Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Bed & breakfast · Concordia

Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Bed & breakfast · Concordia

2

3209 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

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Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null
Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast by null

Highlights

Nestled in a charming turreted mansion from the late 1800s, this historic B&B offers delightful themed high teas and beautifully curated antique-filled rooms.  

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3209 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 Get directions

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3209 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 Get directions

+1 414 342 3210
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Mar 4, 2025

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@cntraveler

"Let Schuster Mansion comfort you in history and elegance, at the level of your choosing. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by it's rusty, red coloring—a blend of red sandstone, red brick, and red terra cotta trim. The mansion's stand-out coloring only hints at the interior design. Rooms are spacious, and each comes with a vintage, claw foot tub that taunts you with the promise of a luxurious bubble bath. Enjoy the lush, relaxing Victorian Garden or help complete the ever-ongoing jigsaw puzzle in the Ladies’ Parlor. Planning on visiting ahead of the winter holidays? Schuster's Christmas decor is second to none." - Jessi Roti, Joseph Hernandez

5 Best Day Trips from Chicago | Condé Nast Traveler
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@cntraveler

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Let Schuster Mansion comfort you in history and elegance, at the level of your choosing. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by it's rusty, red coloring—a blend of red sandstone, red brick, and red terra cotta trim. The mansion's stand-out coloring only hints at the interior design. What's the backstory? The mansion was just one of many grand homes designed at the turn-of-the-century for the newly wealthy elite. Schuster came to life in 1891, the vision of locally renowned architectural firm Crane and Barkhausen in the German Renaissance Revival style. Much of that Germanic craftsmanship, wood carving, and exquisite, embossed ceiling tiles still draw visitors to the bed and breakfast. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Rooms are spacious, and each comes with a vintage, claw foot tub that taunts you with the promise of a luxurious bubble bath. The Prairie Sky and Lone Star rooms share a bathroom, while all others have private facilities. A few suites also include twin beds to comfortably sleep four during a stay. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-fi and onsite parking are both free regardless of booked service level. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? All levels of service include breakfast at your requested time between 7 and 10 a.m., except the economy level. If you really want to make the most of your stay, take breakfast in the conservatory. Guests are also invited to attend a daily high or low tea—which includes entertaining storytelling based on the rotating Theme of the Month, an array of sweets, savory bites and seven different types of teas to sip on. And the service? Schuster Mansion's innkeepers are known to give great tours of the property and ensure accommodations are fit to guests needs, whether they have special dietary needs or allergies. Guests are even given a key to the mansion, so they can feel free to come and go as they please. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Though opulent mansions were the norm when Schuster Mansion was built, and have since been turned into bed and breakfasts themselves, it still manages to separate itself from other aged, architectural estates due to its red color. Any other hotel features worth noting? Enjoy the lush, relaxing Victorian Garden or help complete the ever-ongoing jigsaw puzzle in the Ladies’ Parlor. Plan on visiting ahead of the winter holidays? Schuster's Christmas decor is second to none. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? For a traditional, Victorian-style experience and ambiance, as well as a first-time bed and breakfast stay, Schuster covers all of your basics with a clear style and intention." - Jessi Roti

Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast
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Susan M. Lodwick

Google
Some friends and I came for our second Mollies High Tea because we loved it so much the first time and wanted to see the mansion decked out for Christmas. We even brought our young adult daughter to share the fun and it was worth every penny. From the atmosphere, history, etiquette, and stories, to seven teas and delicious food. We left with our hearts full from the beauty and the wonderful conversations we experienced. Highly recommend.

Darlene Hall

Google
Again, I would like to thank you so much for the lovely time at your beautiful mansion. My only regreats are that my granddaughter got sick and we all missed your delicious breakfast you had planned for us. Laura Sue, you gave a wonderful presentation during our Mollies high tea. You even kept my 8 year old twin granddaughters interested. You and Rick were so welcoming and kind. At every request, you two were there and even giving more. I was so impressed when my granddaughter and I came down to tell you we would not be staying for breakfast, Rick, you were so generous to offer peppermint to my granddaughter who was complaining of a stomach ache. She loved the tea and the care you gave. We will be back to enjoy the entire experience soon.

Jessica Kath

Google
We had a great stay and Mollie's Tea experience at the Mansion! Laura Sue and Rick were so personable and even joined us for tea after breakfast! Our breakfasts were exactly what we wanted, the Mansion was beautiful, the tea was so unique and tasty (and we got to try all 7 different teas!), the Devonshire cream and homemade jam were delicious, and the stories and etiquette lesson at tea were so engaging. We hope to be back with loved ones soon. Thanks Laura Sue and Rick for a memorable anniversary stay!

Diane W

Google
Laura Sue and Rick were the ultimate hosts during our stay at Schuster Mansion. The accommodations were lovely. All the furnishings were true to the time period of the Victorian era. My husband and I awoke each morning to a delicious breakfast. Schuster Mansion was a warm, inviting “home” to stay during our visit to Milwaukee. It was a treat!

Madison Gabriel

Google
This was a great place to stay! Rick and Laura Sue are so kind and welcoming! The mansion is beautiful and filled to the brim with crazy cool antiques. They even recommended that we book directly through them next time instead of through Airbnb because it’s cheaper. How thoughtful! We unfortunately didn’t stay for breakfast but it smelled delicious!

