The Madison center is about the area of Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society and the area of Downtown Madison.
Although you can find something to do in Madison year-round, you may want to avoid the winter months if you're not too fond of snow. Temperatures drop dramatically and bring wintry weather, making Wisconsin suitable for ice-fishing and snowmobiling. If you don't mind the frigid temperatures and snow showers, however, you can save quite a bit of cash on your hotel rates during this season. Several of Madison's parks feature groomed trails for cross-country and skate-style skiing. You can also go snowshoeing throughout the City of Madison Parks system, including on the trails at the Yahara Hills Golf Course. And there are always the indoor attractions to enjoy, which won't be experiencing the tourist rush.
While the weather can remain chilly in early spring, Madison starts to come alive from March to May. This is the perfect time to take advantage of reduced hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a brisk but beautiful climate that makes sightseeing more enjoyable. Although you'll need to pack a few layers, spring in Madison is a memorable experience. Visit the UW Arboretum to enjoy the budding flora or hit the bike trails, or take a jog alongside Lake Mendota.
Summer is naturally Madison's peak tourist season, which results in hiked room rates and longer lines at major attractions. Due to the city's surrounding marshlands, summers can also be quite humid, drawing out the mosquitos. As long as you bring your bug spray, Madison is never more alive than during the summer months. You'll have access to numerous outdoor festivals, including the local favorite, Concert on the Square. It's also a great time to enjoy an outdoor picnic, savor farm-to-table cuisine, and participate in lake activities.
If you're a sports fan, fall is a great time to visit Madison. The city is buzzing with football-related enthusiasm, so be sure to catch a UW Badgers' game at Camp Randall Stadium. Even if you're not interested in sports, autumn provides pleasant weather, falling hotel rates, and thinning crowds, making it one of the best times of the year to visit the capital city.
If you plan your trip in advance, you can take advantage of discounts to help you save even more during your stay in Madison. Most area hotels, such as those under the Choice Hotels brand, which includes Rodeway Inn & Suites WI Madison-Northeast, offer special rates for seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, government employees, corporate travelers, and military families. Simply book the room at a special rate and show your credentials at check-in to save as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Higher-end hotels also typically offer travel packages to help you save money on your stay. HotelRED, for example, offers tailored romance, minibar, and breakfast packages. Splurging on these packages give you extra amenities like local craft beer, snacks, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast in bed, and dining credits. Each hotel offers its own seasonal packages, so check back throughout the year to score one that suits your travel style.
Madison offers many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for your dollar. Sheraton Madison Hotel is located downtown just over two miles from the Wisconsin State Capitol. Its modern guest rooms boast flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, while upgraded club rooms provide lounge access with free continental breakfast and all-day snacks. Other on-site amenities include a grill restaurant, a fitness center, an indoor pool, an airport shuttle service, meeting rooms, a business center, and free parking.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison is another downtown option within walking distance of the Kohl Center. This property features traditional guest rooms with custom-designed beds, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. There's an on-site restaurant with a breakfast buffet, a 24-hour fitness center, an area shuttle service, freshly baked cookies upon arrival, and an indoor pool.
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, Madison offers a variety of attractions to appeal to every traveler. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is an award-winning site offering 16 acres of outdoor gardens, plus an indoor tropical conservatory. Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public zoo that's free to the public, making it a great option for families on a budget. There's also Monona Terrace on the shores of Lake Monona, which has been considered renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece.
Other must-see attractions in Madison include the Overture Center for the Arts, the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, East Towne Mall, and the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
With so much Madison has to offer, exploring the capital city can be a tall order. No matter what your itinerary includes, you'll love the broad range of attractions, entertainment, scenery, and cuisine. Regardless of your travel budget, you'll find the perfect hotel in Madison to meet your needs.
