Staple luxury, with the name being as great a foundation as its almost 120-year-old cornerstone, The Pfister Hotel has more than earned its props as the property to see and visit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite its numerous advancements throughout time, The Pfister has retained its 19th century elegance and charm. In fact, it’s almost like stepping back in time with the lush wall coverings, gilded and ornate ceilings and plush furnishings. Opened in 1893, the hotel has seen a great deal of change over time with property restorations and upgrades, as well as maintaining its position as a leader in the industry with its cutting-edge technology. In 1990, it was scaled down to its bare bones and rebuilt into a brand new hotel. It was first to feature wi-fi throughout the entire property. Among modern amenities on offer are iPads stationed at various lacations in the hotel to assist guests with personal and work-related business, i.e. printing boarding passes.
History
Named in honor of Guido Pfister, a German immigrant who became an American “citizen-entrepreneur”, the hotel was part of a collaborative design and community effort, by prominent citizens–including Pfister, to create a new grand hotel in Milwaukee after a major fire ruined the existing grand hotel in the city in 1883. Mr. Pfister, a philanthropist-at-heart who had unselfishly given of his time and resources to the less fortunate in the community, died before seeing the new hotel come to fruition. His children then stepped in later to assist in reviving the building efforts. The hotel eventually opened on May 1, 1893, and was state-of-the-art as well as more costly, luxurious and elegant than any other hotel of the era. The intention was to build the hotel of the future–one like no other; and it surpassed expectations and its budget. It was one of the earliest purpose built all-electric hotels and had thermostats for temperature adjustment in every room, which was completely unheard of at that time.
In 1962, Ben Marcus of Marcus Corporation took ownership of The Pfister Hotel, and held fast to the planned dreams and high standards of those who built The Pfister while maintaining and building on the fine Marcus brand.
Amongst its many awards and accolades throughout the years, the The Pfister Hotel has recently received the 2012 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Certificate of Excellence.
Accommodations
The Pfister Hotel’s rooms are a rich blend of old world comfort with modern convenience. It features 307 guest rooms and suites that have voice mail, wi-fi internet access, polished wood furnishings, outstanding views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan, and amenities suiting every guest’s taste. The Pfister’s 82 suites offer sitting rooms and wet bars; Heritage Suites include luxurious bathrooms with separate whirlpool bath/shower and vanity, king or California-sized beds.
Accommodations link: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/accommodations/index.asp
WELL Spa + Salon
The Pfister Hotel houses this full-service spa and salon that also has locations in Las Vegas, NV. and Lake Geneva, WI. as well. Premium services cover the entire body from head to toe.
The Well Spa has luxurious personal suites that include your own bathroom and shower (the size of a New York Apartment!).
The Well Salon is an upscale and chic salon featuring top hair designers and colorists in the Milwaukee area.
Featured product brands in services and retail include Prive, Alterna, and Phytomer.
WELL Spa + Salon (414)277-9207
Spa and Salon Link: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/spa-salon/index.asp
Dining
World class dining awaits your palate at The Pfister Hotel with a number of dining venues. In-room dining is spectacular as well with premium and prompt service.
- Mason Street Grill: classic American fare
- Blu: Swanky cosmopolitan bar on the 23rd floor with a view of downtown Milwaukee and live entertainment–featuring classic cocktails, wines, cheese plates and dessert
- Lobby Lounge: small plates, wine and cocktails accompanied by piano
- The Cafe at The Pfister: “Proudly Serving Starbucks”; affordable a la carte and full entree items for breakfast, lunch, and brunch.
- The Rouge: Sunday brunch and social environment with extensive buffet
Dining options: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/dining-cocktails/index.asp
Events, Weddings, Meetings, Etc.
This exquisite hotel is the perfect location for any occasion, whether it be a meeting with state-of-the-art technology, a birthday celebration, or a bridal event highlighted by the ornate Victorian decor in one of the many venues on-site. The rooms will have your guests and participants in awe.
http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/galas-events/index.asp
Hotel Packages
The Pfister Hotel has themed packages for overnight stays that pair accommodations with additional services and amenities: weddings, spa, romance, holidays, and girlfriends’ getaway.
Hotel packages: http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/specials-packages/index.asp
No matter the reason…come to The Pfister Hotel for a stroll back into the Victorian past, or for a jaunt into modern cosmopolitan luxury. You’ll leave there feeling like royalty.
Contact Info:
The Pfister Hotel
424 East Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(800) 472-4403
For hotel overview, directions, area map, points of interest, and Milwaukee guides:
http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/Hotel-Overview/area-map.asp
http://www.thepfisterhotel.com/location-directions/index.asp
Special thanks to The Pfister Hotel, Joe Kurth, General Manager, Peter Mortensen, Concierge and Hotel Historian, and April Dart of Z2 Marketing.
