
The Pfister Hotel
Best for large events, weddings, and travelers who want a classic, historic downtown hotel with spa and dramatic lake views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Pfister Hotel is a historic, full-service downtown Milwaukee landmark (1893) with large ballrooms, an on-site spa and a 23rd-floor indoor pool—good for travelers wanting classic elegance and event space. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is an upscale Third Ward boutique with contemporary design, lively bars and a rooftop terrace—good for visitors who prefer stylish, social neighborhood stays.
Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Best for large events, weddings, and travelers who want a classic, historic downtown hotel with spa and dramatic lake views.

Best for travelers who want a modern Third Ward boutique with contemporary design, neighborhood energy, and easy access to the Public Market and galleries.
When The Pfister Hotel wins: choose The Pfister if you need large event or wedding space, want an on-site full-service spa (WELL Spa + Salon) and prefer a traditional, historic hotel with a 23rd-floor indoor pool and waterfront views.
When Kimpton Journeyman Hotel wins: pick the Kimpton for a smaller, design-forward boutique stay in the Historic Third Ward with a rooftop terrace, free on-site bikes, and lively bar/restaurants geared toward social travelers.
Bottom line: both hotels suit upscale Milwaukee travelers; go with The Pfister for scale, service and classic downtown amenities, or choose Kimpton Journeyman for a contemporary, neighborhood-focused boutique experience.
| Category | The Pfister Hotel | Kimpton Journeyman Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic Victorian-era luxury, formal public spaces and large ballrooms | Upscale contemporary boutique with social public spaces and local-art focus |
| Location | Downtown (424 E Wisconsin Ave) near RiverWalk, theaters and lakefront | Historic Third Ward (310 E Chicago St) close to Milwaukee Public Market and museums |
| Size | 307 guestrooms, including 82 suites | 158 air-conditioned rooms |
| Age / style | Built 1893 — Victorian-era landmark | Modern boutique styling (contemporary Third Ward property) |
| Pools | Indoor pool on 23rd floor with Lake Michigan views (open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues: Mason Street Grill, Café at the Pfister, Lobby Lounge and Blu (23rd-floor lounge) | Tre Rivali (Mediterranean) plus 2 bars/lounges and a coffee shop/cafe |
| Spa & wellness | WELL Spa + Salon (11 treatment rooms, steam room and Turkish bath; appointment only) | Not published |
| Known for | Large event/wedding ballrooms, historic character and lake views | Third Ward boutique design, rooftop terrace and social energy |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly; children welcome; spa/fitness have age restrictions | All-ages property (not adults-only); accessible rooms and accessible public washrooms |
| Transport & parking | On-site self and valet parking (surcharge); near streetcar and walkable downtown | |
The Pfister sits on E Wisconsin Ave in the heart of downtown, near the RiverWalk, museums and lakefront.
Choose The Pfister if you want classic downtown positioning with easy access to cultural venues and lakeside views.
Kimpton Journeyman is located at 310 E Chicago St in the Historic Third Ward, steps from the Public Market and galleries.
Pick Kimpton Journeyman for a stay centered inside the Third Ward shopping, dining and gallery scene.
The Pfister offers a range of room types from standard Pfister Rooms to suites and Lake View Rooms.
Expect traditional, spacious rooms with options for suites and lake views at The Pfister.
Kimpton Journeyman has 158 air-conditioned rooms and a mix of standard and premium room types and suites.
Kimpton Journeyman focuses on contemporary room design with several premium and accessible options.
The Pfister runs several in-house dining venues including a steakhouse and skyline lounge.
The Pfister provides a full range of dining styles on-site, from casual café to formal steakhouse and a high-floor cocktail lounge.
Kimpton Journeyman centers its food and drink around Tre Rivali and multiple bars and a cafe.
Choose Kimpton for neighborhood dining and active bar scenes tied to the Third Ward.
The Pfister’s signature amenity is its 23rd-floor indoor pool with views of Lake Michigan.
If a scenic indoor pool matters, The Pfister provides a distinctive, elevated swimming option.
Kimpton Journeyman’s standout public spaces are a rooftop terrace and lively bars.
Kimpton’s rooftop and social venues are its signature draw rather than a hotel pool.
The Pfister operates WELL Spa + Salon and a 24-hour fitness center near the spa.
The Pfister is the stronger choice for dedicated spa services and a full wellness program.
Kimpton Journeyman emphasizes neighborhood nightlife and fitness options for guests.
Kimpton is geared toward social evenings and convenient local activity rather than a large spa program.

The Pfister — multiple ballrooms (including a 9,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom) and more than 25,000 sq ft of meeting/event space.

Kimpton Journeyman — rooftop terrace, lively bars and a contemporary Third Ward location steps from the Public Market.

The Pfister — WELL Spa + Salon and a 23rd-floor indoor pool with views of Lake Michigan.

Kimpton Journeyman — smaller, design-forward hotel with free on-site bikes and social public spaces.
The Pfister — it offers multiple large ballrooms, extensive event space and dedicated wedding services.
The Pfister has an indoor pool on the 23rd floor with views toward Lake Michigan; a pool is not published for Kimpton Journeyman in the supplier listing.
Both are walkable, but Kimpton Journeyman sits inside the Historic Third Ward and is very close to the Milwaukee Public Market.
No. Both properties accept guests of all ages; The Pfister is family-friendly and Kimpton Journeyman is not adults-only.
Explore how The Pfister Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·