Wisconsin Hotels and Milwaukee Earn Top Rankings
The Pfister Hotel and Milwaukee were among the state locations recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler awards.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Hotels
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Milwaukee and the Pfister Hotel have achieved top marks in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Readers selected these Wisconsin destinations based on their experiences voting on cities, hotels, and spas across the globe.
Why it matters
These awards provide travelers with vetted recommendations for high-quality destinations, highlighting the ongoing appeal of Wisconsin's hospitality sector. The recognition reinforces the state's status as a competitive player in the regional and international tourism markets.
The Pfister Hotel earned the No. 1 spot for Midwest hotels and 24th globally. Other state standouts included the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee at 7th and The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse at 8th, alongside two spas, Sundara Inn & Spa and Wild Rice Retreat.
The players
Condé Nast Traveler
This is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine that publishes annual surveys to gauge reader sentiment on global travel destinations.
The Pfister Hotel
Located in Milwaukee, this historic hotel has become a regular fixture in national travel rankings since 2017.
The details
The rankings were determined entirely by reader participation in the annual survey conducted by the magazine. Multiple locations across the state were honored, including destination spas in Wisconsin Dells and Bayfield that achieved national rankings.
Timeline
The Pfister Hotel first began receiving these annual awards in 2017.
The current rankings were officially announced in 2026.
Travel Outlook
The recognition of these Wisconsin venues fits into a broader seasonal cycle where luxury travel rankings influence tourist planning for the following year. These awards highlight how specific regional properties maintain market share against global competition through consistent quality.
Travelers looking to stay at these award-winning properties should consider booking well in advance to accommodate increased demand following the announcement. Prices and availability at recognized hotels like the Pfister are subject to change as public interest grows.
The takeaway
Travel rankings serve as a valuable tool for identifying consistently high-performing accommodations, helping travelers narrow down choices in a crowded market. Visitors planning trips to Wisconsin can use these results to vet potential stays for upcoming vacations.
Further reading
For more information on top-rated accommodations, explore our Hotels section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Journal Sentinel.
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