The Hilton Milwaukee, which also trades under the name Hilton Milwaukee City Center, is a four-star full-service hotel in Westown, about 0.7 miles from the Historic Third Ward. Its strengths are the ones travelers expect from a big-brand downtown hotel: pillowtop beds, designer toiletries and two restaurants on site. It also goes further than most for families, with free cribs, sofa beds, connecting rooms, window guards and a restaurant that offers a children's menu, so it is one of the easiest downtown choices if you are traveling with a baby, a toddler or a group of cousins. Because Westown is the center of the convention and theater districts, the Hilton gives you a convenient base for most of downtown. The RiverWalk, the Pabst Theater and the Bronze Fonz are all close, the lakefront is a pleasant walk, and the museums and the Public Market are a short ride. It makes a good alternative to the more upscale Pfister if you want a comfortable stay at a more moderate price.
Location and getting around
A walk of ten to twenty minutes takes you to the RiverWalk, the theaters and much of downtown. The Third Ward, the lakefront and the Art Museum are within about a mile, which makes the Hilton a convenient base for a first visit on foot. For farther sights such as the Harley-Davidson Museum, the zoo and the Pabst Mansion, use a rideshare or a car.
Rooms and who it suits
Families will appreciate the practical details, such as the sofa beds and connecting rooms, which help keep a group together without paying for a full suite. Couples and business travelers will enjoy the comfortable beds and the choice of restaurants without leaving the building. Ask for a higher floor if you want a quieter room, and check whether your rate includes breakfast.
Good to know
Parking is charged separately downtown, and rates vary widely with conventions and events, so compare several dates. If you want a historic atmosphere, choose the Pfister, and if you want a boutique stay, try Hotel Metro. The Hilton is the sensible, family-friendly middle option that rarely disappoints, and it is a good fit for travelers who earn points in a large loyalty program.
Making the most of it
If you are traveling with children, request cribs, sofa beds or connecting rooms when you book rather than at check-in, because supplies are limited on busy weekends. Eat at one of the two restaurants on arrival night to save energy, then use the next day for the zoo or Discovery World. Loyalty members should check whether their status brings upgrades or breakfast, and compare the member rate with the standard rate before deciding.
Why stay here
- ✓Two restaurants on site
- ✓Pillowtop beds
- ✓Designer toiletries
- ✓Free cribs
- ✓Sofa beds
- ✓Connecting rooms
- ✓Children menu in the restaurant
- ✓Window guards on request
Good questions
Is the Hilton Milwaukee good for families?+
Yes, it offers free cribs, sofa beds, connecting rooms and a restaurant with a children's menu.
How far is the Hilton from the Third Ward?+
It is about 0.7 miles away in Westown, a walk or a short ride.
Does the hotel have restaurants?+
Yes, it has two restaurants on site, so you can eat without leaving the building.
