Hotel Metro opens its doors to LGBT community

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In the heart of downtown Milwaukee, on the corner of Mason and Milwaukee Streets, sits Hotel Metro, an establishment lauded by the New York Times as “brilliantly designed” and “where to stay” in Milwaukee.

Metro is an all-suite, art deco-inspired hotel. Metro’s suites are not large; they are huge. They have 550 square feet of space on average and many of them feature in-room Jacuzzis. The hotel has gathered awards and praise right and left, from being recommended by Travel + Leisure magazine and TripAdvisor to being certified by Travel Green Wisconsin.

Hotel Metro prides itself on its status as an independent boutique hotel operating in the midst of national hotel chains in the downtown area.

It is also an establishment that is rich in history. Hotel Metro’s building dates to the 1930s and was once used primarily for offices. Its décor, which includes bamboo flooring, era-appropriate black walnut veneers, and colorful custom-designed carpeting throughout the building, was led by the famed culinary artist and interior designer Madame Liane Kuony, of Fond du Lac.

Hotel Metro has long been a supporter of the LGBT community. It has previously provided space for organizations such as the Chamber, the Wisconsin Gazette and the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. It has also lent its iconic taxi out for use in the Milwaukee Pride Parade and was a featured vendor at the Chamber’s wedding expos.

With the marriage-equality ban lifted in Wisconsin, Hotel Metro looks to further cement its support of the community and become southeastern Wisconsin’s premier venue for LGBT wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Even before the marriage ban was lifted, Hotel Metro had played host to several same-sex ceremonies and receptions. It now has several weddings booked for the spring. The hotel’s small, intimate venue and accessible downtown location have been among the main draws for LGBT couples in the area.

The Metro Ballroom features 13-foot ceilings and antique fabric walls, and can hold up to 125 guests. Smaller areas include Zen on 7, a 50-guest space with access to an open-air rooftop deck.

There is also a quiet 24-guest annex within Pastiche at the METRO Restaurant.

Pastiche at the METRO joined Hotel Metro on Sept. 1. Pastiche is a popular independent restaurant that opened in Bay View. The owner, Mike Engle, was the original executive chef when Hotel Metro opened in 1997. He has now passed the executive chef torch to the young and talented Rachael Karr. Karr is among a growing number of female executive chefs in the industry. She brings her talent and flare to banquet and restaurant menus, preparing Pastiche’s signature French and Mediterranean fare using locally sourced products whenever possible.

Hotel Metro has a long-standing commitment to diversity. It is an establishment that is not only welcoming and inclusive to LGBT guests but also all members of the community. The staff at both Hotel Metro and Pastiche at the Metro promise great attention to detail and warm service to any and all who choose Hotel Metro for their visiting guests and events.