Graduate by Hilton Madison

This place is not worth the price point. The a/c unit in the room does not function properly. It was 81 degrees in our room with the thermostat set at 64. No one can sleep in those conditions. No one. When we checked out with the indifferent college student (the same one who snottily checked us in with a chip on her shoulder) we were told the hotel has a one flip heating cooling system and we were told since it got a little cold outside it was switched to heat but we still had some control over our room temperature. I’m here to say you do not have any control over the temp. 81 degrees is unacceptable. We were also advised we could have opened our windows. It is in an urban area and you could already hear everything that was going on outside (a party) due to the poor insulation. I know there wasn’t anything the front desk staff could have done on checkout but some sense of empathy/kindness/I’m so sorry about that would have been nice instead of saying you can call back for a manager later this week because one isn’t scheduled at all today would have been nice. We had to ask for her to leave a note and ask for someone to contact us. I’m sure that note will probably get lost if even conveyed to anyone. She had the attitude that we should have been grateful that she was there to man the front desk. Overall for over $300 a night accommodations/service were not worth what we paid and at the price point there are many other options in Madison. I suggest trying any other establishment.

I always stay at the graduate when visiting my kids in college. I am disappointed that now that it’s a Hilton there are extra charges for water late checkout.

The location of the hotel could not be better. Incredibly convenient to campus and easy to get around.

For the price the room was ridiculous. Tiny tiny bed. Both check in and check out clerks were pretty rude. I asked about a room on a higher floor as fraternities outside on street were loud. Told “nope sold out” but funny they had rooms available at every price point in Hilton and Expedia. I guess since so close to campus they feel they don’t need to try.

Madison is such a fun college town - and my family really enjoyed our stay at the Graduate. We really enjoyed the college themed decor, the rooms were smaller but clean, and the property was well-maintained. The front desk staff was helpful and personable and are great representatives of the property. The location was also excellent - could not have been more convenient. I would highly recommend.

unique and friendly spot

Very, very small rooms. Bathrooms provided no privacy.

This was my first stay here. I have seen this hotel in searches before but the price was always higher than what I could get another decent hotel for. This time I was staying on a Sunday night before a campus tour so the price was lower and I went for it, namely for the location. The pros: Location! It’s only a 5 min walk to the union to sit by the water. Easy access to state street too. Rooms and lobby had really cute decor and touches. I did notice the lobby was mostly filled with college kids studying, this might be off putting to some guests, but I actually felt it was nice for the hotel to not kick these kids out. Room had hot water and comfortable beds. Small in room fridge too. The cons: No self park, but valet was quick, never waited more than 5 mins to get my car. The room had no security latch on the door, which was surprising. You also don’t need a key card to go up in the elevator. Also, the beds were SO loud. Like loud sheets and whatever topper they have on the bed, there was no turning over undetected. Bathroom is small and needs some work for a Hilton but it was clean. I would probably stay here again for the location, but I’ve also stayed at similar or nicer hotels in Madison for the same or less money.

Great location and friendly staff

It was a great location

Not the best view from my room