When you travel a lot, hotels can start to look the same. Not the case with the Marcus Hotels and Resorts re-concepting of the former Intercontinental Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Saint Kate Arts Hotel opened in June and will become your new favorite place to stay every time you visit the city.
Saint Kate Arts Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, across the street from the Performing Arts Center – a big hint of all you will experience at the Saint Kate Arts Hotel – is Milwaukee’s first foray into a hotel that highlights art, music, performance and theater. You will find art galleries within the hotel that showcase Milwaukee artists at their finest. The Downtown exhibit highlights local artists who were asked to create a visual conversation about Milwaukee as a city.
Artist, Brema Brema
An enormous sculpture in the stairwell created by artist, Jason S. Yi, made out of insulation foam, wood and latex paint.
Don’t you always want to know what is at the top of the ladder and in the box? Well, here you can see for yourself in The Closet.
Design elements throughout the hotel that make you stop, gaze at the sculpture or painting, turn your head ever so slightly and then see the message the artist intended.
Design plays a huge part in not only the open, airy, contemporary and beautifully designed lobby but also in the hotel rooms themselves. As we toured the rooms, Designer, Linda Marcus, pointed out each unique piece of art on the wall, fabric, sink and paint stating the artist’s name and expertise. The foresight to be able to create such an artistic space that seamlessly becomes a welcoming environment is true talent.
Designed by Artist, Daniel Chung. Sink by Kohler.
Even the closet has been touched. “Summer Walk” by Todd Mrozinski.
Artist Designed Guest Rooms at the Saint Kate
In fact, there are five guest rooms that are incredibly memorable in their individualistic look that is a reflection of the artist themselves. Their history, story and talent is evident in their designs. When guests choose to stay in one of these rooms, a portion of the room sales will go to a local charity.
Music at the Saint Kate
This is a performing arts hotel so it seems fitting to walk in to the hotel room and find a record player and albums. You are encouraged to choose the type of music you enjoy listening too as you relax in your room or get ready for the day or night. There is even a “library” of albums in the reception area to pick from if you want something different than what was in your room. Plus, resting in one of the comfy chairs is a ukulele with instructions on a song to play. And yes, I did try my hand at it.
Within the hotel is a Black Box Theater with about 90 seats in it that is nimble enough to be used for many different purposes. Concerts. Shows. Dinners. Meetings.
Saint Kate Arts Dining
No matter where you look in the Saint Kate Arts Hotel, you find art that captures your attention. The big bar in the center of the first floor is an easy place to grab a drink and hang out with friends and colleagues.
Seating in the lobby with the large picturesque windows is designed to encourage conversations or to simply relax and take it all in. In addition, there is also a good work table for those needing space to get through those to-do lists.
The Saint Kate offers numerous dining venues including Giggly, an appropriately named champagne and wine bar, a secret space known as The Dark Room for upscale dining, the Bar for coffee, drinks and bites, Neopolitan pizza at Proof Pizza and all day dining from Aria. Ballrooms for meetings and celebrations are available as well.
Milwaukee’s new Saint Kate Arts Hotel has a passion for combining art and hospitality. Every time you walk through the space, there is a new piece of art that will attract you. Come explore this contemporary hotel for yourself. Immerse yourself in the creativity and expression. After all, Saint Catherine was the patron saint of artists and the original champion of the creative process. Beauty is all around you at the Saint Kate Arts Hotel.
For additional information or to make reservations, please contact the Saint Kate Arts Hotel. For places to visit while you are in Milwaukee, here are a few suggestions.
