Milwaukee Marriott Downtown set to open Wednesday

MILWAUKEE (June 25, 2013) – The Milwaukee Marriott Downtown, the new, full-service hotel will officially open to the public on Wednesday, June 26 – weeks ahead of the anticipated mid-July opening. The hotel’s restaurant, Millioke – Meat. Cheese. Beer., as well as the adjoining full-service Starbucks and upscale jeweler, Schwanke-Kasten, will also open for business on Wednesday.

“This is a very exciting time for Milwaukee and for everyone involved with the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown,” said Jeffrey S. Hess, the hotel’s general manager. “Being able to open ahead of schedule to accommodate Summerfest and the busy summer season in Milwaukee is a testament to all of the hard work put forth by our construction and design crews, staff and partners. We are thrilled to begin welcoming guests to this beautiful new space and look forward to making the hotel and restaurant a destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Rooms at the hotel have already been reserved for Wednesday night, Hess said, and the Marriott anticipates greeting its first guests on Wednesday morning.

Room reservations can be made online at www.marriott.com/mkedn or by calling 1-877-224-1990.

Information for group bookings and events can be found online or by calling 414-278-5999.

Hess said the new hotel already has booked a number of corporate groups and has received numerous inquiries about weddings and other special events.

“This hotel is truly a unique addition to downtown Milwaukee – blending modern luxury with the historic façades and architectural elements of the dilapidated buildings that once stood in its place,” Hess said. “We hope our hotel and restaurant guests can feel the history and spirit of Milwaukee throughout the building.”

The $54 million Milwaukee Marriott Downtown fronts North Milwaukee Street and East Wisconsin Avenue and was constructed around the existing Johnson Bank building. The hotel was designed by Milwaukee-based architecture and design firm Kahler Slater and incorporates a majority of the existing 19th century Wisconsin Avenue buildings that originally stood on the site and their historic façades. It will have 205 guest rooms, meeting and banquet space, a pool and fitness center, a Concierge Lounge, and a full range of hotel services and amenities.

“This hotel offers all of the luxury that comes with Marriott’s strong international brand along with smart design in a high-profile location,” said George Meyer, Kahler Slater CEO. “Guests familiar with other Marriott properties will recognize the brand’s signature features and enjoy discovering this hotel’s many unique design elements.”

The new Milwaukee Marriott Downtown has hired nearly 130 local residents to work throughout the hotel and restaurant. Staff have undergone extensive training over the past several weeks in preparation for opening.

“We are all looking forward to welcoming guests and providing them with the best possible stay in downtown Milwaukee,” Hess said.