Madison, WI
Wisconsin
By Nicole Girardin

Whether your interests are the great outdoors, a day of shopping, cultural outings, or a night on the town, Madison truly has something to offer every vacationer. As the state’s capitol and Wisconsin’s second largest city, Madison is a beautiful and multifaceted destination that shows off all the Midwest has to offer.

The heart of the city is its isthmus, a long stretch of land nuzzled in between lakes Monona and Mendota. The influence of Wisconsin’s famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright can be seen throughout the city, including Madison’s Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), which was built in his signature prairie style design. WhatsCheaper.com can help you with flight arrangements to Madison by following the link (http://www.whatscheaper.com/flight.php). From there, a full range of accommodations ranging from four-diamond luxury to budget rooms can be found at WhatsCheaper.com’s hotel site (http://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php).  Visit these links today to get your Madison vacation started!

One attraction not to be missed while visiting Madison is State Street. Bookended by the capitol building and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, these six blocks offer a plethora of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. In addition to the dynamism a capitol seat has to offer, this bustling street is alive with the energy of a university population of more than 50,000 strong. State Street, along with its adjoining capitol square, really comes alive at night by offering music, theatre and dance at its gorgeous Overture Center, live music in its many bars, and street performers of every stripe.

Another fun and funky street to walk is Madison’s bohemian Williamson Street. Famous for its progressive politics, Madison’s counterculture is alive and well on Williamson Street. Affectionately referred to as “Willy Street”, the area mixes the ideals of the radical 60s with current trends in shopping and dining. Willy Street is home to a beautiful food coop, yoga studio, a wide array of pubs, coffee shops, independently owned boutiques and a savory assortment of restaurants from across the globe. In autumn, this historic street is host to the city’s largest block party, with no fewer than seven music stages, arts and crafts, and outstanding food and drinks, including local brews.

This city is also well known for its plethora of outstanding museums. Here at WhatsCheaper.com, we recommend stopping by the Wisconsin Veterans’ Museum. At this museum, vacationers can learn all about how the servicemen from Wisconsin have helped to shape the framework of the United States of America. Other great museums are the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Wisconsin Historical Museum, Madison Children’s Museum and others.

Madison combines the luxuries of city life with its legendary natural beauty. With Madison’s many surrounding lakes, water recreation is a distinctive feature of the city. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are all a part of the city’s lifestyle along with enjoying its hundreds of gorgeous parks. Two delightful outdoor highlights are the University of Wisconsin’s vast arboretum and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Both are free of charge and host events year round.

Boasting more bikes than cars, Madison is known as the biking capitol of the Midwest. In addition to hundreds of miles of scenic bike trails in and around the city, designated bike lanes are standard on busier streets. Bike rentals are easily found, with staff willing to help you skillfully traverse the streets and trails of the city.

A unique and fun-spirited city, Madison has so much to offer the vacationer. Let WhatsCheaper.com help you book your next vacation to a city that provides everything from outdoor adventure to refined city life. With Madison’s easy-going attitude, you’re sure to experience a memorable vacation in this Midwest gem.

MUST SEE IN Madison, WI LIST:

  • 1. State Capitol Building
  • 2. Frank Lloyd Wright Tours
  • 3. Madison Children's Museum
  • 4. Arboretum &Capitol City Trails
  • 5. Overture Center for the Arts
  • 6. Monona Terrace® Community & Convention Center
  • 7. Museum Mile
  • 8. Walking Tours
  • 9. University of Wisconsin
  • 10. Taliesin

Madison, WI EVENT CALENDAR:

  • 1. National Cyclocross Championship for USA Cycling - January
  • 2. Garden Expo - February
  • 3. Madison Kids Expo - March
  • 4. Wisconsin Film Festival - April
  • 5. Dane County Farmers' Market - May
  • 6. Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Concerts on the Square - June
  • 7. Art Fair on the Square - July
  • 8. Taste of Madison - September
  • 9. World Dairy Expo - October
  • 10. Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival - November

PHOTO GALLERY

Sheraton Madison
706 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI
By Shaina Amienyi

The Sheraton Madison Hotel is a deluxe hotel in a vibrant area of town, close to top attractions. Guests will appreciate the convenient location, world-class amenities, and comfortable accommodations. If you are a Starwoods Preferred Guest, you can redeem 3000-4000 Starpoints for a free night's stay at this hotel. Check in after 3pm on your arrival day, and checkout by noon on your departure day.

The hotel's 239 rooms and suites feature a flat screen TV with movie channels, coffee maker with Starbucks® coffee, a wet bar, and a fridge. Rooms are also equipped with complimentary high speed wireless internet. Maid service is provided, and room service and wake-up service are provided by request.

Sheraton Club guests have access to the Club lounge, where they can have breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and a variety of beverages for free. The lounge contains a 42-inch flat screen TV, complimentary printer/fax/copier, and complimentary office supplies for guests’ entertainment and convenience. Sheraton Club guests rooms feature upgraded amenities, such as free bottled water, and complimentary fitness center access.

