If you’re interested in recreational activities, choose a hotel near Lake Mendota, the largest lake in Madison, that has boating and kayaking opportunities. The Edgewater Hotel is located right on the shores of Lake Mendota and even has boat moorings available for guests.

For travelers who would like to explore Madison’s food scene, choose a hotel in the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood, otherwise known as Willy Street. This area is full of diverse restaurants like the Heritage Tavern and The Weary Traveler Freehouse. Hotel Ruby Marie is an affordable choice that will put you in the center of the neighborhood.

To experience Madison’s nightlife, look at hotels Downtown, a neighborhood that has a variety of bars, live music and attractions, including the The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company and the State Capitol Building. The AC Hotel by Marriott is only a 10-minute walk to the State Capitol Building and keeps you within walking distance of Lake Mendota.

Planning to visit Madison with your family? Try a hotel near Tenney Park, such as the Livingston Inn just a 15-minute walk from the park. Tenney Park contains more than 35 acres of land. It has a playground, tennis courts, and ice skating during the winter. It’s located just three miles from the city center.

If you want to learn more about Madison’s history, choose a hotel near Camp Randall, such as HotelRED, which is located directly across the street from Camp Randall. Used now as a football stadium, Camp Randall is situated on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and formerly served as a training station for the Union army in the Civil War.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Madison

For more information about Madison's different neighborhoods, check out our Madison's City Guide.

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The Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel by Wyndham is less than a five-minute drive to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and has an on-site game room, a great feature for kids. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is located Downtown and is also within five minutes of the gardens.

The Sheraton is located on the shore of Lake Monona and offers guests free shuttle service to the airport. The Comfort Inn is a budget option that is also on Lake Monona and offers complimentary evening drinks and snacks.

The AmericInn by Wyndham is an affordable choice that is a 10-minute walk from the West Towne Mall and has an indoor pool, as well as a patio with tools for barbequing. The Holiday Inn & Suites is alongside the busy Highway 12 and has a fully equipped indoor waterpark that includes an indoor pool.

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club is within a five-minute walk from the State Capitol Building and offers rooms with views of the city’s Downtown. The Mansion Hill Inn is a 4-star choice that offers views of nearby Lake Mendota, and some rooms have either private balconies or direct access to the hotel’s garden.