If there is one reason to visit Milwaukee in summer, it would be Summerfest. One of the largest music festivals in the world, Summerfest takes place every late June through early July and attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors. But we HIGHLY suggest spending the night, there are several great Milwaukee hotels near Summerfest grounds.
Summerfest takes place right along Lake Michigan, has numerous stages that run everything from local to nationally acclaimed acts all day long, and has tons of excellent food and drink options. When the Summerfest schedule gets released every year, it’s time to plan the perfect trip to Milwaukee.
Getting to Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee
Unless Summerfest goers live in the area, they probably are staying in a short-term rental or in a hotel near Summerfest. Milwaukee is a small enough city that regardless of where you stay, Summerfest will still only be a short trip away. There are several ways of getting to Summerfest.
The easiest is to walk, especially if you stay in a hotel near Summerfest grounds, I’d say within about a mile of the festival grounds. Most hotel routes will either take you along the lake or right through downtown, with plenty of bar and restaurant options along the way to take advantage of. Visitors can also grab a taxi or rideshare.
Another option is to take the Milwaukee bus system. During Summerfest Milwaukee buses run a special route down Wisconsin Avenue, which is easily accessible from many of the downtown hotels. Some hotels run their own shuttles or are located near bars that also have a shuttle.
Check online for area bars that have Summerfest shuttle service. There are also freeway shuttles that run out to the suburbs, or of course, visitors can choose to drive, though parking is kind of expensive and it limits how much Summerfest fun can be had. Read below for some of the best hotel options that either has a short walking distance, convenient location to bar shuttles, or offer their own shuttle for visiting Summerfest.
1. Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is a great choice if looking for a simple, no-frills kind of hotel with an affordable price, great location, and quality hotel experience. The hotel is located right in the center of downtown Milwaukee near the art museum and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Summerfest is a bit under a mile away, making it easily walkable on a nice night, or visitors can opt for the Milwaukee bus that runs right down Wisconsin Avenue near the hotel. For a no-nonsense hotel within a convenient distance to Summerfest, consider the Hilton Garden Inn.
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- Address: 611 N. Broadway
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.8 miles
2. Hilton Milwaukee City Center
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is sort of an iconic hotel in Milwaukee given its prominent architecture and a recognizable sign that helps define the city’s skyline. The hotel has a luxurious feel, numerous ballrooms where there seems to always be a wedding going on, and has several attached cafes, restaurants, and bars including the Chop House for steaks, or the Miller Time Pub and Grill excellent for a beer and burger.
The hotel is located on the western end of downtown and is a bit over a mile to Summerfest. However, its location on Wisconsin Avenue makes taking the bus easy, and better yet, the Miller Time Pub and Grill offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the festival grounds. Stay in luxury and make getting to Summerfest easy by staying at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
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- Address: 509 W. Wisconsin Ave.
- Distance from Summerfest: 1.2 miles
3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown is located right on the edge of downtown across the street from the Historic Third Ward. The Public Market is basically right next door, making it an ideal stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, in addition to the other many attractions in the Third Ward like bars, restaurants, and boutique clothing stores. The affordable hotel boasts rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for saving time in the morning before heading out to see various Milwaukee attractions.
Getting to Summerfest from the Homewood Suites is especially easy, basically a straight walk through the Third Ward at just a bit over a half mile distance. Be sure to book your room at the Homewood Suites well in advance of Summerfest to ensure you get a room.
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- Address: 500 N. Water St.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.7 miles
4. Hotel Metro
Hotel Metro is located right near the Cathedral Square neighborhood in downtown Milwaukee and is one of the area’s most popular longest-standing boutique hotels. With a great French restaurant attached right to the hotel, in addition to numerous bars and restaurants right in the area, Hotel Metro is a trendy spot to stay when visiting Milwaukee.
