kdinino

Group of 5 guys all in mid 30's are having a big get together trip in MKE to sample some Brewers games (and tailgating), brats, and of course a Miller tour or two.

We dont want the boring chain hotel deal as that gets us into 2 or maybe even 3 rooms. Was hoping to hear any hotel rec's close to downtown and the casino that has a bit of an upscale flair. How is the Iron Horse hotel or The Metro? Bigger rooms are def better as we're big loud dudes.

Also curious if VRBO/Airbnb is worthwhile to stay in the burbs? My guess is we want/need to be downtown.

knope2001

You're probably best off in the city if you're looking for something other than chains -- the burbs are mostly chains when it comes to staying, eating and drinking, and the farther out you get the less exotic and upscale even the chains are -- you get to Holiday Inn Express and Applebee's country pretty quickly.

Both places you mention come to mind as good possible choices, and I'd also throw in Brewhouse Inn and the Ambassador as options. I'm not certain what room sizes are like, but knowing the circumstances / neighborhood can help you decide.

Iron Horse is former warehouse/industrial space turned into an upscale hotel especially welcoming to cycle riders. No worries about it being "biker" in a negative way, though. It's in what is generically referred to as a warehouse district close to the casino, Harley Davidson museum and the stadium.

http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/


Hotel Metro is more of a "boutique" hotel, a converted 1930's low-rise office building. I'd say it's more sleek and stylish in feel rather than the urban/industrial/loft sort of feel at Iron Horse. It's right in downtown itself. An easy walk to several good restaurants and drinking establishments but a bit farther from casino, stadium, Harley museum, etc.

http://www.hotelmetro.com/


Brewhouse Inn & Suites is a new (2013) hotel formed from the brewhouse of the former Pabst brewery complex. They've preserved a lot of the features and character of the building which are pretty cool. The Pabst complex is on the periphery of downtown so other than on-site food and drink you have to walk a few blocks to get to the start of bars and restaurants.

http://www.brewhousesuites.com/index.htm


Ambassador Hotel is a 1920's art deco hotel beautifully restored. This was always a hotel, not a converted space, so it is probably the most hotel-liek of the three. It's west of downtown adjacent to the edge of the Marquette U campus. Ambassador is closest to the stadium, to Miller and pretty close to the casino as well. It's not in an especially dangerous neighborhood but probably a notch sketchier than the other three. There's nothing too interesting in the immediate area -- even the nearby bars Marquette students frequent are a few blocks away but the hotel runs a complementary on-demand shuttle which guests use widely to get to points of interest.

http://ambassadormilwaukee1-px.trvlc...campaign=Brand

A couple of things to keep in mind....

(a) Because Milwaukee is pretty compact none of these choices is very far from any of the main attractions / activities.

(b) Miller and the stadium are both not in walking distance from anything, and the casino really isn't either (marginal walk from the Iron Horse). So you end up driving or using a hotel shuttle, mostly. Public transit is busses and not unusable but nothing to write home about.

(c) If you want to be able to walk to your hotel after a night of bar hopping Metro is probably the best...close to Milwaukee Street, Jefferson Street and Water Street areas. Brewhouse isn't a bad walk from Old World 3rd St and Water St but a little far from the others. Some bars not too far from Iron Horse but not as much, and even less good drink-and-walk options at Ambassador. Obviously that all depends on your own perception of a reasonable walk, of course.

(d) Miller brew tour is fine but I strongly suggest including Lakefront Brewery tour -- definitely the most fun. Do both if you like, even throw in Sprecher if you want, but if you can only do one I'd say Lakefront.

mke9499

Knope2001 has some great suggestions and info.

Iron Horse is probably my personal #1 choice, if you want a unique experience.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Wisconsin.html

It's only a seven minute drive to Miller Park, right up Canal Street, with the casino right on the way.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=canal...ed=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

There is excellent dining right at the hotel, with the casino also offering very good food and drink.

Make sure that you plan ahead. The upcoming months are Milwaukee's busiest for visitors and activities; rooms may be booked fairly well in advance for those times - especially during Milwaukee's world-famous Summerfest, which starts June 25 and ends July 6. This year's talent line-up is phenomenal, so huge crowds are expected during the run.

http://www.summerfest.com/

Hope you guys have a great trip!

kdinino

Appreciate the tips!

we booked at the Iron Horse hotel. Seemed like the place to be. Brewers tix purchased, need to book brewery tours -- miller and lakeview the best? and a nice dinner outing. the casino will fill our late evening hours i am sure.

newsmanhoss

Nice job! You will have an outstanding experience at the Iron Horse.

Both Miller and Lakefront are great. Casino is pretty impressive, and try to get down to the lakefront for burgers, custard, and beach volleyball. Harley museum is very good, too. And the Third Ward for boutique shopping.

nineworldseries

County Clare http://countyclare-inn.com/ is pretty great and is a reasonable walk to downtown, Water St./Old World Third St. and the east side (which is home to the best bar on earth - Von Trier).