Journeyman Hotel
Industrial-meets-Midwestern-warmth boutique. Art-forward without being precious. Laid-back but polished enough for business travelers.
Book the King Spa room for the oversized soaking tub — worth the step up
Why It Matters
Holds a AAA Four Diamond rating and ranked #3 in Best Milwaukee Hotels by U.S. News & World Report 2025. The Outsider rooftop bar was voted best rooftop bar in Wisconsin by Yelp Elites (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2025). Tre Rivali is widely considered one of the Third Ward's top restaurant destinations. Kimpton's famous no-size/breed/fee pet policy and daily social hour make it a standout in a city not overrun with genuine boutique options.
A 9-floor, 158-room boutique hotel built in 2016 in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. The red-brick facade fits the neighborhood of rehabilitated warehouses and art galleries, while the interiors lean into Midwestern personality: credenzas shaped like box cars, hand-hewn cold-rolled steel desks, pre-loved-feel carpets, and ceramic dogs greeting you in the room. There's no pretense here. The lobby chandelier and fireplace set up a communal vibe that actually works, and the 9th-floor Outsider rooftop bar is the most sought-after spot for a sunset drink in downtown Milwaukee.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Essential Room
The baseline Journeyman experience — and it's genuinely good. Credenzas shaped like rail car boxes, hand-hewn cold-rolled steel desks, carpets with a pre-loved iridescent texture, Frette linens, Atelier Bloem bath products, and a yoga mat waiting for you. Large windows, a flat-screen TV, work desk with ergonomic chair, in-room safe, and mini refrigerator round it out.
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
King Spa Room
There are 13 of these and they're the sweet spot for couples. The oversized soaking tub is the main event — Michelin noted it's 'a touch ostentatious, but in the best possible way.' More floor space than the standard rooms. Drybar curling iron and flat iron included. Same Frette linens and Atelier Bloem products throughout.
1 King Bed
One Bedroom Suite
Separate bedroom and a living space with sofabed — good for extended stays or when you want room to spread out. Same Midwestern-chic design details as the rest of the hotel, with the elevated suite finishes: soaking tub, spacious bathroom, and Drybar styling tools.
1 King Bed
Premium Room
Step up from the Essential with the Premium King — same great design language with elevated positioning within the building. Expect the same Frette linens and Atelier Bloem amenities, walk-in shower, flat-screen TV, and ample workspace.
1 King Bed
Presidential Suite
The top of the range — corner positioning with wraparound views of the Historic Third Ward. The hotel has seven suites total, including this penthouse-tier option. Same design ethos as the whole building but with extra space and the best vantage point in the house.
1 King BedThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A dedicated dining experience with Executive Chef Paul Funk — front-row seat at the kitchen for an innovative multi-course Mediterranean-inspired menu. Best food experience in the hotel.
Every evening 5–6PM in the lobby living room, the hotel hosts a complimentary social hour. Craft local micro-brews poured in signature growlers, plus wine. Classic Kimpton tradition done right.
Borrow one of the hotel's PUBLIC bikes at no charge and head to Lake Michigan, along the Riverwalk, or north into Milwaukee's neighborhoods. A genuinely useful perk in a city with good waterfront paths.
The hotel offers guests the ability to build their own pinhole cameras with actual film — a quirky, genuinely fun activity for photographers.
Shuffleboard tables on the 9th-floor rooftop — one of the signature draws of The Outsider bar. Connect 4 (giant version) and other games also available.
Every Thursday 7:30–11:30PM at The Outsider rooftop. DJs Phlury and Riptide (Barcode) spin groovy sets while you sip on Outsider Originals.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Drybar curling iron and flat iron available in all suites or on request. Hotel guests receive $10 off a blowout at Drybar Milwaukee in the Third Ward (one block away), just show your room key.
A chandelier-bedecked lobby with a fireplace, grouped furniture designed for conversation, and a pool table. Open to all throughout the day.
Free Wi-Fi for IHG One Rewards members throughout the hotel.
A 2,800-square-foot ballroom available for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. Paired with the Outsider rooftop event space (1,400 sq ft), it's one of the more versatile boutique event setups in Milwaukee.
Valet parking available on-site at $45 USD per day. No self-parking option noted.
Pets welcome with zero additional charge and zero restrictions on size, breed, or weight. The Kimpton policy: 'If your pet fits through the door, we will welcome them in.'
The Kimpton Journeyman does not have a pool.
24-hour front desk with staff who are known for local knowledge — ask them for brewery, restaurant, and neighborhood recommendations.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available on-site.
Custom-designed leather backpacks by Milwaukee maker Heather Hembracht, available to borrow at reception for city exploring.
On the second floor with city views. Precor treadmills, elliptical, and bike (with touchscreen/interactive video), Precor FTS Glide Functional Trainer, flat bench, exercise and stability balls, resistance bands, dumbbells 5–50lbs in 5lb increments.
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