Spotlight: The Pfister Hotel

Photo by The Keel Collective
Spotlight
Discover the revitalization of this historic hotel
Written by
Laura Cross

Celebrating over 130 years, The Pfister Hotel has epitomized elegance and exceptional service, catering to Milwaukee's most discerning brides and grooms. The historic AAA Four Diamond hotel, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, offers a range of venue spaces and comprehensive services to ensure a seamless wedding planning experience for both grand and intimate celebrations.

Recently, The Pfister has undergone an extensive, state-of-the-art, multi-phase renovation to further enhance its renowned guest experience. Already completed enhancements include a makeover of the 7th-floor ballrooms as well as their meeting and event spaces, in addition to all-new guest rooms in the historic side of the hotel. Currently in its final phase, the project includes a refresh the iconic lobby, lobby bar, The Rouge Ballroom and Café at the Pfister, with completion expected by early 2025.

VENUE SPACES

Utilizing a new and refined color palette, nearly every element of the ballrooms and event spaces have been updated to include luxurious wall coverings, custom Axminster wool carpet, state-of-the-art lighting and technology, tailored drapery and historic fixtures for a new appealing look that honors the hotel’s historic roots. 

Grand Ballroom
Capacity: Up to 600 guests
Located on the seventh floor, the Grand Ballroom is versatile and can be customized to your specifications. With Parisian-inspired crystal chandeliers, Victorian art, and flexible space, it’s perfect for both expansive gatherings and intimate celebrations.

Photo courtesy of The Pfister Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Pfister Hotel
Imperial Ballroom
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
The Imperial Ballroom features a 32-foot-high guilded ceiling with refurbished gold-plated chandeliers and panoramic city views. This space is reminiscent of days past, with a balcony providing a storybook backdrop for tossing your wedding bouquet.

Photo by Keel Collective
Photo by The Keel Collective
The Rouge Ballroom
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Located off of the lobby, this classic ballroom, designed with European flair, features crystal chandeliers, marble accents, high ceilings, and traditional design elements, creating a timeless setting for your wedding reception.

Courtesy of The Pfister Hotel
Courtesy of The Pfister Hotel

WEDDING PACKAGES

The Pfister's experienced catering staff is available to assist with every detail, including but not limited to flowers, linen, decorations and entertainment. They will collaborate with you to design your perfect wedding, including custom-designed menus by The Pfister's award-winning chef, to provide elegant dining on your special day. Choose one of three incredible wedding packages and rest assured that no detail will be overlooked.

Emerald Wedding Package

  • Displays of assorted cheeses with crackers and crudité during the cocktail reception
  • Selection of two butler-passed hors d’oeuvres
  • Champagne toast with dinner
  • Choice of salad and entrée courses
  • Cutting and serving of your wedding cake
  • Four hours of hosted domestic bottled beer, wine, and soft drinks

Ruby Wedding Package

  • Displays of assorted cheeses with crackers and crudité during the cocktail reception
  • Selection of three butler-passed hors d’oeuvres
  • Champagne toast with dinner
  • Three-course menu
  • Cutting and serving of your wedding cake
  • House wine served through the first three courses of dinner
  • Four hours of hosted call bar

Diamond Wedding Package

  • Displays of assorted cheeses with crackers and crudité during the cocktail reception
  • Selection of four butler-passed hors d’oeuvres
  • Champagne toast with dinner
  • Four-course menu, including choice of intermezzo
  • Cutting and serving of your wedding cake on painted plates
  • House wine served through the first three courses of dinner 
  • Five hours of hosted call bar
  • Late-night snack station

Photo by Tia Brindel
Photo by Tia Brindel

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Pfister Hotel features 307 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites, blending Old World charm with contemporary luxury. Guests enjoy views of Lake Michigan and amenities designed to meet their every need.

As part of the recent renovations, the historic guest rooms have transformed into new luxurious havens featuring modern takes on Victorian design, incorporating blue and green undertones that honor the majesty of Lake Michigan. These rooms include updated furnishings reminiscent of the late 1800s, paired with today’s modern luxuries.

Wedding guest room blocks offer preferred overnight room rates to the guests of all couples and include Club Rooms, Tower Rooms and Double Rooms. All rooms include the option to add access to the Club Lounge and will offer your guests comfort and relaxation after the wedding festivities are over. 

Specialty Suites are ideal for getting ready before the event and resting afterward, just steps from the dance floor. The Pfister Salon Suites offer a unique pairing of late 1800s historic flair with modern sophistication, featuring elegant space and luxurious décor for comfort and relaxation. The Governor’s Suite is a spacious three-room suite, perfect for hosting business meetings or family gatherings, with traditional décor and modern amenities. The Heritage Suite, the most spacious, embodies the class and elegance of The Pfister Hotel, offering two large rooms with a parlor and a king-sized bed for a stylish and relaxing stay.

Photo by Greg Powers

Photo by Greg Powers
Photos by Greg Powers

INQUIRE

Couples can immerse themselves in a personalized planning experience with The Pfister Hotel's dedicated wedding planners, who are committed to ensuring every event is exceptional. For a firsthand look at the hotel or for any questions, contact (414) 390-4621 to schedule an appointment. Interested couples who are ready to begin their wedding planning with The Pfister can also fill out this form.

Main Photo by The Keel Collective