SI
Shelley Iverson
Jan 4, 2026
I travel a lot and stay in a lot of Hiltons, and there are definitely different “levels” of Hilton properties depending on the city and brand. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown honestly surprised me in the best way. This one is a step above what I usually experience across the country.
From the moment you walk in, the customer service is over-the-top in the best way. Everyone greets you, helps you, and genuinely seems happy to be there. The valet was incredibly sweet and kind, and the front desk staff was always helpful — everything I asked for and more.
The lobby is extraordinary. It feels elegant and welcoming at the same time — almost like being treated like royalty. The ambiance is beautiful, modern, and thoughtfully designed, with clean lines, warm lighting, and stylish finishes that make the space feel elevated but still comfortable. It’s the kind of lobby where you actually want to sit and take it in.
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I was able to pick my room, which I really appreciated. I chose a suite on the 4th floor with a view of the lake, and the view was fantastic. If you go higher, you’ll see even more of the lake, but I chose the 4th floor intentionally. I booked a room on a middle floor of the building, in a far corner, specifically so I could see the lake. It’s an 8-story building, and that location worked out perfectly. The hotel is very well soundproofed, and I barely heard anyone at all, even though there were clearly other guests staying on the floor.
The room itself was immaculate. Very clean, very quiet, and beautifully laid out. The suite had a pullout couch, a coffee maker, ice bucket, glasses — everything you’d want. As an Honors member, it even greeted me on the TV screen, which is always a nice touch. They also provide robes and slippers, which I love.
The bathroom was beautiful. No bathtub, but the shower was excellent — which is usually my experience at most Hiltons. I’ve stayed at a few with terrible showers, but this was not one of them. Everything felt fresh, modern, and well-maintained.
Now the breakfast — because it deserves its own mention. The breakfast they offer is over-the-top. Honestly unbelievable. You walk into it and it feels like a cafeteria-style buffet, but in the best possible way. There’s a station where you can have eggs made fresh and custom for you by a chef behind the counter with a full kitchen. If you don’t want custom eggs, there’s a full buffet with eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, pancakes — everything you’d expect and more. Then you move through different sections: fresh fruits, multiple drink options, yogurts, cereals, bagels, and different types of breads. They even had banana bread, muffins, milk, fruit compote, and granola so you could make your own parfait. On top of that, there was a beautiful display of coffees and teas. I’m probably not even listing everything, but holy crap — the spread was incredible and beautifully done.
Parking-wise, even if you don’t want valet, there are nearby parking options. I chose valet because it was part of my stay and a great deal, and it was absolutely worth it.
My only complaint — and truly the only one — is the pillows. I really don’t like them. They’re very soft and squishy, and no matter how many I stacked, my head just sank straight down with zero support. I wish they offered a firmer pillow option, because they clearly think about everything else. I almost brought my own pillow and didn’t, and I definitely regretted it. The pillows are just not great.
That said, the bed itself was comfortable, the room was quiet, and everything else about the stay was excellent.
Overall, this is a beautiful hotel with outstanding service, a gorgeous atmosphere, and a level of care that really stood out to me. I will absolutely stay here again.