Hilton Milwaukee in the US has unveiled plans for a comprehensive $40m renovation, marking the most significant refurbishment in the history of Marcus Hotels & Resorts.
Scheduled for completion by mid-2025, the project will revamp guest rooms, meeting spaces, and the lobby, reinforcing the hotel's status as Milwaukee's top venue for meetings and conventions.
Formerly known as Hilton Milwaukee City Center, the hotel has been rebranded to Hilton Milwaukee to reflect its well-known identity and upcoming transformation.
The redesign will blend the property's 1920s charm with modern amenities and style.
In line with market conditions and demand projections, only 554 guest rooms in the original structure will be renovated.
The west tower's 175 rooms will be removed from inventory, aligning with the company's investment criteria amidst challenging market dynamics.
The new guest rooms will feature a warm colour palette, gold accents, and contemporary art influences while bathrooms will be fully remodelled with marble countertops, tiled showers, and Kohler Co fixtures.
Guests can expect upgrades such as motion sensor lighting and Nespresso machines, as well as new HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air conditioning] systems.
Corridors will see fresh wallcoverings and custom carpeting that transitions from organic designs to structured patterns near elevators.
Marcus Hotels & Resorts president Michael Evans said: “The Hilton Milwaukee has been a towering mainstay in Milwaukee since 1928 and we are thrilled to usher in a new modern era that honours the hotel’s long tradition of style and elegance.
“While taking great care to celebrate its distinguished past, this remodel will dramatically elevate the look, feel and experience of this stately city landmark into a brand-new hotel. As the largest hotel in Milwaukee, we look forward to welcoming locals, leisure travellers and group and convention guests alike as they experience and enjoy everything about our hometown, including the expanded Baird Center right across the street.”
The hotel's ballrooms and meeting spaces are also set for extensive renovations.
Historical features such as original chandeliers and gold-leafed adornments will be restored.
Modern touches include advanced sound systems, digital signage, and updated HVAC and lighting controls.
Upon entering the renovated lobby, guests will step into an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s with Art Deco design elements.
The Monarch Lounge in the lobby invites guests to relax in a setting featuring the original stone and metal fireplace.
Built in 1928 as the Schroeder Hotel, Hilton Milwaukee is an architectural gem with a storied past. It joined Historic Hotels of America in 2011 and offers more than 34,000ft² of event space.
Earlier in March, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, together with Hempel Real Estate and Robinson Park, finalised the acquisition of the Loews Minneapolis Hotel in the US.
The hotel will now be rebranded as The Lofton Hotel, joining the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. It will be managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts.
