Best Family Hotels in Milwaukee

The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee appeals to both leisure and business travelers thanks to its prime downtown location and expansive event venues. With nearly 30,000 square feet of meeting space, plus 19 event venues, this Hyatt outpost offers plenty of perks for those orchestrating a business event or conference. Plus, it's connected via enclosed walkway to the Wisconsin Center that welcomes large-scale conventions and exhibitors. As for lodging, this Hyatt property features 481 rooms and suites; each of which is outfitted with an iHome stereo, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a work desk and in-room yoga mats. While the hotel does not offer many on-site features, it does boast a fitness center and offers guests shuttle service to the nearby Potawatomi Bingo Casino with poker, slots, assorted table games and – you guessed it – bingo. Most travelers report a pleasant stay overall, citing excellent service and amenities as a reason to return, though some guests were upset with the additional (and pricey) charges for valet and self-parking. But Hyatt loyalty program members can offset costs by using points to cover a stay here.

First opening its doors in 1893, The Pfister in downtown Milwaukee maintains its Gilded Age glamour, sporting period decor and Victorian artwork. However, that doesn't mean this hotel is stuck in the past. The Pfister's 307 guest rooms, though vintage in appearance, offer contemporary amenities such as LCD flat-panel TVs and wireless internet access (for a fee). Visitors praise the hotel's luxurious facilities, which include the WELL Spa + Salon, as well as the delectable Mason Street Grill and swanky Blu lounge. Many diners highly recommend sitting down for Sunday brunch at The Rouge dining room. Though a few recent guests mentioned they had issues controlling the room temperature, most agreed the staff gives everyone the star treatment while here. Guests also recommend making time to meet The Pfister's Artist-in-Residence; through this residency program, the hotel sponsors up-and-coming artists who, in turn, work right on the premises.

The InterContinental Milwaukee is perched along the Milwaukee River in the heart of the downtown area, boasting enviable views and easy access to performance venues like The Pabst Theater and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. While this property clearly caters to theater buffs, business travelers will also feel welcome thanks to 13,000 square feet of meeting space and tech-friendly amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi. This hotel also has some neat features for non-suits. For one, there's CLEAR. This morning-time coffee shop turns into a bar by night and hosts weekly events like Bocce Ball Tuesdays, Wine Craze Wednesdays and live music on most weekends. Some recent visitors felt the guest rooms are showing wear and tear and could use some updating, but they appreciated the conveniences like the pretheater dinner menus and 24-hour room service from the on-site restaurant Kil@wat.