Jeanne Scherkenbach

Google
Today we enjoyed a simply marvelous high tea at the Schuster Mansion. Laura Sue prepared a beautiful (and delicious!) stack of goodies for us to enjoy - which we certainly did! She was a wonderful hostess who joyfully shared stories about the mansion and decorating it with us. After picking out all our special teas -- and the special cups we wanted them served in, we proceeded to a beautiful dining table in a cozy period-decorated alcove. Laura Sue then left us to enjoy the feast ... but was immediately available for service whenever we rang the delightful "service bell". We gleefully devoured all the goodies and even tried to get some of her recipes. We felt totally relaxed and never hurried. Afterwards, we all hurried back to the gift shop to purchase some of the delicious teas, honey and small gifts. We left happy - and are already making plans to return!

Carey F

Google
The afternoon tea was wonderful. The food is really exceptional. I was very impressed with the three savories, they were very flavorful. The homemade Devonshire cream and jam were delicious. I’ve had tea in many famous places, and the food here is ranked at the top. The beautiful dining room was so pleasant, and we were able to sample 8 different teas. This was a fantastic time with friends.

Olivia Goza

Google
We hosted a bridal shower for the day at the Schuster mansion for a tea time. We had approximately 15 guests, which the space can certainly hold. The tea and food was wonderful, however Laura Sue is very unfriendly and unwelcoming. From the time we entered the establishment it felt as though we were an inconvenience to her. There were numerous rude remarks and eye rolls made, such as when she wanted to seat the guests on a very firm deadline and was irritated that a guest was in the bathroom. It felt like we were children being scolded in a classroom when we are grown adults. If you are find with having rude service, then this is your place. If you prefer kind welcoming help, I’d go elsewhere. Very disappointing.

Mary K.

Yelp
Today we had high tea at the Schuster Mansion. It was a great experience. We had a choice of several Harney & Sons teas and could serve ourselves throughout the tea. The owner told very interesting stories about the history of the mansion. The part of the mansion we saw (first floor) was beautiful. It was a two-hour experience and very worthwhile.

Melissa M.

Yelp
The owner has to be the rudest business owner we've ever dealt with. Do not visit! Laura's callus and derogatory responses to prior negative reviews and comments are exactly what you will experience if you choose to visit. If you do reserve afternoon tea you'll also receive an acknowledgment email which states if you need to cancel your reservation that you should understand "your emergency is not her emergency". The old mansion now anchors what would have been a beautiful neighborhood 100 years ago. However this is a much different and seedy neighborhood today. There was an arrest of individuals selling drugs, 8 houses down from the mansion when we left. Our experience: We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation as we've read Laura's responses of people arriving late for their reservation and the grief she gave them. Laura answered the door with no welcome or any positive comment. We actually had to tell her we're there for our afternoon tea reservation and then she resounded with "you're a little early". We advised her we wanted to arrive early as we weren't familiar with Milwaukee. She said "I guess you can come in". She then advised us of the three rooms we could visit while we wait. My wife then asked her if she had a restroom and her response was "yes" without looking at her. We stood there and looked at each other while she paused for a while before she asked if she needed to use it. After my wife exited the restroom, Laura went to go finish prepping we looked around a bit more and noticed it was 85 degrees in the dining room where we were to be seated. At that point , I called out to Laura who was in the kitchen and told her we would be leaving without partaking in her afternoon tea. She asked why and I advised her she has been extremely rude since we arrived and extremely unwelcoming. I then acknowledged we understood we wouldn't be refunded and we did not ask to be. We left understanding we were out over $180 as we prepaid for 3 people.

Mary H.

Yelp
Our Mollie's Tea at Schuster Mansion was a delicious glimpse into the Victorian period. We tasted many teas and enjoyed savory and sweet foods. The mansion is a beautiful example of its era, and it's lovingly cared for by the hosts, Laura Sue and Rick Mosier.

Sondra S.

Yelp
We went to Mollies Tea recently for an over priced lecture and tea with sandwiches and pastries. The tea was very good but was prepared so that the guests had to get up And refill cups. I would have preferred teapot on The table for convenience. The sandwiches were OK and pastries tolerable. Mansion redone nicely but only able to see first floor which is not that impressive. Lastly, the gift shop sold paraphenilia for an Organization called "Truth Patriots" which appears to be a MAGA inspired election denier organization. Let's keep politics out of an afternoon tea, people! Would not recommend.

Wanda F.

Yelp
Molly's Tea at the Schuster Mansion was an experience I will never forget. It is advertised as "an experience that is very unique unlike any other". That's putting mildly! While the food and tea were wonderful, the host, Laura Sue, was one of the rudest people I have ever met. This could have been a very pleasant experience if it weren't for Laura Sue's snippy attitude. I will never recommend this place to anyone.

Devon K.

Yelp
We had a lovely time! It was calm, quiet, and the perfect afternoon experience for adults. The host and hostess were very kind and gave us a lovely look into the history of the mansion and high tea.

Tracy B.

Yelp
Sadly, a historical mansion with such character should be run by someone fulfilled in sharing rich history of the place. If it's not meant for kids of any age then put that right at the top of your policy. Be transparent at time of booking. Better yet, don't oblige, be a nasty host and yet gladly take payment in full. While the curt and snappy retorts may have been lost on the children, it certainly was not lost on me. As an adult, it was a very awkward and unusually negative experience. Funny, I've not had that experience at the tea room at The Pfister. History is for everyone. Clearly just not here.

Amanda W.

