It’s safe to say that Madison is one of the most underrated cities in the US. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, there’s always something fun to do in Wisconsin‘s capital city! 

Take a trip to Madison in the summer months, and you’ll be able to kayak and boat on lakes Monona and Mendota, bike or hike along the city’s seriously impressive trail system, or wine and dine alfresco at a trendy cafe or restaurant.

But don’t worry if you’re visiting in the colder months. From attending magical holiday festivals to going adventuring on frozen lakes or cheering on the Badgers at a college football game, there’s plenty of fun to be had in winter, no matter what you’re into. 

No matter when you visit, you’ll love going shopping on State Street, marveling at the incredible domed Wisconsin State Capitol, touring the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, sipping sunset beers on Lake Mendota – the list goes on and on!  

With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Madison is brimming with all sorts of luxurious lakefront hotels and artsy boutique retreats. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Madison, WI, to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Where to Stay in Madison

It’s no surprise that some of the coolest hotels in Madison are clustered around the downtown area. Nestled on a thin isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, this is where you’ll find bustling State Street, the beautiful Wisconsin State Capitol, and many more of the city’s top attractions. 

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, you’ll find some of the top 5-star hotels lining Capitol Square. From farmers’ markets to outdoor concerts, there’s always something fun going on here when the weather is nice. Plus, this city is super bike and pedestrian-friendly, which means getting around downtown is a breeze!

Madison is a college town, and there’s a good chance you’ll want to pay a visit to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus during your stay. If you plan to spend a large chunk of your time visiting campus, you’ll find some of the most trendy boutique hotels in Madison on the outskirts of campus.

Shopaholics will love staying on the east side of town. This is where you’ll find some of the best budget-friendly hotels in Madison. Plus, you’ll have easy access to all of the shops and restaurants in East Towne Mall. Many of these hotels also offer a complimentary airport shuttle, which will whisk you to and from the nearby Dane County Regional Airport.

On the west side of town, Middleton is also home to plenty of quality, budget-friendly options, many of which are clustered around the West Towne Mall and the Hilldale Shopping Center, so you’ll have access to a wide range of shops and eateries. Plus, downtown is an easy 15-minute drive away!

The 12 Best Hotels in Madison

1. The Edgewater

If you’re searching for the best of the best Madison hotels, it doesn’t get much better than the Edgewater. As the name implies, this 1940s gem is nestled right on the banks of Lake Mendota. 

Not only do most of the rooms boast panoramic lake views, but you’ll be right next door to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and within easy walking distance to the Memorial Union Terrace and the State Capitol.

But with so many excellent amenities, you won’t even need to leave this hotel if you don’t want to. You can easily spend your vacation getting massages at the spa, taking steams and soaks in the wellness center, or wining and dining on the lakefront terrace of The Boathouse. If you’ve got your own boat, you can even dock it at the hotel’s very own pier!

Head back to your room at the end of the day, and you’ll find that refined, custom furnishings, 47-inch flat-screen TVs, and spa-like bathrooms with designer toiletries and plush robes come as standard. But it’s well worth splurging on The Premium Lakefront King for its spectacular view of Lake Mendota.

2. Graduate Madison

When it comes to cool boutique hotels in Madison, it’s no surprise that Graduate Madison is one of the best. This place is all about celebrating school and local spirit. And you’ll find that evidenced by the quirky, themed decor found throughout this unique boutique hotel. 

Located right next door to the University of Wisconsin, this is a great option if you’re in town to tour campus. Plus, you’ll be perched right on the shores of Lake Mendota on historic Langdon Street.  

One of the many cool things about Graduate Madison is Camp Trippalindee. This rooftop bar and restaurant is all about paying homage to camp movies of the 1980s, so expect rustic decor, a menu of burgers and brats, and epic lake views. When the weather is nice, there’s even an outdoor patio where you can sip sundowners (i.e., boozy slushies) with friends. 

If that’s not enough, you’ll love the plaid-clad rooms, which are decked out in retro and college-themed decorations, workstations with complimentary Wi-Fi, and gorgeous bathrooms with Malin + Goetz bath amenities.

3. Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown

Not only is Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown one of the coolest hotels in Madison, but it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along. This hip hotel is housed in the landmark Mautz Paint Company building just off of Highway 151, right in the heart of town. 

The rooms are outfitted with everything you need to feel right at home – from plush beds and ergonomic workstations to large HDTVs and deluxe ensuites. Plus, you’ll be able to brew your morning coffee with the Keurig coffee maker and store drinks and leftovers in the vintage-style mini-fridge. 

In the mornings, fit in your daily workout in the 24-hour fitness center before hopping on the complimentary area shuttle and exploring Madison. And if you don’t feel like going far for food in the evenings, head down to the hotel’s Palette Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a fine Nebraska steak dinner and a local craft brew or handcrafted cocktail.

4. The Madison Concourse Hotel

Set smack in the middle of downtown, The Madison Concourse Hotel is widely regarded as one of the best places to stay in Madison. One of the greatest parts of being located here is that you’ll be able to walk to all of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and attractions.

The hotel boasts 373 guest rooms, where plush beds with luxury linens, 37-inch flat-screen TVs with interactive TV systems, and spa-like baths with Bath & Body Works toiletries come as standard. But it’s well worth splurging on one of the Governor’s Club Rooms for all of the added perks! 

Set on the top three floors of the hotel, these rooms give you exclusive access to the 12th Floor Governor’s Club, where you can enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning, hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon, and top-shelf cocktails and delicious desserts in the evening. 

Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find an indoor swimming pool and fitness center, as well as a cafe and bar. If you prefer to dine at the hotel, CIRC serves up farm-to-table fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can enjoy at the restaurant or in your room.

5. AC Hotel by Marriott Madison Downtown

When it comes to cool Madison hotels, AC Hotel Madison Downtown is tough to beat. From the sleek rooms to the breezy rooftop bar and restaurant, there’s a lot to love about this hotel. Plus, you’ll be steps away from Capitol Square and just a few blocks from both Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

We’ll start with the rooms, which all feature polished hardwood floors, dark wood furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which let in plenty of natural light. Plus, you can brew your own coffee each morning and keep up with your favorite Netflix show in the evening, thanks to the large smart TV and free Wi-Fi. 

One of the coolest features of AC Hotel Madison Downtown is easily the rooftop restaurant, Eno Vino Downtown. Head up here for addictive tapas, a selection of 200 wines, and stunning views of the Capitol. Don’t worry if you overindulge, though, because there is a state-of-the-art gym on site perfect for fitting in your daily workout!

6. Sheraton Madison Hotel

With its location just across from the Turville Point Conservation Park and the shores of Lake Monona, Sheraton Madison Hotel is one of the best Madison hotels if you prefer to be a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown. But don’t worry – all of the shops and restaurants along State Street are less than 3 miles away.

You’ll love that all of the stylish rooms and suites are newly renovated and feature Signature Sheraton Sleep Experience beds, comfy sofas or chaise lounges, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. Upgrade to a Sheraton Club room or suite, and you’ll get exclusive concierge services and pampering amenities in the Club Lounge.

If you want to relax at the hotel, take a dip in the indoor pool or hot tub before enjoying cocktails and light bites at The Hub cocktail bar. Whenever you feel like getting outside, rent bikes from the front desk and pedal along the nearby Capital City Trail Head.

7. Tru By Hilton Madison West

Tru by Hilton Madison West is a cool Madison hotel located on the west side of town near West Towne Mall. It’s easily one of the best budget hotels in town, and it’s just 15 minutes away from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. 

You’ll love all of the thoughtful freebies, including parking, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the lobby. In the mornings, you’ll even get a complimentary build-your-own buffet breakfast featuring 30 sweet and savory items – from cereal and oatmeal to waffles and scrambled eggs. The hotel also boasts a 24/7 market for snacks and supplies, as well as a gym and a lounge with board games and a pool table.

At the end of a long day, you’ll love the bright and breezy rooms, which are outfitted with comfy Serta mattresses, 55-inch flat-screen TVs with 150 channels, and deluxe ensuites. Plus, all of the rooms feature 8-foot-tall windows, which let in plenty of natural sunlight. 

While there is no on-site restaurant, you’ll have tons of options at West Towne Mall, which is right across Highway 12.  Plus, you can store snacks and leftovers in your room’s mini-fridge.

