Hmmmm.... Good question! The Concorde is a very nice place to stay and if you want to splurge, you can spring for "The Governor's Club" on the top floor. The Inn on the Park is not quite as nice of a property, but it has a great location on the Capitol Square. If you want to save a few dollars and still have decent digs -- but be a little further from the heart of the city -- I'm generally inclined toward the Crowne Plaza or the Radisson on internet deals through their respective sites.

The Edgewater is right on one of the lakes. Has an older refurbished section with suites, newer section with lake views, nice dock.
The Ivy Inn is a bit past the downtown area, near the University Hospital. Fairly plain but nice enough with good rates.

As a Madisonian, I agree with the previous remarks. A lot will depend upon your budget. The state capitol has just completed a refurbishment and is looking great - be sure to stop by.

Jim means the Madison Concourse. Just wanted to clear it up because you'll have a hard time finding info on "Concorde." (Don't worry, Jim...I do that all the time!)

Enjoy your trip!

My first recommendation when reading your post was the Edgewater, a lovely hotel with a great dining room. It will not be cheap, no hotels in Madison are, especially downtown.

You can find a cheaper room in the "burbs", Middleton, or the Far east or west side. It all depends on how much you want to drive, Madison in not a hard town to get around in, and the parking ramps along State Street are only $1 on weekends (unless there is a Special Event then $3), but it can get confusing if you have never been here.

If staying at a more expensive hotel will strap you financially the rest of your trip, then I say stay in the burbs, drive a little more, but be able to enjoy the rest of your vacation. If you can afford the convience of being downtown without having to make sacrifices during the rest of your journey then do it.

The Chamber of Commerce has Free Madison Maps Available just ask at the hotel or call before you come. I haven't seen the capital since its remodel, but it was beautiful before so should be even better now.

Have Fun

Funny you should ask... last night I was looking for my "Smokies Hiking Book" and came across some other past vacation material. I stayed in Madison overnight on my way to Spring Green to see F.L. Wright's Taliason East (one my favorite of all of his creations, btw). I just happened to come across the Edgewater materials and I remembered what a neat place it was to stay. It's not really "too fancy," but sure has a great history and we truly enjoyed our stay - and our visit to Madison!

Happy Trails,
Paul

Has anyone else noticed how the gals from Wisconsin have the best-looking breasts? Why is that--plenty of milk and farm fresh dairy growing up?

Thanks for fixing "Concourse" for me -- I must have been half asleep! I've stayed at the Ivy Inn and I agree with the previous poster's take on it.

Forget the Ivy Inn. It either has been or is about to be torn down for an apartment building. It's not within walking distance of State St. anyways. If you're not familiar with Madison's streets, it'll hard to drive - lots of one-way streets and the downtown is laid out in a wagonwheel pattern radiating from the capitol instead of a square grid. The Sheraton right off the beltline across from the Alliant Center might work though. Probably kind of expensive, though not nearly as pricey as the aforementioned Concourse and Edgewater. It's a straight drive into the downtown on John Nolen Drive and the view as you approach the capitol and Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace reflecting in the lake is gorgeous. Just head towards the capitol and follow the signs.