Yelp
I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt, that the owner would do the right thing; but her response and lack of follow up has shown she does not intend to. First; as many others indicated not the kindest person running the B&B. Upon check in with another group, 2 men not from the US, one was sharing what he wanted for breakfast: and she responded; "Nope, you're in America.." which was just an ugly comment. For the most part the remainder of the stay was uneventful because we weren't there. But definitely opened the visit on a not so great note. I then got bed bug bites. Giving some grace that I may have had a allergic response to something I gave it a day, showered, but then it was very clear they were bed bug bites. I called to inform them and explain this, at first talking to Rick who seemed genuinely concerned. She grabs the phone then proceeds to say, "No I check the beds." I told her I could send her pictures; and she said, "pictures don't do anything for me, I need to see a bug, I'll look at let you know." Being in healthcare, I'm well aware bed bugs are not just on beds. But she would t even have the conversation long enough to acknowledge that. She said she would call me back but it's been 24 hours with no response. My arms, back and hands are covered, so clearly enough of an infestation to have numerous bites. We stayed in the Mollie Suite. I posted a video of the room, to also just show all the fabric surrounding the bedding that could also be infested, to make the point that just checking a bed may not be sufficient. She needs to get a professional out there asap. Just be cautious.

Haley C.

Yelp
I booked this for my daughter's 7th Birthday Tea Party. While the food and tea were lovely, the host made us feel very unwelcomed, especially for kids (age 7-10). I would not reccomend this place for anyone under the age of 12 years old. Kids clearly triggered her; you couldn't look or touch anything and she made it all feel like scary lesson and not a fun experience for little ones. Again, food and tea was great. It may not matter for all, but just to be aware it is not in a good area at all. Don't book a tea party with kids, she isn't interested in this at all and made it very clear.

Dianna J.

Yelp
We booked a Friday/Saturday stay. Our adult son,wife and their 1and a half year old also booked a room for Saturday. We called the inn to make sure that it was OK to bring a toddler. The owner told us that was fine. When we arrived on Friday they were at a ballgame. Not a problem but she blamed us for her not getting ahold of us in advance to let us know she wouldn't be there. She typed our phone number in incorrectly and said our email was wrong also. Though we did have a confirmation from her for our stay. Imagine driving up to a historic place, in very seedy neighborhood. That is where this place is. She later informed us it wouldn't be safe to go to any of the neighborhood bar and grills because we wouldn't know how to fit in. Our room needed an overhaul! Broken towel holder and toilet paper holder. Paint in bathroom starting to peel by bathtub and cheap towels and second hand curtain rod with plastic cracking. Wallpaper is peeling and overall the whole place is in need of TLC. When our sons family arrived she was rude. If he hadn't had to pay in advance he would have gone elsewhere. The toddler was good the whole night, never cried or whined. But on leaving she said again they don't take children there, but yet they told us it was fine. She said that he kept people awake. Not sure what she was talking about since he was with an uncle elsewhere until about 1am when our event ended and they went back to the inn. She was rude and told us we should have left notes on the reservation, it was her husband who took the reservation and said it was OK. Maybe they should have written notes when they took the reservation. Also ordered their high tea but she didn't tell us where to get it from and she said it was our fault because we should have basically known that it was left on a back board to collect. They tried to sell but it fell through so they are left running it until they can find a buyer. It needs lots of repairs, upgrades and TLC. Also maybe safer location.

Michelle C.

Yelp
My husband booked the Serenity Room as well as Mollie's tea for my birthday. Upon our arrival special attention to my birthday was made, and during the high tea as well. The owners, Rick and Laura Sue, were very friendly, and so attentive throughout our stay. Laura Sue even recommended a wonderful restaurant, and set up a reservation for our dinner. Everything served during Mollie's tea, coffee and tea delivered to our room the next morning and our breakfast set up in the conservatory was all amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Mansion, and it made for a fun, relaxing and memorable birthday!

Cameron Q.

Yelp
We went here for high tea experience. It was very unique compared to my previous English tea experience. The cost is $48 each person but it was so worth it because we got to taste 7 different kind of teas. It was a tea buffet. Also, you may be seated with other people. We got to chat with some other people In our tea event. It was nice. Laura Sue and Rick were wonderful as hostesses. They taught us a lot about Victorian history, and etiquettes. The food was good. We were not a big fan of the savory finger foods but the desserts were wonderful. We especially liked the homemade jams and the puff pastry. Now, let's talk about the mansion. It was so beautiful. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. My boyfriend and I would probably come back here to stay for a night and enjoy tea time.

Dara M.

Yelp
I had high expectations prior to arrival at the Schuster Mansion. After doing quite a bit of research online, I decided to splurge for one night and stay at the Schuster. There are a number of different rooms, some at quite a budget price. I opted to stay in the prized room for full service, Richard's Den, for $248.33. They offered a $25 up charge to check out late (at 3pm) which I initially found reasonable. Communication by email wasn't the best, but I support local businesses so overlooked the tone. Richard's Den is apparently the master bedroom at the front of the property overlooking the street with its own bathroom. I checked in late, around 10 pm, due to my flight. I had strict instructions to call when I arrived as the owners awaken early. Rick met me at the door and was very nice and welcoming. He discussed a brief history of their home, and took my breakfast order. I'd asked for a cup of coffee to be delivered to the room, and tea with breakfast. I mentioned I would be checking out early, instead of 3pm. I was not offered my $25 late check out fee. Rick offered me a short tour, gave me a bottle of wine, offered cookies, and carried my bag up to my room. My first indication that, perhaps, this might not be an ideal stay- ear plugs located by the bed. I found out why around one am when I heard gun shots and cars bumping with music drive by. Thankfully, the mansion has its own parking lot so I wasn't overly concerned. I was awakened by bright early morning light- some of the windows don't have shades, and sounds of loud construction at 0600. I heard a knock at the door and found a breakfast tray with a big pot of coffee... and two cups. Oh! Not my tray! Too early. At 0830, per request, a tray was delivered to my outside table with a small tea pot and complimentary banana bread with clotted cream. While I initially thought I'd ordered coffee, I tried the tea. It was a weak black tea lacking in robust flavor of a traditional English tea. I was happy for the banana bread. I got dressed and roamed about the pretty gardens at 0840. I was told my breakfast wouldn't be ready until my initially requested time of 0915. The breakfast options were ok. I had an egg soufflé and pecan French toast. The French toast was quite sugary, which for me- the sweet toothed fiend- is saying something. Overall, the food was ok. I can see they intended for the menu to reflect a gourmet style with the end result feeling like maybe they tried too hard. I met Laura, the other owner, who was nice. Overall, the stay was ok. I like the historical house. I like the business model, especially offering high teas. The teas offered are more floral combinations, not traditional. If you're looking for a unique stay, some of the rooms are more affordable. The rooms closer to the interior or back of the house are, by some accounts, quieter. It is nice to have tea/coffee delivered to your room and also good to have breakfast. The room also included Netflix and Apple TV.

