THE IRON HORSE HOTEL, MILWAUKEE, USA

If you’re visiting Milwaukee, there’s a good chance you’re a motorcycle fan and the Iron Horse Hotel has to be the crème of motorcycle-themed properties, built inside a historic 100-year-old warehouse and set in the hip Walker’s Point precinct on the CBD fringe. There are even three bikes on display in the foyer as well as a great bar (Branded), restaurant (Smyth), comfortable foyer/lounge and a library. Yes, a library with big library-sized tables for spreading out your newspaper or working in the communal business zone. You can also work up a sweat in the gym or relax in the spa.

Outside in ‘The Yard’ is where Thursday’s ‘Bike Night’ action happens. While the nearby Harley-Davidson museum is full of ‘Hogs’, the Iron Horse is likely to have its share of Indians, Moto Guzzis and other more esoteric marques parked in front while the band plays and the sausages sizzle. The 100 oversized, loft-style and pet-friendly rooms are definitely ‘boutique’ in decor with a lashing of rustic, chic ‘grunge’ to boot. Original architectural elements like bare brick and ceiling beams are incorporated into the design. The Iron Horse Hotel, is part of the Aparium Group founded in 2011 by Chicago hospitality executive, entrepreneur Mario Tricoci and luxury hotel veteran Kevin Robinson. The group operates 13 (and counting) individually styled hotels in underserved cities and neighbourhoods like Detroit, New Jersey, Minneapolis and Omaha. Each has a distinctive character that reflects the heritage of the district.