MainStay Suites Madison - Monona

Great value for money

Definitely would stay again really...

Liked: Loved everything about it and the staff was wonderful. We were in town for a wedding and were external could check in early.
Disliked: Nothing that I can think of.

Our second stay while in...

Liked: Quiet area and having a kitchen. We also had a room with a balcony which was really nice.
Disliked: Price of laundry room.

Madison motel

Liked: Very nice place
Disliked: Location was really hard to find. Less than friendly desk person.

Overall, it was nice.

Liked: Place was spacious. Even though, I didn’t stay long enough to use the Kitchenette. I like the fact that that’s it’s available. Staff was nice enough to let us check out by 12 pm. We were able to maximize our stay.
Disliked: I used the gym and was disappointed that the ma home were not working properly.

Superb

Exceptional

This is as good as...

Liked: I always stay here when I come to Madison now. The rooms are exceptionally clean and comfortable. There is a pool and hot tub that my niece and nephew can enjoy while I visit with my brother and sister-in-law. The linens are so luxurious, I look forward to sleeping in the super comfortable bed. I actually pulled up the sheets this time to see what brand and model the mattress was because I want one for home. When your hotel bed is more comfortable than your own bed, that's saying something. They provide you with a ton of pillows as well. The towels are fluffy and clean and the bedding is amazing. I can't wait to slide into bed and sleep like a brick when I stay here. I have arthritis in all of my joints and spondylolisthesis in my back, plus I'm a side sleeper so my shoulders take a beating. I always wake up refreshed and without the typical aches and pains that normally plague me. That's worth the 15-20 minutes to get to campus when I am down visiting my kid. The breakfast is some grab and go, but also waffles and hot offerings. You can get some yogurt and fresh fruit. They offer coffee that's decent and juice, milk, etc. Pretty much something for everyone.
Disliked: I did notice that the paint was peeling pretty significantly above the AC unit in the bedroom. And there is always a wet dirt smell from the sink drain when I stay here. Not sure what that's about but since I don't drink the water, I'm not too concerned. The water itself, smells fine. When my kid stays with us, and sleeps on the sofa bed, they say it's not super comfortable but what sofa bed is?

This is my go-to hotel...

Liked: Beds are super comfy and luxurious. The linens are exceptional. So many pillows. Super quiet. Easy access to room, with elevators to upper floors. The price for Madison area is extremely reasonable, especially compared to hotels close to campus. I paid over twice the price for a smaller room, to be a few blocks from my kids' dorm, at another hotel. After that, I will always stay here for the value. Plus, it's safer.
Disliked: I always notice a wet dirt type smell when I run water in the bathroom drain, every time I stay here. Not sure what that is about but I don't drink the water from the tap anyway. The paint was also peeling away from the wall above the AC unit in the bedroom. The area is quiet because of being on the edge of Monona. This is not an issue for me but for someone visiting the UW, it may be inconvenient. I like it and prefer not to be right in the city of Madison. Also, the trade off in price for the added distance is worth it.