Anne S.

Yelp
Our experience with Mollie's Tea was definitely mixed. The pluses: the gorgeously landscaped backyard, the beautifully presented light lunch, the variety of teas, and the history lesson (despite some misinformation). The minuses: Laura Sue's lack of customer service skills... her disapproving looks (we were told we were "breaking the rules" asking to use the restroom before being seated), her noticeable lack of warmth, and her numerous inappropriate and off-putting remarks. She threw shade at the Pfister, told us all how much she paid for her very expensive personal elliptical and personal Sleep Number bed, used the word "detox" to describe her need to get away from the Victorian decor and have her living space ultra modern, and talked quite a bit about her personal experiences with God and the devil. It's great to be proud of what one's created, but Laura Sue's attitude veers into arrogance. Her bluntness and inappropriate comments are quite at odds with the warmth and hospitality one expects from and looks forward to from an innkeeper. Most shockingly, I overheard her ringing up another guest's bill and asking them point blank why they didn't add a gratuity. The poor guest looked stunned and I believe said something about being a recent widow at which point Laura Sue responded something to the effect of, "That's how we make our money." Wow. A guest should never be put on the spot like that. Especially an older guest who quite likely is on a fixed income. Tipping is a CHOICE. Laura Sue just stared at her and did not offer any type of apology or an "I'm sorry for your loss." Frankly, I'm not clear why a gratuity is even expected when one has already paid for the event. Especially when the food, with the exception of the jam and cream, was catered. When I spoke with Laura Sue on the phone, she compared Mollie's Tea to that of a Broadway show... in keeping with her analogy, one buys a ticket for an event and is not expected to tip the actors or theatre staff. Also, I would suggest that if she is able to afford an expensive bed and elliptical as she shared with us, she is not in need of a tip. When reading Laura Sue's responses to negative reviews, it's striking how defensive, aggressive, and rude they are. She consistently blames the guest. While it's never easy to hear criticism, one would hope that a business owner would respond with grace and humility and, ideally, use the experience as a learning opportunity. A thank you for the feedback along with a simple apology that expectations weren't met and/or for any confusion, is all that is needed, and would give people MORE confidence in the business and the owner's customer service skills. No reviewers minimized the amount of work it takes to run a business... rather, when guests were disappointed, they consistently had issues with how they were treated/how they were made to feel like burdens or inconveniences. No matter how lovely the environment, how the host makes their guests feel is ultimately what people are going to remember. It's quite jarring to hear the owner talk about owning the B&B as "God's will" for her life, yet be so unkind to people and to have such limited self-awareness.

Ryan M.

Yelp
Bates mansion! Terrible location. Service needs an overhaul, not the relaxing experience as expected.

Tyrone H.

Yelp
The hospitality The place was so very clean I would recommend anyone to visit. They treat you like home away from home excellent gift shop.parking was good you feel real secure and relaxed don't miss an opportunity

Cameron A.

Yelp
They are really nice here. The place is beautiful. It's very relaxing and the tea is very good.

Jillian K.

Yelp
What a true disappointment, the hostess/owner of this establishment made this an awful experience. For someone who claims to know correct manners and etiquette she was certainly lacking on quite a few. Perhaps she can enroll herself in some etiquette classes and learn what is proper etiquette before she trys and teach others and claim to know what she is talking about . I'm sure these classes would teach her what is appropriate attire for an afternoon tea (not a minni denim skirt) how to serve and clear a table ( etiquette states that you do not clear a table until everyone at the table has finished, etiquette also states that you do not ask if "they are done", a turkey is done not someone who is dining, instead you ask someone if "they are finished", learning how to properly clean out your teacup and saucers, I had to grab three different teacups till I found one that was semi clean. The food was subpar, I felt like there was cat hair in some of what I was eating. I'm sure there's at least one or two healthcode violations happening at this establishment. Perhaps investing in a copy of Emily Post would teach her how to be a better mannered and more gracious hostess.

Antonia P.

Yelp
It goes without saying this Mansion is a beautiful venue for events and tea parties, but families with children beware - it is NOT a child friendly establishment. You will see other reviews about this as well. Take them all seriously. I will admit there's breakable china and crystal everywhere, so I'm sure it makes the owner (Laura) nervous when children are around. However, her attitude toward young children and their families is cringe-worthy. Lots of obvious passive aggression, condescending statements, and "shushing". It was highly unusual behavior for someone to display toward guests, and it was uncomfortable to witness.

Ellen M.

Yelp
High tea was lovely but the hostess was not. She complained about former guests, admonished me for my grammar when I asked if there was a bathroom for tea guests, and chastised a guest for adding her charge incorrectly, all in a sweet but yet uncomfortably passive aggressive way. I'm not saying don't visit, as the tea and food was wonderful, and perhaps she was having a bad day, but I left not feeling respected.

