We stayed in very spacious room with huge Jacuzzi/king bed and enormous windows. We didn't notice any local downtown/train noise and really enjoyed the downstairs bar back deck that some others mentioned was noisy, perhaps helping our DEEP sleep. Nice continental to hot breakfast downstairs at the Lakeview.

SOLID well-done 1800's renovation included dipping and stripping the original doors and woodwork and duplicating the colors. The owner rehabbed an entire block including a German Restaurant the Essen Haus we also enjoyed, AND another bar the Come Back In we did not get to.

Very convenient to the lake and capitol. Large free private parking lot and 2 free drinks in the Up North bar downstairs that had a huge selection of draft beers and a gorgeous 1890's cherry back bar, originally one of the longest in Madison including a nice back deck that let us sun.

All good. I can't imagine why you would stay somewhere else unless you crave higher prices, plastic trim and want to pay for parking.

This is not a hotel for the business traveller. No staff at front desk most of time. My room had an odd odor that was pretty strong, as did the hallways. Ventilation/cooling/heating equipment in the room was of poor quality, as was the ancient TV. Free breakfast -- but only after 7:00 a.m., and none on Saturdays or Sundays. Staff did a poor job cleaning up the room and did not replace towels or shampoo. I would not stay at this hotel again.

THis hotel is interesting and has charm but it has poor ventilation and a tendency to be noisey.
My room smelled like the kitchen and given that outside was a main road with a lot of traffic i had to decide which was preferable, noise.pollution or air pollution. Madison has few downtown options for accomodation. Ruby marie is not the best but will do, just.

We stayed in a premium room, reasonably priced, HUGE room with a whirlpool tub. Very comfortable, very quaint. Only about 15 rooms which was nice, guests get a huge free breakfast on the weekends next door which was delicious and a smaller breakfast downstairs during the week. Also, each of us received a ticket for one free cocktail at the tavern downstairs. The lake is right across the street which is also a bonus. I will definately stay here again when planning a return visit to Madison. Did not experience the noise as other reviewers did and we stayed on a Saturday night.