Hotel Ruby Marie

We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Hotel Ruby Marie! Staying in a room with a bathtub was a must for me, and I took full advantage—at least four relaxing baths! The fireplace was an unexpected bonus, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Our room was spacious, impeccably clean, and had stunning views. It truly felt like a warm and inviting retreat. One of the highlights of our stay was the breakfast downstairs on Saturday morning. The meal was freshly prepared, and the coffee was excellent. We also appreciated the free drink tickets for The Up North bar downstairs. Although there wasn’t a band that night, we had a fantastic time chatting with the bartender and some friendly locals. On Sunday, we enjoyed using our meal tickets at The Come Back In. The atmosphere was lively, and the beer and food selection was impressive. My husband had walleye with eggs, while I had a delicious fish sandwich. Their selection of German beers was another highlight! Before booking, I had read countless reviews about Hotel Ruby Marie, hoping for a more intimate and unique experience compared to the larger hotels we had stayed at in the past. This charming hotel exceeded our expectations. We even loved hearing the sound of the train passing by—it was a nostalgic touch for us. While we didn’t have many interactions with the staff, those we did meet were incredibly friendly. One particularly kind and handsome gentleman checked in on us during breakfast, making sure we had everything we needed and offering room service. His attentiveness made us feel truly cared for. The little details also stood out—complimentary parking, a selection of candy by the bed, chilled water in the fridge, and real creamer for the coffee. Hotel Ruby Marie’s location is fantastic; despite a snowstorm, we were able to walk everywhere with ease. With so many options for lodging in downtown Madison, we are thrilled to have found this gem. Our stay was memorable in all the best ways, and we look forward to returning again and again. Thank you, Hotel Ruby Marie, for such a delightful experience!

Overnight in this historic hotel was a step-back-in-time experience. Renovated into 15 Victorian decorated rooms & antiques throughout was definitely different than the standard highway chain hotel. If you don’t want German food nearby, there are many bars and restaurants in walking distance, as well as the beautiful capital building. Earplugs are provided for the downtown passing train which was actually very quaint. Two drinks were included for the downstairs bar. Breakfast was good. Our only issue was how overly warm the room was we couldn’t control the heat with the thermostat.

We enjoyed our stay here in this unique B&B! The room was clean, beds comfortable, and check in was the easiest I’ve ever had! We loved the Come Inn Again downstairs-thee BEST wings. They were large and juicy, the fish & burger were excellent! We did not utilize the free beverage that came with our stay at Up North, but they do give you 1 free drink per person. We stayed as we have a loved one staying at UW Health, it was 15 mins away from the hospital and they have a large parking lot & overflow lot. We had to be at the hospital early so we didn’t stick around for the free breakfast that starts at 7 am in the cafe downstairs, but the menu only listed omelets & breakfast burritos so we opted to stop at Short Stack Eatery which is a 4 minute drive away. We would stay again for the unique rooms & comfy beds.

My goodness this place is funky, but it is lots of fun. It is historic, with creaking floors et al, and our room in the corner had a great view looking out over the street in a fun part of town. Our bed was comfortable and the room was well appointed with period furnishings. There is an attached pub complete with the smell of stale beer the looks like it might get lively on a weekend night. Rumor has it bands play there, but not on our Sunday night stay.||Check-in was a bit odd. You have to enter through the back, go up an elevator, and wind your way to the desk -- which might or might not be staffed. If nobody is there you call a number, which works fine. The college kids running the place are sharp and capable, so everything worked out fine.||If you are sick of chain hotels and want something local and fun, this is your spot.

I was here for four nights to attend a convention at Monona Terrace, an easy and pleasant walk even in July. The room and amenities, along with the cozy historical atmosphere, made this one of the most pleasantly surprising sojourns in a long career of business and personal travel. I can't say enough good things about the hotel, its bar, and the adjoining restaurants. Very highly recommended!

