If you're wishing for a summer "staycation" with a bit of colonial Williamsburg history added, The Delafield Hotel has just what you're looking for.
And, as further assurance, National Geographic Traveler is telling you to go.
National Geographic Traveler recently selected The Delafield Hotel, 415 Genessee St., to their "2009 Stay List." The Delafield Hotel, along with Milwaukee's Hotel Metro and the new Iron Horse Hotel, received top honors from National Geographic Traveler as one of only 15 hotels in the Midwest worthy of a traveler's choice.
At first glimpse, the reasons behind National Geographic Traveler's choice are made clear. Located just a half block from downtown Delafield, this boutique hotel hits authenticity on the head.
Although the red brick building was built in just 1995, the tall, looming colonial structure appears historic with wooden verandas, heavy oak doors and early American outdoor sconces.
The lobby, adorned with antiques and original oil paintings from owner Robert Lang's personal collection, mixes authentic artifacts with realistic replicas. Designed to transport the traveler to a colonial mansion, the first floor connects Andrew's Restaurant, two banquet facilities, a lobby area and sitting room.
The 38-room boutique hotel boasts personal service and individualized comfort. A converted warehouse, each room's slightly different layout results in four various suite options. Wisconsin made Kohler fixtures are standard in the oversized, luxury bathrooms and Queen sleigh or canopy beds are made by the classic Baker Furniture Company in Michigan.
Working to recreate the colonial feel, owner Robert Lang purchased and renovated multiple buildings in the Delafield area in the early 1990s. Utilizing many of the properties for Lang Company retail and warehousing, Lang redeveloped a large warehouse in 2006 into what is now The Delafield Hotel.
Thanks to Lang's efforts, the surrounding area mimics the Williamsburg aesthetic and small town feel as guests are within walking distance of Delafield's "historic" shops and restaurants.
Guests don't need to travel far for high class dining though. Attached to the lobby bar, Andrew's Restaurant serves new American cuisine, specializing in original twists on traditional dishes. A dining room offering hidden booths, private seating or gazing outdoor views, Andrew's is more than a hotel restaurant, it's a local favorite.
The Delafield Hotel partners with Erin Hills Golf Course, also owned by Lang. The nearby 580 acre golf course mimics Scottish and Irish courses instilling environmentally friendly practices and grooming standards. The course will host the 2011 U.S. Men's amateur event and is a possible location for the U.S. Men's Open in 2017.
So, pack your golf clubs or plan to simply sit and relax but opt to take your vacation as a "staycation" in Delafield.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
