05.07.26

The Pfister Hotel Celebrates 50 Years of AAA Four Diamond Status

The hotel is the only Midwest property to consistently claim the Four Diamond designation every year since the beginning of the AAA program

Milwaukee, May 7, 2026 – The Pfister Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus^® Hotels & Resorts, proudly celebrates its 50^th consecutive year of receiving the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation. It is the only Four Diamond property in the Midwest to have maintained this honor continuously since the award’s inception in 1976, underscoring its enduring focus to deliver extraordinary guest experiences.

“We are so honored that The Pfister is once again named a AAA Four Diamond hotel. Knowing we’ve been awarded with this status for 50 years is remarkable and a true reflection of the standards we uphold every day,” said Brandon Drusch, managing director and general manager of The Pfister Hotel. “This legacy is defined by decades of dedication, gracious execution, and an unwavering commitment to creating memorable moments for everyone who walks through our doors.”

To determine which hotels earn the Four Diamond designation, AAA inspectors conduct unannounced visits to over 26,000 properties across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica each year. During these evaluations, they objectively assess the “4 Cs” of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency. Hotels that achieve Four Diamond status distinguish themselves through refined style, upscale amenities, and an outstanding level of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.

Since 1893, The Pfister Hotel has stood as an icon of prestige in Milwaukee, renowned for its gracious service, timeless elegance, and seamless guest experience. As the city’s premier luxury hotel, it offers sensational culinary experiences, from its award-winning steakhouse, Mason Street Grill, and daytime dining at Café at the Pfister, to Blu, its martini bar with panoramic city views, and the historic Lobby Lounge with live evening piano music. Guests can also indulge in the cherished tradition of Afternoon Tea, offered seven days a week and complete with a personal tea butler, or recharge at the hotel’s on-site WELL Spa + Salon. In addition, The Pfister embraces the arts through a variety of distinguished programs, including its internationally-recognized Artist-in-Residence and its new Storyteller-in-Residence programs. The hotel is also home to the largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world.

Recently, The Pfister completed an extensive $20 million renovation, further accentuating the grandeur of its historic lobby and first-floor public spaces, along with revitalizing the hotel’s ballrooms, meeting and event spaces, and guest rooms. With this renovation, the hotel meets the needs of today’s guests while maintaining its rich history and fostering an environment of unmatched elegance.

For more information or to make a reservation at The Pfister, please visit: www.thepfisterhotel.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.