MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s newest hotel near Fiserv Forum, The Trade, opens May 18. The hotel is part of an “Autograph Collection” by Marriott.

General Manager Rich Lundt said the hotel is symbolic of Milwaukee’s history.

General Manager Rich Lundt at The Trade hotel in Milwaukee. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“The Trade was designed to pay homage to the traders and tradesmen that built our city, the men and women who built our city, and there are so many design elements in the hotel that really epitomize Milwaukee,” said Lundt.

From a sculpture of Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge in the hotel lobby to replica beer kettles inspired by the city’s brewing industry, Lundt said the hotel’s design and its location are key to the guest experience.

On the left, beer kettle replicas honor Milwaukee's brewing history. On the right, a Hoan Bridge replica is displayed in the lobby. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“It’s just really incredible space, really some of the best seats in the city of Milwaukee, incredible views. You almost feel like you are part of the Deer District,” said Lundt.

The Trade has 207 guest rooms, two restaurants and a gastropub on the ground floor. Its Presidential Suite on the top of the hotel is a 2,100-square-foot, two-level space. It has a private kitchen and two balconies.

Second floor of The Trade hotel in Milwaukee. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Lundt said he hopes to attract more sports and entertainment celebrities to Milwaukee with the luxury suite.

“I think sometimes some concerts may bypass staying in Milwaukee. We’ve got an incredible venue now where they can stay here, in some cases, for several nights while they tour to other cities,” he said.

Lundt said besides drawing in people from out of town, he plans to engage in community partnerships as well.