For the third year in a row, this downtown La Crosse staple has earned One MICHELIN Key, officially placing it among the most outstanding hotels throughout the country. The honor, awarded by the globally renowned MICHELIN Guide, celebrates hotels that go beyond a bed and a lobby, offering a guest experience that is exceptional.
MICHELIN Keys are reserved for properties that create a truly memorable stay. Think: thoughtful design, distinct character attentive service.
The Charmant Hotel embodies all of that.
“Receiving a MICHELIN Key is an incredible honor and reflection of the experience our team works to create every day,” said Michael Newman, general manager of the Charmant Hotel. “We are committed every day to be exceptional. To have that commitment recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for the third year is something the team and the community are incredibly proud of.”
And it’s not just The Charmant getting the love. Geronimo Hospitality Group properties Bottleworks Hotel and Ironworks Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana and Hotel Goodwin in Beloit, Wisconsin also earned One MICHELIN Key recognition this year.
For the full list of MICHELIN Key hotels, visit MICHELIN Guide. To read more about Geronimo Hospitality Group’s MICHELIN Key properties, click here.
About The Charmant Hotel Located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant Hotel blends French-inspired hospitality with the rich history of a beautifully restored 19th-century candy factory. The boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, rooftop views, and an authentic connection to the Driftless Region.
From Candy Factory to Boutique Hotel: The Story Behind The Charmant Hotel
Long before The Charmant welcomed guests for craft cocktails, rooftop views, and romantic weekend escapes, its historic home was already part of the story of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, The Charmant Hotel occupies a landmark building with roots stretching back generations. From the site of the city’s first log cabin to the former Joseph B. Funke Candy Factory, its story is one of craftsmanship, community, and thoughtful reinvention.
Today, that history lives on within a 67-room boutique hotel, where original architectural details meet modern comforts and warm Midwest hospitality.
The Beginning of a La Crosse Landmark
The story of The Charmant begins in 1842, when fur trader Nathan Myrick built the first log cabin on the site where the hotel now stands. A memorial plaque outside the hotel honors this distinction and connects the property to the earliest days of La Crosse history.
More than 50 years later, the site would begin another chapter, one that would eventually inspire The Charmant’s name and identity.
The Funke Candy Factory Years
In 1898, the brick building that stands today was constructed for the Joseph B. Funke Candy Company. At its height, the Funke Candy Factory became one of La Crosse’s most significant businesses, employing approximately 220 to 250 workers who produced chocolates and candies enjoyed throughout the region.
Among the company’s most celebrated offerings was the “Charmant” line of premium chocolates, presented in elegant wood-burned boxes. Meaning “charming” in French, Charmant was a fitting name for some of the company’s finest confections.
More than a century later, that name would find its way home again.
From Historic Candy Factory to Boutique Hotel
The Funke Candy Company ceased operations in 1933 during the Great Depression, but its brick factory remained an enduring part of downtown La Crosse.
In 2015, following an extensive renovation, the former candy factory began a new chapter as The Charmant Hotel, a 67-room boutique hotel in downtown La Crosse.
Rather than leaving its history behind, The Charmant was designed to carry it forward. Historic architecture and original details were thoughtfully preserved, creating a hotel experience that feels distinctly connected to the building and the city surrounding it.
Preserving The Charmant’s Historic Character
Step inside The Charmant today and traces of the former Funke Candy Factory remain all around you.
Original maple wood floors, exposed brick walls, historic wood beams, and other architectural details honor the craftsmanship of the building’s past. These storied elements are paired with refined accommodations, thoughtful service, and the comforts of a modern luxury boutique hotel in La Crosse.
The hotel’s confectionery history continues in subtler ways, too, from its name to the sense of sweetness and occasion woven throughout the guest experience.
It is a place shaped by what came before, while continuing to create stories of its own.
A Historic Hotel in the Heart of Downtown La Crosse
From its beginnings as the site of La Crosse’s first cabin to its years as a bustling candy factory and its transformation into a beloved boutique hotel, The Charmant has remained closely tied to the city around it.
Today, guests can settle into a beautifully appointed room, gather over French-inspired dining, sip cocktails above the city on the rooftop terrace, or simply wander the historic halls and discover details preserved from another era.
For travelers searching for a historic hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant offers more than a place to stay. It offers the chance to experience a piece of the city’s story.
Experience The Charmant for Yourself
Every corner of The Charmant holds a little history.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway in La Crosse, a weekend escape along the Mississippi River, or a special celebration in downtown La Crosse, we invite you to become part of the building’s next chapter.
Book your stay at The Charmant Hotel and experience the history, character, and gracious hospitality of one of downtown La Crosse’s most distinctive destinations.
FAQs
What was The Charmant Hotel before it became a hotel?
The Charmant Hotel was originally built in 1898 as the Joseph B. Funke Candy Factory, once one of La Crosse’s most significant businesses. The factory produced chocolates and candies enjoyed throughout the region until it ceased operations in 1933.
Why is it called The Charmant Hotel?
The name comes directly from the building’s confectionery past. The Funke Candy Company created a premium line of chocolates called “Charmant,” meaning “charming” in French. When the historic factory was transformed into a boutique hotel, the name returned as a thoughtful nod to its sweetest chapter.
Is The Charmant Hotel a historic hotel in La Crosse, Wisconsin?
Yes. The building dates to 1898 and was thoughtfully renovated into a 67-room boutique hotel in 2015. Original maple wood floors, exposed brick, historic wood beams, and other architectural details remain throughout the property, pairing its candy factory heritage with modern comforts and warm Midwest hospitality.
About The Charmant Hotel Located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant Hotel blends French-inspired hospitality with the rich history of a beautifully restored 19th-century candy factory. The boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, rooftop views, and an authentic connection to the Driftless Region.
