AC Hotel Madison Review: European Luxury in Wisconsin

Whether you’re heading to Madison, Wisconsin for business or to leisurely explore its many treasures, the AC Marriott is one of the top hotels in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It’s just steps away from Capitol Square, the heart of the city. And its cool Euro vibe promises “Spanish roots, European soul and a global mindset.”

The AC Hotel Marriott is known as a gem in Madison, WI for its great location, classic modern design, and superior accommodations as well as its rooftop restaurant, Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro, a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

As you enter, you’ll sense the European flair in the sophisticated and elegant common areas. The AC Hotel is designed for the ultimate in comfort with luxury accommodations, a cutting-edge fitness center, free wifi, and more.

For the curious-minded, the AC in the AC Hotel stands for Antonio Catalan, the renowned European hotelier. It’s one of Marriott’s upscale hotels designed for business and solo travelers. The public areas of the AC Hotel have many of the signature offerings AC Hotel regulars have come to expect, such as the AC Lounge and AC Fitness Center.

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase beautiful views of the state capitol from the AC Hotel Madison. — Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase beautiful views of the state capitol. Photo credit: AC Hotel Marriott Madison

Well-Appointed Rooms at the AC Hotel Marriott Madison Downtown

Spacious, contemporary guestrooms in the AC Hotel Madison Downtown allow you to relax and unwind after a day of seeing the sights. Or, for those committed business travelers, you can use the workstation with its ample outlets and internet access.

Choose from 165 guestrooms and suites, including larger suites and executive suites that are found in the corner rooms.

The rooms come equipped with 32-inch flat-screen SMART TVs with Netflix and Hulu streaming services available so you don’t have to miss your favorite shows. Private bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Soft, plush linens topped with cushy duvets create a welcome retreat for a restful night’s sleep at the AC Hotel.

I especially appreciated the mini-fridge where I could store my leftovers and keep my water bottles cold as well as the in-room coffee maker.

Note that not all guestrooms can accommodate children. If you are traveling with kids, including littles who need cribs, call the hotel in advance to discuss your needs so you can be assigned an appropriate room.

Perfect reflection of the Wisconsin State Capitol across the street from the AC Hotel Madison. — Perfect reflection of the Wisconsin State Capitol across the street from the AC Hotel. Photo credit: Mira Temkin

Perfect Location at the AC Hotel Downtown Madison

At the AC Hotel, you’re just steps away from the Wisconsin State Capitol and within walking distance of the Madison Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the main campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and shops, restaurants, and museums.

I gave my car to the valet and didn’t see it again until I checked out.

The city is very walkable, and the AC Hotel is close to Capitol Square. That’s where you’ll find live music performances, the huge Dane County Farmers Market on Saturday, the Overture Center for the Arts and the Madison Children’s Museum.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to tour the beautiful State Capitol building. It’s one of the best free things to do in Madison!

Why the AC Marriott Madison Downtown Makes an Ideal Stay

Great location near the Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Warm, inviting atmosphere
Three dining venues at the AC Hotel
Best views of the Wisconsin State Capitol and skyline
Free wifi
State-of-the-art onsite fitness center
24-hour Business Center

AC Marriott Madison Restaurants and Bars

Choose from three dining options, including the AC Lounge, buffet breakfast, and Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro at the AC Hotel.

Get your day off to a great start by heading to the 10th floor for the sumptuous European breakfast buffet in the AC Kitchen, starting at 6:30 during the week and 7 a.m. on weekends. Order your favorite made-to-order eggs, plus fruit, Greek yogurt, and quiche with Nespresso coffee.

Croissants are baked fresh daily with pastry dough flown in from France at the AC Hotel Madison. — Croissants are baked fresh daily with pastry dough flown in from France. Photo credit: AC Hotel Marriott Madison.

You’ll ooh and aah at the croissants where the pastry dough is flown in from France and baked fresh daily into light and fluffy croissants. You’ll think you’ve stepped into a Parisian café.

Relax in the AC Lounge in the lobby with tapas, cocktails, and craft beer. Madison is known for its outstanding craft-beer scene and the AC Lounge delivers a great sampling of its best.

Charred Cauliflower is a delicious appetizer to share at the AC Hotel Madison. — Charred Cauliflower is a delicious appetizer to share. Photo credit: Mira Temkin

Dine at Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro for International Flavor

Head to Eno Vino on the rooftop of the hotel with its fresh, open-air seating where both locals and visitors relax under the stars. This wine and tapas bar with gorgeous views of the Capitol and beyond features a fabulous menu using locally-sourced ingredients.

Choose from more than 200 bottles of domestic and imported wine served with a delectable selection of tempting tapas, ideal for sharing. Handcrafted cocktails like a Ginger Mojito or I Spritz You Not get the party started.

Eno Vino is known for its sharable plates, so I suggest the Charred Cauliflower with whipped goat cheese and cashew pesto to begin your evening. Or, go with the Hearth Oven Flatbreads like Thai Chicken or Roasted Vegetable, which were warm and zesty.

Brie and Apple served with Mediterranean Bruschetta at Eno Vino at the AC Hotel Madison. — Brie and Apple served with Mediterranean Bruschetta at Eno Vino. Photo credit:Mira Temkin

The bruschetta is legendary, and you can choose a variety of combinations. I ordered the Brie and Apple Bruschetta topped with fig jam for a sweet taste. I balanced it with the Mediterranean Bruschetta of feta, kalamata, and tomato for a savory flavor and paired it with a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio from Italy.

Eno Vino is also popular for its cheese boards where you can create your own delicacies like combining Italian Parmigiano Reggiano with cured meats like Spanish Chorizo.

For something more robust, go with the Braised Short Rib, served with spring onions and micro greens. I indulged in this as an entrée with the Truffled Fries that make the perfect accompaniment as you dip them in homemade ketchup and cheddar fondue.

When it came to choosing something for dessert, I was conflicted. The Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee came recommended to me, so how could I resist? Infused with a caramelized sugar topping and chocolate chunk brownie, there was a unique surprise waiting for me at the bottom, raspberry preserves. I like surprises like that.

Another treat was the Roasted Rum Banana Bread Pudding, topped with cinnamon ice cream, which was both filling and refreshing.

Attention to Detail at the AC Hotel

Service at this hotel gets consistently high guest reviews. What I especially liked was the thoughtful service from the front desk. At check-out time, the front desk staff asked me if I wanted to have the valet put my bags in the car, so I’d be ready to leave later in the afternoon. That was an appreciated touch.

Check-in time is 4 PM and check-out is 11 AM. The AC Hotel accepts credit cards and debit cards.

Suggestions for the AC Hotel

Download the Marriott Bonvoy App for the AC Hotel and you can use it for check-in and express check-out. You can also use it as your Mobile Key for access to your room and the fitness center, and score Bonvoy points to use for future hotel stays.

AC Hotel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Marriott Madison Downtown?

The hotel is located at 1 North Webster Street, Madison, WI. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Chicago or about an hour from Milwaukee. Put your car in valet parking. You won’t need it to get around town.