Milwaukee’s Best Hotels & Areas (A Local’s Guide for 2025)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Milwaukee | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I’m originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and still spend several months a year here. When I come back, I love spending time in its neighborhoods.

For first-time visitors, Juneau Town (East Town) is a great area to stay. Its location is ideal for exploring other neighborhoods and it’s home to popular museums and attractions. Here, I recommend The Pfister Hotel, a luxurious and historic hotel with beautiful rooms and a convenient location in the heart of Milwaukee.

East Side and Third Ward are also good neighborhoods for first-timers. But there are many other areas to choose from! Keep reading for my full list of hotel recommendations and pros and cons for each place.

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Best Places to Stay in Milwaukee

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Milwaukee? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Pfister Hotel
• 🗺️ Best Location – Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
• 👪 Best for Families – 4BR with Chef’s Kitchen 
• 💻 Best for Business – Brewhouse Inn and Suites
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – The Iron Horse
• 🏙️ Best Near Downtown – The Dubbel Dutch
• ✈️ Best Near Airport – Home2 Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Airport
• 🛏️ Best Budget – The Plaza Hotel

Click here to see all top Milwaukee hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Milwaukee: 

8 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Milwaukee

Lake Michigan on Milwaukee’s East Side makes it a natural border. Moving downtown, you’ll find the Milwaukee River through the city. To the north, Milwaukee’s borders end at Ridgeview; to the west, at Park Knoll, and to the south, at College Heights. 

East Side: Upper East Side, Northpoint, Murray Hill

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best East Side Accommodations: 3BR with Sauna • 4BR with Chef’s Kitchen • Historic 3BR

The East Side of Milwaukee borders Lake Michigan. Lake Park by Frederick Law Olmsted is a long stretch of greenspace that runs along the beach. Farther west, you’ll find affluent and middle-class neighborhoods. Meanwhile, streets like Downer Avenue have boutiques and small businesses. 

The East Side can be pricier than other Milwaukee areas, but it’s a great place for families because of its access to beaches, parks, and playgrounds. In the winter, it’s an easy walk or drive to facilities citywide. These range from those at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (including a pool and museum) or the children’s museum downtown.

The East Side’s comfort for families doesn’t stop it from being a great place for couples or older people. It’s generally quiet, particularly on streets farther from the university. 

There are no hotels in this area, but this 4-bedroom with a chef’s kitchen and easy access to local attractions is an awesome vacation rental choice. The garage makes off-street parking easy, while the office and neutral decor make it a convenient choice for all kinds of travel. Meanwhile, it’s close enough that you can walk to the lake.

Pros of Staying in the East Side Neighborhood:

• Beautiful architecture and walkable neighborhoods
• Easy access to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Selection of excellent restaurants and small businesses
• Easy walk to the beach

Cons of Staying in the Upper East Side Neighborhood:

• Few hotels
• Rentals can be pricey 
• Cars are necessary for access to other areas

Historic Third Ward

👉 Best Area For Food | ✨ Best Third Ward Accommodations: Kimpton Journeyman Hotel • Luxury 1BR Condo • Spacious 1BR Third Ward Apartment

The Historic Third Ward has gone through a huge transformation in my lifetime. Once an area of abandoned factories and industrial spaces, it is now a chic neighborhood full of salons, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. 

The enormous Milwaukee Public Market, with a marketplace, bakeries, and restaurants, is on the border of this area. Here, you’ll have access to everything you need for almost any kind of meal you want. 

You’ll also find a selection of other great restaurants in this area. Meanwhile, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel has its own highly-rated restaurant and rooftop bar. Its family rooms, pet-friendly policies, and great breakfasts make this a good choice for traveling with diverse groups.

Pros of Staying in the Historic Third Ward Neighborhood:

• Lots of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants
• Interesting ex-warehouse architecture
• Nearby art college (MIAD) energizes the area

Cons of Staying in Historic Third Ward Neighborhood:

• Parking can be hard to find
• Walking to other neighborhoods is difficult

Bay View

👉 Best Area For Long-Term Stays | ✨ Best Bay View Accommodations: Kinn Guesthouse • 3BR Craftsman Bungalow • Renovated 4BR Home

Bay View is the neighborhood most of my childhood friends moved to when buying their first homes. You’ll see why when walking through its streets. There are tons of young families, green spaces, and amenities. But you’ll also find stretches with fun bars and restaurants. 

Bay View is a relatively inexpensive area in Milwaukee. Its cost, chilled-out energy, and resources make it perfect for a longer stay. It’s a quick drive to downtown. But if you have business in the suburbs, it also offers easy access to the highway.

Bay View is fairly large, so a car is helpful in this area, particularly for long-term stays. The area doesn’t have hotels, but the Kinn Guesthouse offers everything you’d want from a luxury hotel with a boutique feel. You’ll have access to a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and free off-street parking.

