DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in Madison

I recently came back to stay 3 nights at my favorite Doubletree in Downtown Madison after being away for 4 years. I was greeted by 2 lovely ladies at the front desk and when I arrived in my upgraded suite, there was the most thoughtful, handwritten card from Sophie, explaining that my husband indicated I was in town for a class at UW so she wished me well and included a study snack gift bag. Then, as if that wasn't wonderful enough, the next morning I was greeted by Liz Christianson, when I went down for breakfast. I instantly remembered Liz from my last visit back in 2018 when I was in town for a very different reason. My beloved mom was recovering from brain surgery after a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in IL (we had switched her care from IL to UW). I was with my elderly father and Liz (& Meg, who worked there at the time) were so kind and so compassionate to us - I never forgot them. I was absolutely thrilled to see Liz and after I refreshed her memory, she completely remembered me and immediately asked about my father. It was literally like coming back home and visiting with a good friend. Doubletree Downtown Madison is like no other Doubletree in the US. It has the Midwestern values mixed with the awesome Madison vibe that is unlike anywhere else. Thank you for your kindness and thank you for being such a wonderful company that retains talented, special, fantastic people who make people like me excited to come back again and again.

I recently stayed for a college bowling tournament. The hotel was full because of a Badger game but never seemed crowded. Staff I encountered were very nice but I can't imagine having to deal with the numerous customer complaints they must receive. Positives: Great rate with our group, easy check-in, beautiful lobby/hallways, clean room, large counter in the bathroom (one sink did not bother me), shower had great water pressure, convenient location to shopping and restaurants. Negatives: Air conditioning had been turned off, so only heat blowing into an already warm space (maintenance man very upset about it/opened our window for us so we could get some air), expensive breakfast buffet when compared with quality, buffet opened 25 minutes late (had to go to Starbucks), mattress was very hard, bathtub/shower seemed much smaller than usual, slow wi-fi even though I have member status, computer in the lobby uses Internet Explorer so none of my Google accounts would work (welcome to the year 2000), pool right in lobby which seemed very awkward. I would only stay here again if I had no other choice. I felt bad for my friends who had a room with a window only into the lobby--no natural light and no way to cool the room. Don't be fooled by the lobby--book a room somewhere else.