Luxury, Chic Hotels Reflect a new Milwaukee
The best modern, upscale hotels in the heart of Brew City
Jul 15, 2009
Milwaukee might be known for beer and brats, but during the last few years, the city has exploded with upscale cafes, restaurants and nightlife, high-end boutiques and museums with world-renowned architecture. For travelers in the know, Milwaukee provides a true upscale city experience (with lower prices than most). To cater to this new type of tourist, two centrally-located hotels are taking the lead.
Upscale, clean-lined design marks the Intercontinental Downtown
The four-star Intercontinental Milwaukee is one of only 18 U.S. properties for this luxury international chain. Located in the heart of downtown, the Intercontinental features sleek design, rooms brimming with technology and friendly service.
The 10-story property was converted from a Wyndham into the Intercontinental in 2006 and included an extensive remodel. The hotel offers 221 guest rooms and 16 suites. All rooms are over-sized and include flat panel TVs, IPOD docking stations, MP3 players, bathrobes and slippers. Guests can enjoy happy hour and free wi-fi in the lobby’s Clear bar. Elegant dining is available at Kilawat and the Zen Den offers Milwaukee’s only vibe lounge.
Just outside the hotel, guests can pick up Milwaukee’s Riverwalk, a three mile walk lined with cafes and bronze sculptures along the river. A recent (and controversial) installation of a statue of Fonzie from Happy Days is a popular place for visitors to take a photo.
Iron Horse Hotel Raises the Bar for Milwaukee Hotels
For the chicest, hippest and newest hotel in Milwaukee, head to the Iron Horse Hotel located in Walker’s Point, Milwaukee’s oldest neighborhood located just south of downtown.
The Iron Horse, a luxury boutique property developed by Milwaukee native Tim Dixon, sets a new standard for hotels in Brew City. The property is located in a renovated warehouse and features 100 oversized loft-style guest rooms.
The Iron Horse wasn’t just conceived as an upscale boutique hotel, it was created to cater specifically to motorcyclists. Milwaukee is home to Harley Davidson, and cycles are synonymous with the city. While the Iron Horse is located just a stone throw away from the new Harley Davidson Museum, the hotel welcomes bikers of all allegiances.
The property has secure, covered motorcycle parking; check-in carts and rag bins, an on-site bike wash, a bike retailer and can accept worldwide shipments of bikes. Each room has hooks for heavy leathers and storage for boots and helmets. And if the day’s riding was stressful, the spa offers services catering to bikers.
While the Iron Horse draws a strong biker clientele, it also focuses on the business traveler. Internet is complimentary, meeting space is available and there are 24-hour computer kiosks with printers available.
The design of the hotel feels like a chic mountain lodge accented with American Industrial touches like cream city brink and ductwork. Vintage motorcycles, original art, and the women of Wisconsin (be sure to ask the receptionist for the story behind the women featured on the room key and room murals) dress up the property.
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