The hotel is located about a mile from Summerfest, but there are numerous bars nearby that offer free shuttles, like Flannery’s, a great Irish pub across the street from Cathedral Park (which also hosts Jazz in the Park every Thursday night). Consider Hotel Metro when planning your visit to Summerfest.
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- Address: 411 E. Mason St.
- Distance from Summerfest:.9 miles
5. Milwaukee Marriott Downtown
Conveniently located on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown is a great choice when planning on visiting Summerfest. The walk is less than a mile away, or the Milwaukee bus runs right in front of the hotel.
Beyond the bar and restaurant, and Starbucks, located in the hotel, there are also numerous bar and restaurant options within a short walk away, perfect to take advantage of when not partying the night away at Summerfest.
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- Address: 323 E. Wisconsin Ave.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.8 miles
6. Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown
The Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown is located in the heart of downtown within easy walking distance of popular nightlife destinations like Old World 3rd Street and various sporting and concert venues. With affordable yet comfortable rooms, and a nice restaurant set up that offers continental breakfast, Residence Inn is a great choice for staying within the city.
Walking to Summerfest is about a mile, but given its location, there are a couple of other options. The Milwaukee bus runs right near the hotel, and even easier, Mo’s Irish Pub and a few other downtown bars offer complimentary shuttles if you stop in for a drink. Either way, the Residence Inn is a convenient option for staying in Milwaukee.
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- Address: 648 Plankinton Ave.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.9 miles
7. The Iron Horse Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel, located right on the edge of the increasingly trendy Walker’s Point, is an industrial yet luxurious boutique hotel featuring a couple bars, an amazing outdoor patio, and a really great gourmet restaurant, Smyth. The hotel’s location also puts you right near the Harley Davidson Museum and lots of great micro-breweries, restaurants, and even a micro-distillery.
Walking distance is about one mile from the Summerfest grounds, which will take you through part of Walker’s Point and the Historic Third Ward. The Iron Horse also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Summerfest, making this hotel an ideal choice for festival going.
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- Address: 500 W. Florida St.
- Distance from Summerfest: 1 mile
8. The Journeyman
Located right in the center of the Historic Third Ward, The Journeyman Kimpton Hotel is one of the area’s most popular places to stay. With a modern and trendy vibe, spacious rooms, and a stellar location, visitors to the Journeyman often leave thinking Milwaukee is one of the best cities in the country.
The location enables a short walk to Summerfest, in addition to the other attractions in the Third Ward. The hotel also boasts a popular Mediterranean-themed restaurant, Tre Rivali, and an awesome rooftop bar with a great craft cocktail list, The Outsider. Book well ahead of time for your room at The Journeyman.
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- Address: 310 E. Chicago St.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.6 miles
9. The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel is probably Milwaukee’s most famous hotel. With ornate and luxurious decor, comfortable rooms, and a great location, it’s hard to top The Pfister. The hotel features a great lobby bar, a second more spacious bar on the top level, which also boasts excellent views, and an attached restaurant, Mason Street Grill that features awesome steak and seafood. It is one of the best steakhouses in Milwaukee if you are looking for a fancy dinner out in Milwaukee.
The Pfister is located in the center of downtown, making it a short walk to lots of area attractions. The Summerfest grounds are within a mile, so it’s an ideal spot to stay when visiting Milwaukee during festival season.
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- Address: 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.8 miles
10. The Westin
The Westin is a newer hotel located right between downtown and the Historic Third Ward. At just over a half-mile to the Summerfest grounds, there are few hotels more convenient to stay in. The location is also convenient for exploring bars and restaurants in the Third Ward, the Public Market, and other area attractions. The hotel also features a fantastic Italian restaurant, Stella on Van Buren, that serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a weekend brunch. For one of the most convenient hotels near Summerfest check out The Westin.
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- Address: 550 N. Van Buren St.
- Distance from Summerfest: 0.6 miles
Where do you think is the best Milwaukee hotels near Summerfest grounds is?