The mid-20th century interior design reminds me of going to my grandmother's house, and the sweet woman who is usually at the front desk bears a striking resemblance. I stay here about once a month when I come to Madison. It's a quiet little motel of 40 or so rooms with a supper club/bar just across the parking lot. My room comes with a free drink at the club and though I rarely go to a bar alone, this one is safe for unaccompanied women. The rooms are spotless, though some are small. The towels are always in a kind of bow-tie shape which reminds me of how my grandmother would fold the fingertowels in her guest bathroom. There are coffee, juice and doughnuts in the lobby. There are showers, no tubs. It's a rather spartan place, but the warmth of the staff - who soon knew me by name - as well as the great value and safe location for a female traveling alone keep be coming back.

McGovern's does a great job in providing a clean, comfortable stay. The outside appearance of this mid-20th-century motor hotel belies the property's renovations and upkeep. Don't expect terrific views, irons, free local calls, hair driers, or pool, but expect a clean, basic room with some nice touches... and wonderful staff.

I was issued a first-floor-teens room (11x) at the back of the property in the newer wing (built 1960). This section has locked interior corridors, unlike the originally built section. My room faced toward the parking lot, so I heard some of the restaurant/bar noise (which ended before 10) and overlooked a parallel-parked car, and, across the driveway, a collection of rental cottages. The rooms opposite (as well as the back window of front-section rooms) face a residential street and/or a declining strip mall, providing less potential for noise.

Notice: while the whole rear section is non-smoking, some rooms in the original section are adjacent to smoking rooms.

The light switches were a bit funky (master switch had be be on for any of the other lights to work, including the bathroom) and the bathroom was a bit tight. The sink was outside the shower stall and toilet. There was a combination fan/light for the bathroom.

Rates are very good-- my single was, with a AAA rate, under $42. Coffee, orange juice, and donuts were available and in a clean, appealing display. The owners and staff are dedicated to keep this older property in inviting shape.

I was at a club meeting in Cottage grove, For the Madison Sports car club and this hotel came up as the closest. I race a spec Miata, so Im used to staying at race tracks etc.

It looked a bit old on the net, and of course its not one of a chain of whatever hotels owned by non-locals. I read the reviews that were left for the hotel by others, and thought wth? I am alone this night (wife is a bit picky) and I'm not gonna be here all that long. So for the 45 bucks they wanted I would give it a try. (included a free drink next door to boot!

When I got there I was greeted by the sweetest lady, Bright eyes, friendly smile and silver hair. She was so cute, she reminded me of My Mom. I got the key (yep a key) hehe and went to the room kinda prepared for the worst. I too was VERY pleasantly surprised! The room was a tad small, but very adequate. In fact it surely was bigger than some Holiday inn micro hotels I have been in.

The bed was comfortable, the pillows were fine. Tv with cable was just fine, hehe even was able to find a wireless Internet connection for my new Laptop!

The Shower was a bit cramped, (I'm a 230 pound guy, and yes I fit in a miata <wink>) But the pleasant surprise of a GREAT water pressure and hot water made up for it! (I am so sick of showers that piddle water on ya anymore in hotels!)

All in all this was one of the best Hotel/motel experience's I have had in 4-5 years, and believe me, with my wife, they usually are 2-4 times the cost of this one!

Color me HAPPY!

I stayed here as a result of the other tripadvisor review... had driven past it a million times and it's nothing to look at from the outside, but the room was big, VERY clean, and the queen size bed was quite comfortable. Made the reservation over the phone as they don't have online reservations. Was given coupons for two free drinks in their lounge/supper club which is just across the parking lot. Hotel is located near several other restaurants, grocery/pharmacy is within walking distance and the desk staff was very friendly. AAA rate was about 10% cheaper than regular rate - less than $50 a night for two people. I'll be back!