Aloft by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown

We booked three months ahead for a concert, but when we arrived the hotel was full and no solution was offered. Our room had no heat. The heater face was lying on the floor; we managed to put it back and get air blowing, but it was only cold air, not what you want in a Wisconsin winter. When we told staff, all we got was, “Thanks for letting us know.” There weren’t even basic supplies like towels and washcloths. The beds weren’t attached to the wall, so leaning on the headboard made it slide down. I tried to be understanding when they said they were under construction, but for the ridiculous price, this was probably the shittiest hotel I’ve stayed in. I wouldn’t recommend it.

Anthony, the manager, was incredibly gracious, and we really enjoyed meeting him and chatting. Sophia was a joy as well, working both the front counter and the bar. They made the whole experience a pleasure, and the hotel is fortunate to have them. We chose this quaint hotel for its proximity to Fiserv Forum during Marquette Graduation.

I’m here for work and canceled my next two bookings, moving them to the Trade on the next block. It’s super nice by comparison. The staff here are great, but the hotel itself is awful. My room was on a floor under construction and felt apocalyptic. It was missing a latching lock, so I had to ask for one to be installed. The place is wildly outdated, and traffic noise is so loud it feels like cars are driving through the room. The room layout is strange, including a window in the shower. The light switches were by the door, which in my room was around the corner from the rest of the space, making them really inconvenient.

I spilled something on the bed by accident and asked the front desk for a clean blanket at 8pm. They said I’d have to wait until 10pm. The hotel wasn’t even very full, but they still refused to get one from another room. I was told the laundry is done off site and they’re behind. What hotel doesn’t keep extra blankets on hand? My birthday trip was completely ruined, and I’m still waiting for the blanket. I’ll be asking for a refund in the morning.