The Knickerbocker on the Lake — Hotel in Milwaukee

Title: Smoke and Mirrors: A Terrible Experience at The Knickerbocker on the Lake in Milwaukee

Location is not everything.

I recently had the unfortunate experience of staying at The Knickerbocker on the Lake in Milwaukee, and I must say that my overall impression was far from positive. From the very beginning, my booking experience left much to be desired. Despite having a 25% off promotion, I was informed of black-out dates that were conveniently not stated on the booking slip or the website. When I called to inquire, I was given a higher rate over the phone. However, when I decided to book online instead, I found that the rate was actually cheaper. This kind of inconsistency and lack of transparency was a red flag from the start.

As I arrived at the hotel, the first issue arose when parking in front of the building was virtually impossible. I was forced to park several blocks away and walk back to the hotel, which was an inconvenience, especially with luggage in tow. Adding insult to injury, I noticed a complete absence of luggage racks upon entering the premises. It seemed like a small detail, but it reflected the lack of attention to guest comfort and convenience.

The real nightmare began at the front desk. The agent I encountered was not only rude and dismissive but also seemed visibly annoyed by my presence. I felt unwelcome and inconvenienced, which is the last thing one expects during a honeymoon/vacation. When I asked about parking options, I was informed that it would cost an additional $20 per day. Frankly, the idea of paying that much for a non-secured parking area, exposed to the elements and potentially accessible to anyone, was absurd. The hotel was clearly trying to nickel and dime its guests, and this exorbitant fee was in no way justified by the location.

To make matters worse, the room itself was disappointing. It was small and far from clean. I could immediately detect the smell of mold emanating from the air conditioning, which was not only unpleasant but also a health concern. Mirrors and other touch surfaces were visibly dirty, and I even discovered personal items left behind by previous occupants. The lack of attention to cleanliness and maintenance was simply unacceptable.

Additionally, the room was not turned down during my stay, despite my request and the hotel's knowledge that I would be working during my time there. The Wi-Fi was also unreliable and insecure in my room, prompting me to request a different wifi login room. The alternative room, on a different floor, had a weak signal, making it difficult for me to stay connected. It was clear that the hotel's claim of providing amenities and services fell flat in reality.

Speaking of services, despite the hotel having a restaurant attached, there was no room service available. This was highly inconvenient, especially when considering the prices at the restaurant, which were outrageously inflated. The lack of reasonable pricing and the absence of basic amenities within the hotel only solidified my impression that The Knickerbocker on the Lake is nothing more than a deceptive trap.

All in all, my experience at The Knickerbocker on the Lake was a complete disaster. The initial booking issues, rude front desk staff, lack of cleanliness and maintenance in the room, along with the absence of essential amenities and overpriced services, made it clear that this hotel is not worth the hype. I strongly advise anyone considering a stay here to seek out alternative accommodations. My partner and I will certainly never return to this establishment again. Your guest in room 315 July...

Very disappointed in the Knickerbocker’s handling of the block reservation for our wedding weekend. After deciding to change dates, confirming those dates, amount of rooms and rates with the Knickerbocker and being told I would have a contract to sign at the end of the day, I never received said contract and instead days later received an email from management saying they aren’t taking block reservations and will not send me a contract.

No apology. No explanation of why these actions were taken. No explanation of what our options were going forward.

When the above was questioned, I was accused of “accosting” the general manager. Their “apology” ended up being a non apology. “Apologies that you were unable to see things from our perspective.”

Everyone do yourself a favor and skip this place especially if your hoping for a good place for a group. There are plenty of hotels in Milwaukee that treat their customers with respect and clarity.

EDIT AS I AM UNABLE TO REPLY TO THE FALSEHOODS SHARED IN THE KNICKERBOCKERS RESPONSE

Our original block reservation was made May 2020 when we were at the height of the initial wave of COVID. I had already been watching people die for weeks from the virus at work. Our block was NOT MADE PRE COVID.

You agreed to terminate our original block at no penalty because the contract we signed made NO MENTION of a penalty to cancel or change the date or any details of the block reservation.

I have email proof of me asking for a block for 2022 specifically and CONFIRMATION from the Knickerbocker on those 2022 dates, room numbers and rates. It was only after agreement to send over a contract to solidify those details legally that I was notified out of thin air that you were no longer accepting block reservations.

You indicated ONCE, not several times, that the knickerbocker would consider a block reservation in the future at an unspecified date and only after I had to ask if you still even wanted our business at all.

I never said I needed an immediate answer. I said I need communication on what our options were.

Block reservations have no impact on a hotels ability to maintain social distancing. Your hotel already has a policy on how many people can be in a room at a given time and I see from other reviews you’ve stuck to that and kicked people out for having more. We had no restaurant or meeting room reservations that would have been impacted by COVID.

And your response to this still lacks the very first thing that should have been stated and has never been stated. An apology for the inconvenience that your new policy has...

Situated in Milwaukee's Yankee Hill neighborhood, the Knickerbocker was originally developed as a residential apartment hotel. The area, historically known as "Yankee Hill," attracted many of Milwaukee's early leaders due to its proximity to downtown and scenic views along Lake Michigan. The neighborhood experienced significant transformation in the early 20th century, with many single-family homes converted into rooming houses or replaced by apartment buildings and residential hotels like the Knickerbocker.

Throughout its history, the Knickerbocker has served various purposes. In its early years, it provided apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens and private baths. The hotel also featured amenities such as a commissary offering fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as a bookshop specializing in rare and out-of-print books. Additionally, its elegant ballroom hosted events accommodating groups ranging from 300 to 600 people.

Sally's Steak House was a renowned restaurant located in Milwaukee's Knickerbocker Hotel during the 1970s. Owned and operated by Sally Papia, it became a favored gathering spot for local politicians, businessmen, and members of organized crime.

Papia, often referred to as the "Milwaukee Queen Bee of Organized Crime," was known for her assertive personality and connections to the Chicago Outfit, particularly through her relationship with mobster Frank "Big Frank" Buccieri.

Closing in on the 100 year mark now the Knickerbocker has seen and underwent several transformations. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the building was converted into a condominium and hotel complex. Today, it offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to one-bedroom suites with lake views. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as The Knick Restaurant, which provides upscale dining in a casual atmosphere, and the Knick Salon & Spa, offering various rejuvenating services.

The Knickerbocker on the Lake is a historic hotel located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at 1028 East Juneau Avenue.

Opened in 1929, it was designed in the Neo-Classical Revival architectural style by the Milwaukee architectural firm Rossman & Wierdsma. The building features eight stories constructed of reddish brick adorned with terra cotta details. Notably, the first two floors are covered with terra cotta panels, and the eighth floor is distinguished by a terra...