One of the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed in! So happy with our time at the Ruby Marie. Not only was the room clean and cozy with beautiful vintage decorative elements, but the breakfast in the morning far exceeded our expectations. You can tell the chefs really put their hearts into the continental breakfast options. We arrived late and were greeted by a very friendly and welcoming host at the bar. We stayed in room 13 and are so happy it was available. I have been under the weather and was thrilled to find the fire place working, REAL coffee and cream in the fridge, and complimentary bottled water. We will absolutely return and hope to get to stay in this room again.

My husband and I spent one night here, passing through Madison. It's a very interesting building, not a typical hotel. The room was large, and extremely clean. There are some restaurants/bars in the same parking lot, and the train comes by at night so be prepared. I wore earplugs to bed and slept fine. We were only there for the night, so didn't do any sightseeing, but did walk around at night. There are a lot of bars/restaurants within walking distance, and the Capitol building is also right there. There is a small, continental breakfast offered downstairs which was a perfect start to our day of traveling. I would recommend this hotel.

Not happy at all with my stay. They gave me a room right above their bar downstairs. Loud music and loud people drinking outside every night until 1am or later. I tried to ask for a change of room but there is no one at the front desk after 7pm. Definitely not a quiet hotel to relax after a long day of work, specially if you have to get up early the next day.

We love this place and have stayed here a number of times over the years. Cozy and peaceful with a good ol' Wisco bar in first floor and a real breakout from an actual restaurant. It's old, it's quaint, and it's walkable.

Cute little hotel, would stay again. Our room was below the restaurant/bar so it was a little noisy from that, the road, and the trains. But it's cozy and quaint, the breakfast topped it off in all honesty. Very good and wonderful staff.

My wife and I just finished another stay at Hotel Ruby Marie and it was wonderful as usual. This historic hotel has an incredibly gracious and welcoming staff that always go above and beyond. The location can't be beat as well with The Essen Haus, Up North Bar, and Come Back In all located in that beautiful corner of Madison as well.

It is noisy from the train, but we laughed when we saw ear plugs are provided. Breakfast was included but not very well prepared. Hash browns undercooked and eggs overcooked. The hotel is cute and the service was great. Lots to do in walking distance.

I feel really mislead by yelp on this one. The staff was lovely, and the place itself is charming, but this was probably one of the worst night's sleep I have ever had. Not quite as bad as the NYC hostel I once stayed in that averaged one star reviews, but dang, it was in the top 3. A train came by 5 times and honked its horn multiple times with each visit. The horn was so loud, you'd have to scream to be heard over it. This happened between midnight and 8 am. The train is close, you could fall out of a window and be run over by it. Not that I recommend such an adventure. The bed was broken, I could feel where the edge of it had been split. The pillows were lumpy. The bar downstairs could be heard until 2 am. In the morning, the coffee was wonderful, so that helped. But like, I drink black coffee, so it's not hard. Breakfast, however, is another story. It looked so bad we left--I'm talking pathetic. The pictures posted are nothing like what I saw. One tiny 2-bite square of scrambled egg. Completely white potatoes, like boiled squares. It was a sorry display. Felt like Matilda in a Roald Dahl novel. Was I a prisoner or a guest? The whole place stressed me out. The constant beeping from early morning construction trucks backing up was pure hell. I couldn't rate it less than three stars, because again, the staff was kind. They deserve 5 stars. It really is more like a two star experience where everything else is concerned.

if you like staying at charming little hotels or motels this place is one of the best. This place is charming, clean, friendly, and updated. The restaurants and bars are Wisconsionish and cool. the comeback in has one of the brunches I have ever had .

Love this place! The desk employees were friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. They give you free breakfast and drinks too! It's in east walking distance of lots of museums and great restaurants.

Stayed here for just a quick visit to Madison. This place is super close to downtown and the lakeshore. This hotel is above a tavern which is joined to another bar/resturant. In the warmer months, this place is so fun! Sand volleyball courts outside and tons of cool outdoor seating. Super friendly staff and parking provided on site. If you are looking for a fun, clean, and friendly place in Madison, stay here!

