On Milwaukee's exclusive east side, the Pfister Hotel, considered by locals as the city's grand dame, stands within a stone's throw of Lake Michigan in the financial district near the convention center, antique shops, theaters, museums and pro-sports facilities.
Dating to 1893 and named in 2004 by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world's best places to stay, the Pfister merges original Victorian architecture with a contemporary 23-story tower and the world's largest hotel collection of Victorian art. Palms, roses and orchids fill the lobby, where a heavenly ceiling mural of cherubs and clouds catches the eyes of guests. A dapper concierge greets business travelers, weekend romantics and returnees, who can settle back in the 23rd- floor martini and wine bar and gaze out over Lake Michigan, swim in the indoor pool, or browse through the hotel's shops featuring men's clothes, flowers, home décor, whimsical gifts, fine chocolates and jewelry. In addition, the Pfister features wireless Internet access, 24-hour room service, fitness center, and 25,000 square feet of event space for 1,500 people.
Famished guests can chose the hotel's Celia for American cuisine, including Colorado lamb with truffle emulsion and butter-poached Maine lobster, or Café Rouge for American cuisine and Sunday champagne brunches. Café at the Pfister serves seasonal bistro delicacies and is famous for its Friday night fish fry.
As for accommodations, this Milwaukee hotel features 307 guestrooms and suites with city or lake views, two- poster beds, custom furniture, silk and damask fabrics, leather-topped writing desks, wireless Internet access, minibars, and red-marble bathrooms with Victorian fluted sconces and Aveda designer bath products.
Located 15 minutes from Milwaukee's international airport, the Pfister Hotel is ideal for families, romantic couples and business travelers seeking quintessential 19th-century European ambience in their accommodations.