Rooftop Views & Wood-Fired Pizza: The Ultimate Summer Night in La Crosse
A simple summer evening oftentimes turns into the best kind of evening. A cocktail in hand, wood-fired pizzas fresh from the oven, good company gathered around the table and the sun setting over the Mississippi River, so simple, yet so perfect.
At the Charmant Hotel, those moments come together on the Rooftop.
Dinner with a View
Take the elevator to the rooftop and settle in as the sun begins to dip behind the bluffs. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown La Crosse, it’s the kind of place where one drink easily turns into an evening.
Meeting friends, planning a date night or simply soaking up the season all feel a little more memorable from the best seat in the city.
Fresh from the Wood-Fired Oven
Our Neapolitan-style pizzas are made for this kind of evening. Each one is baked in a wood-fired oven for a perfectly crisp, airy crust and topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Pair your pizza with a handcrafted cocktail, a glass of wine or a local beer, then settle in as the city lights begin to sparkle.
Make it a Summer Tradition
At the Charmant Hotel, summer is all about slowing down and savoring the moment. Housed in the historic 1898 FUNKE Candy Factory, our rooftop brings together timeless charm, thoughtful hospitality and some of the best views in La Crosse.
Visiting for the weekend or stopping by after work, you’ll find the perfect place to slow down and savor the moment. We invite you to join us for good food, beautiful views and the most memorable moments.
About The Charmant Hotel Located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant Hotel blends French-inspired hospitality with the rich history of a beautifully restored 19th-century candy factory. The boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, rooftop views, and an authentic connection to the Driftless Region.
Welcome to The Charmant Journal: Where French Inspiration Meets La Crosse Hospitality
Introducing the official blog of The Charmant Hotel
Nestled along the Mississippi River in the heart of downtown La Crosse, The Charmant Hotel has always been more than a place to stay. It is a place to gather, celebrate, discover, and connect. Today, we're excited to introduce a new way to share those stories with you: The Charmant Journal.
This blog will serve as an extension of the hotel experience, offering an insider's perspective on the people, places, flavors, and moments that make The Charmant and La Crosse so special.
A Building with a Story
Every great story begins somewhere, and ours starts in a former candy factory.
The Charmant Hotel proudly occupies the historic FUNKE Candy Company building, originally constructed in 1898. While much has changed over the decades, the spirit of craftsmanship remains woven into the hotel's character. Original brick walls, exposed timber beams, and thoughtfully preserved architectural details create a sense of place that honors the building's past while embracing modern luxury.
Guests often tell us they feel the history the moment they walk through our doors. That's exactly what we hoped for.
More Than a Hotel
While many visitors first discover us as a destination for overnight stays, The Charmant experience extends well beyond our guest rooms.
Whether you're joining us for a rooftop cocktail overlooking the Mississippi River, a celebratory dinner with family and friends, a weekend getaway, or a wedding that becomes a lifelong memory, The Charmant is designed to bring people together.
Through this blog, we'll share:
Seasonal travel inspiration for La Crosse and the Driftless Region
Behind-the-scenes stories from our culinary and hospitality teams
Local event guides and itineraries
Historical features highlighting the building's unique past
Food, wine, and cocktail insights from our experts
Guest experiences and community partnerships
Exclusive updates and hotel news
Why La Crosse Continues to Surprise Visitors
One of the things we love most about welcoming guests is hearing the same phrase over and over:
"We had no idea La Crosse had so much to offer."
From the bluffs that frame the city skyline to the vibrant downtown district, outdoor recreation, local breweries, arts scene, and riverfront experiences, La Crosse consistently exceeds expectations.
As locals and hospitality professionals, we consider it a privilege to help guests uncover those hidden gems. This blog will help you do the same, whether you're planning your first visit or your fiftieth.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we'll take you behind the scenes with our chefs, highlight favorite local experiences, share seasonal travel guides, and explore the stories that make The Charmant unlike any other hotel in the Midwest.
Our hope is that this becomes a resource for travelers, locals, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful hospitality.
Thank you for being part of our story.
We look forward to sharing many more with you.
Bienvenue, and welcome to The Charmant Journal.
About The Charmant Hotel Located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant Hotel blends French-inspired hospitality with the rich history of a beautifully restored 19th-century candy factory. The boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, rooftop views, and an authentic connection to the Driftless Region.
Some evenings deserve a little extra romance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night together, The Charmant offers the perfect setting an unforgettable night.
Start with Cocktails in the Lobby Bar & Lounge
Begin your evening with a handcrafted cocktail in our inviting Lobby Bar & Lounge. Surrounded by historic charm and warm ambiance, it’s the perfect place to settle in and savor the start of your night.
Dine at The Restaurant
Continue your evening at The Restaurant, where rustic French-inspired cuisine and thoughtful hospitality create an experience worth lingering over. Share a toast, enjoy every course and make the most of your time together.
Enjoy a Nightcap on The Rooftop Terrace
Take in views of downtown La Crosse and the Mississippi River Valley from The Rooftop Terrace. With a cocktail in hand and the city lights below, it’s the ideal way to end the evening.
Make It an Overnight Escape
Turn date night into a romantic getaway with our Romance Package, featuring a bottle of red wine, four indulgence chocolates, pre-set robes to enjoy during your stay and late checkout the following morning.
Here's to Your Next Night Out at The Charmant
From cocktails and dinner to rooftop views and a luxurious stay, every detail is designed to help you slow down, reconnect and create lasting memories together.
About The Charmant Hotel Located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Charmant Hotel blends French-inspired hospitality with the rich history of a beautifully restored 19th-century candy factory. The boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, rooftop views, and an authentic connection to the Driftless Region.