This was a great place to stay for 2 nights while I was on a business trip. I don't get many opportunities to stay in older buildings that are charming hotels with character. It's got a history as a short stay place for passengers in 1800s waiting for their train and would check in for half a day. It feels like a European hotel and I had a door opening to the courtyard from my room I liked keeping open for fresh air and I love ambient outdoor noises and breeze. The decorating matches the history of the place. I had free breakfast downstairs in the cafe every day and I had free drink coupons for their bar but didn't use them. I did have dinner next door at Essen Haus. The food was great and very German with a beer. I'd like to bring my wife next time.

If you're looking for a hotel that is pleasing to the senses this is the place to stay. It looks great, it feels great, it even smells great. The old historical vibe is ideal for anyone looking to escape the run of the mill vibes of the big hotel chains. I definitely recommend this hotel, go just for the freshly baked pastries if not for anything else. Delicious! I've stayed here several times and have consistently had an outstanding experience!

In short: delightful boutique hotel with quirky European feel. I stayed here for two nights and would happily go back. You enter via a small lobby from the parking lot, then step into an elevator that takes forever to get from ground level to the first floor, then picks up speed and whisks you to the lobby on the second floor. You step out into a beautifully decorated, wide corridor. "Wow!" you think, "Someone has really put a lot of work into making this place beautiful." Experience: the front desk agent who greeted me was helpful and pleasant-- he even remembered me calling in for a reservation several weeks earlier. My third-floor room was just a bit on the small side if you are used to cookie-cutter chain properties, but it had everything I needed, including fridge and kitchen sink. All the amenities were there, mattress was firm and comfortable, etc, etc. Nice breakfast provided at a café in the same building. Kudos to the housekeepers, too- everything was spotless. Did I mention the corridors? Maze-like, but that was part of the place's charm. And the decorations? Oh my! I'm a business-like guy, but really, for a fun getaway, you can't beat this joint. Another departure from chain-property practice: there is no night staff coverage. Instead, the manager leaves his home phone number. Only caution: there is a very noisy bar on the first floor of the building. The sound level was painful when the elevator door opened on that floor, but I did not hear a peep from my third-floor room. You might want to consider this when you make your reservation. Also, I note that another reviewer complained about trains passing by - yes, there is a railroad track across the street from the hotel. However, exactly two trains passed in the two days I was there, so hardly a big deal. Bottom line: exemplifies charm. If I ever get back to Madison, I'm staying here again.

I am a huge fan of B&B's, especially those of the vintage and Victorian variety, so naturally when I was researching places to stay for my brief Madison getaway, Hotel Ruby Marie definitely caught my eye! It's so charming and well maintained for a building of its age! It's not a cookie-cutter-corporate hotel. And compared to the hotels in the surrounding area, it's a bargain to stay for one night! My check-in and check-out interactions went smoothly and were very pleasant. The room was tidy and I appreciated the small details--a secretary desk for addressing a few quick post cards to pals, a vintage feel to the toilet--a high placed tank and long chain for flushing, and of course a tub with Jacuzzi jets which came in handy for unwinding after my evening exploration! Other pros include: the free drink vouchers for happy hour at the Up North Bar (which in itself is a real gem--a fine and interesting mix of pleasant folks, live music in the evenings, great bar tenders), the location of the hotel downtown (it was just a few minutes walk to breathtaking scenery by the lake, fine dining, and the venue of the concert I was attending later in the evening) and in-room fridges (which had complimentary water but were otherwise empty, leaving plenty of room for leftovers--I hate when the fridge is packed with mini-bar options and leaves no room for items you may bring back to the room/have brought with you). There are just a handful of cons though; nothing was a big enough deal-breaker that I wouldn't stay again, but I would like to make note of them. Previous reviewers have mentioned the noise issue: depending on where you're located in the hotel, it is possible to hear noise from the Up North Bar and their nightly musical guests; I could hear them when traveling about the hotel but not from my room. What I COULD hear from my room (which faced the lakeside) were the trains as the tracks practically run right below your window. It was difficult to sleep uninterrupted, particularly around 3 am as that seems to be prime time for train travel through this area. I'd advise some earplugs if you find yourself in one of these rooms. Also, when I booked my room a month or so ago, I was delighted to hear that I'd be staying in a lakeside room, but as you'll note in the photos accompanying this review, the view is more of the traffic surrounding the hotel than the lake. I came to Madison to explore though, not to laze about in my room and unwind, so I wasn't super bummed about the view, but I definitely wouldn't make it sound like a treat to staying in the room I occupied. My biggest gripe was the breakfast. I've stayed in many a B&B and breakfast is the star of the show, usually. Not so with the Ruby Marie. It's more continental style, rather than made-to-order and it was mostly baked goods and cereal and under-ripe fruit. I had high hopes for the savory pastries as they appeared to be the only warm options, but it was obvious they'd been reheated and not thoroughly. After a raucous night of concert going and then staying up in the Up North Bar, I definitely would have appreciated tucking into something warmer and substantial (though I guess late night shenanigans aren't on the ticket for most week-day guests but hey...). To make a long story short, I'll definitely be back if I find myself in Madison again, just maybe with some ear plugs in hand and alternative breakfast plans... But I'll definitely stay at the Ruby Marie!

