Beer may be synonymous with Milwaukee, but staying overnight in a brewery while visiting the city was never an option—that is, until the Brewhouse Inn & Suites opened in 2013.
Located in the former Pabst Brewery’s brewhouse—built in 1882—the hotel today is a spectacular showcase and model for how to preserve, re-purpose and transform historic landmark buildings (it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001) into 21st century use.
Now a 90-suite inn, the hotel is loaded with many of its original features—including a five-story central atrium with six huge and shining copper brew kettles and a massive stained glass window depicting King Gambrinus—considered the patron saint of beer and brewers—overlooking all. 
But upon entry, I first noticed the beautiful curving staircase with its wrought iron railing and wheat motif off to the left–before opening glass doors on the main floor into the soaring area of the check-in lobby. There, I couldn’t miss the semi-circular check-in desk constructed of beer bottles (1,550 to be exact).
Looking up, guests can see the inside of the copper brew kettles—looking around, it’s easy to get the feel of the place—with its Industrial design and funky Steam Punk/Victorian decor. And while a cold brew isn’t handed to you upon checking in, a warm Midwest welcome is.
The woman who greeted us (I was on a girlfriends’ getaway) at check-in couldn’t have been happier to answer questions about the place, as well as show her complete pride in working at such an historic hotel.
We had booked one of the larger suites (room 410) which has a separate bedroom apart from the full kitchen and living area. Rooms range in size from approximately 350 sq. ft to over 1000 sq. feet–and some have terraces.
Our bedroom with two (wonderfully comfortable) queen beds was sparse but spacious—with high ceilings, large windows, and cool double glass doors that are creatively lit and painted to look like glasses of frothing beer—separating the bedroom from the kitchen and sitting area. Luggage/suitcase holders would have been nice (especially with all the floor space) as we were only staying two nights.
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The galley-style kitchen was outfitted with a full refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, stove, and nespresso machine (unfortunately, after the first set of complimentary pods are used, you have to buy your own at the desk).
In the bathroom, a huge walk-in shower was lovely, but while one sink in the vanity offered lots of counter space, two sinks would have been much nicer. Plenty of soft large towels were supplied and I loved the re-cycled pipe fittings used for towel racks and the toilet paper holder; they fit perfectly with the industrial-like aesthetic featured throughout the hotel.
In fact, I think the Brewhouse Inn’s best design features were actually in all of its public spaces—with funky cool furniture (some of it felt and looked Alice-in-Wonderland like) set in all sorts of groupings throughout. It would be a great space for say, a book club or even more appropriate, a beer lovers’ group to stay and meet.
Especially fun was the second floor with those gleaming copper brew kettles, stained glass window and vintage t.v. ads shown on monitors interspersed between the brew kettles.
Wi-fi is free and breakfast is included in the room price (room rates start around $159 for a studio); it’s served across from the check-in desk at tables appropriately decorated with vases that are Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles. Typical fare includes yogurt, bagels, juices, and fruit.
Adjacent to the hotel is Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub (it’s in the original 1891 millhouse) which serves up great Wisconsin fare like fried cheese curds, fish fries on Friday night—and of course, plenty of beer—including Pabst Blue Ribbon (now brewed off-site).
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites is located a bit off the beaten track—just on the edge of downtown Milwaukee, in what was once known as the Pabst City neighborhood– today touted as the Brewery district. Parking costs extra, but a ramp is nearby and easy to walk to. For more information, check the website. You can book direct or you can check Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Donna Tabbert Long