Golden R.

Yelp
My daughter and I thought this trip would be a nice little getaway and a wonderful fancy "princess" adventure for my 7-year-old granddaughter. Au contraire! The property is beautiful inside and out. The owners, sadly and critically, not so much. Unlike many of the reviewers here, the neighborhood, though a bit rough and seedy, did not make us nervous or scared. But that might owe to our NYC and Chicago roots, so trust your own comfort zone in this. The scary part for us was what awaited INSIDE the mansion. It's difficult to time a long road trip to the minute, and we arrived slightly early. Laura Sue was quite visibly put out and irritated by this, despite our REPEATEDLY assuring her that we'd be happy to go out for dinner and come back later. Unable to take Yes for an answer, she told us to wait in the parlor. She then, unprompted, proceeded to enumerate for us all the wonderful extras we would be missing out on because we hadn't purchased the premium package. So no wine, no coffee brought to our room, no mansion tour (all fair enough -- and already covered in the website). But then she felt the need to add: "And you can't ask any questions about the mansion." Her exact words. Repeated twice. My daughter did have one very practical question about the timing of the low tea. And though she posed it simply and politely, Laura Sue was oddly impatient and surly. Then, not more than three minutes into this brief conversation, the strained Stepford Wife smile suddenly vanished, and she snapped at my daughter: "All the time I'm wasting standing here discussing this with you is time I could be using to get your room ready." We were left speechless by her appalling, completely unprovoked rudeness -- and saddened that my sweet granddaughter had to witness such deplorable behavior, directed at her mother who'd done nothing to deserve it. (Did I just use the D-word? Oh, I think I did.) We would have turned tail and walked out right then, but my granddaughter had really been looking forward to her stay in a fairytale mansion -- and it was at least that. (And now, reading all these reviews reporting refund denials and disputes over some pathetically petty $ issues, I'm sure the walking away option would not have led to a happy ending, either.) Laura Sue, overworked as she was, did find time to let us know (in a very typical interaction) that we could use just one teabag for three cups "because this is very high quality tea." She told us she made all the food herself, which ranged fair-to-very good. Loved the yummy homemade pumpkin bread. Didn't love the Trader Joe's chocolate babka. The scones, like the entire experience, looked great but left a lasting bitter aftertaste. From the moment Laura Sue opened her front door to us with that snarly What-are-you-doing-here? unwelcoming welcome, every interaction with her was tense, terse, needlessly complicated, and painfully uncomfortable. It was the exact opposite of hospitality. That we were actually paying for all this snotty, haughty nastiness cast a surreal pall over our entire stay. We kept wondering, What might we have done to so set her off? Was she triggered by our wearing masks? (She did make a few passive-aggressive comments about them.) Also possibly germane: We the people (especially as the paying guests kind of people) could not help but notice that these are ostentatiously pious, proudly hardcore Trump folks: e.g., see huge "Trump Neighborhood Headquarters" sign prominently posted on refrigerator. The whole vibe just reeked of in-your-face angry-right virtue signaling. Right down to the cheap, lumpy My Pillow pillows. One reviewer noted a Q flag on the porch. Yikes! Would you like a dollop of clotted cream with your lovely scones today .... or sick, twisted blood-libel conspiracy lies about falsely accused pedos and baby-eating libtards? Not sure if that's the best atmosphere for an all-are-welcome, mi casa/su casa type of business that ostensibly exists to serve customers simply trying to "get away from it all." Just a thought. And sorry for talking Mexican. Speaking of pillows, Rick called my daughter several days later and said they were missing a small decorative pillow. Did we have it? Oh, poor obedient Rick, you seemed like a very nice guy, and I'm sure Laura Sue made you make this silly phone call -- Happy Wife/Happy Life is a real thing! But we can afford and strongly prefer our own unused pillows. And the last thing we'd want would be any mementos of an awful "vacation" we couldn't wait to end. Schuster Mansion was a miserable (bordering on creepy) experience, a huge waste of time and money, and we were counting the minutes till checkout. On a positive note: We briefly escaped Crazy House for dinner at Le Reve Patisserie (a quick drive) and it was AMAZING -- everything Schuster Mansion was not.

Abc A.

Yelp
Recently stayed at the Schuster mansion. The room was nice and breakfast was good. We did not receive the low tea that was advertised on the website with the level of service that was selected. The bottle of wine that was suppose to come with the room we had to ask for as well. When we requested a tour of the mansion the owner seem annoyed that we asked for one. The owner was every standoff ish the entire time we where there.

Brittany S.

Yelp
We attended the Victorian High Tea Service this past Sunday. What a unique experience! The mansion, while in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood, is absolutely beautiful, and has been lovingly and meticulously restored by the current owners. The tea service was $40 per person, and included a buffet selection of seven teas, and a delicious selection of both savory and sweet bites. The scones with the homemade jam and "Devonshire" cream were to die for! Also included was a brief history of the house, a self-guided four of the first floor, a short lesson on Victorian-era manners and etiquette, and an educational talk about some aspect of the Victorian-era culture. The theme rotates monthly, and the June theme was Victorian weddings. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, maybe a bit longer. All in all, it was a really neat experience that I wouldn't mind trying out again.

David S.

