Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast — Hotel in Milwaukee

Came here for tea with my husband and daughter. My husband booked tea for my birthday. The website said it was suitable for children 5+. I'll just say the owner was very inhospitable toward us, especially my daughter, who is 5 and was very much looking forward to a real life tea party. From the moment she answered the door, it was as if we were a big inconvenience. She opened the door and asked "Can I help you?". Like we were in the wrong place. It would have been more welcoming to answer the door and say "Hello, are you here for a reserved tea time?" We waited a few minutes in the parlor while she finished setting up the tea buffet which was fine because I was able to take some pictures with my daughter. My husband had bought us nice hats to wear and we got dressed up and I did my daughter's hair and makeup (for the first time). The owner, who I assume is Laura, offered me their birthday crown if I would like to wear it but I politely declined because I was wearing the special hat my husband had gotten me. Laura replied with "It's big and beautiful but that's fine", like I offended her by not wearing it. My daughter, who is very much a girly girl, excitedly said she would wear it. Laura replied it was only for the birthday girl. Again, I don't know if she has children or not but would it have been such a problem for my daughter to wear it? Or even maybe let her see it and take a quick picture wearing it? Laura then offered me to pick my special birthday tea cup to use and again my daughter didn't understand it was meant for me to chose and picked one. Once again, Laura corrected her and said it was just meant for me. I understand that and all but she's a little girl and a softer tone would have been appreciated. The tea was good and we appreciated being able to try a variety. The remainder of the time was enjoyable until we went to leave and my daughter accidentally knocked over a tea cup that had an ounce or so left in it. I apologized for the accident and also had my daughter apologize. Neither apology was met with a response. Not a "that's ok" or "don't worry about it". Overall the experience was soured by the lack of hospitality. Laura's attitude toward my daughter was abrasive and it seemed very much like we were judged right off the bat. By reading the other reviews and her responses to those reviews is she makes snap judgements about people and that is how she treats you. So if you give her a good impression, you shouldn't have a problem but if she doesn't like you for whatever reason, then expect...

I brought my mom and my 5 year old daughter who is absolutely obsessed with tea parties and we thought she'd love to have a real life experience. I chose Schuster intentionally because I wanted the Victorian setting and I would always prefer to support a small business. We'd been planning it for a couple of months, bought fun outfits, and got all excited waiting for tea day.

We arrived about 10 minutes early and spent time in the garden which is well-maintained and a gorgeous place to sit and chat. We were taking photos by the roses and loving the scenery. The tea service was well-organized and explained. There was some freedom to move about the first floor of the mansion and read about the history of the mansion and family. The hosts are diligent about details in the place settings and china. They had a delightful tea buffet with 7 different teas and a nice spread of sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches.

A comment by the hostess about children's behavior in the past in the mansion was abrupt and off-putting. I was glad my daughter didn't hear it from the bathroom. As we were leaving because I said something along the lines of my daughter is ready to leave and I wanted to make sure we were paid and closed out, she responded that's why they suggest ages 8 and up because the little ones don't have the attention span or something like along those lines while my 5 year old was next to me-completely aware that she's not 8. I was kind in the moment, but it really felt unnecessary because my daughter was very sweet and well-behaved the entire time. We had been there for almost an hour and 40 minutes. The tone made it feel like "don't bring her back until she's 8," and I will take the hint. The comments didn't take away from us sharing joy with her on the day because we didn't let it, but it was odd and I could have done without it souring the interactions and making us feel like we did something wrong.

That being said, I can understand that not every place is fit for small children. I did not see the age recommendation on the website. I guess I just had hoped for kindness around her being there for this very cool experience that we'd been anticipating together for months.

We'll try a more child-friendly service next time, but I did appreciate the effort made by the owners in the details of the tea service and the...

My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of staying at the Schuster Mansion Bed and Breakfast, hosted by the friendly Rick and Laura. It was an unforgettable experience. Laura is a natural storyteller, weaving captivating tales about everything from local history to the unique knickknacks adorning the mansion. Her warmth and charm make every moment engaging.

Rick, a gourmet cook. He crafts incredible breakfasts that are a highlight of the stay. He credits his culinary skills to Laura’s recipes and guidance, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Over our three-day visit, we enjoyed a variety of breakfasts, including delicate crepes, a mouthwatering apple French toast, and a savory egg dish that was simply great. Every meal was delicious and beautifully presented.

The mansion itself is a step back in time, exuding late 1800s elegance. The ornate foyer welcomes you with high ceilings, thick rugs, and walls adorned with vintage art and photographs. A massive mirror in the entryway is perfect for snapping selfies or checking your look. The grand staircase, with its intricate woodwork, detailed cove molding, newel posts, and balusters, is a true masterpiece. The sitting room and living room are filled with fascinating antiques, teacups, dinner sets, and curiosities that could keep you exploring for hours. A sunroom with a charming table overlooks a well-maintained English garden, complete with neatly trimmed hedges, vibrant flowers, and a picturesque pergola with tables for outdoor relaxation. The patio and garden are perfect for unwinding, and the property offers safe parking for six or seven cars in a spacious driveway.

Our room, named Richard’s Den, was impeccably clean and tastefully decorated with late 1800s charm, featuring period-appropriate furnishings and unique touches. Despite the historical ambiance, modern amenities like a Roku-enabled TV with Netflix, Prime, etc as well as cable tv ensured we had all the entertainment options we needed.

The Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a gem for anyone seeking a relaxing, luxurious getaway. The combination of Rick and Laura’s hospitality, the stunning historic setting, and the exceptional food makes this a must-visit. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable escape. Book your stay—you won’t be...