What to expect: This smoke-free hotel offers a convenient suburban setting just nine miles from downtown Madison. The country-style lobby features a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating.

Amenity highlights: The hotel serves a daily complimentary Continental breakfast, including Belgian waffles, omelettes, hot and cold cereals, fruit, yogurt, bagels and cream cheese, pastries, juice, milk, tea, and freshly brewed coffee.

A light-filled indoor pool area contains a main pool, an 18-person spa tub, and a children's pool with water games.

Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Insider tip: The Henry Vilas Zoo, six miles from the hotel, is one of the few zoos in North America with free admission, and one of the few free zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Highlights at this conservation-minded zoo include the Primate Area, the Big Cats Complex, the Herpatarium, and the Tropical Rainforest Aviary. Be sure to check out the penguins and the extremely rare White Rhinos, too.