The Pfister Hotel

On Milwaukee's exclusive east side, the Pfister Hotel, considered as the city's grand dame, stands within a stone's throw of Lake Michigan in the financial district near the convention center, antique shops, theaters, museums and pro-sports facilities.

Dating to 1893 and named in 2004 by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world's best places to stay, the Pfister merges original Victorian architecture with a contemporary 23-story tower and the world's largest hotel collection of Victorian art. Palms, roses and orchids fill the lobby, where a heavenly ceiling mural of cherubs and clouds catches the eyes of guests. A dapper concierge greets business travelers, weekend romantics and returnees, who can settle back in the 23rd- floor martini and wine bar and gaze out over Lake Michigan, swim in the indoor pool, or browse through the hotel's shops featuring men's clothes, flowers, home décor, whimsical gifts, fine chocolates and jewelry. In addition, the Pfister features wireless Internet access, 24-hour room service, fitness center, and 25,000 square feet of event space for 1,500 people.

Mason Street Grill, on-site, features a large piano bar, an extensive cocktail and wine list, and a menu featuring wood roasted steaks, chicken, and seafood. Café at the Pfister serves seasonal bistro delicacies and is famous for its Friday night fish fry.

As for accommodations, this Milwaukee hotel features 307 guestrooms and suites with city or lake views, two-poster beds, custom furniture, silk and damask fabrics, leather-topped writing desks, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access for a fee, minibars, and red-marble bathrooms with Victorian fluted sconces and WELL bath products. Rooms also feature 32-inch flat panel LCD televisions.

Located 15 minutes from Milwaukee's international airport, the Pfister Hotel is ideal for families, couples on romantic getaways and business travelers seeking quintessential 19th-century European ambience in their accommodations.