Madison's BEST Downtown Hotel? Hampton Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Hampton Inn & Suites, the so-called "BEST Downtown Hotel" in Madison, Wisconsin. Spoiler alert: it's not perfect. But is it worth the hype? Let's unravel this tangled ball of hotel-y goodness.
Stop! Before you book, LISTEN UP! (The Deal)
Okay, real talk. Madison's a vibe, and the Hampton Inn knows it. They're offering a killer deal right now. Seriously, check the website. I hate to sound like a commercial, but I was getting serious FOMO when I saw it. Look for rates dropping - it’s probably their biggest selling point!
The Review: Where Expectations Met a Few Bumps, and the Wi-Fi Actually Worked (Mostly)
Let's be honest, I'm picky. I've stayed in everything from fleabag hostels to fancy-pants resorts. This Hampton Inn? It's… well, it's a Hampton Inn. And that, surprisingly, is a good thing.
Accessibility: Right on Track!
- Wheelchair Accessible: I didn't personally test this (I'm not that in need of a scooter), but the place looked completely accessible. Wide hallways, elevators, the whole shebang, which makes a huge difference.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They've got the stuff. I saw it. Checkmark.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitized Zone?
Look, 2020 (and beyond) has changed us. I'm a germaphobe now, and I'm not ashamed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay. Good start. But how do I know they REALLY used them? Shrug.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw the cleaning crew. They seemed to be working hard.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. It was like a free-flowing sanitizer river.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Didn't see this. But hey, if it exists, that's good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They better be. Again, hard to prove this, short of following the cleaning crew around.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They said they were. They seemed to be.
My Take: The security felt present. The overall impression was… okay. I need to feel utterly convinced about this stuff.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Breakfast, My Kryptonite
Breakfast is my jam. I'm a sucker for a free breakfast buffet.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It's the Hampton Inn breakfast. Let's be real. It's your typical American breakfast spread. Eggs, sausage, the usual suspects. I had an absolute disaster with the waffle machine - I'm not sure if you are allowed to leave with a half-burnt waffle, but I think it was a good moment!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was surprisingly decent! Free caffeine. Win.
- Restaurants: Technically none on-site, but a short walk gets you EVERYTHING. I spent an age in a local deli.
- Poolside bar: Not a thing. Bummer.
My Take: The breakfast? Meh. The coffee? 👍. The lack of a poolside bar? 👎. My waffle-making skills? Still evolving. I loved the options - I still haven't tried everything in Madison.
Services & Conveniences: Is it Convenient, or Just…Services?
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Needed. Wisconsin summers? Brutal.
- Business facilities: Did not use it. I work from my bed in my room.
- Concierge: Nonexistent or not working! I think there was an opening - but nobody to man the desk.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. They made the bed!
- Elevator: Necessary. I was on a high floor.
- Food delivery: Yep, lots of options, and they know downtown, which I LOVE.
- Laundry service: Available. I was too lazy.
- Luggage storage: Yep. Helpful.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Didn't see any special events. But the Wi-Fi in the room was solid.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Nope.
My Take: Fine. Functional. Nothing to make me dance in the streets.
Inside The Room! (The Meat & Potatoes)
- Air conditioning: Blessed be the AC.
- Alarm clock: Useless because I wake up before that silly thing!
- Bathtub: Yes, but I mostly used the shower.
- Free bottled water: Excellent.
- Hair dryer: Yep.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Worked! I think.
- Ironing facilities: Never used the iron. Looked like a good one.
- Mini bar: No mini-bar, but a fridge. I used it for my (many) leftovers.
- Non-smoking: Yes. Thank goodness.
- Satellite/cable channels: TV, TV, TV - what more can I say.
- Wake-up service: I used the alarm clock.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Maybe Not the Spa Getaway, But…
- Fitness center: Small, but functional. Treadmill, weights, the usual.
- Gym/fitness: Yep. See above.
- Swimming pool: Outdoor pool. Decent. Not super luxurious, but hey, a pool.
- Spa/sauna: Nope. Not that kind of hotel.
My Take: This ain't a spa retreat. It's a place to crash after a long day of exploring Madison.
For the Kids: (If You Have Them, I Don't)
- Family/child friendly: Yeah, it looked like they're fine with families.
- Babysitting service: No. Maybe ask the front desk for options.
Getting Around: Not a Car Person (Thank Goodness)
- Car park [free of charge]: Yup, which is a huge win in a downtown location.
- Taxi service: Available, but walking is your friend in Madison.
- Airport transfer: I used Uber.
Overall Vibe & My Verdict:
Look, this is not the Four Seasons. It's a solid, reliable, clean, well-located Hampton Inn. It has its flaws. The breakfast is average. The lack of a concierge is a pain. But it's clean, the location is amazing, and the Wi-Fi (mostly) works.
