The Pfister Hotel

The hotel is spectacular, it gives you the sense to be immerse in the nineteen century. The lobby is built in liberty stile and it is terrific. The rooms in the old part of the building are fascinating. The service level is good and the rooms are very clean. There is also a beautiful spa and a gym.

The Pfister has a well-deserved, long, and glorious history. It is an amazing old hotel which the owners keep very "classic" but also update with them times. (For instance, witness the magazine racks in the coffee shop that now hold iPad you can borrow while you sip your coffee). With one exception, everything about our stay was AMAZING. The room was great - comfortable, clear, modern amenities in classic style and decor. The staff were professional, helpful, friendly. The lobby bar was a great place to sip a drink, watch the people go by, and listen to a live pianist play standards. We would stay here again in an instant. The one thing management really does need to pay attention to is the food service on properly The menu in the bar was dated, the baked goods in the coffee shop were sub-par. In a time where there is a real foodie scene in Milwaukee this stood out in a somewhat negative way. It isn't that the Pfister should become a hipster place serving artisanal whatever - that wouldn't be in keeping with the rest of the property - but the food needs to come up a notch in freshness and modern selection. Again, that's my ONLY complaint... and a minor one. GO STAY HERE!!!

This place has the WOW factor, from the moment you walk in the door. Excellent customer service, from the front desk to the valet who (twice) fetched my car so we could get our bikes out, to the staff at the gorgeous jazz bar upstairs. I think I said two or three times "This is my new favorite hotel!"

The Pfister is a premier hotel that is a welcome change from chain hotels. Elegant and a wonderful staff, makes the Pfister a must stay when you get the chance. The Blu lounge at the top of the Pfister provides panoramic views of the City and Lake Michigan, Keith was a fun and informative bartender at the Blu; that provided us with ideas of what to do and where to go in Milwaukee. Caroline at Mason Street grill was wonderful as well. The food was exceptional.

The Pfister Hotel is iconic - I remember its grand reputation when I live in the area 30 years ago and it still holds true. This is old school luxury from the ornate Romanesque lobby to the velvet chairs in the rooms. I booked a Grand Room in the Tower, and it was larger than the standard hotel room and well appointed. In-room refrigerator is tucked into the console/dresser, which I missed at first glance. No mini-bar but there was a small basket of snacks and water offered (at minibar prices). Checkout was noon, which I liked. The Pfister also offers a Starbuck's coffee counter in the Cafe, lounge in the lobby with a pianist, Mason Street Grill for delicious steak or ribs, and on the 23rd floor is Blu, for cocktails and a stellar view of downtown. I enjoyed all of these as well as the Well Spa for a much-needed massage. As noted in other reviews, you can't beat the location. A short walking distance to the lake (including the War Memorial, Milwaukee Art Museum, and yes, Summerfest), River Walk, and Old Town Milwaukee (some great restaurants there). Also, a tip if you don't want to pay hotel valet prices, there is a parking lot across the street at daily prices.