The Knickerbocker on the Lake

Hotels
Independent
8.4 (241 reviews)
1028 East Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202 , Milwaukee , US

Facilities

Full-service spa
Express check-out
Long-term parking (surcharge)
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Garden
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Spacious rooms
Great location
Friendly staff
Clean and charming atmosphere
Cons:
Noisy air conditioning
Issues with cleanliness in some areas
High parking costs

Categories

Cleanliness
7.61
Some reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, specifically with air conditioning units and bathrooms.
Service
9.08
Many positive comments about staff attitude and helpfulness, particularly mentioning outstanding service.
Location
9.12
Multiple reviews highlighted the great location and walking distance to attractions.
Room Quality
8.07
Overall positive feedback on room quality, though a few specific issues were noted about size and amenities.
Amenities
8.1
Mentioned the charm and vintage feel of the hotel, although some amenities could be improved.
Value for Money
8.06
Some perception of pricing being high for the experience, yet value reflected in service quality.
Food and Beverage
8.61
Consistently positive comments about the food and restaurant services.
Overall Experience
8.58
Guests expressed a generally favorable experience with a solid likelihood of returning.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 18:31

Property Description

Spa and Fitness Center: Indulge in massages and body treatments at the spa or stay active at the 24-hour fitness center.

Recreational Amenities: Take advantage of bicycles for rent and complimentary wireless internet access, ensuring a delightful stay.

Dining and Events: Enjoy a meal at The Knick Restaurant and make use of the conference space for events.

Embark on a rejuvenating getaway at The Knickerbocker on the Lake. Book now to experience a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury in the heart of Milwaukee.

Important information:

  • Up to 4 children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: MKE

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Sustainability Certifications

    Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • General

    Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 241 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.61
Service: 9.08
Location: 9.12
Room Quality: 8.07
Amenities: 8.1
Value for Money: 8.06
Food and Beverage: 8.61
Overall Experience: 8.58
9
971debz Solo travel
10
Fabulous staff and great place to stay
Pros:

I have been a guest, as well as recommended to family members, at the Knickerbocker several times. This time, I had rented an apt instead and when I checked into the place at 10 PM, it was unacceptable to stay there (inadequate heat in Milwaukee winter, biggest problem)! I called the Knickerbocker and got Jamil on the phone. He was SOOOO wonderful to me, got me booked and assured me I could come over and they'd accommodate me. He was so kind to me. All the concierges were terrific as is Guy, the onsite engineer, who I called about a broken blind and excessive heat in the first room I was assigned! I was immediately given another room in which I stayed for 5 more nights. I chose parking on site, which worked without a hitch. Several nights, there was noise from the next room which was very loud, and sometimes when people gathered in the hall, it was loud. For the most part, it was quiet. I was fortunate to be able to obtain a massage in the Spa, which I highly recommend. The onsite restaurant, The Knick, was convenient, and since the ice machine in the hotel was broken, the restaurant let guests pick up ice from them. The location for me is perfect as I am there to visit family at St. Johns on the Lake and Chai Point, Ovation - both on North Prospect Ave. Love the neighborhood.
Housekeeping was great, concierges were all helpful and gracious, and I would recommend others to stay here without hesitation.

2025-12-28 via Tripadvisor
D
Dreamer66768191540 Solo travel
10
Enjoyed my stay very much!
Pros:

The Knickerbocker Hotel has been a long time, award winning hotel in Milwaukee for many years. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. It's not a slick, glitzy hotel, but it is clean and very well maintained. The staff is superb. The front desk staff member, Precious, totally lives up to her name. She was incredibly helpful to me in arranging transportation to the airport, and storing my luggage. I would have absolutely no hesitation in staying at the Knickerbocker again.

2025-12-25 via Tripadvisor
B
barbaramN8731HC Solo travel
10
My stay at the knickerbocker!
Pros:

I must say the room was excellent, bed very comfortable, & suite was exceptionally clean. Food in restaurant was great.
Over looking Lake Michigan was a plus. I would definitely stay at the Knickerbocker again.

2025-12-02 via Tripadvisor
D
defneo885 Couples
8
Good place to stay
Pros:

Pros:
It was a nice stay. The hotel was beautiful, and the room was comfortable, quiet, and clean. We were happy with the experience, especially given the low price.

The hotel is close to the tram line (Hop), which made transportation easy in the cold weather. The restaurant below the hotel was also quite good.

Cons:
The room service we got on our second day was incomplete; our bed was left unmade, which is why I dropped one star. Also, the room was a bit too warm at night, which made sleeping hard.