Would I stay again? Yes. Especially if (when) the rates are right. Just don’t expect perfection, and you’ll be fine. If you want a reliably clean, comfortable base camp for exploring Madison, this is a good bet.
Escape to Paradise: Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Orange Park Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is me, in Madison, WI, at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, and believe you me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Cheese Obsession (aka, Welcome to Wisconsin!)
1:00 PM: Arrived at the Hampton Inn. You know, the usual drill. Check-in. Dropped the bags. The room? Surprisingly okay. Nice view of… a brick wall. A very well-maintained brick wall, mind you. Okay, moving on! Already regretting not packing that noise-canceling headset.
1:30 PM: Unpacked (sort of. Okay, mostly just dumped my stuff on the bed). The complimentary cookies are calling my name. Honestly, if I was a cookie, I'd be ecstatic to be here.
2:00 PM: Okay, deep breaths. Time to hit the streets. First stop: Fromagination (corner of State & Mifflin). This is where the obsession begins. I’m a sucker for artisanal cheese, a full-blown, unapologetic cheese fiend and this place? Heaven. I may or may not have spent a shameful amount of money. Okay, I definitely did. Bought a smoked gouda that’s gonna haunt my dreams, and a sharp cheddar for the road. The guy behind the counter, bless his heart, probably thought I was going to burst into tears of cheese-induced joy.
- Side Note: I'm convinced I could become a cheese sommelier. Think about it: "So, this brie… it’s got notes of… existential angst and a hint of… joy!"
- Anecdote: While there, I overheard a couple bickering about whether or not to buy a $40 cheese knife. Marital bliss, people!
4:00 PM: Wandered around State Street. Okay, wandered is generous. I more or less got lost in a sea of college students and overpriced… well, everything. Found a cool vintage store though, and spent way too long fondling a velvet jacket that probably cost more than my rent. It's the look I just was not going to be in a position to do any purchasing.
6:00 PM: Dinner at The Old Fashioned. This place is legendary, I know. And, yeah, the ambiance is fantastic. But the wait…Oh. My. God. Waited AN HOUR. And the food? Good, don't get me wrong. The cheese curds were stellar. But my stomach was doing backflips of hunger by the time it arrived. Plus, my (now-ex) boyfriend was on my mind, I don't need this drama.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Devoured the cheese. The gouda is stupid good. Like, I need to go buy more tomorrow. The cheddar is holding its own. Feeling full, slightly guilty, and definitely ready for bed. Maybe some Netflix…or maybe just the cheese. Yeah, definitely the cheese.
Day 2: Lakes, Literature, and the Art of the Slightly Overwhelmed
9:00 AM: Woke up. Coffee. And more of that gouda. I'm starting to think it's my spirit animal.
10:00 AM: Hit up the UW-Madison campus. The views! So beautiful. The Memorial Union Terrace is gorgeous, even though it's not quite the right season for the full Terrace experience. Watched some people paddleboarding on Lake Mendota and thought, "Nope. Too much effort."
11:30 AM: Wandered into University Bookstore. Found some cool Madison t-shirts, a calendar and the urge to buy every single book. Spent a while flipping through a collection of poetry. I had to put the credit card away.
1:00 PM: Lunch at… well, I don't know. Got distracted on State Street and ended up eating a greasy slice of pizza from a place that's probably seen better days. Regrets? Maybe. The pizza was bad but the company while it was happening good, no regrets.
2:00 PM: Drove the the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Beautiful, a peaceful experience and felt the much needed mental break. The conservatory? Fantastic. I even braved the desert room, even though I'm convinced cacti are plotting my demise.
4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. The sun is just shining into my room at the moment. Thought about going to the Art Museum, but I'm feeling a bit…blah. Sometimes, you just need to sit in a hotel room, eat cheese, and stare out the window. This is the art of traveling, right? This is exactly what I need.
6:00 PM: Decided against the Art Museum. Pizza and cheese it is. Ordered take out and am considering a deep dive into the hotel's terrible TV listings. My inner sloth is rejoicing.
- Emotional Reaction: Tired. Lonely. But also, content, in a weird, cheese-fueled way.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machine here has the cheapest water on earth. Probably because nobody buys it.
8:00 PM: Wrapped up in a blanket. Eating the cheese, and just generally feeling… okay (mostly). You know, traveling is kind of exhausting.
Day 3: Departures and the Lingering Scent of Gouda
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. Waffles – not bad, but I’m craving that gouda.
- 10:00 AM: Checking out. Goodbye, Madison. Goodbye, cheese.
- 11:00 AM: Goodbye Madison. I loved you.
Overall reflection: This trip was a rollercoaster. High highs (the cheese!), low lows (the ex), and moments of sheer, blissful nothingness. Madison, you beautiful, slightly quirky city, I’ll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a bigger suitcase for the cheese. And maybe a better jacket. And honestly, probably a therapist.
Pittsburg, KS Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Luxury Awaits!
Okay, spill it! Is the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Madison *really* the best? Or just...another hotel?
