The Hilton Milwaukee City Center is bringing back a swanky lounge from years past.
The hotel has started renovation of its Monarch Ballroom to turn it into the Monarch Lounge, an old-fashioned lobby lounge in art deco style, said Steve Magnuson, vice president and general manager at the Hilton.
A lobby lounge was part of the hotel when it opened in 1927 as The Schroeder Hotel at 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. At some point the lounge closed, and the space was converted to the Monarch Ballroom.
The new lounge will have a “living room” feel, with a bar, seating areas, a “media center” and a stone and metal fireplace, Magnuson said. It will include floor-to-ceiling mahogany wood panels, leather chairs and original crystal chandeliers. The hotel also has taken down the walls facing the lobby and opened up 30-foot windows along the eastern wall, offering a new view of downtown.
“It makes a much more grand entrance into the hotel, more of a gathering place,” Magnuson said.
The Monarch, expected to open in August, will offer classic cocktails, wine by the glass and craft beers. The food will be small plates such as calamari, prosciutto bruschetta and chicken pot stickers. Live piano music will be offered every night.
