Roomer

The Pfister

Milwaukee, WI, USA
$170-280/ night

Book this if You want to sleep inside a Gilded Age museum that happens to serve the best martinis in Wisconsin.

Why People Love It

9.3⭐1005 reviews
  • The largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world (literally on the walls)
  • Blu, the 23rd-floor lounge with panoramic Lake Michigan views
  • The 'Tower' rooms offer floor-to-ceiling lake views that the historic rooms lack

Quick Take: A grand dame that feels regal in the lobby but occasionally shows her age with creaky floors and scratchy towels.

Reviewed by @MphoNdhlovu299955: I stayed here for our anniversary and felt like I stepped back into the Gilded Age. The lobby art is breathtaking and the lake views from our room were perfect for a champagne toast.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Travelers are obsessed with the lobby architecture and the lake views from the tower, but mixed on the bed comfort.

Reality check

The historic rooms are charming but can feel dark and small compared to the modern (but uglier) tower rooms.

  • You appreciate Victorian maximalism and gold leaf ceilings
  • You want to be two blocks from the Art Museum and the lake
  • You are hoping to spot a ghost (or an MLB player)

Cleanliness & Maintenance

9.2
  • Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Maids are old-school professional.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Grout is usually sparkling, though historic bathrooms can feel a bit dim.
  • Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some peeling paint reported on exterior windows of the historic section.
  • Linens & towels: Sheets are crisp Egyptian cotton, but towels lose points for roughness.
  • Odors & scents: Lobby smells like woodsmoke and expensive perfume; rooms are neutral.

Sleepability™

7MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Slamming doors in the Tower hallways
  • Elevator dings in rooms near the central shaft
  • Street noise on lower floors of the historic section

Before you book

Good to know

  • The hotel is split into two parts: the 1893 Historic Hotel and the 1962 Tower.
  • Coffee in the lobby café is excellent but pricey; there's a Starbucks counter inside.
  • The pool is on the 23rd floor and has weird hours for kids, but great views.

What to pack

  • A slightly dressier outfit for Blu (it's not a dive bar)
  • Earplugs if you're a light sleeper (essential for Tower rooms)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Grand Tower Lake View King (High Floor): Best views of the Calatrava and lake
  • Historic King Salon Suite: For the high ceilings and separate sitting area

Rooms to avoid

  • Rooms ending in '01' or '22' in the Tower (often right by the elevator)
  • 2nd floor historic rooms (directly above the banquet halls/kitchen noise)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I would love a room in the Tower section, specifically on a floor higher than 15, facing Lake Michigan. Please ensure it is away from the elevator bank.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is The Pfister really haunted?

Yes, allegedly. MLB players famously refuse to stay here. Ask for a room in the historic section if you want to increase your odds of a spook.

How much is parking?

Steep. ~$38/night for self-park in the attached garage, ~$46/night for valet. In/out privileges included.

Does it have a pool?

Yes, an indoor pool on the 23rd floor with amazing city views. Open year-round.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, it's very pet-friendly. $100 fee per stay, max 2 pets (up to 50-75 lbs). They even have a 'Rover Night' package.

What is the difference between Tower and Historic rooms?

Historic rooms have high ceilings, antique decor, and are in the 1893 building. Tower rooms are modern, standard layouts, but offer way better views.

Is breakfast included?

Usually no. Expect to pay $15-25 per person at the Café at the Pfister.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    The 'Artist in Residence' studio on the first floor is open to guests—you can walk in and chat with the working artist.

  • ✨

    Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to 'Sweet Diner' in the Third Ward for better food.

  • ✨

    If you're in the Tower, the higher you go, the better the water pressure tends to be (and the view).

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'Sculpture Milwaukee' fee: A hidden 1% tax added to bills from June to October.

  • 💡The towels are frequently reviewed as 'scratchy' or 'hard'—not what you expect for the price.

  • 💡The parking garage has tight turns; large SUVs will struggle.

  • 💡You can hear the elevator mechanics humming in rooms directly adjacent to the shaft in the Tower.

  • 💡The lobby fireplace is real wood, and the smell is amazing in winter.

Local Playbook

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