I was pleasantly surprised with the Lowell Center. We stayed at Lowell during Spring Parents week. Lowell is in a great location, close to University, activities, lakefront and State St. Very affordable. We did opt in for parking so we did not have to worry about meters. Word to the wise, the parking lot is a couple blocks away. Our room was immaculate, modern and organized. Not a large room but not small either. Linens were quality. Room was quiet. TV was functional with cable. Loved the in room Keurig. Bathroom was big, lots of towels, Bath and Body Works lotions, soaps and shampoos. Takes a minute or two for hot water to get up to the sixth floor, but it will get there. Ironing board was hiding in the closet. Lowell has other mentionable amenities. The pool is large and clean. There are computers in the lobby if you need one. So happy to find some much needed afternoon coffee in the lobby right when I needed it. The breakfast buffet was ample; better than a Holiday Inn. Cereals, yogurts, cut fruit, bananas, apples, waffle makers, bagels, toasters, sausages, eggs to order, coffee, juices, teas and probably some other stuff too. Would for sure stay here again. read more

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Comfortable atmosphere, great location to UW campus and downtown Madison. Quiet hotel but very close to all the action. Call for confirmation on amenities. The pool has been closed for the entire visit but there was no indication when booking and the website was never updated to let guests know. The staff is extremely polite and helpful. read more

About 3 1/2 stars. For a hotel, the deluxe room was about the size of a dorm room, twin bed and desk. Standing shower only, and smaller than normal toiletries. They do have a keurig in the room, if you like coffee. Would be good to bring your own cups if you use one at home and have a preference on what you drink. Tiny fridge in room, but big enough if just yourself. Pluses: edge of campus, so it's close to conference center, close to downtown shopping and plenty of restaurants on or close to state street. The morning breakfast buffet, though small (see a theme?), was good. Standard bagels/bread, doughnuts, waffle maker, cereal, fruit, juice, coffee, and a daily protein they make. Really liked the chorizo egg scramble one day. Parking lot is small and tight. The convenience though may bring me back. read more

Location is ON the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus, it's an annex of sorts. The Lowell Center serves as the conference center and "hotel" for the University. If you are on official University business your hotel room is discounted to the state per diem rate of $70/night (that's right, no taxes or room charges you pay $70/night). Everyone else pays a higher $85/night ++ rate. The location can't be beat. A block from the bookstore and library, bars, restaurants and on the lake. That is the best thing it has going for it. They also give you a parking spot so you can dump your car and walk while you are on campus. For those of you who haven't been to Madison, cars are a pain. Free Wi-Fi. Flat screen TV. Mini-fridge and free breakfast with a hot meal option. Indoor swimming pool round out the positives. On the other hand. There are other issues with this hotel. It is in dire need of a renovation. It would be nice if they just took off the headboards and bedding from the 80s. The shower was enclosed with a door and tiled. I wouldn't use it. I'm sure it was clean but it just looked old and worn. It's also ON the Greek Row so there is the potential for loud parties. I didn't hear anything but it was cold out. In the summer I'm sure it could be an issue. Would I be back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to my friends? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to my parents? No, they are way too picky. But you can't beat the location and the value, just keep what it is in mind, it's the the Hilton or the Hyatt. read more

Me and two of my friends are here in the name of grad research and this place is so close to State St. and really awesome looking bars that I just want to ditch it all and go chugalug. Unfortunately I can't =( It's the mid to end of August so while I can imagine (as Helen C. noted) us getting a lot of noise from the frat or sorority house next door, it seems like not many people are staying there. Also, it is a Wednesday night and this isn't UCSB so maybe that's the real reason it's quiet. This place is four notches above a dorm room and one notch below a holiday inn (well a nicer holiday inn since I know they vary in quality). They do offer Emeril's coffee, a coffee maker, an iron, an ironing board, a hair dryer, bath and body works shampoo, conditioner and soap and neutrogena face wash but no toothpaste. Thankfully there is a Walgreens just a couple blocks away on State. I have now lost the patience to form full sentences so here is the rest of my sad little review: It's freezing in the room Free unhealthy, fattening breakfast. You can opt to have yogurt or fruit but I had the breakfast casserole with sausage on the side and was in heaven. Beware the rubbery hard boiled eggs!!! Bathroom is kind of clean... but looks like something in a dorm. Service? It's excellent or horrifying and truly depends on who is staffing the front desk Bedding? Stiff, but works. Came back with no bed bugs so I'm happy. Would I stay here again? Definitely (for the breakfast alone) read more

