Five Cool Hotels in Milwaukee with a Historic Building Vibe
- Lobby of The Journeyman Hotel
- Lobby of The Iron Horse Hotel
- Guest room at Kinn Guesthouse, Bay View
Some hotels in and around Milwaukee are housed in historic buildings, while others are designed to resemble historic buildings. It can be challenging to distinguish between the two. Read on to discover these cool hotels in Milwaukee.
I love staying at hotels located in historic buildings. I find learning about these beautiful structures’ stories and past lives fascinating. Recently, I have found several cool hotels in the Milwaukee area situated in historic buildings…or designed to replicate them. Although I don’t specifically choose them for this reason, but looking back, I realize that I am naturally drawn to these hotels because of their uniqueness. Hotels in old buildings have so much character and charm, unlike the typical chain hotel designs. I say that, which, yes, is true! However, I’m also excited about a few new hotel builds that are coming soon, like the Populus in Denver. It is the most unique new hotel build I’ve come across, and I can’t wait to visit and share my thoughts about it later. Nevertheless, historic buildings make for excellent hotel locations.
The following hotels use terms like “grit,” “swanky,” “journeyman” (meaning traveler), the rebel professional, and edgy, which naturally attract me to them. See my list below and let me know if you agree.
THE KINN GUESTHOUSE, Bay View and Downtown
2535 S.Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI (Bay View)
600 N. Broadway , Milwaukee, WI (Downtown)
- Kinn Guesthouse, Bay View
- Guest room at Kinn Guesthouse, Bay View
- Shared space at Kinn Guesthouse, Bay View
I recently visited the Kinn Guesthouse, located in the trendy Bay View area. Initially built in 1887 as a gathering place for Stone Masons and housed a drug store on the main level, the building has an interesting history. Then serving as a Chinese restaurant and child care facility, it has now been restored as a hotel. “The building was destined for gathering.” the Kinn Guesthouse proudly claims.
The hotel describes its rooms as “swanky,” which immediately caught my attention. Upon arrival, I received a front door code and a room access code, as the hotel operates without a traditional check-in desk. This process is much faster and efficient because everything is managed digitally. I sometimes appreciate the lack of waiting in line and minimal chit-chat, especially when I want some alone time during my trips and prefer not to engage in small talk after a long travel day.
- Dinner at Sorella
- Artwork in the guest room
- Cowhide rug in a guest room
Sorella, the main floor restaurant, was amazing. “Modern rustic Italian at its best”, I ate there twice, which I rarely ever do while traveling, however, it was so delicious and convenient.
The rooms are large and, yes, “swanky,” with a painting of Mick Jagger on the wall, the cowhide on the floor, the exposed brick, and large windows. I could have stayed in bed and enjoyed the coziness all day if I didn’t have to go to work.
The Journeyman, a kimpton, Historic Third Ward
310 E. Chicago Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
- The Journeyman Hotel
- Lobby of The Journeyman Hotel
- Happy hour, a Kimpton tradition
Journey down to the Historic Third Ward to stay at The Journeyman Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel. Located on the corner of Chicago and Broadway, this building can be deceiving as it appears to belong to a different time. It has been built for this hotel, and I found that they did it right. The hotel feels and looks as if it has been there all along, with lots of wood, leather, and brick giving it a raw yet elegant feel.
This is a Kimpton Hotel, and, of course, it is a favorite for me. I love Kimptons; they are always unique and typically have restaurants and bars available onsite, plus the wine happy hour. I never miss the wine happy hour if I can help it! This time is no exception; I met the GM and the AGM, and while chatting a bit I discovered that the AGM helped to open the Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach. Another favorite Kimpton Hotel of mine.
- The Outsider rooftop bar
- A Wisconsin Old Fashioned
- Appetizer at The Outsider rooftop bar
Bonus: it has a rooftop bar and restaurant; The Outsider. I love finding rooftop bars. Why? Because you can really see the city—the view gives me a sense of peace and happiness. The hotel is in a great neighborhood with restaurants and shops within walking distance.
The Iron Horse Hotel, Walker’s Point Neighborhood
500 W Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
- This flag is made of Wrangler jeans
- A motorcycle in the lobby
- A cocktail at Branded
The building was constructed in 1907 as a factory and warehouse for the Berger Bedding Factory. The Walker’s Point neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood in Milwaukee. In 2008, the building underwent a transformation into a boutique hotel. The Iron Horse Hotel took great care to preserve much of the original building, like the lobby’s brick walls and pine wood beams. Incorporating and preserving the steel, brick, and wood pays tribute to its industrial past. It is also the last original timber-beamed building in Milwaukee.
Iron Horse – a play on words, perhaps? Is it referencing a motorcycle, or maybe the nearby railroad? I’ve heard that it’s both. The railroad nearby boosted business in the area in the early 1900s, and it’s just a short walk from the Harley Davidson Museum. Do you know what you’ll find in the lobby? That’s right, a motorcycle (or two)! Perhaps a Harley Davidson? You should definitely go visit and find out for yourself.
- A guest room at The Iron Horse Hotel
- A mural in a guest room
- Artwork in the hallway
The hotel aims to provide a comfortable experience for both bikers and business people. I certainly felt at ease during my business trip, a business traveler who has also been a motorcycle lover. I found the hotel to be very comfortable.
Oh, and I loved the enormous flag on a nearby wall made from 32 ½ pairs of Wrangler Jeans. I also love the murals in the guest rooms which were created to depict the beauty of Milwaukee women and done by local artist Charles Dwyer.
I wholeheartedly concur that grit, edgy, and the rebel professional are fitting words to describe this hotel. It is definitely one of those cool hotels in Milwaukee.
The Delafield Hotel, Delafield
415 Genesse Street, Delafield, WI 53018
- The Delafield Hotel
- Front Desk
- Embossed wallpaper on the walls
This hotel came on my radar because it is part of Geronimo Hospitality Group. They are the same people who are responsible for The Bottleworks Hotel and The Ironworks Hotel in Indianapolis, both wonderfully done hotels. And on my list of favorite hotels. I must say they went above and beyond on this one. Where the other two lean industrial (also in historic industrial buildings) and edgy (but beautiful and comfy), this one is quaint and beautiful. Think Stevie Nicks meets Princess Diana.
Again a little deceiving as the building is fairly new, built in 1995 as a warehouse, it appears historic with a colonial feel and red brick. You feel as if you are entering a historic mansion. Delafield is a small historic village just 25 miles west of Milwaukee and 50 miles east of Madison; named Delafield in 1843, beginning with a small dam and mill, to a post office, to its first hotel in 1850. It’s a quaint village where local folk from Madison and Milwaukee come for a romantic getaway or a relaxing day downtown.
Known for amazing food and great cocktails, I.d, is the restaurant onsite. But let me tell you something—the ceiling is spectacular. I arrived late to the hotel but made sure to visit this restaurant so I could experience it for myself. I have to agree with OpenTable, who voted it as one of America’s most beautiful restaurants. It pays to look up!
- I.d., voted one of the most beautiful restaurants in America
- A cocktail at I.d.
- The art on the ceiling inside I.d.
There are plenty of cool hotels in Milwaukee, some housed in historic buildings and some in old-looking modern structures, all offering a unique and wonderful stay.
Do you like historic hotels? Check out these articles The Oldest Hotel In Denver, Hotel Deco, The Art Deco Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, and A Delafield Hotel To Remember.