Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel named one of the best historic hotels in the US by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, was recently named one of the 10 best historic hotels in the country by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. 

The Pfister — operated by Marcus Hotels & Resorts Inc., a division of Marcus Corp — opened in 1893. It was billed as the "Grand Hotel of the West" when it made its debut, according to USA Today's blurb about the institution.

The original building, known for its Romanesque Revival design, was the vision of business tycoon Guido Pfister, founder of Pfister and Vogel Leather Co., and his son, Charles.

Marcus Corp. founder Ben Marcus acquired it in 1962 and added a cylindrical tower to help revive the business.

Each of the 10 "classic accommodations" that made USA Today's list were nominated for the title of "Best Historic Hotel" by a panel of hotel experts and voted as the best by readers. The Pfister came in at No. 6. Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania took the top spot.

The USA Today report noted that the Pfister, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., was the first hotel in America with a thermostat for each guest room, and that the hotel is home to the largest collection of American Victorian art.

Another way the Pfister honors the arts is through its Artist in Residence program, which is in its 14th year.

Also mentioned in USA Today's write-up was the hotel's 23rd-floor cocktail lounge, AKA Blu, for its views of Lake Michigan and the city.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized among the nation’s top 10 historic hotels by USA TODAY, especially considering the important role reader input played in our selection,” Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, said in a news release.

“With the Pfister celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, this designation is especially meaningful as we honor decades of impeccable elegance and beloved traditions at this most special hotel," he said. "As many will attest, the Pfister long has been home to generations of memory-making moments, including engagements, weddings, anniversaries and celebrations, along with history-making events, career defining accomplishments and so much more. Whether a first-time or long-time guest, we welcome you to visit The Pfister to make memories of your own."

The Pfister, which has 307 rooms, is currently undergoing a $20 million renovation to its ballrooms, guest rooms, lobby, lobby bar and Café at the Pfister. This is the hotel's first such renovation in 14 years.

All work is to be completed by spring 2024, ahead of the Republican National Convention, which is expected to bring 50,000 visitors to the city.

The Pfister has also become famous for its supposed haunted happenings, which have freaked out several MLB players who have stayed there while in town for games over the years.

Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.