This hotel is part of the University of Wisconsin and is, therefore, not open for general occupancy. However, my wife and I were attending a university-sponsored conference and spent a Friday and Saturday night here. We were very pleased with the accommodations. I've seen some other reviews describe this place as "dorm like", but I didn't think that at all. With the exception of our bed, which was somewhat smaller than a typical hotel bed, our room looked like a standard hotel room, complete with large TV. We also had a great view over the lake. Our room (perhaps all rooms) came with breakfast, which was a very good buffet of hot and cold items, including eggs made to order, make-your-own waffles (complete with fruit topping and whipped cream as well as butter and syrup), potatoes and meat (sausage one day, bacon the next), and pastries (the bagels were better than average). The location of the Lowell Center is also excellent-- a short walk from the capitol, State Street, and the Memorial Union. Staff members were extremely friendly and accommodating. The wifi worked very well and there are also a couple of computers in the lobby. I gather there is also a pool and sauna, but I left my bathing suit at home and so didn't get to try these out. If you're in Madison on University of Wisconsin-related business, this is an excellent place to stay. read more

My wife and I travel to Madison on the University's dime several times a year. This time we were put up at the Lowell Center. Yes, the rooms are reminiscent of a dorm room. Our room was perfect for one person and adequate for two. The location is perfect, close to State Street and the University. The room was warm when we checked in. Due to some reviews referring to the lack of climate controls, I was surprised to find a thermostat. Set it to 70 degrees and went out for supper. The room was a perfect temperature when we returned. The room (601) was quiet; and the bed was most comfortable. The room included a coffee maker, an ironing board and a refrigerator. Breakfast is served on the lowest floor; and it was really good. There was a young lady who cooked your eggs how you want them. There was fresh fruit and a waffle station, and a couple of juice choices. My wife said the coffee was good (she is a bit of a coffee snob); and they had a great assortment of tea (yes, I'm a tea snob). For once the tea drinkers get their due! All in all a very nice breakfast set up. We were lucky enough to score a spot in their limited parking lot right behind the hotel. Just two suggestions...They might want to find another vender for their shampoos and body lotion. They were so full of perfume scent that it stuck with you for days. They were so strong smelling, I would call it a stench. Ditch the gas station toilet paper...'nuf said. Modestly priced, clean, great location, good breakfast, comfortable room, and screaming fast WiFi. Not to mention a very friendly and helpful staff, made our stay a genuine pleasure. Definitely, we would gladly stay here again. read more

Pleasant 3-night stay. I was in town for university business and this was a great location and value. Nice staff, comfy rooms, and one of the best complimentary breakfasts I have seen. There is also a nice big pool. Highly recommended. read more

I have been staying here for campus visits for many years now and even stayed here for a few weeks a few summers ago, and the rooms have improved. Most have had the bathrooms modernized, new TVs installed, and the wifi is much better. The weekly breakfasts are awesome - the famous Lowell Center egg bake is a winner and the pool is a nice bonus. It is walking distance to the Historical Society, the main campus, and the memorial union. It is also close to state street and a walk to the capitol will take just a few minutes and you can check out the many coffee shops and cafes on State Street. What is not so great? Breakfast: Saturday and Sunday the egg bake is out the door as the food service workers have the weekend off and work-study kids take over. On the weekends expect sausage links, bagels (which were pretty good) and bagged hard boiled eggs. For some reason only the food service workers can make the egg bakes - and the students can't. Now, no one would think to have the egg bakes made then frozen or - egads- have a food service worker work each day of the weekend. It is just silly if you ask me that they have one breakfast M-F and a totally different experience S-Sun. Give us the Lowell Center egg bake! Coffee: Let us have coffee beyond the rather Spartan "regular" breakfast hours. A few pots on the first floor would go a long way to make guests feel like guests. Parking: I don't remember paying extra for parking a few years ago, but now in order to park for free you must park several blocks away. Seems like a hassle. Greek Life: The frat boys and sorority girls are walking up and down this street making noise all the time. The new mid-rise apartments across the street are very loud. My friends and I saw girls flashing tops and bottoms the night we were there. We were not complaining, but it was a bit loud, and a bit much. Of course, the Lowell Center does not have any control over the drunk boys and girls on the patio showing their short-shorts or lifting up skirts. read more

Surprisingly nice. For whatever reason, I was convinced the room was going to be very similar to a dorm room. Nope, just like any hotel room, actually nicer than some I've stayed to be honest. Fitness center was small, but did have an outside view! Will gladly book again if/when I head back up for any/all conferences. read more

