Madison, WisconsinDowntown Madison
The Edgewater Hotel
Lake Mendota urban resort
Downtown Madison Madison, Wisconsin
Renovated
2014
Price
$$$
Rated for
Classic Local HeritageOutside the door
Lake Mendota urban resort
It runs as a civic gathering place on Lake Mendota, complete with open-air plaza events and public boat slips.
“Celebrating its 75th year in 2023, the Edgewater in Madison, Wisconsin, is an urban resort set along the shoreline of Lake Mendota”
What it’s good at
Notable
Generations of Madison families gathering along Lake Mendota for celebrations since 1948.
Listed
Preserved 1948 Streamline Moderne facade standing within the historic Mansion Hill district.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Perched on the south shore of Lake Mendota, the hotel affords guests some of Madison’s best views, period — and this is a city that’s not short on natural beauty.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Mansion Hill's historic homes surround the property, and the Wisconsin State Capitol square is five blocks south on foot.
The rooms
Bathrooms come with deep soaking tubs and Kohler fixtures. Many rooms look straight out across Lake Mendota.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A room-temperature relaxation pool sits beneath mosaic tiles. On the fourth floor, the gym looks over Lake Mendota.
The spa
The spa includes a full-service salon and relaxation lounges, with dry saunas tucked into the locker rooms.
Bar
The Boathouse
Wood-paneled dining rooms look out across the water, serving craft beers and burgers right at lake level.
At the table
The Statehouse looks across the lake over regional Midwestern dishes, and Augie's Tavern serves cocktails at a curved bar.
How it began
Four physician brothers built the hotel in 1948, and its guest register later included Elvis Presley and the Dalai Lama.
Madison
More like this
Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel
“Converted paint warehouse”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.