Dining and leisure offer the same elegant trimmings, where the expanse of the common areas draws inspiration from French Renaissance châteaux-style decor. The stained-glass dome crowning The Palm Court creates an idyllic afternoon tea setting, whether in regular season or during the holidays, along with inviting mealtimes. Or nosh at nearly all hours inside The Champagne Bar, where caviar and late-night cocktails close out the evenings in style.
THE PFISTER
MILWAUKEE, WI
After more than 130 years, The Pfister remains a majestic gathering place for events and special occasions in the heart of Milwaukee. Opening in 1893 with groundbreaking features such as electricity and in-room thermostats, the hotel retains its gold-glinted Romanesque style complete with statues, a Victorian-style vaulted ceiling and a fanciful aura.
Guests and event attendees dress to the nines to stroll through the shops and common spaces. The lobby bar houses a piano and prime viewing of the crowds moving through the hotel. On the 23rd floor, Blu looks out over the Milwaukee skyline as an intimate watering hole
— but a glass of champagne upon check-in, when available, might be the sweetest sip of all.
The rooms are also imbued with history, where literature discussing the hotel’ s many art installations and vintage photographs welcome guests with a dose of prestige. For modern campaigns, current treasures await via the hotel’ s Storyteller in Residence. Inaugural resident Megan Dorsey showcases key points in The Pfister’ s lifespan online, while offering a fresh take as a guest.
THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT & SPA
HOT SPRINGS, VA
Touted as the first resort in the United States, The Omni Homestead opened its doors in 1766 to world travelers and guests alike. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia, the connection to nature goes deeper than the resort’ s remote location.
A recent remodel updated property fixtures such as the 483 guest rooms in their
CREDIT: COURTESY PHOTOS