It does feel a little bit like what I assume it is - a converted dorm. That said, there are only a couple remnants of dorm-ness (the hot water was oh-so-slow, but it was traveling to the 6th floor). When I checked in, the student on duty was missing from the front desk. After flying all day I was not happy standing around for 15 minutes waiting. Was visiting my son, a student at UW. This was very close to his apartment, and very convenient for walking around State street and the capitol. I didn't love walking alone between the apartment buildings and skeezy "fraternity" house from State to the Lowell at night, but the tradeoff was that it was only a block and a half. I was in a renovated room. The rooms are separated from the elevators by glass doors, which helps to keep things quiet. The AC worked like a charm. They serve breakfast early on the basement level. For the price it's a total bargain and I'll definitely stay here again. read more

I stayed at the Lowell Center for one night while visiting the University with family. Pros: Big Pool! Great Hot Breakfast. Perfect Location. Near Lake, Wisconsin Union Terrace, State Street. Free Wifi. So-So: Most room sizes are modest. Limited Parking ($10/night). The location is difficult to beat. Just a block off of State Street, a short walk to the WI Capitol and just a block from UW Campus. Memorial Union and the Terrace is barely a block away. Take a walk down Lakeshore Path. Excellent. What more could you ask for? Our room was a double-queen room, which had more than enough space, a min-fridge,and nice newer bathroom. Sleep quality was good. Door closes nice and quiet, which is especially good when kids go to bed early and we're out late. Sleep quality was good, although the HVAC system hum all the time was annoying at times. Breakfast is served in the ballroom, which included Waffles, Made-to-order eggs, sausages and bacon, pastries, cereals, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, coffee and juices. Definitely a plus. One of the great amenities is a great large pool, which few hotels I've been been to can match (and none in Madison). The fitness center has new-ish cardio equipment, some free weights and a bench. Located by State Street and Lakeshore Path, running routes are excellent. As a side note, I was employed by UW-Extension for several years and during a part of that experience I had an office in this building. It was great to be back and experience the facility from a hospitality perspective. I will definitely stay at Lowell again. read more

The room is OK for the price, but small. However, this is run by the UW system, so be prepared for a complete lack of customer service and having to jump through hoops for any required accommodations outside of the standard lineup. The WiFi is horrible, the help desk is rude, and if I were a business person requiring lodging near UW I would certainly look elsewhere. read more

Lowell Center - My streaming stick unable to play my class lectures on youtube due to ridiculously bad wifi and customer service. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I stayed here while doing Ph.D. research at the State Historical Society and government agencies. It's not a full service hotel, and the staff don't exactly go out of their way to help, but the location/price tradeoff can't be beat. The price includes a half-decent breakfast with scramblers, pastries and other real food. read more

Not sure if this place functions as a regular hotel for all visitors, but I got a tip from someone in the know that this place was a good place to stay for a visit to Madison. It's not much - definitely do not expect anything fancy - but it's cheap ($96/night) and centrally located (especially if you're looking to bar hop in the area or generally want to have non-car options). It can get somewhat loud since it's next to student housing & perhaps a frat or two, but I didn't find it to be much of a problem and I was on the first floor. The five stars are for convenience, price, and location. read more

This hotel is a little known gem! I stayed at the hotel for badger game day and had such a wonderful time. Immediately when you walk into the lobby you know the hotel is quality. There is a high en business center with apple computers and printers. The rooms are clean and the bed is very comfortable. There is even a keurig coffee maker in each room! The continental breakfast is amazing, eggs made to order, waffle station, sausage and an assortment of bagels and donuts. I am definitely staying here every time I come to Madison. read more

Great hotel! I thought it was going to be a dorm with shared bathrooms, etc but it is NOT that! IT IS A REGULAR HOTEL! I was in a regular hotel room with my own bathroom. I was there last month -- April 2014. PROS: On campus. Walking distance to State Street where there are plenty of restaurants (potbellys, etc.), Walgreens, clothing stores, etc. Buffet breakfast. Absolutely the BEST waffles. You pour the batter into the waffle iron and three minutes later, you get fresh, crisp, tasty waffles. You can add strawberries, syrup, whipped cream, etc. I have never tasted better waffles. Fridge in room. Small but a good convenience. Near the lake. Pretty view of the lake. Close to Dane County airport (MSN). About a 20-minute cab ride. CONS: On campus lol. You will see tons of college kids if you venture out late at night. Buffet breakfast lol. It is not a large buffet. The egg station is just....scrambled eggs. Not omlets, just scrambled eggs. They should at least offer the option of adding cheese but I did not see that. I did get egg white only scrambled eggs so ....... Hard to regulate temperature in room. Heater is operated separately from air conditioner. Air conditioner is a stand alone air cirulator look alike. Toiletries are small. They provide lotion, conditioner, and shampoo in VERY small bottles. Bring your own or ask for extra - you'll need it. Overall, I liked it and I would stay there again. read more

