The Trade, Autograph Collection is one of the newer downtown hotels in Milwaukee, in the Westown district about 1.1 miles from the Historic Third Ward. It belongs to Marriott's Autograph Collection of independent-minded hotels, and it is rated as a four-star property. The features that stand out are a restaurant on site, a rooftop garden and balconies attached to some rooms, which are rare in a downtown hotel and make a real difference on a fine evening. Guests praise the food in the on-site restaurant, so you can eat well without leaving the building. It is a good choice for travelers who want a modern, design-conscious stay without the price of the Pfister. Westown puts you near the Wisconsin Center, the Theater District and the RiverWalk, and the hotel is close enough to Fiserv Forum for a game or concert. Couples will appreciate the rooftop, and business travelers will like the location. It is not a historic building, so if you want old Milwaukee atmosphere, choose Hotel Metro or the Pfister instead.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in Westown, a short walk from the RiverWalk and the Theater District and a longer one from the Third Ward, so expect to use a rideshare for the lakefront and the Harley-Davidson Museum. The streetcar and the bus routes can help, but check current service before you rely on them. Fiserv Forum is nearby, which is excellent for game nights and concerts.
Rooms and who it suits
Ask for a room with a balcony if you want fresh air, because only some rooms have them, and book early for summer. The rooftop garden is the signature feature, best on mild evenings, and the restaurant makes the hotel a good option when you do not want to hunt for dinner after a long day. The vibe is polished and contemporary, ideal for couples and friends on a weekend away.
Good to know
Parking is an extra cost downtown, so ask about valet or self-parking charges, and confirm whether breakfast is included in your rate. Rooftop areas may close in cold or wet weather, so do not count on them in winter. Rates rise on event nights. For a more intimate historic stay, choose Hotel Metro; for a creative, arts-driven stay, choose Saint Kate.
Making the most of it
Plan one early evening on the rooftop if the weather allows, eat at the on-site restaurant once to see why guests speak well of it and use the Westown location to walk to the RiverWalk. If you are coming for a game or concert at Fiserv Forum, book well ahead, since hotels near the arena fill quickly on event nights. Ask for a room with a balcony at the time of booking, and confirm the request in a message before you arrive.
Why stay here
- ✓Autograph Collection hotel
- ✓Restaurant on site
- ✓Rooftop garden
- ✓Balconies in some rooms
- ✓Westown location
- ✓Near Fiserv Forum
- ✓Modern design
- ✓Close to the RiverWalk
Good questions
Does The Trade have a rooftop?+
Yes, the hotel has a rooftop garden. Weather affects access, so do not count on it in winter.
Do all rooms have balconies?+
No, only some rooms have balconies, so request one when you book.
How far is The Trade from the Third Ward?+
It is about 1.1 miles away in Westown, so a rideshare is the easiest way to reach the Third Ward and the lakefront.