Pros of Staying in Bay View Neighborhood:

• Young family atmosphere
• Combination of residential and going-out streets
• Quick access to downtown

Cons of Staying in Bay View Neighborhood:

• Hotels are hard to find
• You’ll need a rental car to get around

Walker’s Point

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Walker’s Point Accommodations: The Iron Horse • Walker’s Point 2BR 

Milwaukee’s history as a brewing town comes alive in Walker’s Point! Walker’s Point is home to a unique combination of residential, commercial, and production areas. But it’s mostly known for its nightlife. The area has numerous LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, as well as Latin-themed spots—and some that are both.

Beer enthusiasts will find a lot to love in the area, too. The huge industrial breweries that once covered Milwaukee have mostly disappeared. However, you’ll find craft breweries and taprooms with plenty of tasting rooms. This is also a great area for Mexican food.

My top hotel pick, The Iron Horse, offers a wine bar for those who prefer vino. The sun terrace, luxury room feel, and motorcycle parking also add points to the hotel! If that last point doesn’t appeal to you, you may not have realized: the Harley-Davidson Museum is just across the bridge!

Pros of Staying in Walker’s Point Neighborhood:

• Known for LGBTQ+-friendly establishments
• Access to downtown amenities 
• Great for river views

Cons of Staying in Walker’s Point Neighborhood:

• Parking and driving can be difficult
• Hotels can be tricky to find

Kilbourn Town (Westown)

👉 Best Area For Business | ✨ Best Kilbourn Town Accommodations: Kasa Westown • The Trade, Autograph Collection •  Brewhouse Inn and Suites • Schuster Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Milwaukee’s Kilbourn Town, also known as Westown, has everything a business traveler could want. The area offers tons of fun resources, yet is close to downtown businesses and the highway.

Visitors will enjoy the cultural attractions. These include Milwaukee Public Museum’s exhibitions. You’ll also find concerts and performances at Turner Hall Ballroom. In addition, there are many restaurants in this area referencing Milwaukee’s Germanic heritage. 

For tons of amenities, check out The Trade. This contemporary Autograph Collection hotel has everything from a fitness center to a restaurant. Some of its rooms even have balconies! 

If you’re looking for a more historic stay, check out the Brewhouse Inn. It’s located in the former Pabst Blue Ribbon factory and a great way to celebrate Milwaukee’s brewery heritage! It’s also a three-minute walk from the Fiserv Forum, home to the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team.

Meanwhile, while the Schuster Mansion Bed and Breakfast is in the nearby Concordia neighborhood, it’s still close to a lot of Kilbourn Town attractions. It’s also a great choice if you’re seeing a show at the nearby Rave Ballroom or visiting Marquette University.

Using a car in Kilbourn Town can be more of a hassle than it’s worth unless your hotel offers parking and you need it for longer-distance travel. This being said, parking can be arranged at all of the abovementioned hotels for this area.

This fun area isn’t the best spot to stay if you plan on cooking while visiting Milwaukee, though. Grocery stores are far between. You’re more likely to find food in restaurants, via room service at your hotel, or in convenience stores.

Pros of Staying in Kilbourn Town Neighborhood:

• Excellent selection of hotels
• Central location with many amenities
• Easy access to other Milwaukee neighborhoods

Cons of Staying in Kilbourn Town Neighborhood:

• Loud downtown area
• Hotels can be pricey

Juneau Town (East Town)

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best Juneau Town Hotels: The Pfister Hotel • Saint Kate the Arts Hotel • The Dubbel Dutch • The Hilton Garden Inn

Juneau Town, also known as East Town, is the best area to stay for art and culture lovers. You’ll be able to access the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava. At the same time, you’ll be near Discovery World, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, and the Pabst Theater.

Cathedral Square is located in Juneau Town and it’s one of my favorite places in Milwaukee—I’ve celebrated many birthdays at restaurants here! It hosts the French-based Bastille Days celebration in the summer. The neighborhood is also full of delicious restaurants.

Juneau Town’s location is ideal. It’s between the residential East Side and the business-oriented downtown—the best of both worlds! It’s also home to the grand dame of Milwaukee luxury hotels, The Pfister Hotel. Don’t let its gilded interiors fool you. There are plenty of contemporary luxuries here, including a rooftop pool and spa.

If you prefer hotel chains or are part of a loyalty program,  The Hilton Garden Inn is a convenient and comfortable choice near this area. Its stunning architecture (it has a five-story atrium) is only one of its attractions. Its business center and free WiFi make it great for business travel.

Pros of Staying in Juneau Town Neighborhood:

• Beautiful older architecture
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Excellent cultural amenities including museums and theaters

Cons of Staying in Juneau Town Neighborhood:

• Loud downtown noises
• Hotels can be pricey

Lower East Side and Yankee Hill

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Lower East Side and Yankee Hill Accommodations: The Plaza Hotel • Farmhouse-Style 3BR

The Lower East Side and Yankee Hill border Lake Michigan and separate the rest of the East Side from downtown areas. Restaurant and food lovers will be in heaven, while shoppers will have plenty to keep them busy.

The heart of the Lower East Side is Brady Street, which is full of small businesses. These include cafes and food-based shops. Check out Rochambo Coffee and Tea House (where I spent a lot of high school afternoons!), Glorioso’s Italian market, and the Peter Sciortino Bakery.

