The Pfister Hotel

This is a review for a two-night stay at the end of April. I was in Milwaukee for business. I am submitting this review, because after responding to the hotel survey, I received a half-hearted response in which the hotel representative did not address the most serious concern (see below). The following is an edited version of what was submitted originally to the hotel, followed by the hotel representative's response. Thank you for requesting feedback on my recent stay at the Pfister Hotel. Unfortunately, as I describe below, there were a few problems, one of which I consider serious. The front desk clerk, Ethan was very courteous and even offered me a glass of champagne during check-in. However, he never showed me a rate sheet or asked me to sign anything. I did provide him with a credit card. I assumed this was for incidentals, as my host (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee) made the reservation. While it was fine that I was paying, I would have been expected to be apprised of the rate. Another minor point is that I reported to the bell captain that a light was out in my bathroom (room 637). He wrote down the information and said that it would be taken care of. The problem was not fixed during my stay. These are minor issues. However, the hotel sent me two automated texts by the first morning; one for me to evaluate the check-in process and the other to inquire how my stay was going. Given such level of concern, I would have thought that the hotel would follow-up on a request. The major problem occurred Thursday evening (April 30th). I started hearing loud noises between 9 and 10 p.m., while I was trying to work. It was a variety of thumping noises. I could not determine where they were coming from. At one point I went into the hallway to try and determine if they were coming from there or an adjoining room. I was trying to sleep when at 11:15 p.m. I could not take it anymore after I heard what sound like something hard bouncing in the space above my room. At that point I phoned the front desk and was informed that the banquet room above me was being set up for a function the next day. I was amazed to receive this explanation. It was unfathomable to me that the hotel, not a guest, would be so inconsiderate. The front desk clerk told me that security would be sent up to have the workers stop. This did happen, but as I already wrote, this was quite incredible. While checking out the next morning, I did alert the front desk clerk about my displeasure. She adjusted the bill, but I would have preferred to have been able to work and sleep. Please note that I later learned that the hotel was not supposed to charge my credit card. They had been provided with my host's credit card. Hence, another mistake. Below is the response I received. I received a thorough explanation for why I was incorrect to have expected a copy of the billing rate, but no specific response to the other issues. Here is the hotel representative's response: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. I am truly sorry to learn that several aspects of your stay—including communication and our text messaging experience—did not meet your expectations. Please accept my sincere apologies for the frustration and inconvenience this may have caused. Your comments are genuinely appreciated, and we regret that we did not provide the level of service, clarity, and responsiveness you deserved during your visit. I would also like to respectfully clarify that our Front Desk Agents are not permitted to verbally announce room rates, as this policy is in place to protect guest privacy and ensure consistent communication. That said, a pro‑forma invoice can always be requested at the Front Desk and will be gladly provided in writing. Thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention. Your feedback is extremely valuable and helps us identify areas for improvement. We truly hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and provide you with a smoother and more positive experience in the future. Kind regards, Vlad Vatraskin Front Office Manager The Pfister Hotel Pretty poor Mr. Vatraskin.

The Pfister Hotel understands how important all the little details are--and it doesn't miss a single one. Rather than recite or list them, I will leave it to you to discover the ones that matter to you. You will delight in the 2-story lobby, the glass of champagne/wine that is offered to you at check-in, the artwork in both the main level as well as your room, and the way the hotel supports the local artistic community. Great bed, spacious room accommodation, luxurious bathroom fixtures, ease of entry/exit.Proximity to the lakefront, the Art Museum, historic Third Ward. Lots of great restaurants nearaby, but room service food quality and delivery is also a treat.

Truly an iconic landmark hotel in America, full of history and a world famous art collection hanging on all the walls of the Hotel. Staff is super friendly.

This historic hotel is staffed with great people and excellent amenities and food choices. Its location is great as well, and the price exceptional for a hotel of this quality. To really appreciate this location I recommend not only taking time to view the art work but actually dress up a bit, giving the sense of elegance you patrons and hotel deserve.

Looking for 5 star amenities with a warm and classy atmosphere then this is the hotel for you. From the front desk check in with champagne while you wait to the elegantly appointed rooms (and greatly decorated I might add). The lobby bar, the restaurant on the first floor booming with music and lively activity and delicious food all the way up to the panoramic views of the bar on the 23rd floor with live bands! Honestly why would anyone stay anywhere else! This hotel has seen to every detail! Thank you for a lovely and most comfortable stay in Milwaukee!