The Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Original Property Opened in 1893
Historic Hotels of America member since 1994
- The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® for a Romantic Proposal List Is Announced
- The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
- The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
- The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Ceilings and Domes
- The 2023 Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Afternoon Tea
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Art Collections
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal List Is Announced
- The 2018 Historic Hotels Most Magnificent Ceilings and Domes List
When it opened its doors in 1893, The Pfister Hotel was called “The Grand Hotel of the West.” Architect Charles Koch’s Romanesque Revival design incorporated innovative construction and an in-house electrical power plant, which made it America’s first hotel with individual thermostats in each guestroom. The distinctive three-story lobby is dominated by a grand marble staircase and a massive fireplace, and the hotel boasts the largest collection of American Victorian art at any hotel in the world. Other features include a club lounge, fitness studio, indoor pool, and Blu—a cocktail lounge on the 23rd floor, offering breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan.
Discover
- Discover the wonderful Romanesque Revival architecture of The Pfister Hotel. Founded in 1893, The Pfister Hotel was originally founded by Guido Pfister and his son, Charles. The 2 men had risen to prominence in 19th-century Milwaukee for their successful tannery.
- Admire the stunning architecture of Milwaukee City Hall. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, Milwaukee City Hall was designed by the same architect who worked on The Pfister Hotel, Henry C. Koch. The building features some of the best Renaissance Revival-style architecture in the city.
- Stroll through Cathedral Square Park right up the road from the hotel. This historic public green is the site of many community festivals and local markets throughout the year.
Explore
- Explore the Harley Davidson Museum just moments away. Located on the other side of the Menomonee River, the museum is home to more than 450 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum. This state-of-the-art museum features three floors of natural history exhibits, as well as a stunning butterfly garden.
- Travel to the historic Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this spectacular historical structure has been in continuous operation since 1872.
Experience
- Experience the Milwaukee Art Museum. One of the greatest museums in the United States, it is home to over 25,000 works of art. Among the artists on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum are Georgia O’Keefe, Winslow Homer, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso.
- Attend a theatrical performance at The Pabst Theater. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, this stunning historical venue has hosted live entertainment since it first opened during the 1890s. Few places are better to catch a show in Milwaukee than The Pabst Theater.
- Tour Discovery World nearby. Located along the banks of Lake Michigan, this fantastic cultural institution features compelling exhibits that detail efforts to conserve the Great Lakes. It also has an active aquarium and a regional museum.
Taste
- Savor a perfected menu of American classics surrounded by the timeless ambiance of the Mason Street Grill at The Pfister Hotel. Indulge in choice steaks, crab cakes made from a 1950s recipe, and founding chef Mark Weber's famous carrot cake. The Milwaukeean insitution complements its menu with handcrafted cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and delicious choice beers showcasing Milwaukee's brewmasters.
- Taste some delicious local bratwurst when out exploring the city. A delectable sausage made from either veal, beef, or pork, German immigrants introduced bratwurst to the area when they settled the region during the 19th century. Bratwurst today is served all over the city at such places like the Milwaukee Brat House.
- Enjoy the many artisan food shops located within the Milwaukee Public Market. The founders of this facility drew up inspiration from Seattle’s world-famous Pike Place Market. The Milwaukee Public Market is one of the finest places to try Wisconsin's unique culinary heritage.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Friends of Historic Hotels of America receive up to 20% off the Best Available Rate using the code NHP.
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Our Most Flexible Rate High-end amenities, gracious service, and impeccable style at of a premier luxury hotel. Deposit required.
Couples Massage-Hamman Shower for 2-Based on Spa Avail-Spa Amenity-Overnight Self Parking