Alright, settle in, because this isn't going to be a polite, brochure-fluff response. Look, "best" is subjective, right? But after a few stays at the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown... well, let's just say I've developed a complicated relationship with the place. It's like a comfortable, slightly flawed friend. The kind you'd happily grab brunch with, but wouldn't necessarily trust with your winning lottery ticket. So, is it the *best*? Maybe not, but it's definitely got a strong case going for it.
Let's talk about location, location, location. What's the deal with being "downtown?" Is it actually convenient?
Oh, honey, YES. The LOCATION is gold. Seriously, it's practically *on* State Street. You stumble out the door and BAM! You're surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, everything you could possibly want. Remember that time I was running late for a concert at the Orpheum? Took like... six minutes to get there. Six glorious, panic-free minutes! And the Capitol Square? A leisurely stroll away. Parking, however... that's another story. More on that later. (Insert dramatic eye roll here).
The rooms! Are they as clean and comfy as they look in the pictures? Because let's be real, those photos are always a little sus.
Okay, the rooms are... generally clean. I've never found anything truly horrifying, like a rogue sock from the previous guest. (Thank God.) BUT. And there's always a "but," right? One time, I swear, I found a tiny, *tiny* crumb on the desk. A *crumb*. And I'm not even a crumb-sensitive person! It was just... the fact *that* there was a crumb. The beds, though? Heavenly. Always. Like, seriously, I'd consider moving in just for the beds. The pillows? Fluffy clouds of sleep-inducing joy. Just be aware, some rooms might feel a bit... generic. Clean, but lacking that quirky personality that makes a place memorable.
Breakfast time! Is the free breakfast actually edible? Or is it that sad, pre-packaged stuff?
Okay, brace yourselves. This is where things get interesting. The free breakfast *is* serviceable. It's the Hampton Inn standard: waffles (make your own, which is always a plus!), eggs (sometimes suspiciously fluffy), sausage (usually... sausage-y), and the usual breakfast suspects. It's not gourmet, people. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. But, honestly? After a night of questionable decisions on State Street, that waffle machine is a lifesaver. And the coffee? Generally passable. I'd say it gets a solid 'meh' from me, but that 'meh' is often enough.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Is it all worth a hoot?
There's a pool! I've never used it. It always looks... a little crowded. And the gym? I walked in once, took one look at the treadmill, and immediately decided I'd get my exercise exploring State Street. Let's be honest, the true amenity is the proximity to everything. The "amenity" is the ability to roll out of bed and grab a ridiculously delicious pastry from a local bakery. That's the real win here, folks.
Parking! The bane of any downtown experience. What's the parking sitch at the Hampton Inn?
Ah, yes. Parking. The silent villain of the Madison experience. The Hampton Inn *does* have parking, but it's a garage and you will pay. And you will grumble. Depending on the time of day (and the day of the week), it can be a *nightmare* to get in and out of. One time, I swear I spent a good twenty minutes just trying to find a space, circling the garage like a vulture. It's not ideal. I highly recommend Uber/Lyft/walking if possible. Seriously. Save yourself the stress and potential vehicular rage. Also, read the signs *very* carefully. Towing is a real possibility, people.
How's the noise level? State Street at night can get... lively.
Okay, this is a *big* consideration. The hotel's right in the thick of things. You can get some street noise, especially on weekends. You'll hear the happy shouts, the occasional car horn, the distant thump of music. I've had some nights where I slept like a baby, and others where I wished I'd packed some earplugs. Ask for a room on a higher floor, and consider a room facing away from State Street if you're a light sleeper. But hey, if you're looking for a *quiet* experience, maybe downtown isn't the right choice in the first place, right? Embrace the chaos, people! Or, you know, pack those earplugs.
The Staff. Are they generally friendly and helpful? You know, making or breaking your stay?
Honestly? The staff have always been... *fine*. Not like, overly effusive, best-friend-for-life friendly. But definitely helpful. They’ve always been there to answer my questions, give directions, and fix any minor hiccups. Never had a truly terrible experience. And, you know, that's worth a lot when you're already feeling a bit frazzled from travel. Once, I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 3 AM (don't ask). The front desk was super quick to help me out, no questions asked. Crisis averted! So, yes, the staff is generally a positive aspect.
Okay, so, bottom line. Would you recommend it? Or are we better off looking elsewhere?
Okay, the *REAL* bottom line. Here's the thing: I'd recommend it. With caveats. If you want a convenient base for exploring downtown Madison, you can't beat the location of the Hampton Inn & Suites. The beds are ridiculously comfortable. The breakfast is… sufficient for its purpose. But if you're looking for a truly *luxurious* experience, or if you're exceptionally noise-sensitive, it might not be a perfect fit. There are other hotels in Madison, sure, but they won't offer the same level of accessibility to the action. So, weigh your priorities! For me? ItJet Set Hotels
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