gay milwaukee hotels

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Milwaukee, MI (2024 Updated)

Search and book Lesbian and Gay friendly hotels Milwaukee, MI.

Lesbiangaybisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in the United States have evolved in recent decades. However, LGBT Americans may still face some legal and many social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, particularly in states with large conservative populations, such as in the Deep South; in rural areas; and in some Native American tribal nations.

U.S. federal law does not explicitly include protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity are included under “sex” as a prohibited ground of employment discrimination in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Comfort and ease exist side by side with exciting amenities and a progressive attitude to create an unbeatable, gayfriendly destination. Called “the most underappreciated gay Mecca in the U.S.” by The Advocate, Milwaukee is home to a number of organizations and annual events that celebrate the LGBTQ community.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Wisconsin have many of the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexuals; however, the transgender community may face some legal issues not experienced by non-trans residents, due in part to discrimination based on gender identity not being included in Wisconsin’s anti-discrimination laws, nor is it covered in the state’s hate crime law.
Milwaukee has a long history of being a  gay friendly town and in downtown we can find a few gay friendly bars as well as This is it! or Kruz are  most famous gay bars in Milwaukee, MI.
Walker’s Point serves as one of the main gay residential areas in the city and hosts the majority of gay nightlife hotspots that range from mellow dive bars to full-scale nightclubs. Dozens of old warehouses in the Historic Third Ward have been converted into amazing lofts, art galleries, chic cafes, and lounges, and the East Side is home to some of Milwaukee’s trendiest nightlife.
Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan’s western shore. It’s known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley’s. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee.

Top attractions to visit in Milwaukee

1. The Iron Horse Hotel 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee

The Iron Horse Hotel
The Iron Horse Hotel

Just blocks from the Wisconsin Center, this luxury boutique hotel is a renovated 100-year-old downtown warehouse with sophisticated amenities across the bridge from the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Smyth Restaurant features regional cuisine and an extensive wine bar. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are served on various days. BRANDED Bar serves light snacks and signature cocktails, and The Yard features American cuisine and outdoor dining seasonally.

Enjoy amenities such as covered motorcycle parking at The Iron Horse. Guest rooms have custom hooks for hanging heavy leathers and a bench for storing boots and helmets. Guests also have access to the on-site retail shop for travel essentials.

Occupying a century-old former warehouse, this hip hotel is a 9-minute walk from the Harley-Davidson Museum, and 1.6 miles from Downtown.

The industrial-chic rooms have exposed-brick walls, and come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus wet bars, walk-in showers and lounge areas. Lofts and studios add dining areas and skyline views.

There’s a 24-hour fitness center and an on-site spa (surcharge), plus a business center and a gift shop. Other amenities include several dining options, a bar and a patio, along with parking (fee).

The Iron Horse Hotel is Milwaukee’s most chic and sophisticated property – the transformation of a 100-year-old downtown warehouse into a modern luxury boutique hotel. As the industry’s first upscale hotel geared for business travelers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike, The Iron Horse Hotel meets the distinct needs of both corporate and leisure guests with its special services, unparalleled amenities and 100 loft-style guest rooms.

My girlfriend and I enjoyed a relaxing stay at the Iron Horse last weekend. We appreciated the beautiful property, convenient location, clean room, and gorgeous artwork – it was a weekend of comfort, luxury and romance. I was not only impressed with the unique accommodations and features, but also with the professionalism, kindness, and attentiveness of the staff.

We loved the room service, enjoyed a drink at the bar, and the sunset from our 5th floor room couldn’t be beat. As a gay couple, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The Iron Horse will be my first choice for future visits to Milwaukee.

Refurbished mattress factory into a gorgeous hotel with original wood beams and iron. European feel with excellent food and service. Street parking is a plus. Our favorite hotel in the Midwest. Highly recommended. The Harley Davidson museum down the street is a must-see visit.

A truly unique hotel experience with amazing attention to detail in craftsmanship, decor, drink and food menu and delivery, and staff. Both my wife and I agreed that this was our favorite hotel we have stayed in and actually made us want to spend time at the hotel.

taff is very friendly and professional. The interior is stunning, warm and welcoming and super clean. The rooms are beautiful, beds very comfy and all the amenities top notch.

Location is great as the area is growing with lot of interesting restaurants, bars and businesses.

The outdoor patio space is fabulous when the weather is nice. Even in the colder months, the IHH has plenty of wonderful spaces like the bar, the new restaurant Ash, the library and great seating in the lobby to relax and have a beverage.

Highly recommend for those who like boutique hotels that offer a special experience.

gay milwaukee hotels
gay milwaukee hotels

How much does a room costs at The Iron Horse Hotel?

Prices start 192$/night for Custom Deluxe King Room. The Corner Alcove Room is 222$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This spacious room features a sitting area.

Where to book online – The Iron Horse Hotel-  Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee – you can find the best hotels deals in Milwaukee during Summerfest   which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Milwaukee on Booking.com or  Hotels.com  or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee Wisconsin 

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Featuring a rooftop bar with a lounge area, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and fitness center.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain units have a seating area for your convenience. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries.

This upscale hotel in the Historic Third Ward district is a minute’s walk from the nearest bus stop, and a mile from both the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Featuring warm, sophisticated decor, the chic rooms offer Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and designer toiletries, as well as yoga mats. Upgraded rooms have soaking tubs. Stylish suites add separate living rooms.

The hotel offers loaner bikes and evening wine hours. Additional amenities include a fitness center and a polished, Mediterranean-style restaurant, plus a luxe rooftop bar with fire pits, city views and umbrella-shaded seating.

Rooms at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel provide a flat screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning, and guests can stay connected with free wifi.

