Graduate by Hilton Madison blends local history, legends, and Badger traditions with creative interiors and college nostalgia. Just a block from State Street and the University of Wisconsin campus near Lake Mendota, it’s the ideal base for exploring Madtown. Guest rooms feature comfy beds and signature Graduate touches, while the lobby showcases canoe chandeliers and UW's Cardinal red.
Daily Mandatory Destination Charge includes: Premium guest internet access; daily $15 food and beverage credit for use in all hotel outlets; bicycle rentals.
The hotel is praised for its excellent location near UW Madison and downtown, making it convenient for guests.
Staff Service
Many reviews highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, with specific mentions of individuals who provided exceptional service.
Room Quality
Guests reported mixed experiences with room quality, noting issues such as small size, cleanliness, and maintenance problems.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is mandatory but often criticized for being inconvenient and crowded, with some guests unaware of the associated costs.
Noise Levels
Several guests mentioned noise disturbances from outside or neighboring rooms, impacting their overall comfort.
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Tambra Riddle
2 days ago
5.0
Love the vibe of this place, the staff is friendly, rooms are clean and it is centrally located to so many convenient places!
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Ed Z
5 days ago
4.0
I guess supposed to be 50's themed. Room was clean. Close by restaurants. Middle of University of Wisconsin. Coffee shop in hotel could use some improvements with the drinks. Bar on 7th floor was better than I was expecting. Would I stay again, probably.
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tiffany williams
6 days ago
5.0
The most unique and quaint atmosphere. Friendly and helpful staff. Kat makes a mean latte.
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Alison Feinberg
Nov 6, 2025
1.0
Hoping to get the attention of a manager… person who checked us in was not helpful. This is our 2nd stay at The Madison Graduate location (and we’ve stayed at other locations elsewhere). We checked in for 3 nights and our room has a terrible noise! We were told every room has this noise? I don’t remember the noise the last time we were here! We asked for a different room, we’re told no. We asked to go LISTEN to another room and we’re told no. Also the toilet paper is like SAND PAPER. Please help!
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Americo Mendoza Mori
Oct 19, 2025
2.0
This hotel is in good location and facilities are in good condition. However the problem is mainly the service. First, I got to my room, there was an alarm going off on the floor, which I had to ask them to come and turn off.
Then, the heating inside the room wasn’t working. When I asked about it, I was simply told that people in Madison “are fine with it” and that they don’t turn on the heat until it actually gets really cold. I explained that this is very subjective, especially since there was an official frost advisory from the National Weather service that night. Instead of fixing the problem, they offered me extra “blankets” that turned out to be just a few thin sheets.
Overall, the service felt indifferent which is not what you expect from the Hilton brand.
PS: also, it’s quite inconvenient if you’re driving: there’s no dedicated space for valet parking, even though valet is the only option to leave your car.