Staying at The Port Hotel

Port Washington, Wisconsin is home to a marina and the shores of Lake Michigan, a quirky and colorful downtown, maritime history, incredibly scenic views, and small town charm. Also, a historic gem of a place to stay: The Port Hotel.

Chad and I explored Port Washington together for the first time, and spent our visit getting familiar with this New England-esque coastal town. We found that The Port Hotel was the perfect place to stay. It was beautiful, elegant, cozy, historic, and perfectly located right off the main drag, making for a walkable weekend of exploring.

Thank you to The Port Hotel for hosting us for an amazing stay! Here’s what to expect when choosing a weekend stay at The Port, in downtown Port Washington.

A bit of history

The building that is now The Port Hotel was originally erected in 1902 under the name Thill’s Hotel (also known as the Port Hotel) in a Neoclassical/Beaux‑Arts style. The structure replaced an older hotel on the same corner of E Main Street, and became the largest lodging house in the city until after World War II.

Over the decades, the building went through several transitions. It housed a restaurant and tavern for years, even as the lodging portion closed in the early 1980s. In 2005, the property was restored and reinvented as The Port Hotel Inn, with ten luxuriously‑appointed guest suites, returning the building to its lodging roots.

Staying here today, there are traces of historical influence throughout, from the architecture to the finishings, with modern comforts throughout.

Location, location, location

Port Washington sits on Lake Michigan’s western shore in Ozaukee County, about 27 miles north of Milwaukee. The downtown district near the hotel offers historic architecture, shoreline views, and a variety of cultural markers. The harbor, historic pier, and walks along the lakefront are a major part of the city’s appeal.

Staying downtown means you’re within walking distance of what Port Washington has to offer. This includes charming shops, restaurants, and the marina.

The Port Hotel overlooks the heart of the city’s historic main street, making it easy to step out and explore. After a day of wandering, returning to a comfortable room at The Port Hotel feels restful and well‑earned.

We loved how walkable our entire stay was, with an incredible home base, right in the thick of town.

The lodging experience

The Port Hotel offers ten unique suites, each designed with historic character and modern amenities. Our room, called The Playfair, was a spacious, king‑bed suite with a four‑poster bed, gas fireplace, high ceilings, fresh flowers, separate vanity and shower area, wet bar, sitting area, and a whirlpool bath. The design touches were beautiful, classy, and elegant, and there was an incredible top-floor view of Lake Michigan and Port Washington.

Key amenities include free on‑site parking, complimentary WiFi, and a common room where guests can enjoy grab-and-go breakfast, snacks, coffee, a fridge, and interactions with others staying on the property. It’s important to note that because of the historic nature of the hotel, there is not an elevator.

The hotel balances vintage charm with touches of luxury. We loved the ambiance and historic charm. A major highlight was the fireplace, that elevated any time spent in our room, especially with cooler fall temperatures outside. The jacuzzi tub, too, was a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring.

On‑site supper club

One of the perks during our stay was easy access to the Moonlight Tavern and Supper Club, located just downstairs.

The original dining room and bar on the first floor date back to the hotel’s early years. The Moonlight Tavern name pays homage to the Moonlight, an 1856 tall ship that visited Port Washington.

We had a delicious meal at the restaurant, including great drinks, service, and classic supper club fair.

Quick details

Price: Rates vary by suite and season, starting at $139
Website: theporthotel.com
Reservations: either call 262-235-1990 or book online
Check in: 3 p.m.
Check out: 11 a.m.
Address: 101 E. Main Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
Parking: Free on‑site parking provided

Note: The building is historic and has no elevator — if you have mobility needs or carry heavy luggage, request a lower‑floor room.

If you’re looking for a Wisconsin lakeshore stay that prioritizes character, comfort, and a touch of elegance—The Port Hotel is well worth considering.

When you visit, be sure to let them know that Sunshine with Savannah sent you!

---