Madison is the capital of the state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is the 83rd largest city in the United States. Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes Dane County, Iowa, Green, and Columbia, forms the basis of U. S. Census Bureau. Madison's history began in 1829 when former federal judge James Duane Doty purchased swamp and forest land with the intention of building a city in the four Lake regions. The Wisconsin Territory was established in 1836 when the territorial legislation met in Belmont, Wisconsin. The legislation's task was to identify a permanent location for the territory's capital. The city is popular for its history and its friendly people. You will definitely fall in love with Madison once you visit the City and stay in the lavish hotels. Madison hotels will surely leave a memorable impression on you and your family' as you stay in this prestigious city.
Hotels in Madison can be quite cheap, however; they will guarantee you relaxation and comfort. Best Western East Towne Suite is a fantastic three-star hotel. It offers an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, an airport shuttle and a fitness center. Guests can also visit the East Towne mall. The hotel staff will assist in organizing travel plans within the city. Day Inn & Suite Madison is another excellent choice. It is located near the Dane County Airport and provides meeting rooms and a Barbeque/ picnic area. Guests searching for after-dinner entertainment can visit the casino. These hotels will provide you with the essentials for a comfortable stay.
If you are searching for an elegant hotel at a more costly rate, then Crowne Plaza Hotel is perfect for you. It provides valet parking, a Jacuzzi, gym and an executive floor. Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin and the Madison-Wisconsin Capitol are close by. Sheraton Madison Hotel is another luxurious hotel. The hotel has 239 modern and spacious rooms. The guests can enjoy breakfast every morning before exploring Kohl Centre. Luxury Madison Hotels are sophisticated and provide unique services. You will discover these hotels will guarantee you an atmosphere where you will unwind and relax.
If you prefer cheaper hotel options, then Baymont Inn & Suites Madison West is a good match. The hotel is located near Herbert and Katherine Jacobs Second House and the Alliant Energy center. Another great choice is the Comfort Suites Madison West. There are 46 spacious rooms that guarantee privacy and comfort. The property has a casino for guests looking for after-dinner entertainment. It also provides airport transfers, laundry, and porter services. Hotels in Madison can create a fun and cozy experience for you and your loved ones as you tour the city's most remarkable sites. Just remember, the most important detail of your trip; which hotel will you be staying and enjoying yourself?
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Madison, WI excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Dane
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 | $138.00 | $80.00 |
| November 1, 2026 | April 30, 2027 | $110.00 | $80.00 |
| May 1, 2027 | September 30, 2027 | $138.00 | $80.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Madison, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Madison always has something going on in the city. Like city events & Good restaurants to go to, The retail store always have something going on as well. The city offers sporting events going on as. If you like the movie Sean the city has a lot of movies going on as well. You also can take a bus ride from the Westside to the Eastside & you can tour the city on the bus as well.... I love the City of Madison there's something going on & Something to see & Something to do....
Madison is a great city there is always something going on to see & do.
The city was covered in snow and lovely.There appears to be a great variety of places to see, dine, and explore. It is large enough without being too bustling.
Could find whatever we needed within a short time. Nice town.
Hospital appt. tomorrow morning for endoscopy # 6. Several others in the same boat after visiting with them this afternoon & evening.
The city is quaint, beautiful and clean. Pitchers Bar and restaurant made my visit even more special thanks to Ben Nehles one of the owners..
University
I was only driving through on my way to Montana. I was tired and needed a clean comfortable place to rest for the night. The breakfast was a pleasant bonus.
I was only driving through on my way to Montana. I was tired and needed a clean comfortable place to rest for the night. The breakfast was a pleasant bonus.
I was only driving through on my way to Montana. I was tired and needed a clean comfortable place to rest for the night. The breakfast was a pleasant bonus.
Madison is a great city, and close to a ton of healthcare. Go Badgers.
It is a charming town , we will be back in May! We loved the hotel bar and the food was a a real treat!
I'm only here for my annual VA doctor appointments and do a little shopping.
Good, Safe, clean place to stay.
Close to UW Hospital were the had to go.
Went to visit 93 yr old cousin at UW Hospital. Did do some shopping and ate at a Perkins.
