The Iron Horse Hotel

If you’re in the upscale Midwestern Harley-riding demographic that The Iron Horse Hotel is aimed at (yes, you read that right) then chances are you already know about it. Not only is it a high-end boutique hotel in a contemporary urban-loft style, which is remarkable enough for Milwaukee as it is, but it’s certainly the world’s first such hotel with a motorcycling theme — and it’s definitely no coincidence that the Harley-Davidson museum is just across the street.

It’s not as odd as it sounds. Riders find covered bike parking, plenty of storage space for leathers and helmets, and a general ruggedness to the interiors — no fear of kicking over something delicate with a boot-shod foot. Bike agnostics, however, still benefit from the Iron Horse’s unique personality, and the rooms are as plush as any: 42-inch LCD televisions, spa-like bathrooms, and in-room bars stocked with full-size wine bottles. Book a room higher than the second floor for total peace and quiet, as the bar and lobby can get quite festive on weekends.

A small yet well-equipped gym and spa complete the package, along with a classic oak-paneled bar and grill and a fine contemporary American restaurant. A scary biker bar it certainly isn’t — just a stylish and luxurious hotel that’s bike-friendly to boot.