The Pfister Hotel

Blu Bar on the 23rd floor was my favorite part of the visit. The downtown and Lake Michigan views are incredible, especially at sunset, and it has a relaxed but upscale feel, with comfortable seats and a nice atmosphere for a date, a girls’ night, or a classy evening out. The cocktails were well made, and the service was friendly and attentive. One practical note, they no longer take cash, so bring a card. The Pfister Hotel is one of Milwaukee’s gems. It opened in 1893, and its history and timeless style come through as soon as you enter. The architecture and grand lobby are stunning, and the hotel mixes historic character with modern comfort beautifully. Even just stopping in for a drink at Blu makes it worth the trip. Such a special spot in the heart of Milwaukee.

The view of the lake from our 20th-floor room was awesome, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made the visit memorable. This hotel is Devine! The artwork alone is breathtaking, and the staff were way beyond professional, courteous, and delightful. Shout out to Jordan in the restaurant, and a big one to the Spa (Wells Spa)(?). Joyce, Carla and Lavinia did our nails and did a wonderful job. I can’t remember our massage therapists’ names, but my stone treatment melted away all my tension. Cierra did my makeup perfectly for the event, and gave my bestie a great look, too.

The history makes this the coolest hotel in Milwaukee. The rooms were really nice, though we didn’t realize the AC couldn’t be turned on, so it stayed at 75 degrees the first night. The receptionist suggested turning it off to let the room cool, and that worked great the second night. We enjoyed the 23rd-floor bar, while the lobby bar is small but has a decent selection. Breakfast at the hotel was very good, and the staff were attentive. Dinner at Mason Street grill was excellent, with superior service, even though it was packed for Valentine’s Day.

The concierge was genuinely helpful, and the location is excellent. Restaurants and the Public Market are an easy walk away, and the Market is worth a stop for food, groceries, and a bottle of wine. The strongest part of the stay was the staff, who were friendly and attentive at all hours. From the car drop-off and bell service to a busy reception, the welcome sparkling wine made arrival feel more civilised. Our room was pleasant and clean, but hot water was hard to come by after the first night. By night two it was plentiful, possibly because we were up at 5:30am. Two flags on the eastern façade just below our room made a surprising amount of noise at night, so sleep was difficult. The interiors feel stuck in the past. Preserving the heritage is good, but some details could be refreshed without losing the building’s character. A skilled interior designer would be a wise investment, since history can be kept without making the place feel dusty. It was a good experience, thanks to the excellent staff. The hotel is listed as four-star, but the service meets five-star expectations by both US and international standards.