We lived in Madison for 20 years. It's a great city.
Yes, I liked Madison.
The farmers market by the capital!
Madison is a city full of history. Multiple recreation areas for biking, running, kayaking and the list goes on. Farmers market is an absolute must. It's also a city with easy access to the smaller communities.
I have lived here 30 years love this city
Where I went to college. Go Badgers. Love the campus/ lakes/ State Street and much more.
Shopping was great. Not there long enough to do more. We'll be back.
Very beautiful college town with parks and bike trails.
Very beautiful college town with parks and bike trails.
There for cow show
I used to live there. Fun to visit.
Nice College Town
I live in Madison. I like it.
House on the rock, Deer Park Monastery. Capital.
Beautiful downtown!!!
The lakes, art fair, Ático restaurant and walkable downtown.
I already like Madison. State St. can be a blast for the college students. The lakes are great for fishing and boating, obviously. It's not too far for some of the other tourist attractions to the north, northeast. Circus World Museum, Ho-Chunk Casino, The Dells, Lake Delton, the list could go on, but I was there visiting family, so I wasn't there for the tourist attractions.
Madison is a lively, energetic city, with a lot of bike riders and walkers!
Beautiful city
The city of Madison was fantastic. Much to see, good signs for travelers who had never driven the streets. Very clean. Wonderful restaurants. Beautiful capital bldg, botanical gardens, interesting suburb Paoli.
Nice parks.
Location of hotel to Capitol, restaurants, things to do, university. Easily walkable.
Close to hospital.
The area was beautiful and the meal choices were wonderful.
Nothing. Nice selection of resturants.
It has it's own vibe and such a good one at that. Feels young, fresh looking. I used to live there in 1983 to 85 and it has kept itself up and modern but not over the top. I would like to move back. Capital is beautiful as always.
It was in reasonable location to our vendor and convenient location off interstate
I never seen Madison. We just stayed the night to take plane to vacation.
It's perfect - so walkable!
Family, friends and great memories!
We used to live in Madison from 1996 to 2004! Great place!
There are multiple mostly free activities available, Zoo, Art museum, Capitol, golf, etc.
There are multiple mostly free activities available, Zoo, Art museum, capitol, golf etc
Hotel and town were fine.
We were only at the hospital.
The Vet Clinic, Trader Joe's, LL Bean!
Only come to VA Clinic.
We go to the castle!
Uber drivers were very nice. Easy to get to the Kohl Center from our hotel.
Beautiful!
Like Madison, our granddaughter is in college there.
Like Madison, our granddaughter is in college there
Love Madison and supporting the Badgers!
We love Madison's diversity and energy as a city. We especially appreciate the liberal forward thinking mindset of it's citizens.
We love Madison's diversity and energy as a city. We especially appreciate the liberal forward thinking mindset of its citizens.
No restaurants in the area!
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly. The capital
Lots to do in Madison from restaurants to live music, bars, museums, Olbrich gardens, the capital, state street, and more
Many good restaurant choices and quaint bookstores.
I liked the small town feel but also felt like a bigger city downtown.
I love Madison, it's small but very urban feel. Has a good energy about it.
We really enjoyed visiting the vibrant city of Madison!
Went to the stadium.
Shopping!
Pooley's has excellent food!
Lombardino's Restaurant that is across the street was fantastic, highly recommend!
Only there for the hospital. Hospital staff are great!
Only there for the hospital. Hospital staff is great!
Safe city with a university vibe!
We didn't get time to site see, we were there for a VA Hospital evaluation and had to head home after that. Maybe next time.
The capital and the marketplace on Saturday were super fun!
A lot of things to do in Madison.
The capital and the market lace on Saturday were super fun!
We were there to visit family in the hospital.
I went to school in Madison and love it!
Blues Festival was fantastic!
Blues Festival was fantastic!
Beautiful city, so much to do. Great places to eat.
The people were nice.
Beautiful city. Restaurants nearby with great food.