City: Madison, WI

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (608) 251-5511

Address: 525 West Johnson St.

Description: Located right at the curve on Johnson Street as it passes through the heart of downtown, this hotel is a reliable choice both for quality and proximity to the university campus and downtown. Everything is walkable and the Kohl Center is just a couple blocks away. Rooms are spacious and come with one king, two double, or two queen beds as well as 27” flat-screen TVs, work desks, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, lighted vanity mirrors, in-room safes, and Wolfgang Puck coffeemakers. High-speed wireless Internet is complimentary as are printing services, a plus for the business traveler. Suites add turndown service and large sitting rooms separated from bedrooms by double doors and furnished with sofas, tables, small refrigerators, microwaves, complimentary bottled water, and snacks. A heated indoor pool and whirlpool are standard, and the fitness center is medium-size with the usual exercise and weight machines, a TV, and water cooler. Business center provides computer and Internet access as well as free printing services. Copies and faxes can be made at a charge. The casual Badgerland Bar and Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily as well as drinks from a full bar. Room service is also available, but a huge variety of restaurants is just a few blocks away on State Street or up around the Capitol Square. A free shuttle service serves the airport, the university campus, Alliant Energy Center, and downtown hospitals. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. No pets are allowed. A warm chocolate-chip cookie at check-in is a nice touch. Prices are a bit high but better deals can be had with advance purchase online.