Rehabbing old real estate is a side business and passion of mine. I love staying at old, restored hotels. The whole hotel is amazingly restored. The woodwork is great. The hotel has nice sized rooms with a bar downstairs that has live music, free popcorn, peanuts and other goodies. The hotel is right by the lake. My room had nice bathroom, carpet and of course a comfortable bed. You get a free complimentary drink at the bar when you check in. There are nice restaurant in walking distance. The hotel offers great breakfast. I would definitely stay here again.

I recently stayed at the historic Hotel Ruby Marie for a night while on business in Madison and there's not enough positive adjectives to describe how great my stay was. Upon my arrival I was greeted with cookies and a smile. My room had all the comfort of a modern hotel with the charm of a 19th century Victorian inn. It was an unreasonably cold night for spring but my room was warm and comfy. Also, I had a beautiful view of the lake. There's also on sight parking which makes life easy. I cannot wait to get back to Madison for an extended stay at the Ruby Marie. Cheers!

The Hotel Ruby Marie is a former neighborhood blight that was carefully restored to its original charm. If you like staying in unique places -- or hate staying in institutional hotels -- then this might be the place for you. A one bedroom was about $149 before taxes, so this was more on the high end for hotels that you might be able to find. The good ------------ The location is easy walking distance to the capital and a number of great hotels. There is lots of free parking The hotel itself does have unique decor. The wifi works great. The staff is very friendly. I saw no issues with the service. It was excellent. Hotel is clean. Bathroom/hot water/etc has no issues. The bad ----------- If you have noise issues, then this is really not the hotel for you. Two sides of the building face busy roads. Although the hotel was nicely renovated, it was not soundproofed. If you are placed on the side with the lake view, you can see a lake, but you mostly see traffic. This also includes train tracks about 40 feet from the building and a very loud train came by at 12:30 am and again at 6 am. You will also constantly hear cars, buses, trucks. Some people just don't have noise issues, so this isn't a problem. Another solution is to ask to be placed in other part of the building (this wasn't an option for me because the hotel was full, but you might request these when you book). Several rooms, I believe, look into a small internal courtyard, so have no view, but are possibly quiet. Other rooms overlook the parking lot, and are probably quieter. After one night I checked out. They were very gracious about it. I mention the noise because it was a problem for me, especially after traveling. For you, maybe this just isn't an issue. Enjoy your stay!

I stayed here in February 2020, for some idea I forgot to leave a review. The wife and I stayed here overnight and we really loved the room. This place is a very nostalgic place, it has a lot of old world charm. I really enjoyed the location being close to the Capital and UW-Madison. We are from Milwaukee and I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Madison so we will keep this place on our radar. They don't have a lot of rooms, so if your going to Madison and it's a busy weekend, plan accordingly. I was impressed and we plan on staying at this hotel again.

