Milwaukee will soon have a new, affordable way to attract visitors

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee will soon have a new and affordable place to stay for visitors as the city gets a hostel. 

Developers are working on a hostel in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. Milwaukee Common Council approved the sale of the building on the corner of E. Center and N. Holton Tuesday.

“It brings a lot of international travelers, a lot of overnight stays that we might be missing,” Co-Owner of Cream City Hostel Carolyn Weber said.

A hostel is similar to a hotel, but the layout is more like a college dorm, typically attracting young travelers. Weber said Cream City Hostel will have about 50 beds. Customers can choose from rooms with four, six, or 12 beds depending on their privacy choice. The cost ranges from $25 to $70 a night. After seeing success in Chicago and Madison with hostels, Carolyn Weber said she's excited to develop in the Riverwest neighborhood.

“It brings people to what I call the real Milwaukee. It's not saying downtown isn't real, but it gives them a sense of what the neighborhoods feel like,” Weber said.

Company Brewing is down the street from the future Cream City Hostel. Managers believe the hostel would not only give visitors a chance to explore a different part of the city but help Riverwest businesses like themselves. 

“I think it will be good to have a hub of that nature where people can walk down the street and check us out,” Community Outreach and Bar Manager Vanessa Parker said.

Parker believes there's a need for an affordable option in the area.

“There is a couple of Airbnb’s around but not many things to keep people here,” Parker said.

Weber said the Cream City Hostel owners are looking for investors and hope to open by January 2019.

“I'm really excited to finally be bringing it to Milwaukee. It's been a long time coming,” Weber said.