The Pfister Hotel is a Victorian masterpiece in downtown Milwaukee, located just three blocks from Lake Michigan. The Pfister is distinguished from other hotels in the area by features such as an ornate three-story lobby, a grand marble staircase and a huge fireplace in the lobby. The Pfister has an impressive collection of Victorian art, said to be the largest collection of Victorian art found in any hotel in the world.
The founder of the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee was Charles Pfister. Charles Pfister was spotted at the lobby from the perspective on the grand staircase. A hotel visit is said to ensure that guests are well taken care of and that the hotel is running well. This mysterious visitor has also been seen wandering through the vaulted gallery above the globe and passing through the vault on the ninth floor.
In the same words the visitor is described by the people who see him: “elderly, quinion, smiling and dressed.” Witnesses who claim to have seen the visitor and a portrait of Charles Pfister say the visitor is Charles Pfister.
If these are true, the spirit is a welcome guest at the grand hotel.
History of the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hotel Pfister began with the vision of Guy Pfister and his son Charles. Pfister’s vision was to “create the great hotel of the West.” Pfister opened in 1893 as a large production. Pfister’s design was Romanesque Revival. Features of the foundation included fireproofing, electricity in the hotel, its own power plant and individual thermostat control in each room. The Imperial Ballroom with its 32-foot ceiling quickly became the venue for parties, social gatherings and weddings.
Guy Pfister moved in 1889, before the grand hotel was completed. Charles Pfister had several business dealings in Milwaukee. Charles entered his father’s business, the Pfister and Vogel Leather Co., becoming treasurer and president in 1876. When Guy Pfister died in 1889, Charles Pfister succeeded in many large business ventures.
Charles played a leading role in the formation of the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Co. served in an executive capacity for other large firms, including First Wisconsin National Bank, Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance Co. and Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co.
Charles Pfister acquired a large fortune through many business ventures. Although Pfister never ran for public office, he was a powerful force in the Republican Political Party of Wisconsin. Pfister bought the Milwaukee Police in 1900 and ran the newspaper until Randolph Hearst sold it in 1924. Charles Pfister moved in 1927.
Charles Pfister had a love of collecting art. The collection of Victorian art at the Pfister Hotel is said to be the largest collection of Victorian art in any hotel.
The Pfister was purchased by Ben Marcus in 1962. Marcus vowed to restore the Pfister to show its former beauty. A new 3 story tower has been added to the hotel offering the latest luxurious accommodations.
Today, Pfister has 307 elegantly appointed rooms. Amenities include high wireless fast internet, The Well Spa, Janice Salon at the Well Spa, a fitness facility, and a shaded pool. There are five swimming pools at Pfister, including Mason Street Grill, Cafe at Pfister, Cafe Rouge, Blu and Lobby Lounge.
The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a National Historic Hotel.
More than a century after its opening, The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee continues to offer luxurious accommodations to its guests. I hope Charles Pfister will like it.