In addition, while staying at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel guests have access to a 24 hour front desk, room service, and a concierge. You can also enjoy a fitness center and a lounge. Need a place to park? There is paid private parking available on-site.

Nearby landmarks such as Bronze Fonz (0.6 mi) and Old World 3rd St. (0.8 mi) make The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel a great place to stay when visiting Milwaukee.

Travelers looking to enjoy some tapas can head to La Merenda, Odd Duck, or Swig. Otherwise, you may want to check out a diner such as Comet Cafe, Michael’s Family Restaurant, or Ma Fischer’s Restaurant.

We chose The Journeyman because it’s a Kimpton and we love Kimpton Hotels. This chic, cozy hotel did not disappoint. The staff is amazing, and the hotel is hip and charming. We stayed for two nights in a suite and it was a perfect set-up for a couple needing relaxation. Great amenities and hangout spaces for people looking to sit by the fire and relax.

Friendly, warm and welcoming staff. Also, very knowledgeable of surrounding area and able to make strong recommendations. Appreciated that!

Lobby, sitting area and neighboring rooms are cozy, and relaxing, with great attention to detail. Very warm ambiance with fireplace, billiards and seating.

Fitness Center is spacious, and they have a Peloton bike, which is something for me that has begun to discern one property to the next. I seek out properties which have these on site, as they are a great workout, and great addition. I was excited to see they offered this.

Rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, translating that same warm, inviting, cozy theme into the rooms. I absolutely loved everything about the room. Functional, practical workspace, amazing bathtub, shower area, nice robes, and well appointed minibar/snackbar.

Beds are super comfortable…and enjoyed a great night’s sleep.

Location is great, and walking distance to nearly everything you will need, including a great coffee shop on the corner, Bella, and a lovely paper company with unique gift items.

I highly recommend this property…truly, now one of my Top 3 favorites across the world.

Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee Wisconsin
Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee Wisconsin

How much does a room costs at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel?

Prices start 230$/night for Deluxe King Room. The King Room with Spa Bath  is 286$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This double room features air conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee maker.

Where to book online – Kimpton Journeyman Hotel –  Gay Friendly Hotels Milwaukee – you can find the best hotels deals in Milwaukee during Summerfest   which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Milwaukee on Booking.com or  Hotelscombined.com  or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. Graduate Madison 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Madison Wisconsin

Graduate Madison
Graduate Madison

Just 1 block from the University of Wisconsin campus, this boutique Madison hotel is located alongside Lake Mendota and offers panoramic views of the city and lake. Free WiFi is available

Every room at Graduate Madison provides a flat-screen HDTV, refrigerator and coffee maker. A work desk and iPod docking station are also included.

A 24-hour fitness center is also available at the hotel.

This chic hotel is an 8-minute walk from the Overture Center for the Arts and 1 mile from Camp Randall Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team.

Casual, collegiate-themed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, cable TV and mini fridges, as well as coffeemakers. Stylish suites add sitting areas with pull-out sofas.

Amenities include an airy rooftop bar/restaurant, a hip cafe and a 24-hour fitness room.

Graduate Madison is just a block from campus, ideally set alongside Lake Mendota on historic Langdon Street, and around the way from Memorial Union Terrace. Our Madison hotel is nestled between the bustling shops and stops on State Street and majestic Capitol Square – the perfect spot for a Wisconsin campus visit, company meet up or place to pop by for a fresh pressed juice, signature brew or inspired rooftop view.
Come on over to our Mad-for-plaid digs with a copy of The Badger Herald and enjoy a sweet or treat at Poindexter Coffee, our lobby-level café. So, whether you’re dropping in for a show at the Overture Center, in town for a meeting, or gearing up to “Jump Around” at Camp Randall, we’re here to make it memorable.
great location with cozy and comfortable decor. Very friendly and helpful staff. Looking forward to when the rooftop restaurant and bar open again. Would definitely recommend to stay for close proximity to campus and activities in Madison.

Couldn’t say enough great things about the Graduate brand. The intimacy and authenticity of the localized design make you feel like you are truly at a Wisconsin getaway as opposed to staying in a name brand corporate hotel provider. From the student ID cards with famous UW alumni to the college pennant door hangers, the hotel nails the collegiate vibe for nostalgic UW grads like myself without being too over the top.

The location on Langdon is perfect and the rooftop restaurant/bar is a unique amenity not found around the State Street/Langdon area. Love how this brand relates with both the alumni and students. Will be using this for many more trips up to Madison for both work and leisure.

The new Graduate hotels, with their emphasis on the team sports of the campuses nearby vary a lot, depending on the building that was taken over by the chain. In this case, the hotel was kind of ‘comfort food’ in decor, with lots of plaids and dark wood. The room was cramped and almost none could possibly have a view of the lake, but the location is terrific – right on campus.
There is a top floor bar and restaurant with brats and beer and board games that have seen plenty of use. The lobby includes a gourmet coffee bar and long table where students (and guests) can use the wifi. My in-room wifi was rather slow, and I did not try the lobby one.
The bathroom space was not very well set up and could have allowed for more places to hang towels, etc. but, overall it was a pleasant place to stay with great access to local restaurants, the union, and even the capital (about a mile away). prices vary a lot, depending on events going on, so the ‘value’ is quite variable. I think you can get some pastries in the coffee shop for breakfast.
Gay Friendly Hotels Madison
Gay Friendly Hotels Madison

How much does a room costs at Graduate Madison?

Prices start 142$/night for Queen Room. The King Suite with Sofa Bed is 175$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This double room features air conditioning, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee maker.

Where to book online – Graduate Madison –  Gay Friendly Hotels Madison  – you can find the best hotels deals in Milwaukee during Summerfest   which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Milwaukee on Booking.com   or  Hotelscombined.com  or Agoda.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.