8. Best Western Premier Park Hotel

Located directly across the way from the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Best Western Premier Park Hotel is easily one of the best places to stay in Madison if you want to be in the center of it all. Many of the rooms at this gem of a hotel even boast unobstructed views of the Capitol, which is one of the most striking in all of the US.

Plus, being located right on Capitol Square means you’ll have easy access to the seasonal Dane County Farmers’ Market and the summer “Concerts on the Square” series. If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in Madison, you really can’t beat the Best Western Premier Park Hotel!

From poolside rooms to spacious suites, you can choose from a variety of room types. For something extra special, the Capitol Suite gives you unbeatable views of the Wisconsin State Capitol, as well as a spacious living area.

When you’re not lounging around your room, you can take a dip in the heated indoor pool, work up a sweat in the brand-new fitness center, or grab a drink at the hotel bar. There’s also a complimentary airport shuttle that will whisk you to and from the airport.

9. Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Whether you’re in town for work or play, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Set right on Lake Monona, the hotel is connected to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center via a skywalk. Plus, the Wisconsin State Capitol is just a few blocks away.

You’ll have free Wi-Fi and a business center in case you need to get some work done, as well as an indoor pool for swimming laps. If you’re feeling peckish, head over to Audrey Kitchen + Bar for shareable plates, as well as craft beers and cocktails. Or if you’re exhausted after a long day, you can always order room service.

The modern rooms boast comfy Hilton Serta beds with 250 thread count sheets and allergen-free down comforters, 55-inch HDTVs, and granite bathrooms with double-headed showers and Crabtree and Evelyn amenities. While the standard rooms have everything you need, it’s well worth upgrading to a room with either a lake or Capitol view.

10. Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown, WI

Hilton Garden Inn is one of the most popular places to stay in Madison if you’re in town to visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel. 

The rooms here are outfitted with everything you need to feel right at home. You’ll love the colorful artwork on the walls and the “Connected Room” technology, which allows you to control the lighting, room temperature, and TV streaming services with the Hilton app or the TV remote. Plus, you’ll get handy extras like a mini-fridge, microwave, and Hamilton Beach K-cup coffee maker.

After you wake up from a restful night’s sleep, you can enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast at the Garden Grill & Bar, which also serves dinner and drinks each evening. Or, if you prefer to dine out, you’ll be right in the heart of downtown and surrounded by some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

11. SpringHill Suites Madison

SpringHill Suites is one of the best hotels in Madison if you’re looking for a home away from home. The guest rooms at this all-suite hotel are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and productive stay. Plus, downtown is an easy 10-minute drive away.

Standard suites offer 355 square feet of space, complete with a living area and sofa, an ergonomic workstation, and a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. If you’re planning on a longer stay, there’s also the option of upgrading to the 1-Bedroom Suite, which gives you 453 square feet of space as well as a kitchenette where you can prepare your own meals.

If you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, the hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, as well as a 24/7 market with grab-and-go meals. While there is no on-site restaurant, Hilldale Shopping Center is just across the way and offers dozens of restaurant options. 

Book a stay at SpringHill Suites, and you’ll also get freebies like Wi-Fi, as well as access to the indoor pool and fitness center.

12. Homewood Suites by Hilton Madison West

You’ll find Homewood Suites by Hilton Madison West on the west side of town, just 8 miles from the heart of downtown. You can choose from studios all the way up to 2-bedroom suites, which are thoughtfully outfitted with everything you could possibly need.

Even the studios offer an open-plan living area with a full-size kitchen, complete with a four-burner stove, an oven, and a large refrigerator. These guest rooms are excellent options if you prefer to cook your own meals during your travels.

If you don’t feel like cooking in the mornings, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary buffet breakfast. Other freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, and evening wine socials with snacks. You can also feel free to swim laps in the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or keep up with your exercise routine in the fitness center. 

While there is no hotel restaurant serving lunch and dinner, you can grab snacks and supplies at the 24/7 convenience store. Plus, West Towne Mall is just 2 miles away and offers a variety of restaurants and shops.

That completes our list of the 12 best Madison hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Madison, WI? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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