Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown: Business Hotel Review

Written By Kelley .

Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown has it all for the Business Traveler

Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown

I’ve been traveling for work over 15 years. I know what I’m looking for in a business hotel. I want a convenient location. Decent amenities. Comfortable rooms. And good options for food, either IN the hotel itself, or right around the corner (aka: I don’t want to have to get back in my rental car or take an uber).

If work travel brings you to Madison, Wisconsin you can’t go wrong with staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown. It’s got everything and then some.

Location

The Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown is located right in the heart of Madison, only about a half mile from the Capitol Building. It is also about a half mile from Memorial Union and the start of the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus as well. State Street, full of restaurants and shops, is only a couple blocks from the hotel and connects all the major attractions.

The Dane County Regional Airport is about five miles away. The hotel finds itself directly between two lakes (Mendota and Monona). It’s not directly off any expressway but it’s only about five or ten minutes to get to the nearest one. If you do have some extra time while in town for work, there is no shortage of things to do near this hotel.

Hotel Amenities

To me, a good business hotel provides everything you need so you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Oftentimes things don’t go to plan during travel and to know that once you finally get to your destination there’s nothing else you have to worry about is key.

There is no airport shuttle from the Dane County Airport to the hotel. You will need a rental car or an uber. Parking is $20 per day and there is no valet available. Parking is on the second and third floor of the hotel in a ramp and, as a Diamond member, I got a reserved spot right next to the elevator, which is always a nice perk.

The pool area is immaculate and having a hot tub is a great perk. When I’m traveling for work I always bring my swimsuit but only end up using it once every five trips or so. To have the option, if I have the time, is nice.

Nine times out of ten I use the fitness center and I’m loving the Peloton bikes that Hilton Hotels are putting in their fitness rooms. I don’t own one myself but I get excited to workout and try some of the classes. With the fitness room so large, you’d be hard-pressed to think it would actually get full.

If you’re thinking of hosting a meeting in Downtown Madison, there is an option at the Hampton Inn & Suites. They offer one meeting room which is about 400 sq. ft. Can’t host any large work events here, but it would be good for a team meeting or the like.

Lastly, I typically use my work trips to get as much work done as possible, so I park myself in the hotel lobby to work into the evenings. This lobby is perfect for working. Lots of outlets, a couple TVs with sports games, a fireplace for the colder months and virtually unlimited seating. Add the small market with snacks, beverages, beer and wine for purchase, and I’m set to work into the evenings.

Rooms

With my Diamond Status I was upgraded to a King Room Studio Suite on the tenth floor. It was a nice, large room with the desk between the King bed and the pullout sofa. There is a nice wet bar with a small fridge and sink as well as a microwave when you enter. If you want to make your own coffee, you can (though they have some in the lobby).

The bathroom came with all the amenities (I love a large sink area!). There’s both a tub and shower option. The bed was incredibly comfortable. While I was there on a Monday night, so I don’t imagine it was that busy, I didn’t hear any hotel or road noise.

*Pro Tip: I always try and get the highest floor as then there’s no chance for walking noise from above.

The room also came with wireless chargers and the TV could easily connect to many streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, etc).

The room did exactly what I needed it to. Gave me everything at my fingertips for an excellent stay and amazing night’s sleep.

Food Options

As I stated in the opening, I almost always try and get a hotel that has some type of food/bar option when I travel for work. When I was younger, no matter how crazy the travel day was, I would venture out to the most recommended restaurants in the city. But now, more often than not, I want to throw my stuff in my room, grab my laptop and continue working as I eat and grab a drink in the hotel (or very near by).

The food options within the Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown, as well as within very near walking distance, are virtually endless. You can choose from quick service (Qdoba, Five Guys, etc) to Steakhouses and everything in between.

Bassett Street Brunch Club is in the hotel (though not operated by it). It’s a perfect place for a meal or a beverage for the traveling business person. It’s casual and offers brunch all day long, plus a number of classics for lunch and dinner. While I was sipping my glass of wine later into the evening, I was offered a free donut (maple & bacon) which was outstanding. They have happy hour during the week from 4-6pm and Trivia on Wednesday Nights.

It’s impossible to list all the great restaurants within walking distance of this hotel. A few I’ll mention are State Street Brats, Short Stack Eatery and Memorial Union Terrace.

State Street Brats is a Madison staple offering all your “typical” Wisconsin foods. Cheese Curds, Brats and Beer (plus an atmosphere that just can’t be beat). You can get yourself a Wisconsin Only Beer Flight as well as the Wisconsin Sampler. Every night of the week brings a different food and drink special as well. And if you want a good view of all that State Street has to offer, you can sit out on their patio and watch everyone walk by.

Short Stack Eatery has HUGE waits for brunch on the weekends and especially when school is in. It’s located on the same street the Hampton Inn & Suites is, just a couple blocks down. If you don’t want the hotel breakfast, I highly recommend this place. You have to order at the counter and then grab your seat. The indoors is cozy and the outdoor seating overlooks State Street and the Overture Center. Can’t go wrong with either. One of their highlights is their Sweet Potato Oatmeal Stack but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

But if you’re in a rush, or just don’t want the hassle or cost of going somewhere else, the Hampton Inn has two great options for breakfast. You can grab an already packed to-go bag, or indulge in their huge breakfast buffet filled with warm and cold options that will fill any person’s need.

Overall Summary: The Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown has everything the Business Traveler Needs

This hotel checks everything off the list. Perfect location. Really nice amenities. Comfortable room. And more options for food than you can possibly imagine. You can’t go wrong staying here.

Kelley .