2025-12-01 via Tripadvisor
L
lindaD613XB Family Green Bay, Wisconsin
10
The perfect spot to stay in Milwaukee all around.
Pros:

very clean and super convenient. the price was ridiculously affordable considering the location and amenities. we were there in the cold season and the room was plenty warm. customer service was great. the unique doors and cool art deco details are really fun to explore. just a beautiful building all around. my family ate dinner at the knick and loved it too. 24 hour desk person was nice so no worries. using keys to get into the room was charming. the rooms were very specious. the bed was a wee soft but pretty good and lots of pillows. I'd go back for sure and love to stay a week to explore the cite since the location is kind of perfect. there's parking on street but a lot for guests too. it's not that busy of a street and just outside of the downtown enough to be easier to park, and there's a coffee shop a few minutes walk away, plus the plaza hotel a few mintues the other way has great breakfast. it's kind of perfect!

2025-11-30 via Tripadvisor
J
Journey23795784648 Family
10
We will be back!
Pros:

Wonderful older hotel, beautiful lobby, friendly staff. Room was clean and warm. Great location. Good value too. Convenient parking.

2025-11-29 via Tripadvisor
Q
Q8595HTkevinf Family
10
Historic hotel near the lake
Pros:

Great historic hotel near the lake and only two blocks from the end of the HOP. My room was big and had kitchen facilities that I didn't use.

2025-11-29 via Tripadvisor
T
T3041YYkathys Family
10
Cute hotel
Pros:

Cute hotel on the East side. They have a nice restaurant next to it and a few bars within walking distance. The rooms are "old school" and adorable. The neighborhood is nice and the staff was very friendly.

2025-11-18 via Tripadvisor
4
404jedidiahr Business
10
Charming and Clean
Pros:

The location was close to all the venues I needed to visit during my stay. The staff were friendly. The parts of the hotel I saw including my room were very clean. The amenities in the room were more than I usually find. The hotel appeared to be older, but the architectural character added to its charm. I would stay again!

2025-11-13 via Tripadvisor
N
N8859UWjamieh Family
10
Overnight
Pros:

Very spacious room. Wish we had stayed longer to take advantage of the kitchenette. Parking lot was easy access in and out. Nearby establishments within walking distance.

2025-10-27 via Tripadvisor
T
teresasG4438WU Friends getaway
10
Wonderful Stay
Pros:

I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was getting a huge one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen. The hotel location is also very walkable. I enjoyed my stay and will definitely choose the Knickerbocker next time I visit Milwaukee.

2025-10-21 via Tripadvisor
E
EDogg Couples Black Hawk, Colorado
10
Loved the property. The bed was comfy. Shower was spacious and comfortable. I could gush about this place. Go…..
Pros:

What a truly majestic piece of real estate. I didn’t say “Perfect” but it’s nearly 100 years old. What a gem. Warm and friendly employees. Great location. Tastefully decorated with modern amenities yet still maintaining the classic look and architecture of a property listed on The National Historic Landmark Registry.

2025-10-20 via Tripadvisor
E
elizabethnE7102DI Couples
10
Great Experience
Pros:

Lovely spot! Had a vintage feel, was clean, and close to the BMO Pavilion for a concert. The parking is in a lot next to the hotel, and was 22 a night- not cheap, but convenient and fine for a short stay. It's kind of pricey, but you get what you pay for here.

2025-10-13 via Tripadvisor
F
Freedom09405773087 Couples
8
Very nice hotel very clean
Pros:

It was good; I just wish I had more of a description of the room. It would have been nicer to have a bigger vanity in the bathroom, but it was okay for one night. The hotel was very beautiful, and the food at the restaurant was amazing for each meal. It was very clean and well maintained and within walking distance to the beach, basketball arena, and many restaurants, plus things to do downtown like bars.

2025-10-12 via Tripadvisor
M
Mark
8
Pros:

Classic old hotel. Beautiful historic touches. Not in pristine shape but more due to it's historic nature than anything else

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
A
Andrew
10
Pros:

Really like these old hotels with lots of character. This building is half hotel and half condo which makes for a great mixture. The room was large and very comfortable. Real good choice.

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
P
Paradise06986296371 Business
8
Vintage hotel
Pros:

Cute older hotel. Lots of charm. The only complaints I had were the pillows were a bit hard. And the bathrooms could have been a little cleaner.

2025-10-11 via Tripadvisor
L
lsulliim1 Family Madison, Wisconsin
6
Fine hotel if a bit noisy isn’t an issue to you
Pros:

Clean older hotel. The window unit AC and refrigerator is much louder than modern amenities: location convenient to our event nearby. You can find street parking for free or pay ~$20 to park in lot.

2025-10-10 via Tripadvisor
J
Joseph
10
Pros:

I loved the location on Yankee Hill: quiet but still convenient to downtown Milwaukee. The Hotel is "vintage," including some older facilities, hardware, and plumbing fixtures, thus it lacks some contemporary conveniences, but all is clean and well-kept.

2025-10-09 via Nuitee
J
J Michele
10
Pros:

Comfortable, clean room. All ataff encountered were very friendly and helpful. Loved the architecture snd story ofvthe building

2025-10-07 via Nuitee