The name of Franklin is in homage to Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the nation. Nearly a century after it was established, Franklin became known as a "City of Homes" because of its growing residential areas. It sits adjacent to Oak Creek, Hales Corners, Greendale, Racine, and Waukesha. The city also houses one of the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund sites, known as the "Fadrowski Drum Disposal Site." It has been largely remediated through limited excavation and landfill, although it is still an area of the city that is not developed.
When should you visit Franklin, Wisconsin?
Since Franklin is within the Great Lakes Region, it has a climate that can change drastically from one day to the next, or even within a few hours. The area is known for its cold and snowy winters, along with humid, warm summers. A convection current forms in the mid-afternoon from Lake Michigan, resulting in light winds, which locals call the lake breeze. You'll feel it most if you visit between March and July.
During the winter months, the temperatures drop well below freezing. You may be able to score a lower hotel rate if you visit during this time, but make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing. Milwaukee is also known as the City of Festivals, with a variety of cultural and community events taking place throughout the year. One of the top locations for outdoor events and festivals is Henry Maier Festival Park. These events can impact hotel rates in Franklin since the city is only about 15 miles away.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Franklin, WI:
Franklin by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Franklin, WI. You can use these charts to calculate the cheapest time period to stay in Franklin during the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Franklin, WI?
4 Star Average Prices: $165.75
One of the most upscale hotels in the area is the Iron Horse Hotel, located on Florida Street in Milwaukee. This four-star property is in the downtown area, with amenities like room service during limited hours, a 24-hour fitness center, free wireless internet access, three restaurants, a bar, free newspapers in the lobby, and a business center open 24 hours a day. Within your room, you'll find a minibar, a pillowtop bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, a 48-inch TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with designer toiletries. The Art Deco styling of the hotel helps it to stand out from other options.
The Pfister Hotel is another luxury option nearby, located on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. It's easy to walk to many of the top restaurants, shopping areas, and attractions when you stay here. Amenities for guests include a full-service spa, offering body treatments, massages, and facials, a nightclub, an indoor pool, gift shops, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi. Within the rooms, features include iPod docking stations, Egyptian cotton bedding and pillowtop beds, and upscale free toiletries in the bathroom. On-site food and beverage options include Café Pfister, a coffee shop, and three bars.
Doubletree by Hilton Pleasant Prairie Kenosha is about 25 miles from Franklin, although it's an upscale property with plenty of appealing amenities. Every room has free wired and wireless internet access, an LCD TV with satellite channels, complimentary toiletries, a separate workspace, and a tea and coffee maker. Amenities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool, concierge services, a spa tub, a fitness center open 24 hours a day, and a shuttle offering free service in a 5-mile radius.
What are the budget hotels in Franklin, WI?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.58
One of the most budget-friendly hotel options near Franklin is Value Inn Milwaukee Airport South, located in Oak Creek. It's near the airport, making it easy to get in and out of the area. The unique property has a television in the common area, laundry facilities, free wired and wireless internet access, and available assistance with tickets to local attractions and tours of the area. Guest rooms at this hotel feature microwaves, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers, and separate workspaces. The on-site snack bar offers a variety of snacks and drinks.
You can also score a reasonable rate at La Quinta Inn Milwaukee Airport / Oak Creek. This hotel is close to the airport, offering easy access for those traveling into the area. Amenities include a fitness center, free wireless internet access, a business center, and a TV in the lobby. You can also take advantage of the free shuttle that goes to and from the airport. Start your morning at the free breakfast buffet, with options like waffles, bread, muffins, cereal, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice. Each guest room has a video-gaming console, a TV with satellite programming, and free toiletries in the bathroom.
Score a reasonable rate and a comfortable room when you stay at Red Roof Inn Milwaukee Airport. This two-star property has laundry facilities, free on-site parking for guests, staff members who speak multiple languages, and a 24-hour front desk. Each guest room features free Wi-Fi, blackout drapes and curtains, a TV with cable programming, and free toiletries in the bathroom. The hotel is located within a short drive of several top attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum.
2 Star Average Prices: $131.16
Which hotels in Franklin, WI offer the best discounts?
Many hotels in the Franklin area offer discounts to travelers. For senior visitors, lower rates are available at Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport, Red Roof Inn Milwaukee Airport, Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport, Courtyard Milwaukee Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee West, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Milwaukee West (Brookfield) WI. Members of AAA can also save at Candlewood Suites Milwaukee Airport, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Milwaukee Airport WI, Mainstay Suites Milwaukee Airport, and Rodeway Inn & Suites Milwaukee Airport.
Military and government personnel can save when staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites Milwaukee SW New Berlin, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Milwaukee Airport, BW Premier Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel & Suites, and Crowne Plaza Milwaukee West. Group discounts may be available at various hotels as well, depending on the number of rooms you need.
What are the best value options for visitors to Franklin, Wisconsin?
One of the hotels offering the best value in the Franklin area is Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Berlin. On the property, you'll find an indoor swimming pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and newspapers available each day in the lobby. The hotel offers a free breakfast each morning, with options like eggs, bacon, sausage, omelets, and signature cinnamon rolls. Within your room, amenities include a TV with satellite programming, a refrigerator, a microwave, a desk, and a hairdryer.
At Staybridge Suites Milwaukee Airport South, you can enjoy a stay in a more spacious guest room. Every room has its own kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, and the equipment you need to prepare meals. Other in-room amenities include separate sitting areas, free wired and wireless internet access, and a TV with premium channels. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool with a spa tub, a fitness center, a picnic area, a shuttle offering service to many local attractions and the airport, gift shops, and a snack bar. You can also dine each morning at the free breakfast buffet.
Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee Franklin is another high-value property, offering laundry and dry cleaning services, an indoor swimming pool and spa tub, a fitness center open 24 hours a day, and a convenience store serving guests. Start your morning with free breakfast, including options like fresh waffles, hot coffee, fruit, cereal, bread, and pastries. If you're in a hurry, grab an "On the Go" breakfast bag from the front desk, available on weekdays. Your room will also feature plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, free newspapers each morning, and a separate workspace with a phone.
What should you see and do in Franklin, WI?
If you're in Franklin during the spring, summer, or fall season, make sure to check out Boerner Botanical Gardens. This large outdoor space houses a number of specialty gardens with all types of local plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Whitnall Park is another popular outdoor attraction, featuring several hiking trails and a nature center. If you're visiting with kids, spend some time at Kayla's Park or explore the natural surroundings at Wehr Nature Center.
Milwaukee also has a number of top attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee County Zoo. The zoo sits on 200 acres, showcasing impressive animal enclosures and a carousel. The art museum is an architectural landmark, so it's worth visiting if you're a fan of unique building styles or if you enjoy looking at the works of artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keefe. Several sightseeing companies offer tours of Milwaukee, giving you a taste of the city without having to drive to the various landmarks.
Learn more about the history of the city of Franklin, which has been around for more than a century and a half, as you visit this area of Wisconsin.
FAQs about hotels in Franklin