Where to Stay

Coming to Milwaukee for the first time is a pleasant surprise for many visitors. They are surprised by the highly accessible airport, the beautiful lakefront and the relative ease in getting around town (the metropolitan area enjoys one of the shortest commute times in the nation). That’s not to say Milwaukee is worry-free. Like any city, there are things you will need to know for your first trip to Milwaukee, including the availability of short-term accommodations that you can use as a “home base” during your stay. There are plenty of hotels and extended-stay options in the five-county area, but because the region is a popular tourist destination, rooms can be difficult to find on short notice, especially in the summer.

Hotel Locations

Choosing a hotel near where you plan to work, live or spend most of your time can make exploring southeastern Wisconsin much easier. Hotels are located throughout the region, with many concentrated in these areas:

Downtown Milwaukee
The region’s largest concentration of hotels, with everything from historic luxury properties to boutique and major-brand hotels. Downtown is ideal for exploring the lakefront, museums, restaurants, entertainment districts and major employers, with easy access to the interstate system and nearby North Shore communities.

Milwaukee – East Side
A lively urban area north of Downtown, close to Lake Michigan, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is also convenient for exploring Shorewood, Whitefish Bay and other North Shore communities.

Wauwatosa / Medical Center
A convenient central location near the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, Milwaukee County Research Park, Mayfair and the Highway 100/I-41 corridor. Wauwatosa offers quick access to Downtown Milwaukee as well as Brookfield and other western suburbs.

Brookfield
A major suburban business, shopping and hotel center west of Milwaukee. With convenient access to I-94, Brookfield is a good base for exploring both Milwaukee and Waukesha County and offers an extensive selection of restaurants, shopping and services.

Lake Country
Including Pewaukee, Delafield, Oconomowoc and surrounding communities, Lake Country combines easy I-94 access with lakes, recreation, historic downtowns and a more relaxed suburban setting. It is particularly convenient for anyone considering a move to western Waukesha County.

MKE Airport / South Side
Hotels surrounding Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport provide convenient access for air travelers as well as to I-94 and I-43. This area is well positioned for exploring Milwaukee’s South Side and communities including Greenfield, Franklin and Oak Creek, with Racine County a short drive south.

Ozaukee County
North of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan, this area is convenient for exploring Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg, Grafton and Port Washington. Visitors can experience everything from suburban neighborhoods and employment centers to historic downtowns and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Washington County
Northwest of Milwaukee, Washington County is a convenient base for visiting Germantown, West Bend, Hartford and surrounding communities. The area offers easy highway access along with a mix of suburban, small-town and more rural communities.

Racine
Racine offers lodging near the lakefront and Downtown as well as near I-94 and Mount Pleasant. It is a convenient choice for exploring Racine County and the growing employment and development corridor between Milwaukee and Kenosha.

Kenosha / Pleasant Prairie
Located near the Wisconsin–Illinois border, this area offers hotels near I-94 as well as Downtown Kenosha and the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is an excellent base for exploring Kenosha County and is particularly convenient for travelers who need access to both the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas.

Top Hotels in Milwaukee

• The Pfister Hotel
  A historic luxury hotel in downtown Milwaukee known for its lake views, art collection, and upscale amenities
  🔗 https://www.thepfisterhotel.com
• Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
  A modern, arts-focused hotel with a unique creative atmosphere in the heart of downtown
  🔗 https://www.saintkatearts.com
• Hilton Milwaukee City Center
  A large, centrally located hotel connected to the convention center—great for events and business travel
  🔗 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mkemhhh-hilton-milwaukee-city-center
• Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
  Located downtown with easy access to major attractions and event spaces
  🔗 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/wisconsin/hyatt-regency-milwaukee/mkerm
• Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
  A boutique hotel in the Historic Third Ward, known for its rooftop bar and walkable location
  🔗 https://www.journeymanhotel.com
• The Trade Hotel
  A newer hotel near Fiserv Forum, ideal for sports fans and entertainment seekers
  🔗 https://www.thetradehotel.com

LIST OF HOTELS IN MILWAUKEE AREA:  

Staying a Little Longer?

If your relocation includes an extended visit, temporary work assignment or time between homes, southeastern Wisconsin offers a number of extended-stay and all-suite hotels with amenities designed for longer stays, such as kitchens or kitchenettes, additional living space and on-site laundry facilities. Options on our hotel list include Extended Stay America Select Suites Milwaukee–Wauwatosa and Homewood Suites Wauwatosa in the Wauwatosa / Medical Center area; Residence Inn Milwaukee Brookfield, Home2 Suites Milwaukee Brookfield and TownePlace Suites Milwaukee Brookfield in Brookfield; Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West–Oconomowoc and TownePlace Suites Oconomowoc in Lake Country; Home2 Suites Milwaukee Airport in the MKE Airport / South Side area; TownePlace Suites Milwaukee Grafton in Ozaukee County; Home2 Suites Racine, Staybridge Suites Racine–Mount Pleasant and My Place Hotel–Mount Pleasant in Racine; and Candlewood Suites Kenosha–Pleasant Prairie in the Kenosha / Pleasant Prairie area. These properties can be especially convenient while you search for a home, wait for a closing or simply take more time to get to know your new community.

Alternative Stay Options

If you’re looking for something more flexible or home-like, there are also great alternatives to traditional hotels:

• Airbnb
  Offers short-term rentals ranging from private rooms to full homes across the Milwaukee area
  🔗 Browse Milwaukee stays on Airbnb
• Flexhome
  A local option for furnished apartments and extended stays, with modern units across Milwaukee
  🔗 View Flexhome listings

Whether you prefer a full-service hotel or a more residential-style stay, Milwaukee has plenty of options to fit your needs.