You have several options if you are looking for things to do around the hotel. You can go for a swim in the heated indoor pool or take a moment to relax in the hot tub. The Link@Sheraton, the hotel's connection hub in the lobby, offers free access to Wi-Fi, free PC workstations, and printing capabilities. Across from the Link@Sheraton is the Level 1 Coffee bar, one of the hotel’s dining options along with the Heartland Grill and Harvest Lounge.
 
The Sheraton is an excellent hotel for hosting events because it can accommodate both large and small events. The hotel provides a wedding coordinator, catering staff, and audio/visual equipment to help make sure events are without complications. You can even earn Starpoints for every meeting or event you book at this hotel. There are 15 event spaces totaling over 17,500 square feet. The largest space is about 5,300 square feet and can fit up to 600 guests.

Stay at the Sheraton Madison Hotel and you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of Lake Monona and well-appointed guest rooms. The hotel is less than five miles from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as several museums, corporate offices, parks, and shopping centers. WhatsCheaper.com invites you to click on the link (http://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php) to book your stay at the Sheraton.

PHOTO GALLERY

Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
9 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI
By Shaina Amienyi

The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace hotel is conveniently located in downtown Madison overlooking Lake Monona. It is connected by climate-controlled sky walk to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. From 7am-10pm every day, the hotel offers complimentary airport transportation to and from the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN). Check-in begins at 3pm, while checkout ends at noon.

After you check in, step into your room and take in the contemporary design of the mahogany and maple furniture. Guest rooms include a single king bed or double queen beds, a 27-inch TV with movie channels, a coffee maker with complimentary coffee, and more. You can print directly from your room to the business center. All suites include upgraded amenities such as king sized beds, full-sized refrigerators, and bathrobes. Book an Executive Deluxe rooms and enjoy additional bath amenities, including bathrobes, and a complimentary continental breakfast served on the 14th floor.

Grab some food and Starbucks® Coffee at the daily breakfast buffet in the Olive Lounge. Eat lunch and dinner in the Capitol Chophouse, known for its 28-day aged beef and locally grown ingredients. For a place to hang out at night, visit Olive Lounge, which opens at 4pm and serves cocktails and snacks. If you would rather eat in your room, you can order room service 24 hours a day.

There are plenty of fun recreational activities in and around the hotel. You can walk the Lake Monona trail; the hotel provides direct access to it. There is also a fitness center equipped with Precor® exercise machines and a heated indoor swimming pool.

There are several services that are especially useful to corporate travelers. For example, the business center features an on-site notary public, express mail service, complimentary printing service, audio/visual equipment rental, and more. Business guests can host catered events in meeting rooms that face Lake Monona or the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. The over 1,300 square feet of flexible meeting space accommodates up to 80 people, and the second floor boardroom holds up to 12 people.

The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace hotel is an ideal option for travelers because of its great location. It is a few blocks from major points of interest, including State Street, the Overture Theater District, and the Henry Vilas Zoo. The accommodations are sure to please guests as well; to book your stay at this hotel, follow the link (http://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php) to WhatCheaper.com.

PHOTO GALLERY

Crowne Plaza
4402 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI
By Shaina Amienyi

If you are looking for a hotel with a convenient location, lavish guest rooms, and luxurious amenities, the Crowne Plaza Madison is the place for you. The helpful, multi-lingual staff (fluent in Japanese and Spanish, in addition to English) will help you through the check-in process, which begins at 4 pm, and noon checkout. You also have the option to use in-room video checkout.

The hotel is complete with 226 guest rooms, 36 of which are suites. Standard room amenities include a CD player, stereo, TV with premium channels, and coffee maker. Executive rooms also come with a mini-fridge and guests in these rooms are provided with a complimentary continental breakfast. Upgrade to a suite and your room will include a mini-fridge, microwave, and sofa bed.

While you stay at the Crowne Plaza, be sure to make use of the hotel facilities, such as the fitness center. You can stay fit using the treadmills, bench and free weights, and aerobicycle. The fitness room includes a scale so you can keep track of how much you are losing. After your workout, have some fun in the indoor pool or unwind in the whirlpool.

There are restaurants near the hotel, but you do not have to leave the hotel for delicious food. The Prairie Café, located in the Atrium just off the lobby, serves the Heartland breakfast bar from 6:00am to 11:00am. Kids under the age of 12 eat free at hotel restaurants. For dinner, head to Growler’s Bar & Grille, featuring a menu with organic foods, local microbrews, and an extensive wine list.

The Crowne Plaza is one of the premier hotels for business meetings. With assistance from the hotel’s Crowne Meetings Director and Daily Meeting Briefs, planning business events is simple. Guests can prepare in the 24-hour business center with complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel provides 10,300 square feet of meeting space to accommodate anywhere from 5 to 500 event participants.

The Crowne Plaza Madison is an excellent hotel choice that business travelers, solo travelers, families, groups are sure to enjoy. If you bring children, you can take them to the cinema, children’s museum, or zoo—all located less than 10 miles from the hotel. Restaurants with delicious local food, well-appointed rooms, and state-of-the-art amenities—this hotel has it all. Do not hesitate to click the link (http://www.whatscheaper.com/hotel.php) to WhatsCheaper.com and reserve your room at this hotel.

PHOTO GALLERY