Hotel History

The vision of businessman Guido Pfister and his son Charles, the Pfister opened in 1893 as a “Grand Hotel of the West” and a welcoming and luxurious meeting place.  It surely succeeded on both fronts. It was the most lavish hotel of its time, constructed at a cost of over $1 million, with groundbreaking features such as fireproofing, electricity throughout the hotel and thermostat controls in every room.

Learn more about Guido Pfister and Charles Pfister.

Showing it's age, The Pfister was purchased in 1962 by Ben Marcus, who vowed to renovate the distinguished hotel to its original beauty.  Significant renovations were completed and a new 23-story guest room tower added. An extensive art collection continues to grace the walls of The Pfister today . 

The Pfister has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated entertainers and dignitaries. The most historic hotel in Wisconsin, The Pfister is a member of the elite Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The hotel is also a perennial winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award.

Step inside its hallowed halls, gleaming with the largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world.  Experience service guided by “Salve,” a philosophy of the finest hospitality. You will see why the name “The Pfister” is spoken with such reverence by guests from Milwaukee and indeed the entire world.