Yelp
My wife and I really enjoyed the professional and personal service provided by our hosts Rick and Laura Sue. Their hospitality made us feel like we were at our home away from home All the guest rooms were richly appointed, organized, very tidy and clean. All of the mansion rooms and spaces were carefully staged with a plethora of period pieces. making one feel as though they were walking into the late 19th and early 20th centuries ,The morning met us with freshly brewed coffee and flowers awaiting right outside our comfy room. We then had a delicious meal with fruit ,juice, frittata and French toast all served efficiently and promptly on our agreed upon time in the mansions beautiful breakfast dining solarium. We highly recommend this B&B experience for everyone whether traveling or local. Thanks so much for the great experience Rick and Laura Sue ! Keep up .the great work

Brock W.

Yelp
For anyone exploring Milwaukee, a visit to the Schuster Mansion Bed and Breakfast is an absolute must! Whether you're a tourist visiting the city or a local in need of a relaxing staycation, this gem should be on your bucket list - especially if you are a history buff. You will instantly step into the past and forget about all your present concerns. I had a fabulous stay recently and would like to share my experience. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by my hosts, Laura Sue and Rick. They invited me into the Victorian-era parlor for a brief orientation of the mansion. I was so impressed by the meticulous restoration of the property as well as the attention to detail in its furnishings. It was clear that every aspect was carefully considered, from wall hangings to custom-made curtains and drapes. As for my accommodations, they certainly exceeded expectations and were at a reasonable price. The bed was quite comfortable (and I must note that I am picky!), allowing for a great night's sleep. The next morning, my hosts prepared a wonderful breakfast of my choice: a ham and egg strata with roasted potatoes, along with the most delicious French toast (Laura Sue's special recipe) on the side. My hosts were gracious and sat down with me to discuss the history of the mansion, which is located in the historic Concordia neighborhood. I highly recommend a stay here - as well as "Mollie's High Tea," when your hosts, dressed in period costumes, serve an impressive selection of tea varieties, along with savory and sweet treats, and tell stories about the historic property and Victorian traditions. You will not be disappointed with a visit to the Schuster Mansion. In fact, it will be a memorable, if not magical, experience!

Mark P.

Yelp
I see other reviews here specifically talking about how abrasive, condescending and sassy "Laura Sue" is. I ended up canceling our reservation through Expedia specifically after dealing with her. I had asked if we could check in a bit early not fully realizing that the check in was 4pm. She immediately adopted an adversarial tone. She went on a diatribe about how they were understaffed, how they had a large party of women having tea, and how it was not possible to check in any earlier. I told her why I was hoping to check in early because we had a child with us. She became even more condescending telling me that the reservation did not show a child (made through Expedia - not sure why it did not) and she said - and you can't make this up - "this place is not for kids...it is illegal to have more than two persons in that room." She basically encouraged me to call Expedia and cancel (which I did rather than stay with such an awful host). If you read other reviews they say much the same thing about this absolutely awful host. Also, look at her responses as she accepts zero responsibility for being a pompous human being. Instead of going out of her way to accommodate guests of the Inn (glad we did not go as I saw other reviews that talked about how terrible the neighborhood is), she went out of her way to brow beat us and tell us how us how unwelcome we were. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. There are plenty of other excellent historic hotels and inns in Milwaukee where you don't have to deal with her. Stay tuned for Laura Sue's defensive response to this honest critique. I promise you she'll find a way to blame this terrible experience on us and our grandson.

Sylvia S.

Yelp
We loved our stay at the Schuster. Beautiful decor and first rate food and amenities. We have stayed before and will definitely be back.

Barbara G.

Yelp
Husband and I had a delightful afternoon at High Tea. 7 kinds of tea, excellent variety, from peppermint to their Schuster blend. In addition, there were trays of goodies, from sandwiches to sweets. Yummy! The Mansion was decorated for the Holidays. So festive, you couldn't help but smile. If the B&B rooms are as lovely, it would be a great place to stay. And we met the resident cats after tea. A very good time. We will do this again.

Malia O.

Yelp
The best place to stay in milwaukee We need a weekend away. We had just had the most stressful week. The minute we walked in the stress melted away. We were greeted with a warm smile. We felt like a King and Queen. We got to pick our breakfast and the time that worked for us. Being a need for special diet they planned it around my needs. The room was just perfect. We had warm tea and a sweet treat to enjoy and later we enjoyed a bottle of wine Who could ask for more. The morning brought a knock on the door and waiting was a tray with the worlds best coffee and apple muffin. Then one hour later we went to the dinning room for a full breakfast. If you want to be treated like royalty this is the place. Yes they even let me wear a crown for my birthday. A perfect ending to a perfect weekend

Jonathan B.

Yelp
The ownership has no idea what hospitality means. They are so upset when we showed up with 15, instead of 16, for our event. We even told them the day before that we would have 15. I guess 24 hours isn't enough time to adjust from 16 people to 15 people. Laura took the time to be specifically rude to everyone in our party. We highly recommend that you avoid this establishment.

Julie R.

Yelp
We drove past about 15 or less after booking and it just was not a relaxing location... Immediately cancelled the reservation, and the Innkeeper kept $50 of our money.... Was not even a busy weekday or we did not even hold them up.... Not a tourist local or a location for non locals.

Beth J.

Yelp
Went here for a holiday high tea. Was a last minute fill in for someone and feel very lucky to have gotten the chance to enjoy this beautiful mansion. It is incredibly decorated for the holidays, really stunningly so. Our high tea was fabulous. Every bite delicious, along with the opportunity to sample 7 different teas (each one better than the last!). The owners, Rick and Laura Sue Mosier, are gracious hosts. Laura Sue shared the history of high tea, along with some common Christmas traditions, and finished the tea by giving a tour of the first floor of the mansion. Besides high tea, they have "Dickens" dinners and are going to start a wine pairing dinner in 2016. The mansion is also a B&B. I really enjoyed our tea and will definitely be back!

