Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the time of writing, an application for a new hostel in Walker's Point had been filed:
the
Third Coast Inn
will have beds in rooms and dorms, as well as a bike rental/repair
shop. With plans for geothermal heating, it will be great for green travelers.
$100-150
Assume this category will be closer to $150 on weekends or during festivals. The first
place to check is the 1920 art deco
Astor Hotel
(924 E. Juneau St., 414/271-4220 or
800/558-0200,
www.theastorhotel.com
, $109 and up), which has character (and characters
strolling about) through and through, down to the original fixtures. Because the structure
has been renovated multiple times over the years, this is one of those places where you
should be prepared to look at a number of rooms before choosing.
Aloft
(1230 N. Old World 3rd St., 414/226-0122,
www.aloftmilwaukeedowntown.com
,
$109-299)ispossiblythetrendiestplaceintown—thinkminimalistboutique.Thehighceil-
ings and windows exhibit wonderful design, but keep in mind it caters to a very boisterous
crowd. No one disputes the friendliness of the staff, however.
About the same price is the no-it's-not-a-contradiction
Hotel of the Arts Downtown
Days Inn
(1840 N. 6th St., 414/265-5629,
www.hotelofthearts.com
, $119-179). Ditto with
the to-the-sky ceilings and glass walls; the “arts” refers to rotating art exhibits and special
package rates for many arts group performances in town. Free parking, unlike many other
hotels here.
The historic apartment/condo building housing
M
Knickerbocker on the Lake
(1028
E. Juneau Ave., 414/276-8500,
www.knickerbockeronthelake.com
, $150) overlooks Lake
Michigan on a bluff just northeast of the funky Brady Street area, a great location. The
lobby sports original marble floors and vaulted ceilings. Individually designed rooms are
detailed with antiques, but also have modern amenities such as air-conditioning, Internet
access, and more; some rooms have smashing deck views, fireplaces, or other extras. Well-
regarded restaurants on site. Some find it too anachronistically funky; others say that's part
of the charm.
Over $150
The historic new
Hilton Garden Inn
(611 N. Broadway, 414/271-6611,
www.hiltongardeninnmilwaukeedowntown.com
,
$175)islocatedinagorgeous1886build-
ing that once housed an insurance company. It's been garnering very positive reviews.
