Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Madison South

We booked literally minutes before we checked in, as snow had started to become more of a driving burden than we'd hoped. The price was great (less than half of the Sheraton right next door to Hotel Monona), and the facility was excellent. Normally, when you stay at a local-brand hotel, you don't expect it to be anything but average. Hotel Monona was definitely a cut above the rest. Check-in was fast and easy (less than 2 minutes); the room was large, clean, and comfortable (a selection of pillows, large comfy beds, in-room iron/board and coffee maker, etc). Oh, and, the included breakfast was terrific. Normally, smaller hotels give you your basic set of "continental" offerings: dry cereal, white bread, a sweet roll, and some coffee/juice. Hotel Monona had waffle makers, ready for making a hot breakfast (we had the waffles, using their batter from a dispenser, and they were delicious). There were eggs and potatoes warming in a steam tray, and a variety of other items could be had, as well. By the way, they had complimentary cookies (seemingly fresh-baked, but I don't know for sure) at the counter for check-in. They, too, were delicious. Check-out was even quicker than check-in, and the parking lot had been plowed several times throughout the evening snowfall, so getting out and on our way in the morning was a breeze. We DID notice a large number of cars that were not there when we checked in ... presumably many others escaping the snow.

Excellent value and quality for the price. Very quiet, didn't hear another guest the entire time. Beds are comfortable, lots of good pillows, and the big TV was perfect for watching the amazing NCCA football playoffs. The breakfast was very clean and decent to get the day going. Has an indoor pool, and can use the next door Sheraton pool as well. The location is not a close walk to Madison downtown (maybe 2.5 miles), but only a short 5-minute drive (for parking, plug in State Street Brats and there is a public parking garage just before it). Other Monona restaurant and strip-center facilities nearby ... we really liked hanging out a the fire pit at the Monona Bank RiverRink, and the Off Broadway Drafthouse was a great find for a local pub with great food. Also perfect for us, a very nice forest and lakeside hike at the Turville Conservation Park is just behind the hotel on the other side of the RR tracks (cross the tracks, go right about 20-30 yards for the side trail leading to the main trail -- also can go out to the bike path along Nolen Dr, go right, and pick up the at the trailhead parking lot about a half mile down). When this has snow it looks like a good little cross-country ski park. Other Madison attractions: State Street for shops, restaurants and bars; U of Wisconsin Campus (check to see if seated Pres Lincoln stands up - haha); Picnic Point is a good hike, you can also reserve fire pits near the point; the free Henry Vilas Zoo is a good excursion to walk around, especially for young kids.

The room was spacious and very well lit, air conditioner worked well, bed was comfortable with nice linens. The breakfast was generous and standard quality - no surprises. The staff was very helpful and very pleasant.

The bedroom was nice and met all of our needs. The staff was amazing and made sure to get us an accommodations we needed! Everyone was super friendly.

I loved the cheeriness of the facility. From the staff to the decor of lobby and breakfast area to the luxuriously appointed bedding and bath. Bed was super comfy. Shower had evenly hot water with great pressure and a wonderful shower head. Breakfast had real eggs, sausage and potatoes plus a great hash. The raisin toast, coffee and green tea with pomegranate were very welcome treat. Oh and the yummy chocolate treat on my desk.