Get a Room — Boutique, Historic and Unusual Wisconsin Hotels

The first five-star hotel in the US, Boston’s Tremont House, invited guests to lodge in their inn at the beginning of the 19th century. When you consider that lockable doors, washing bowls, and free soap were viewed as luxury amenities at that time, you can appreciate how far the industry has come. Of course, these days, international chains and big name hotels boast plenty of comforts and benefits. Still, for a truly unique experience, it’s worth exploring the out-of-the-ordinary for your meeting or event … Wisconsin’s boutique, historic, and unusual hotels.

From the roaring twenties to today, the historic The Plaza Hotel features Art Deco architecture with a red-brick exterior, stone trim, and wrought iron details. Rooms at The Plaza Hotel include fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, and charming 1920s-style baths. From king size rooms to Plaza Suites, many amenities pamper guests, including the vintage café, an ivy-covered courtyard with seasonal seating, cocktails and dining, plus on-site spa offering massage, reflexology, and more.

Located in a gracious residential nook on the city’s Lower East Side, Plaza Hotel guests can take a leisurely stroll to Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s expansive trail system, area businesses, restaurants, galleries, shopping, and sport’s venues.

In the heart of the bustling city, Hotel Metro exudes elegance in an Art-Deco inspired, European-style hotel. Offering 63 luxury suites that range from 450 sq. ft. to 750 sq. ft. in size, each room offers a fully-stocked minibar, large flat screen TV, complimentary WiFi, and in some, fireplace and Jacuzzi. The hotel’s rooftop terrace, Zen on 7, includes a fireplace, outdoor seating, and gorgeous views of the city. Opening its doors in 1937, the historic hotel has engaged in eco-friendly initiatives that resulted in it being the first Milwaukee hotel to be certified Travel Green Wisconsin. 

Located in the trendy arts and entertainment district, the Hotel Metro is just moments from the city’s best attractions, including Miller Coors Brewery, Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Milwaukee Art Museum, the historic Third Ward, and much more.

Modeled after small, family-owned and operated European hotels, the inviting Copperleaf Boutique Hotel + Spa welcomes guests to warm, sophisticated rooms and suites that feature free WiFi, flat screen TVs with DVD players, Italian linens, whirlpool tubs, along with sitting areas and electric fireplaces. Indoor whirlpool and on-site spa delights guests, while Rye, the adjacent restaurant, serves up gourmet comfort foods in a rustic chic setting.

The hotel’s complimentary shuttle service makes airport transport easy, but while staying in Appleton, guests will want to check out the History Museum at the Castle near Lawrence University, Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, plus local restaurants, clubs, and shops.

This exquisite boutique hotel hugs the shores of the Rock River and is inspired by America’s industrial heritage. Tracing back to 1858, the Merrill + Houston Ironworks foundry resided in this grand old building. Newly renovated hotel rooms and suites exude charm and offer amenities such as two-sided gas fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms, plush bathrobes, minibars, and Keurig coffee makers. The hotel is pet friendly, with a fitness center, free WiFi, and a popular local favorite, Merrill + Houston’s Steak Joint, serving up the highest quality steaks and seafood with attentive, superior service. 

Guests of the Ironworks Hotel experience all that Beloit and the surrounding area have to offer including the Beloit College campus and museums, the Beloit Club, Beckman Mill + Big Hill Park, Farmers’ Market, local wineries, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, and Ledges Stables.

Emerging as a newly developed entertainment venue in 1991, the Potawatomi Hotel + Casino was the first off-reservation casino in the country, and still the only one of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. Luxury hotel rooms and suites feature modern décor, built-in bar and breakfast nook, plus flat-screen TV. Guests enjoy noshing at any of the hotel’s eight restaurants and cafes, including fine dining at Bella Italiana, home-style cooking at the Canal Street Café, classic American style soups and sandwiches at the Menomonee Valley Food Cart, or even authentic Asian cuisine at Ruyi.

Best of all, the hotel is just steps from one of the best Milwaukee venues for casino excitement, featuring bingo, off-track betting, poker, slots, and table games. What’s more, top-name entertainment and headliners appear at the Northern Lights Theater and The Event Center located at the hotel.

A local favorite known for its old-world charm, this landmark hotel provides luxurious accommodations and legendary service in four historic buildings located at the center of Waukesha’s business and arts district and just minutes from metropolitan Milwaukee. Guest rooms range in size from 350 to a spacious 700 square feet, all with a grand view of downtown. Down comforters, Italian linens, plump pillows, granite-topped bathroom vanities, spa showers, and bubble-massage tubs indulge discriminating guests. Suites feature over-sized sofas, large flat screen HD TVs, as well as DVD players at no additional charge. The highly-acclaimed Clarke Irish Restaurant and Pub serve music, food, and the drink of Ireland to thirsty guests.

Located in the heart of Waukesha, the The Clark Hotel is just steps away from Spring City Wine House, Raised Grain Brewing, Waukesha Farmers’ Market, antique shops, restaurants, nightlife, theaters, parks and more.

Guests will enjoy the historic ambience in this beautifully and newly renovated hotel originally opened in 1923 and scheduled to welcome guests again in December. When the Retlaw Plaza Hotel was initially built, it was a time of social, artistic, and cultural renaissance. The hotel replicates that era, the neoclassical revival period reflected in the architecture, lending timeless elegance to the inn and its rooms. Indulging guests with a signature restaurant, spa and indoor pool, fitness center, meeting facilities, free WiFi, culinary and libation events, and in-room dining, this hotel offers a grand stay for every patron.

Small town charm graces Fond du Lac and encourages all visitors to partake of its attractions including parks, museums, trails, golf clubs, pubs, restaurants, and more.