Saint Kate is the hotel for travelers who would rather stay somewhere with a point of view. It stands at 139 East Kilbourn Avenue in Milwaukee's Theater District, run by Marcus Hotels and Resorts, and it was built around the arts, with a curator, a lobby gallery, rotating exhibitions and guest rooms that carry local and regional artwork. When it opened in 2019 it described each floor as devoted to a different art form, and the hotel has 219 rooms, so it feels more like a small cultural venue than a big chain tower. The rooms have playful details such as a record player with vinyl, a ukulele and art supplies, and the bathrooms were designed with Kohler. The public spaces are the draw. The hotel hosts live music nightly, a black box theater called Arc Theatre, art tours and an artist-in-residence program, and a choice of places to eat and drink, including the Studio Kitchen and Cocktails, Proof Pizza and the Bar at Saint Kate. Condé Nast Traveler has called it one of the coolest hotels in Wisconsin. If you like a lobby with a scene, this is your base.
Location and getting around
Kilbourn Avenue puts you in the Theater District, a few blocks from the RiverWalk, the Pabst Theater and the Bronze Fonz. The Historic Third Ward is roughly three-quarters of a mile away, which is an easy walk or a short ride, and the Milwaukee Art Museum and the lakefront are close enough to reach on foot. The location is excellent for a first visit that centers on downtown, culture and evenings out.
Rooms and who it suits
The rooms are modern and personal rather than corporate, with city views and artwork in each. Couples, friends and solo travelers who enjoy a social lobby will be happiest. Light sleepers should ask for a higher floor or a room away from the bar, since live music is a feature rather than an accident. Art lovers should look at the packages the hotel offers, including art tours and breakfast bundles, and check whether an exhibition or event is on during your stay.
Good to know
Parking is an extra cost downtown, and the hotel sells a Park and Stay package, so ask about it when booking. Rates tend to rise on theater and event nights. If you want a quieter, historic stay, the Pfister is the classic alternative, while Saint Kate is the more contemporary choice. Book dinner at the Studio on a weekend if you want a table, and check the music schedule if you hope to catch a favorite act.
Making the most of it
The arts program is the reason to choose this hotel over a plainer one, so look at the schedule of exhibitions, performances and art tours before you book and plan one evening around the building itself. A table at the Studio, a drink in the lobby bar and a wander past the gallery will give you a good sense of the place. If you want to sleep early, ask the front desk about quieter floors, and if you want the full experience, ask whether any of the specially designed rooms are available for your dates.
Why stay here
- ✓Lobby art gallery and rotating exhibitions
- ✓Live music nightly
- ✓Arc Theatre black box stage
- ✓Record player and ukulele in rooms
- ✓The Studio Kitchen and Cocktails
- ✓Proof Pizza
- ✓Art tours and artist in residence
- ✓City-view rooms
Good questions
Where is Saint Kate located?+
It is at 139 East Kilbourn Avenue in downtown Milwaukee's Theater District, a short walk from the RiverWalk and the Pabst Theater.
What makes Saint Kate an arts hotel?+
It has a curator, a lobby gallery with rotating exhibitions, local artwork in the rooms, a black box theater, live music and an artist-in-residence program.
Is there live music at the hotel?+
The hotel advertises live music nightly in its bars, from rock to jazz, so expect some noise in public areas and ask for a quieter room if you need one.
