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News Articles

Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront

7/22/2025

2 Comments

 
Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront
Nestled on the banks of the Sheboygan River and just steps from Lake Michigan, Harbor Winds Hotel has long offered guests a peaceful place to stay with easy access to the area’s waterfront charm. Now, thanks to a creative renovation project completed in early 2025, this boutique property has introduced a new space for connection, comfort, and conversation: The Lounge.

At A Glance: Harbor Winds Hotel

  • Location: Sheboygan, WI
  • Project Summary: New riverfront bar and lounge space
  • Completion Date: January 31, 2025

A New Space with a View

To bring this vision to life, Harbor Winds reimagined its front desk area and repurposed an existing guest room—creating a warm, inviting lounge complete with a new public restroom. The result? A welcoming, multifunctional space with expansive river views, ideal for sipping a drink, enjoying breakfast, or gathering with friends.

One of the project’s standout features is the custom walnut bar top, infused with deep blue resin and finished with a live edge on both sides. Designed to evoke both craftsmanship and calm, it serves as a focal point for The Lounge’s modern-meets-cozy aesthetic. A plush velvet banquette adds texture and comfort, while custom-built bases for the bar and front desk seamlessly tie the room together.

“The Lounge is a bit more luxury feeling, but we’ve kept it accessible with down-to-earth pricing,” shared Monica Pfeifer. “Whether you're a guest or a local, you’re welcome to relax and enjoy the view.”
Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront

Improving Flow, Elevating the Experience

Beyond the stunning design elements, the renovation had a clear goal: enhance the overall guest experience. With the new layout, visitors can now enjoy a clear view from the front desk all the way to the river—a change that makes the property feel more open, connected, and serene. It also reflects a growing trend in hospitality: turning underutilized areas into dynamic, multi-use spaces that add real value.

The Lounge has already become a favorite among both overnight guests and Sheboygan locals. “We hear about it all the time in our surveys,” Pfeifer added. “People love that they can eat breakfast with a river view, play games, or simply unwind in a space that feels special.”
Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront

Navigating Renovation Challenges

While the finished product is a point of pride, getting there wasn’t without hurdles. Managing the project remotely created communication gaps, and the hotel team found themselves more hands-on than originally planned.

“Even with a strong plan in place, there are always unexpected delays—especially with major construction,” said Pfeifer. “But stepping in to help manage the process actually worked out in our favor. It helped move the timeline along and gave us more control over the final result.”
Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

A team of trusted partners helped make the vision a reality. Of these, Stevens Equipment Supply is a WHLA Associate Vendor Member, and their contribution reflects a longstanding relationship with the property and its leadership.

"We've worked with Luke Pfeifer on the Harbor Winds Hotel project to provide Amana PTAC Replacement units and our Eden Energy Management Thermostats," said Tom Hudy, Senior Business Development Manager at Stevens Equipment Supply. "We've had a long working relationship with Luke and Adventure Hospitality on this property as well as the Maxwell Mansion property."
Opening Up the View: Harbor Winds Hotel Unveils “The Lounge” on the Sheboygan Riverfront

Plan Your Stay

​Whether you're exploring the Sheboygan Riverwalk, attending a local event, or simply looking for a scenic place to unwind, Harbor Winds Hotel now offers even more reasons to stay. The Lounge adds a layer of charm and community to this well-located property, helping guests feel right at home while soaking in the riverside views.
Learn more and book your stay at Harbor Winds Hotel.

Thinking about your next upgrade?

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Have a project to share?

​Submit your property improvements here.

Editorial Note: This article was written by WHLA staff with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in content development, refinement, and editing. All information has been reviewed for accuracy and relevance prior to publication.
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2 Comments
Mark Zipperer link
7/23/2025 04:39:25 pm

What a great transition! This location is great with nearby shops, the boardwalk with charter fishing and the shops across the river! Congratulations

Reply
WHLA link
7/29/2025 12:39:22 pm

Thank you, Mark! We couldn’t agree more—Harbor Winds Hotel made a thoughtful and impactful transition with this renovation. The Lounge is a great addition to such a vibrant location, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your kind words!

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