of bedside outlets worked. I let the desk know about the outlets. There was also no weather stripping around the door, so I heard people talking, coughing, and coming and going through the night. In the morning, housekeeping came in despite the late checkout I’d requested and the hanger on the door. Glad I was there just one night. I won’t return.

Kim was such a delight as host. She gave me a hard time for not staying longer and had me laughing. That kind of person really makes a place shine. I’ll be back next year or on a future trip to Brookfield.

A drunk stranger came into my room around midnight after a Brewers game. The desk had apparently assigned the same room twice, which is a serious security failure. I’ve stayed in hotels thousands of times around the country and never had that happen before. The staff seemed sorry, but their follow-up and competence were poor, and my key card also quit working several times. Walking back to the desk each time was a hike and a waste of time, even for a fit guy. The building feels neglected. The hallways and shared spaces smelled strongly of marijuana, and in my room the desk chair was cheap and uncomfortable, the door paint was peeling, and the shower had grime and holes in the caulk. I overheard a cleaner say the pool work kept getting delayed because the owner couldn’t pay the contractor. It had already been closed for months. The place gives the impression that money matters more than hospitality. Until security, staff training, and maintenance improve, I’d avoid it.

The restaurant staff were really friendly, and the food was delicious. The hotel itself looked recently updated, but the work seemed shoddy, more like lipstick on a pig. During our stay the pool and hot tub were closed, and the whole area was very cold.