Governors Mansion Inn

130 E Gilman St, Madison
(608) 571-2866

Recent Reviews

Kelly B.

Cute! Fun location, could see the lake from your room. Comfy and cozy. Would stay again.

Matthew Moore

Recently took a trip to Madison, WI and stayed here with my girlfriend. A few words that describe our stay would be: historic, whimsical, mysterious, & romantic.We stayed in The Thrope Room #205. The bedroom was historic and cozy. The bathroom was modernized, but also works well with the classic feel of the room. There was a plaque the described the history behind the name of our room, which made it even more special.The living room area when you enter is breathtaking and has a Museum like feel. During our stay, we saw almost no one at all the whole time. It felt like we had the Mansion to ourselves, which made the stay even more memorable.That location is perfect, walking distance to the museum of contemporary art, restaurants, and cafés. Behind the mansion is a large backyard that leads to a lake for an amazing view. This was truly an experience that we won’t forget anytime soon.A few things to note: there isn’t anyone on site typically who you can speak with if you have questions, but we did not mind at all because the staff was just one email a way. I spoke with Andrew a few times to learn more about the rules and check out times. He was accommodating and made sure to answer the majority of my questions.The scones and coffee were a nice touch. If I had to be critical about anything at all, which honestly there isn’t much, I would say that you should bring your own bottles of water when staying here. They do have water that is cold on site, but it tastes like tap water. That is only if you are particular on your fresh water.For the price, the location, the decor, this is an unbeatable place to stay. The next time we are in Madison, I will definitely hope to book this again and strive to reserve The Ole Bull Room.Thank you ?

Service: 4

Scott Ponath

Very cool place. There was no contact with any employee. Keyless entry for the room and they send a code so there is no need to check in or out.Rooms: Our room was an apartment. Clean and comfortable.

Leita Hagemann

So the rooms and space was fantastic! Walking distance to tasty restaurants. The space was all ours and it would have been absolutely perfect if the service had been even close to acceptable. The cleaning woman was extremely rude and the owner(?) was borderline hostile. He came in angry at 7 am asking when we were leaving and saying the cleaning woman would be showing up soon when we had the place till 11am. Was all upset that we “broke things” when both things that got broken were a cheap plastic brochure holder and a glass water carafe that just shattered when my friend picked it up. Neither are valuable or irreplaceable and both break easily so to come in and say “you broke stuff” we’ll add it to your bill in such a hostile manner is extremely unprofessional. He acted as if us being their was an incredible inconvenience when our party had rented the whole space.

Service: 1

Liz H.

I didn't get to stay in the beautiful Inn. I made the reservation for the wrong day. I give this place 5 stars because of the service I got while trying to explain to my daughter that we had no room for the night. We arrived and were so excited to be staying in such a beautiful place. Our door code would not work though. I called the number on the door and a lovely man answered and said he would get to the bottom of the problem. He did quickly, I was booked for the next day. He immediately started trying to fix this problem for me. There were no rooms at the Inn so he started looking at hotels near by. We were tired and stressed so he directed us to a restaurant that we could go to and take a breath. He gave us three places that had rooms, that he could recommend. We called the first one and were given a great rate when we mentioned what happened to us. Here are the three takeaways from this experience. 1. The door codes are changed for every guest at this place. Sadly, I have learned that is not the norm. 2. Great service is something a place has or doesn't. This place does. 3. I want to go back to Madison just so I can stay at this amazing Inn.

Tom Townsend

2 thumbs up for this property, the management style, the cleanliness, and location. Have recommended it to many friends. Super easy and mellow check-in/out, breakfast foods & drinks, and really nice relaxed atmosphere.

Service: 5

Theresa Powers

I was confused thinking it was a B and B. Bob helped me to understand. I recommend staying here. It was the twelfth night of my trip. I had the best sleep ever.Rooms: It's an historic sight making it a novelty and interesting.

Service: 5

Jennifer Green

We stayed in Room 109--one of the servant's quarters. The room was small, but clean and comfortable. It also had a private porch that looked over the lake. I would recommend this room in nice weather---we spent most of our time on the porch. The rest of the Inn was lovely and the breakfast was sufficient. The manager was very quick to respond to an issue with a wobbly front step, too. We plan on staying here again.

Service: 5

Cameron King

Overnight stay in the Governor's 'basement' (the Garden studio suite has a separate entry and is situated below the main house). It's a big room, thoughtfully decorated. Bed was very comfortable. There was some ambient noise from footsteps overhead and a large pipe that adorns the ceiling, but otherwise a very comfortable stay.

Service: 5

Jacob Clark

This was one of the cheaper options in the city and it was really fun. Great location for walking and views of the water. Very nice rooms, very clean and updated.Walkability: If you are willing to walk a few blocks there are lots of options, but less than that is mostly residential.

Service: 5

Pat Crowley

It was a complete pleasure to visit. Very special. Hosts are very thoughtful and atmosphere is unique. Location fun, with access to many sights and experiences.

Service: 5

Michelle Kerrigan

Beautiful building. Attentive management.Easy walk to downtown. Parking is great & easy lake access.

Steve Morgan

Lovely comfortable old mansion. The beds are very comfortable, the bathroom is modern and remodeled. Breakfast and coffee magically appeared each morning. Plenty of parking and a lovely view of the lake.

Braxton Ball

To say it was just 5 stars would not due this elegant property justice. It surpasses all needs and expectations. I would personally enjoy a wait staff to entertain and host, but with the rates as reasonable as they are, one cannot complain. I would gladly pay more to stay here again. The scones are delicious.

Service: 5

Diane Lu

We had rented the entire Inn for the weekend including an event on Sunday morning. Despite speaking to one of the partners three times while booking the event (including large deposits for the whole weekend stay), I was greeted at the door by the other partner who was irate with me because he was unaware of any event. I asked him if he could clear the dining facilities of his breakfast set up and he did not. Instead, he was dinking around on the computer and refused to help clear his stuff though I asked several times and then got barked at by him. A friend and myself took the liberty of clearing the Inn's belongings so we could set up before the event was to begin. There was never an apology for this unprofessional behavior.Cripes, Dave. Now you are saying that my daughter's wedding event did not happen in June? That you and I did not speak on the phone three times? You were paid for this event. How about posting an apology here from your partner for his rudeness instead of saying this never happened and then I will take down my review. I don't sit well with baloney sandwiches.

Service: 2

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