Venue Spotlight: Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown

By Sue Sveum

When it comes to finding the perfect event and meeting space in Wisconsin, look no further than the brand new Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown. What better location than just off the Capitol Square, steps from Lake Monona and the Monona Terrace – right in the heart of Madison and Dane county? As the fastest growing city and county in Wisconsin, there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and experience here.

But of course, once you’ve seen the on-site amenities – from the open-air atrium to the 262 all-suite guest rooms, the beautiful contemporary meeting spaces, free daily breakfast, and 24/7 fitness center – well, you may not want to go anywhere else. And did we mention it’s even pet-friendly?

Part of Hilton’s ‘upper upscale’ brand, the hotel opened in June 2024, and recently was acquired by Apple Hospitality REIT. Referencing the building’s unique and striking curved exterior, General Manager Michael Luehrs says, “The design is simply a beautiful frame for the dynamic environments and flexible event spaces that help us contribute to the city’s goals of attracting more events to Madison. We’re delighted to provide an approachable yet upscale experience for both business and leisure travelers with this hotel.”

While conference and event attendees will appreciate both the location and guest amenities, event planners will find much to like as well. “We’re able to respond creatively to event planner visions,” says Luehrs, “whether it’s a cocktail reception on our patios or ‘action stations’ at locations within the restaurant and meeting spaces.”

Meeting rooms, boardrooms and pre-function space are all flexible, comfortable and large enough to accommodate the needs of any type of group – from conferences to weddings. In addition, when working in collaboration with Monona Terrace Community and Conference Center, event planners can use meeting space at the Embassy Suites in conjunction with their larger meeting spaces. For example, hotel spaces could be used for breakouts or social events while other sessions may take place at Monona Terrace.

Hamilton, the main meeting room, is a 2,000-sq-ft space with an air wall dividing it perfectly in half. Built-in counters are included in both rooms, along with lighting controls, screens and projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system channeling music, microphones or virtual presentations.

Other flexible spaces are available for team breakfasts, CEO roundtables, training sessions, rehearsal dinners and more.

And when it comes to food, Embassy Suites has your dining and catering needs covered with Brickstone’s Kitchen & Bar. “We love being in the heart of Wisconsin and that enthusiasm is reflected in our passionately prepared traditional favorites,” explains Luehrs. “Our fresh, regional fare is central to our seasonally changing menu.”

The hotel offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service. But if that doesn’t work with your schedule, you’ll love the grab-and-go option – with fresh-prepared foods available daily in the hotel market. And of course, guests can enjoy the Embassy Suites’ signature complimentary drink and snack reception each evening.

Brickstone’s also provides endless catering possibilities for your events. From vibrant small plates for cocktail receptions to the more substantial hand-passed appetizers and action stations, to custom-plated dinners – and a variety in between. “If a corporate client would like to try a Tailgate Event on our patio, we have the food, the drinks and the amenities right at your fingertips.” This is Wisconsin, after all.

“We’re excited to be the newest venue to contribute to the effort to bring more events to Madison,” says Luehrs, adding that as part of Raymond Management Company, hotel teammates continually encourage each other to grow. “With such a great team in place, we know guests here for all types of events will look forward to returning.”