Un M.

Yelp
This refers to a visit during Doors Open. I purchased a mug of tea that was fine and priced well, but I was very disappointed in my experience. The woman that I later learned is the female owner completely snubbed me on the three or more occasions I looked at her and smiled, nodded, and/or said hello. I saw her while I was walking up to the property and then at various points during my walk through. She turned away, kept a stone face and then looked at another visitor to greet them, or raised up her eyebrows like "Who the heck are you?" When she was literally backed into a corner, I asked what the words below the name of the establishment were on my mug. As she was cornered and someone she was chummy with stood beside her listening to me speak, she did respond to my question. However, as we walked outdoors, turned the corner, and no one was around to grab her attention, I asked a few questions about the property and she was back to silent mode. After about ten seconds of not acknowledging me, she went over to a pair of visitors and belted out, "Come stay here!" or some other such sentence. I had considered adding the place to my list of things to do in Milwaukee for an overnight stay, but I was so put off by her rude behavior that she quickly reversed that thinking. Shame on her.

Lance R.

Yelp
Ok wow, so as a last minute decision on my motorcycle ride through Milwaulkee I needed to find a place to stay. Truth be told I was looking for a good priced but nice place to stay. $189 bucks which included parking for my bike that would have cost me $25 at a hotel, free wi-fi and breakfast that would have cost me another $20. So hot damn it was a no brainer. What I didn't expect when I came to a neighborhood that looked sketchy (which turned out to be of no concern in fact my custom motorcycle was secure and safe overnight) was when the door to the mansion opened. I am greeted by this extremely energetic intense woman. I am brought into the "ladies parlor" and am astonished. All I can say is never have I seen a home so well appointed to appear to be from the turn of the century. Antique after and antique, detail after detail down to the half played game or puzzle on a table (meeting the owner I now know that it could never be a game left out, as she attends to every detail like a conductor at an orchestra). Thus I was soon to discover that everything in the house was staged purposely to be there. I can't imagine the energy she and her husband must have to have put this place in order. Then there is the food -- all I can say is holy cow, great pastries and wonderful breakfast and fresh fruit and juice.

Steve B.

Yelp
I could easily give 5 stars to our stay at this beautiful home. However, I fully expected to hear gunfire after being out in the garden for just a few minutes. It really isn't in the best of neighborhoods. Now, on to the good news. The hosts are very gracious and welcoming. The breakfast is delicious with several options and times available. The charm, character and warmth of the home make it hard to leave.

Paula B.

Yelp
High tea was wonderful, the venue was warm and welcoming, the food was beautifully presented, generous portions, and very delecious, the tea was high quality and all 7 blends were available to all of us. The innkeepers were delightful people.

Dave L.

Yelp
Keep looking. Seriously! Our room was under construction and will remain that way for some time to come. The door to the room would not close. Their solution - put a chair in front. What?! Dust, dust and more dust. Very disappointing.

Rick C.

Yelp
We had a wonderful experience. The jacuzzi tub was an added bonus. What was striking was the pleasant check in experience by Rick upon our arrival. There is obvious pride with Rick and Laura Sue the proprietors. Each room in the mansion had a different story. The attention to detail in every room was amazing. You could tell that much time and effort was taken in the antiques and contents of each room. Our breakfast experience was fantastic as the proprietors made us feel like a part of their family.

Dawn I.

Yelp
There were 3 of us for high tea celebrating an experience for my friends birthday in March 2018. I happened to be at Mitchel airport waiting to pick someone up in January this year when i was browsing through the pamphlets of things to do in Milwaukee. I came across the card for high tea. I was intrigued. Historical property, 7 teas to try, delicious 3 course snacks and a story to boot. I set it up. Side note: 7 years ago we tried high tea at a hotel in Palm Beach FL. Only 1 tea per person, no stories or history of the tea service. We were not impressed. I knew there had to be something better. I am a history buff, so all of the formalities were not offensive or out of place. Yes, as per some other reviews, this property is not exactly in the best neighborhood. But it only takes 2 or 3 successful businesses in an area to draw more. Time will bring it back. The house is a work in progress, yes. But if you know anything about structures and historical properties, you can see the old and appreciate whats going on. Our experience was 5 star! They are the only high tea that i know about that you can try 7 different teas. The delicacies were delicious and refreshing. The history lessons and manners for the times were interesting. Laura Sue was quick to tell you that things were not expected at this time, but just try to get a feel for what people experienced during the time period of the house. It was like stepping back in time. You forget what is going on outside. I am sure a stay in 1 of their rooms is also like that. I may have to try it sometime. 3 hours passed by like nothing. I would encourage people to try it at least once.

Susan M.

