It’s no secret that Milwaukee has always been a beer town, so on a recent visit I couldn’t pass up staying at a hotel that started out at as a brewery. But this wasn’t just any brewery, this was the Pabst brewery, at one time the biggest brewery in the world; and this wasn’t just any hotel, it was the Brewhouse Inn and Suites which turned out to be one of the most unique city hotels I’ve ever stayed at.
Pabst’s storied history is on full display the moment I walked through the door, with the front desk made of over 1,500 beer bottles from local Milwaukee breweries. The other thing that is on full display throughout the hotel is Wisconsin’s signature Midwest niceness, with staff members greeting me like family and truly interested in how I was enjoying their city (need some ideas of what to do while in town? check out One Great Weekend:What to do in Milwaukee and Why Milwaukee is Cooler than You Think). The hotel’s common spaces offered a modern take on Milwaukee’s past, with common spaces stylishly inviting.
I headed up to my room, opening the door to discover an incredibly spacious(as in 700 square foot spacious, try finding that in New York or Chicago) one bedroom suite with a separate living area including a small bar and kitchenette. Another door leads to the bedroom (and guys, the door is beer! How fun is that?) which featured exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light as well as a supremely comfortable king size bed. My fifth floor room was also directly behind the iconic Pabst sign overlooking downtown giving me one of the most unique views in Milwaukee.
The real showstopper, and something you won’t find in any other hotel, is the six original copper brew kettles on the second floor lobby. In their heyday these brew kettles helped make Pabst the biggest brewery in the world, today they offer a post-Victorian steampunk nod to Milwaukee’s past. Overlooking everything is the stained-glass vestige of King Gambrinus, the patron saint of brewing originally commissioned by Captain Frederick Pabst to inspire his workers and bestow good health to all who visit.
The Brewhouse Inn and Suites is at the forefront of a movement to reinvent Milwaukee while staying true to its roots. If you’re looking for a hotel that embodies the character of Milwaukee’s future and past then the Brewhouse Inn and Suites is your destination.
I was graciously hosted by the Brewhouse Inn and Suites but as always all opinions remain my own.
Polly says
700 square feet?! That’s bigger than my apartment!
This looks absolutely lovely & I’d totally love to stay here the next time I haul myself up to Milwaukee (hopefully soon!).
Brianna says
It is such a cool hotel, you’ll love it!
Anne says
I love the look of this place. The bed looks super comfy, the beer tanks and reception area are fabulous. Not sure I will make it to Milwaukee but am saving in case I do!
Brianna says
Milwaukee is a great time, I really hope you get there sometime!
Rhonda Albom says
Wow, this place looks amazing. What a cool experience to be in an old brewery. I had no idea Pabst was once the world’s largest, nor that Wisconson had anything so interesting to offer (Sorry, I was born and raised in Chicago). Your room sounds perfect and huge. I would love to stay here someday, as we always seek out slightly unusual boutique type accommodation.
Brianna says
Milwaukee really has a lot going on these days, you’d really be surprised!
Stephen Garone says
That’s terrific! Wish I had known about it when I was there. Exactly my kind of place to stay!
Brianna says
Tuck it away for next time!
Fiona Maclean says
Fabulous looking suite! And what a fascinating place to stay.
Brianna says
It was one of my favorite city hoels for sure!
Natalia says
I didn’t know that Pabst used to be the biggest brewery in the world and I love when owners integrate the history of a place into their interior design) Thank you for sharing your experience! It will be great to visit this place one day!
Brianna says
The design here was fantastic, I loved it!
Kimberly Erin says
Making a beer themed hotel is something I never thought of. how cool is that. It looks super unique and they have done a great job.
Brianna says
Who wouldn’t want to stay in a beer themed hotel?
Vicky and Buddy says
This hotel looks like such a cool and hip place to stay! I love the beer door, that’s such a creative touch. I think it’s great that they stay so true to their roots.
Brianna says
You would love it here!
Kirsten says
This place looks awesome. Would be perfect for an overnight for my husband and myself. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Brianna says
This place is perfect for a couples’ night out!
Jenna says
So cool–I’ve been wanting to check this hotel out! I love hotels that are built inside of refurbished building like this. The design looks amazing and I like that they have Pabst’s history present as well. Would love to stay there sometime!
Brianna says
I know you know how cool Milwaukee is 🙂
Aileen Adalid says
WOW. Just wow. This place looks absolutely amazing! I love staying in hotels that have character and history and this one surely marks that spot!
Brianna says
It is such a fun hotel!
John Morris says
I love these historic hotels! I was just in Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago, but stayed at the brand new SpringHill Suites. I’ll have to keep this hotel on the list for my next trip to MKE!
Brianna says
Isn’t Milwaukee a great town!
Anita Hendrieka says
This place looks like such a unique and trendy place to stay. What a great find!
Brianna says
It was such a fun place to stay!
Daniel Morgan says
A beautiful place rich in history. Wow. Love it!
Brianna says
It is such a cool hotel !
Sue Reddel says
We had the chance to stay at the Brewhouse last year and absolutely agree it’s a wonderful place to stay in Milwaukee. We loved all it’s comforts especially the large shower. It’s in a great location too. We’d happily stay there again.
Brianna says
Perhaps we’ll meet up here for WITS next year?
Michael says
Hi Brianna!
This is perfect, Enjoying a great stay and learning about the past in the same time. I would really visit Milwaukee and stay at the Brewhouse Inn next time. what can you say about the food and the beverage?
Thanks for sharing
Brianna says
I didn’t eat at the hotel but Milwaukee has some great restaurants!