Milwaukee is known as the “Cream City” for its yellow, cream-colored bricks that were found in the Menomonee River Valley and on the western banks of Lake Michigan. These bricks were used for constructing buildings during the 19th century, such as Milwaukee Art Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, North Point Lighthouse, and the Art Deco-style Wisconsin Gas Building. The city is home to a plethora of antique buildings with a rich past. To provide a relaxing place after venturing into the exciting things to do in Milwaukee, some of the old buildings have been renovated into modern hotels while retaining their original charm and character. If you want to go back in history but don’t know where to stay in Milwaukee, look no further. Read on to find out the top historic hotels in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 27, 2025.
1. Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown (from USD 259)
The 100-year-old building of Gimbels/Marshall Fields houses the Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown. The hotel provides modern-day amenities while retaining the building’s original character. The impressive stone staircases and large mural are well-preserved.
Perfect for long stays, all guest rooms come with a kitchenette, a 37-inch flat-screen TV, free WiFi, iPod docking station, huge ceilings, and full-length windows featuring great downtown views. There’s a fitness center, business center, and a gift shop on the premises.
Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown
843 meters (0.6 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
2. Hilton Milwaukee City Center (from USD 127)
A variety of dining options including a steakhouse, sports bar, and Starbucks. However, mixed reviews on breakfast quality and service.
Reasonable rates for a historic downtown location, but additional fees for parking and breakfast.
Convenient downtown location near attractions, convention center, and Fiserv Forum. Easy access to parking and skywalk.
Numerous elevators, Starbucks, and on-site dining options. Historic charm and live bands add to the ambiance.
This Art Deco hotel is a landmark in downtown Milwaukee. Opened in 1928, it is connected to the Wisconsin Center via a skywalk. Leisure and corporate guests alike can enjoy its fitness center, business center, and four dining options serving seafood, grill and American fare. The guest rooms come with a cable TV and coffee maker, while the suites also have a separate living room.
Hilton Milwaukee
788 meters (0.5 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
3. The Pfister Hotel (from USD 220)
Outstanding dining experiences at Mason Street Grill and a lovely breakfast at the Cafe.
Slightly pricey but worth the exceptional service and historic elegance.
Perfect location within walking distance to many attractions and museums in Milwaukee.
Historic, elegant, and comfortable with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
This late-19th century hotel is a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide and was originally known as the “Grand Hotel of the West". It boasts a Romanesque Revival design and an impressive Victorian art collection, which makes it aesthetically appealing. This unique hotel in Milwaukee is also kitted out with modern amenities, such as a full-service spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. The Milwaukee Art Museum is just a 10-minute walk away from the hotel
The Pfister Hotel
1.23 km (0.8 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
4. The Iron Horse Hotel (from USD 159)
Delicious breakfast with Mimosa, great bar and restaurant with an immaculate outdoor space, and excellent room service.
Reasonable pricing for a hotel with a unique atmosphere and historic charm.
Conveniently located near the Harley Davidson Museum and within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and museums.
Motorcycle parking, well-equipped rooms, outdoor bar and pool table, and a cozy lobby.
Perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts, The Iron Horse Hotel has state-of-the-art rider amenities such as covered motorcycle parking, custom bell carts, bike wash, on-call bike repairman, road trip maps, and storage and custom hooks for riding gear in your room. This renovated 100-year-old warehouse turned into a luxury hotel is close to Harley-Davidson Museum.
For leisure guests, there’s a spa and fitness center on-site. Locals and travelers alike can mingle over bourbon at their well-loved Thursday Bike Nights and other social events in the hotel. The best part? Pets are allowed to stay in this accommodation in Milwaukee for a reasonable additional fee, and at check-in, staff can provide you with pet food, bowls and basket.
The Iron Horse Hotel
474 meters (0.3 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
5. Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown (from USD 134)
The building that houses Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown Hotel was once the home of the city’s Northwestern Mutual insurance company. Dating back to 1886, this hotel is a mix of modern antique charm. Built in Richardson Romanesque style, the hotel is decorated with a large skylight, circular arches, short columns, granite tilework, iron, and brass detailing.
The hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a refrigerator, a microwave, an iPod docking station, and ironing facilities. A launderette, business center, and fitness center are also available.
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
979 meters (0.7 ft) from Harley-Davidson Museum
6. Knickerbocker on the Lake (from USD 214)
Dining experiences are highlighted by a joyful terrace, superb restaurant, and great breakfast options.
Great value for spacious rooms with kitchen facilities and historic charm. Parking is available but at an extra cost.
Excellent location near Lake Michigan, city center, and summer fest grounds, with easy access to bars and restaurants.
Plenty of facilities including a restaurant, bar, and salon on site, with a historic and well-preserved building.
Constructed in 1929 with Neoclassical Revival architectural style, the Knickerbocker on the Lake also underwent renovations from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. It features a magnificent foyer with original terrazzo floors, crystal chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings.
While it is an essential piece of rich history, it still has modern amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, business center, custom tailoring, an American restaurant, a full-service spa, and laundry service. Each room comes with a cable TV, free WiFi, a private bathroom, and a full kitchen.
Knickerbocker on the Lake
2.16 km (1.4 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
7. Hotel Metro, Autograph Collection (from USD 267)
Centrally located in downtown Milwaukee, this historic Art Deco-style hotel combines both tradition and modernity in one beautiful setting. Hotel Metro proudly presents spacious rooms, a rooftop pool deck with panoramic city views, exquisite gourmet dining, gym, free bike rentals, and artful meeting spaces accommodating up to 125 hotel guests.
Each room has a living area, fully stocked minibar, flat-screen TV, free WiFi, robes, and slippers. Several rooms include a romantic fireplace and a large soaking tub.
Hotel Metro, Autograph Collection
1.24 km (0.8 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
8. The Plaza Hotel - Milwaukee (from USD 194)
Originally established in 1925 as 2 buildings, The Plaza Hotel is a landmark in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side with its red bricks, stone, and wrought iron accents. The Crichton family bought it for its Art Deco style, making them the second owners.
Updated over the years, the hotel has modern amenities blending with its eclectic charm. Rooms include a fully equipped kitchen, coffee maker, flat-screen TV, free high-speed WiFi, Bluetooth alarm clock with a speaker, small seating area, comfortable bed, voicemail, and free local calls.
The Plaza Hotel - Milwaukee
1.82 km (1.2 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
9. Ambassador Hotel - Milwaukee (from USD 129)
Established 1928, the Wiegand family bought the hotel in 1995 and restored its original Art Deco style. The checkered marble flooring, door murals, ceiling details, cathedral radio openings, original brass mailbox, light dimmer, polished nickel sconces, and cast iron gates are all part of its Art Deco charm.
All 132 soundproofed rooms of this hotel offer free WiFi, pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, a minibar, a coffee/tea maker, a safe, and a 40-inch flat-screen TV. Other on-site amenities include 2 restaurants, free WiFi, free casino shuttles, a fitness center, and a 24-hour business center.
Ambassador Hotel Milwaukee, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
10. Dubbel Dutch (from USD 242)
This 1898-English Renaissance Revival Style hotel was almost destroyed in the late 20th-century but saved by the City of the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission. The building still had a sturdy frame along with Flemish-style gables and other architectural details.
Today, it operates as a smoke-free boutique hotel with 17 rooms. Each unit comes with free WiFi, a 43-inch smart TV, and iron and ironing boards. This hotel is listed in the State of Wisconsin Historic Registry and the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.
Dubbel Dutch
1.71 km (1.1 mi) from Harley-Davidson Museum
Step back in time at these historic hotels
Milwaukee has a plethora of historic buildings that have stood the test of time. Some of these have been converted into a refined space to relax while retaining the historic sophistication. For a glimpse into the city’s storied past, book one of the above-listed historic and best places to stay in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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