I had ridiculously low hopes for this place walking up but boy was I surprised. What a great place to stay! Clean, very nice rooms, and the breakfast was fantastic. Great location also! Keep up the good work! read more

The Lowell Center is great for business travelers. I have been there multiple times to discuss research programs and the Lowell Center gives a good environment for business while still allowing for comforts of home after hours. All of the rooms are reasonably sized and well furnished, although it's very similar to every dorm room I've ever been in.The service is very good and the breakfast in the morning is absolutely amazing. I definitely appreciate the ability to walk to a lot of restaurants in town. read more

I'm staying here right now for a Writing By The Lake 5 day workshop at the University. The room is nice. Only complaints are the parking and the construction on Langdon (obviously not Lowell Center's fault, but they could have alerted us via email that gps wouldn't get us there during construction) which made it almost impossible to find the building. No elevator from lower level tiny parking area.. but Adam helped me up the stairs with my large suitcase.. Very nice and accomodating fellow! Didn't get a chance to try to try the breakfast today, but can see that it is served in a large comfortable area. read more

awesome spot for $80, incredibly clean, perfect location, nice bath products, good service. i'd stay there again, fo sho! read more

The room, yet quaint, is very updated. Bed is very comfy, room is very clean. Great location; in walking distance to tons of stuff. Great guest service at the front desk also. Highly reccommend! read more

Nice no thrills place, great updated rooms. Breakfast fair is typical of any "continental" offering no worse no better. Dig the locaion to State St and the Capitol. read more

Lowell Center is right off campus and is only open to those with a U of Wis connection. I'ts a great place both for location and price. I checked out hotels - all of which were farther away from campus and more expensive. It's at least as nice as a decent mid-priced hotel and with washing machines and a decent breakfast included, quite a deal when you're trying to stay at decent places without breaking the bank over a 10 day period. And clean!! We lucked out and got a lake view - absolutely wonderful. read more

Pros: location on campus, historical photographs, pool/sauna, eggbake at breakfast, pleasant/attentive breakfast service. Cons: bedbugs in deluxe room, NO hot water for entire building for approx 16 hours(I should have checked out at this point, my mistake),missed room service, rude brunette at front desk-during check out I went to contest my bill since it differed from my emailed confirmation. Maybe the reservation code provided wasn't utilized. She refused to look at the email that I had up on my phone and bluntly told me that any code provided are not promo codes but allows me to be a guest at the Lowell. Definitely didn't feel like I was being treated as a guest more like a second class citizen. Advise: have a back-up plan if hot water fails. Doesn't sound like this is an isolated problem. read more

This is a really nice affordable place, very clean and close to State street, the Memorial Union and the lake. It was small but we had two queen beds. There is a Frat house next door and across the street but we never heard a peep out of them. Parking lot is small. I didn't check out breakfast or the pool but wish I had. read more

I book this hotel for collegues visiting Madison for business. It's so affordable, it almost scared me. But we have stayed at this hotel multiple times and come away with consistent, pleasant comments. The hotel is quite comfortable and the customer service is simply amazing! Highly recommend~ read more

Our daughter was married on the UW campus and all the guests stayed here for the weekend. The staff could not have been more helpful. They treated us like old friends. We had an extended stay room and when we realized there was no refrigerator a new one was purchased on the same day and placed in our room. I visited many rooms including handicapped-equipped rooms, singles and doubles. They were all freshly cleaned each day. I heard no negative remarks from any of our guests. The pool was refreshing on a very hot weekend and the breakfasts every morning were delicious! With State Street and Capitol Square so close there were plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance. The only negative was that the street was under construction and it was very difficult to get in and out of the parking lot, certainly not any fault of the hotel! We loved the Lowell Center and will return! read more

I am in the process of checking out early from the Lowell Center, after having woken up at 2 am roasting because the "air conditioning" I paid extra for doesn't work. When I arrived the room was dirty, with old hairs in the shower and sink, sticky stuff on the desk, and a piece of food underneath the phone handset. I called the front desk and requested that the room be given extra attention during cleaning the next day, but the exact same hair was still there even after housekeeping came through. Despite my paying 25% more for an upgraded room with a refrigerator and a thermostat, the lowest temperature the room has reached is 72 degrees during the day and 70.5 at night even when set at 65. The fridge is smaller even than the standard mini fridge size, and there is not even a bath tub. The so-called "state of the art" fitness center is a joke, with just two new ellipticals, one new and one old treadmill, an ancient exercise bike, and some free weights. I had high hopes after reading all the positive reviews, but have found that unfortunately the hotel does not live up to its reputation. read more