Milwaukee, located on the lake front of Lake Michigan, is the largest city in Wisconsin. Milwaukee is sometimes called “Beer City,” for the proliferation of German breweries that used to occupy the city. The rich cultural and ethnic heritage of Milwaukee draws visitors for the museums and summer festivals at the Summerfest Grounds. There are three hotels that are members of Historic Hotels of America in Milwaukee, including The Pfister, Hotel Metro and The Ambassador Hotel.
Cultural Attractions in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is known for its rich arts and theater community. Cultural attractions in the city include Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Art Museum, Bradley Center, Milwaukee Theater, U.S. Cellular Arena, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Public Museum and Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Milwaukee’s Summerfest Grounds, at Henry Meier Festival Park, draw travelers from around the world for the world’s largest music festival. During the summer months there is a festival nearly every weekend at the lake front park.
The Pfister
This Victorian masterpiece is located three blocks from the Lake Michigan shore. Built in 1893, this lavish property was called a “grand hotel of the west,” when it opened. The Romanesque Revival style building had an Imperial ballroom with impressive 32 foot ceilings. Groundbreaking features of the era including individual thermostat controls in every room, electricity throughout the hotel and fireproofing.
The Pfister houses the largest collection of Victorian art in the world. Property features include the indulgent WELL Spa, Mason Street Grill and the 23rd floor martini lounge.
The Pfister Hotel. 424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 1-414-273-8222.
Haunted Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Hotel Metro
The Metro is a six story Art Deco building from the mid 1930’s. Built as an office building, The Mariner was the first commercial building in Milwaukee equipped with central air conditioning. The building employed cast in place concrete with a limestone exterior.
In 1998, a seven million dollar restoration transformed the property into a luxury hotel. Madame Kouny, a legendary Wisconsin designer, oversaw the interior design, giving the interior an Art Deco age ambiance while providing modern amenities. Design elements include handmade silk shades, wood paneling from sustainable forests, bamboo wood flooring and hand woven carpets from Tibet.
Hotel Metro is centrally located in downtown Milwaukee, convenient to business and entertainment. Guest rooms are a spacious 530 square feet in this luxury boutique hotel. An eco-friendly green hotel, Hotel Metro offers a rooftop reflecting pool, zen garden and relaxation spa. Amenities include a fitness center, free high speed Internet, business center and 24 hour room service.
Hotel Metro, 411 East Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
The Ambassador Hotel
When The Ambassador opened in 1928, it was considered one of the premier luxury hotels in Milwaukee. The architect who designed the hotel, Urban Peacock and Armin Frank, were known for Art Deco theaters. The Ambassador was detailed with many Art Deco design elements, including marble and terrazzo floors, polished nickel sconces, ornate plasterwork and bronze elevator doors. When the west side of the city fell out of fashion, the hotel fell into decline. In 195, an alumnus of nearby Marquette University, purchased the hotel and began a loving ten year restoration.
Today the boutique Art Deco hotel offers upscale accommodations, with amenities including a fitness center, business center and high speed Internet access.
Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233.
Information subject to change.
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