Yelp
My husband and I went up to Milwaukee for a Miller brewery tour and a Brewers game. We decided to try out this B&B for our one night stay. Upon arrival, you will notice that the neighborhood is a bit shady (I have to mention it, because it is the first thing you will notice), but really nothing to be concerned about. You park your car on the property (if that's a concern), and the inn keepers tell me that they have never had any issues with the residents of this community (which is a historical district with many beautiful mansions in the area). A quick 5-15 minute car ride to miller park, and the brewery, downtown attractions, etc. everything is close. We were welcomed by Laura Sue and Rick, the inn keepers, that live in the home. We got a thorough, informative tour of the mansion. We got to choose our breakfast meal of choice. We even got to peek into their private quarters, which occupies the ballroom of earlier years. They have a dog, named Isaac and a kitty, named Winston. Both are very friendly and we found ourselves looking for them throughout our stay. Isaac made his way into our room (if you leave your door open, he will come) and hung out with us for a bit. Not a nuisance, but very sweet & playful. He's always up for a game of fetch as long as you're willing to toss the ball. This home was purchased by the inn keepers in 2008 from a family that used it as a private residence, and the owners have been doing all their own renovations ever since! Rick was still outside working when we arrived home from our baseball game. Talk about dedication; very respectable. We heard lots of fun facts about the house. You will too, just ask! They have big plans for the home, both interior and exterior, that will take quite a while to complete. This includes adding a garden and large deck off the Library. That would have been nice during our stay, along with an adult beverage and a cigar. We stayed in the Pias Suite. A lovely sitting room awaits as you open the door to your little piece of this cozy home, followed by a short hallway with a nice bath and your sleeping quarters. A wonderful queen size canopy bed, pretty linens/fabrics, candelabras, various antiques, beautiful woodwork and lace fill your senses with all that was the Victorian era. The mansion was built in 1891. The kitchen is private to the owners, but you are welcome to use the fridge for leftovers and you can make hot coffee or tea in the Butler's Pantry. Breakfast is made when you want it (between 7-10am), and served where you want to eat it - either in the dining room or in your own room, or breakfast in bed. We ate our tasty breakfast and popped in a movie from their decent DVD selection. Check out was 11am. They do not serve lunch or dinner. I did notice that they will make you a simple sandwich lunch for an addtl cost, if need be. Free bottled water in the white refrigerator. They do offer shuttle service to and from Miller Park for $5/each way. Check in's at 4pm. Great alternative to a chain hotel, any day. I love feeling like I'm staying at a friend's house where there's always fresh choc chip cookies waiting!

Marissa M.

Yelp
My mom and I opted for a B and B over hotels when we stayed the night in Milwaukee. Beautiful, beautiful mansion! Slightly sketchy neighborhood, but the mansion provides a fairly secure parking lot. Our housemate sharing our bathroom left it a bit of a mess, but otherwise the room and accommodations were great! Being on the third floor, we had a lot of stairs to our room, the Lone Star. It was a good reminder to learn to pack lighter! The breakfast was great, and the dining room was beautiful. Wonderful hostess and host! I would definitely recommend staying here! If you're interested in the mansion but live in the area, they offer a high tea on the weekends!

Kathryn L.

Yelp
We had a wonderful high tea at the Schuster Mansion today. Rick and Laura Sue were wonderful hosts, the food and tea were delicious, and they took great pride in teaching us all about the mansion as well as some little known Victorian traditions. We had 8 year old little girls with us, and it was just perfect for them too! Thanks for a fabulous afternoon!

Tony M.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I are heading back to Chicago after a wonderful stay at Schuster Mansion. Rick and Laura were incredible hosts. They welcomed us into their home and are the kind of people we would welcome into ours. Breakfast was delicious, the beds were very comfortable, and there's a timeless charm to the mansion itself. Before booking our stay, I read reviews about the neighborhood being dangerous or sketchy. Having just stayed at the mansion for a weekend, I think that is a matter of perception and the environment to which one is accustomed. The parking lot is in a secluded spot behind a fence and foliage, and the mansion is very secure. It is also located within a mile or two of several Milwaukee attractions, so driving or Uber-ing to and from the mansion - if one doesn't want to walk - shouldn't be an issue. Bottom line: We loved staying here and will be back next summer, if not before. We were unable to do high tea due to our schedule but plan to do it next time, as a fellow guest highly recommended it. All in all, the weekend was wonderful. We look forward to our next stay.

David B.

Yelp
Lovely house and room (Serenity Suite). Hosts are wonderful. Food is delicious. I'd never stayed in a B&B before this, and now I'm planning on it for all future travel. The bar has been set high!

Don S.

Yelp
I had made a reservation at Schuster Mansion for afternoon tea anticipating a lovely experience. Unfortuntately, my guest became ill at the last minute and I didn't want to make the 90 mile trip by myself. I explained the situation to Susan and offered to pay for my reservation. What follows is her reply: "You know what. Do not bother sending money. And I am asking you to NOT schedule another high tea with us. We do not understand why you think you have the right to tell us how to run our business or the disrespect to not follow our rules that you knew up front. Do you treat other businesses like this too? I hope not. Thank you for not coming today for tea."

Natalie V.

Yelp
Laura Sue is very kind and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend staying at the Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast for a truly unique experience!

Iliana F.

Yelp
My daughter booked us a night at the Schuster Mansion. It took us back to the Victorian era!! It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and the hosts were attentive and wonderful. We stayed in the serenity room, which had a huge jacuzzi that we both fit in comfortably. The bed was comfortable and the sheets super soft! Breakfast frittata and praline French toast was amazing!! But my favorite special touch was the coffee tray they left right outside our room with the most DELICIOUS pumpkin bread with amazing homemade clotted cream!! OMG it was FANTASTIC !! I would love the recipe we truly enjoyed our stay!!

Martin W.

Yelp
Laura made me feel very welcome during my two nights in her mansion. Beautiful room with ensuite bathroom that was very peaceful. Breakfast was great. Home cooked food, plus Laura goes to the trouble to seat you with other guests and starts the conversation. I concur with other comments about the neighborhood but I had no issues. I will return again when I come back to Milwaukee.

Lara O.

Yelp
Amazing high tea!! The hosts are dressed in Victorian wear and from the minute you enter you are brought back to the 19th century!! Don't miss the Mollies tea! It's located in the inner city of Milwaukee but it's amazing!! Please don't be concerned by the neighborhood it's in!! It's AMAZING!!