Shoppers will delight in Lilliput Records and Bandit MKE vintage clothes. Peek into Beer’d Milwaukee (celebrating Milwaukee’s most famous beverage).

The Lower East Side area is especially lively in the summer. Visit them to attend the 50-year-old Brady Street Festival.

Yankee Hill nearby offers a more residential feel with hotel selections. The Plaza Hotel is particularly well-placed for both Lower East Side shopping and downtown business. Its onsite parking, 1920s decor, and in-house spa ensure it will appeal to many types of travelers!

Pros of Staying in Lower East Side Neighborhood:

• Lots of small businesses
• Good value for money
• Easy to walk to downtown 
• Fun restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Lower East Side Neighborhood:

• Nightlife can get rowdy
• Parking can be difficult to find

Riverwest

👉 Best Area For a Local Community Feel | ✨ Best Riverwest Accommodations: Victorian 2BR • Cozy 2BR

Riverwest was the #1 neighborhood for hanging out when I was a teenager, and its reputation remains. There’s still a thriving community here.

You’ll find plenty of local businesses in Riverwest. Be sure to check out Woodland Pattern for a great selection of books by local authors. Meanwhile, beer gardens, vintage clothing stores, and coffee shops add to a neighborhood feel. It’s perfect for 20- and 30-somethings looking for a residential neighborhood with amenities.

You won’t find hotels in this area. However, rentals like this Victorian two-bedroom apartment offer tons of space. That rental has a gorgeous balcony, gas fireplace, and large patio. Even if it’s booked, you can find other great deals for stays in historic homes in this area. 

Riverwest also has great transportation links. It’s situated between a major thoroughfare and a highway junction. However, if you want a more peaceful stay, look for a rental in the center of the neighborhood.

Pros of Staying in Riverwest Neighborhood:

• Warm community feeling
• Public art and gardens
• Easy access to highway
• Great selection of nightlife

Cons of Staying in Riverwest Neighborhood:

• Nightlife can get rowdy
• You’ll need a rental car to get around

Tips for Staying in Milwaukee

Prioritize Your Itinerary When Deciding Where to Stay

Milwaukee’s complex history of zoning laws means that it can be hard to find hotels in residential areas [source]. Most center downtown. I recommend listing out the attractions that matter the most to you on your itinerary. Then, map them out, taking into account the qualities of each neighborhood. 

Make Public Transportation an Option 

The Milwaukee County Transit System has a reputation for reliability and thoroughness. It’s an especially good option during the daytime. I wouldn’t recommend it to teenagers today, but I used public buses to get to and from high school from the age of 14, and I was never late!

Don’t Discount the Suburbs

Some of Milwaukee’s suburbs offer relaxing and affordable rentals, some even have beach views. Suburban rentals can also be surprisingly close to central attractions. Consider Shorewood and Whitefish Bay to the north and Wauwatosa to the west. 

Plan Transport for Brewery Tours

Milwaukee’s breweries are a huge attraction as it’s the “Original Brew City.” However, many breweries’ size means that they’re often isolated from neighborhoods with traveler amenities. Don’t plan on driving if you plan to drink. Instead, plan on returning to your accommodations via rideshare, taxi, or public transportation. 

Research Beach Access

Beachgoers should plan and research rules for their desired beaches. Some Milwaukee beaches along Lake Michigan are private. Others, like Bradford Beach, are free, Some beaches like Atwater Beach in the northern suburb of Shorewood, charge an entrance fee. 

Take Weather Into Account

Milwaukee weather tends to come in long stretches, making it easy to plan for. Pack warm clothing if in doubt, as winters can be frigid. Summers can get hot but plan on packing layers for air-conditioning and chillier evenings. And don’t forget to check the heating and AC options in your accommodations!

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Milwaukee for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Milwaukee for first-timers are the East Side, the Third Ward, and Juneau Town. These areas all have easy access to downtown. However, their energies are more relaxed than the bustling business areas. 

What are safe areas to stay in Milwaukee?

The safest areas to stay in Milwaukee are Bay View and the Upper East Side [Source].

What are the best parts of Milwaukee to stay on a budget?

The best parts of Milwaukee to stay on a budget are Riverwest, the Lower East Side, and Bay View. These areas offer high-quality rentals that won’t break the bank. Meanwhile, local restaurants and attractions are reasonably priced.

What are the best parts of Milwaukee to stay with kids?

The best parts of Milwaukee to stay with kids are the East Side, Bay View, and Juneau Town. The first two have lots of parks and playgrounds for children. Juneau Town offers easy access to museums, including a children’s museum.  

What are the best parts of Milwaukee to stay for business?

The best parts of Milwaukee to stay for business are those closest to downtown: Walker’s Point, Juneau Town, and Kilborn Town. Most Milwaukee businesses have downtown or suburban locations. These neighborhoods provide easy highway access.

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Where to stay in Milwaukee depends on your priorities, budget, and traveling style. When you’re done exploring the city, consider driving 90 minutes south to check out Chicago!