Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by Deanne
(This is not a paid endorsement. We were not compensated in any way for this hotel review.)
Are you planning to visit Milwaukee and wondering where to stay? Skip the chain hotels and opt for one of the most artsy boutique hotels in Wisconsin. My husband and I recently spent a night at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. We were impressed with the creative details this Milwaukee boutique hotel provides.
There were fun surprises at every turn. Read on to find out why I was strumming a song on a ukulele and taking a picture of a bar of soap!
Saint Kate parking and location
Located smack dab in Milwaukee’s theater district, Saint Kate is within walking distance to many arts and entertainment venues, including the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Pabst Theater, Fiserv Forum, and the Third Ward. This is the perfect location if you’re planning to see a concert or a show, since you can just park once and not move your car for the duration of your stay.
Saint Kate hotel parking is easy, but not free. They have an underground parking garage with elevators up to the hotel that makes parking super convenient. The listed rate is $30 for overnight parking, but for some reason when we exited the garage, we were only charged $16. We were pleasantly surprised. However, I don’t think that’s the norm. So, plan to pay $30 to park at this Milwaukee boutique hotel.
Boutique hotel with unique in-room details
If you’ve ever wanted to strum “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on a ukulele in the comfort of a cozy art-inspired hotel room, you’re in luck. Each room at Saint Kate comes with its own ukulele and instructions on how to play a song. How fun is that?
The rooms also contain a record player with a variety of LPs to spin.
We had fun listening to Harry Chapin’s Cats in the Cradle. I couldn’t remember the last time I played an actual vinyl record.
There are colored pencils and drawing paper set out in the living room area to pique your inner Picasso, and art created by local Wisconsin artists adorns the walls, shower tiles, and even inside the closet.
Something as simple as a bar of soap shaped like a large pink eraser (sitting next to the prettiest sink bowl I’ve ever seen) really impressed me.
These are just some of the creative details that make Saint Kate one of the most fun and unique hotels in Milwaukee.
Celebrating art down every hallway
Saint Kate is part hotel and part art museum. Literally. The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) has a satellite location inside this boutique hotel showcasing contemporary and emerging art from artists with deep Wisconsin ties.
The hotel also features an artist-in-residence studio, multiple rotating exhibitions scattered throughout the hotel, galleries, theater space, and random art beautifying the halls and walls of the entire hotel.
You don’t have to be an art enthusiast to enjoy these exhibits, either. Perusing these fun and funky pieces at your leisure is a unique experience and added benefit of staying at this cool Milwaukee hotel.
Saint Kate restaurants and bars
This boutique hotel had such a fun vibe when we arrived and checked in. This was mainly due to the lively crowd at the lobby bar. Known simply as the Bar, it was hopping with a Friday night after-work crowd. I imagine they were having a drink while waiting to see a downtown concert or show, like we were. It was difficult to get the attention of the bartender at first and hard to find a seat, but eventually some chairs opened up. We were able to sit, relax, and listen to the live music playing in the corner.
We ordered food from Proof Pizza, a casual eatery located just off the hotel lobby and ate at a table near the Bar. There are large comfy chairs and couches in this area – with these two guests to keep you company…
The Saint Kate restaurant, ARIA, located on the second floor of the hotel boasts a locally inspired cuisine of steak, chicken, and seafood. We didn’t get a chance to eat there, but we did have their champagne brunch the next morning at the attached Giggly Champagne and Wine bar. The mimosa flight, omelet, and chicken and waffle dish were a nice way to end our stay.
Additional amenities
Saint Kate prevails as the prominent arts hotel – and they could have just stopped there. But they actually cater to a wide variety of travelers by offering additional amenities.
They offer a very spacious fitness center on the fourth floor. It’s for guests only and is open 24 hours a day.
They allow pets. That fact really surprised me. For some reason, I figured a posh, downtown hotel with art infused in every aspect of the building wouldn’t allow pets, but they do.
And they welcome business travelers with a variety of big, small, private and open work spaces, 24/7 remote printing, optional computer monitor and accessories, and more.
Not all roses
The one big flop for us occurred when we just arrived and were checking in. Supposedly guests are treated to a “Saint Kate welcome beverage” according to their website. However, we were not.
I saw bottles of champagne chilling behind the desk and even saw the couple checking in next to us receive theirs. We politely waited to be offered some bubbly, too. But the girl just handed us our keys and pointed us to our room. That was a bummer, I must admit.
The room rates at this downtown Milwaukee boutique hotel seem reasonable given its location and amenities. However the prices can definitely add up the more you eat and drink at this establishment.
Is this Milwaukee boutique hotel worth the hype?
If you’re looking for a hip and unique place to stay in downtown Milwaukee, you won’t regret a stay at Saint Kate – the Arts Hotel. This is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Wisconsin. If you’re a fan of the arts, it’s a no-brainer. But even if you’re not, this is one experience not to miss.
Have you stayed at Saint Kate’s? Do you agree it’s one of Wisconsin’s coolest boutique hotels? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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