The Pfister Hotel Named Among the Best Hotels in the World by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

In addition to this prestigious global recognition, Milwaukee’s iconic hotel also was named the number one hotel in the Midwest

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Pfister Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus^® Hotels & Resorts has been named by readers of Conde Nast Traveler as the No. 24 Best Hotel in the World. The 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the travel industry’s most prestigious and longest-running recognitions. The Pfister also earned #1 Best Hotel in the Midwest.

The recognition places The Pfister among an international collection of celebrated hotels in destinations including Japan, Thailand, New York City, Dubai and Hong Kong. For Milwaukee’s historic luxury hotel to earn a place among the world’s top 50 underscores the city’s growing presence on the global hospitality stage, alongside some of the most renowned travel destinations in the world.

Now in their 39th year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards reflect the experiences and opinions of travelers around the globe, with 798,867 votes cast in the 2026 survey. Hotels are rated across criteria including rooms, location, service, food, activities, facilities, design, concierge, community investment, and spa and wellness, with the average of those ratings determining the final score.

“To be recognized among the best hotels in the world is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the people who make The Pfister a local and national treasure,” said Brandon Drusch, General Manager, The Pfister Hotel and Area Managing Director, Milwaukee Market, Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “For more than 130 years, our associates have carried forward a tradition of genuine and refined hospitality while creating memorable experiences for generations of guests. To see The Pfister recognized by travelers on a global stage, as well as named the No. 1 hotel in the Midwest, is incredibly meaningful for our entire team and for Milwaukee.”

Since opening in 1893, The Pfister has been a landmark of Milwaukee hospitality, blending historic character with modern luxury and timeless traditions. The hotel is home to the largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world, as well as its nationally recognized Artist in Residence program. Guests can enjoy award-winning dining at Mason Street Grill and daytime fare at Café at the Pfister. Additional experiences include Blu, the hotel’s signature martini bar offering panoramic city views, and the historic Lobby Lounge, featuring live piano music in the evenings. Guests can also indulge in the cherished tradition of Afternoon Tea, complete with a personal tea butler, or recharge at the hotel’s on-site WELL Spa + Salon.

The global recognition follows The Pfister’s extensive $20 + million, multi-phase renovation, a significant investment that preserved the hotel’s architectural legacy while elevating the guest experience. The renovation included fully revitalized ballrooms and meeting and event spaces, along with a total update of its historic guest rooms where countless presidents, performers, authors and hall of famers have stayed since the hotel opened in 1893. The renovation also included thoughtful updates to the hotel’s iconic lobby and lobby bar, blending the hotel’s more than 130 years of history with stylish enhancements, amenities, and designs for today’s traveler.

The Pfister has been consistently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers, reflecting the enduring history, service and sense of place that have defined the property for generations.

For more information or to make a reservation at The Pfister, please visit: www.thepfisterhotel.com. To learn more about Marcus Hotels and Resorts, please visit: https://www.marcushotels.com/.

About The Pfister Hotel
Celebrating over 130 years, The Pfister Hotel is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the Midwest and downtown Milwaukee. Originally opened in 1893 by businessman Guido Pfister, it was the most lavish hotel of its time. Today, The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style and has been recognized by AAA as a Four Diamond property for 50 consecutive years. The hotel is also consistently recognized by top national industry and travel publications and associations, such as Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards as a Top Hotel in the Midwest. This exceptional property is a member of two distinguished hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram (@thepfisterhotel).

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts own and/or manage 17 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes unique food and beverage concepts, developed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, such as Mason Street Grill®, The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, Milwaukee ChopHouse®, Miller Time® Pub & Grill, and SafeHouse® Restaurant. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.