After a wonderful stay at Hotel Ruby Marie, I think it's safe to say that I don't believe i'll ever stay anywhere else when i'm in Madison. It's not often you find a hotel with such character and charm as the Ruby Marie, without the heavy pricetag. The hotel is really run much like a bed and breakfast or a traditional Inn. First off, it should be noted that it is independently owned and operated so you if you're into all that Hilton or bestwestern tomfoolery, the laid-back and relaxed vibe of this place might not suite you. When you enter, it may very well be that the guy running the front desk is also scrubbing toilets. The hotel itself is ancient, but with a somewhat recent overhaul, the rooms are excellent. The bed was large and comfortable, the rooms were extremely clean and the bathrooms were very nicely equipped with quality high-pressure showers. And as if it couldn't get any better??! It does! The owner also owns, well, basically the entire row of businesses surrounding the hotel. Consequently, on the weekends you get a complimentary breakfast from the 'Comeback Inn.' I'm not talking some crusty muffins...you get to choose whatever you want on the menu! Wait! There's more! Each person also get's two free drinks downstairs at the 'Up North bar'. Talk about value. Hilton couldn't shake a stick at that! A highly recommended spot.

I booked this hotel for 3 nights and it was honestly one of the best hotels i have been to. Its relatively cheap given the nice rooms and excellent friendly service. The breakfast is freshly baked goods every day. I really enjoyed every meal i had there. The lake is also nearby and the capitol is 10-15 minutes away.

I had a great stay in this historic hotel in Madison, Wisconsin.  I had a late check in and found everything ready for me upon my arrival.  The hotel is over 150 years old and possesses a classic yet modern feel.  There is a bar within the hotel where a live band was playing.  Also, there is a great restaurant within the property providing traditional German food, which is quite deliciously prepared.   Though the hotel is over 150 years old it is extremely well kept.  The room itself was beautifully decorated and had a flat screen tv, free wi-fi, a very comfortable bed, and modern aminities, while still having the classic feel in the furniture and room layout.   I look forward to visiting this place again in the near future and enjoying all that it has to offer once again!!

Stayed here with my wife and three other couples for a weekend stay in Madison. I can't say enough good things about our stay here. The included breakfast is fantastic. Free drink per person per night, and great decor. Two restaurants and three bars on the property makes it very convenient and the staff at all of them were great. Rooms are spacious and well appointed and the beds we found to be very comfortable. Highly recommend. Check this place out.

This place is top shelf. Perfect location, happy hour drinks, breakfast made in house bakery, nice staff. Train goes by at night. Try not to be a pussy over that. Would absolutely stay here again.

The Hotel Ruby Marie is a real charmer! The spacious rooms have a historic feel, but the bathrooms are redone and include jacuzzi tubs (not to mention incredible water pressure in the shower). The location is fantastic, and it's within walking distance to many great restaurants (including the Up North bar downstairs, a relaxing neighborhood pub with live music). Parking is close and easy. And the staff was very friendly! For a seeming getaway back in time, with all the modern amenities, I highly recommend this hotel!

Service was great until 10pm (when I wanted to go to bed). The hotel has a bar below it and on this lovely Wednesday night they have a band that is playing until midnight. No one is at the front desk after 7pm and guests are encouraged to contact the bartender for their needs. So I called the bartender (because the bar was packed) and I asked how long the band was playing. After answering my initial question, He conveniently couldn't hear me when I asked repeatedly about the hotels strict quiet policy after 10pm (that is posted). Then he hung up. I guess the strict quiet policy doesn't apply to the bar one floor below the hotel rooms. If you're in Madison for fun (not work, school, etc) and plan on staying out until 1am every night this is the hotel for you. My minimum expectation for a hotel is that i can get a quiet good nights rest. The plush towels, great location, buildings historic charm, complimentary drink and free breakfast don't mean much if this minimal expectation isn't met. I really wanted to like this revitalized historic building that is a hotel, but you simply can't have a noisy bar (with a live band and cheering crowd) below the beds of customers.

Yeah no. Between the loud music playing right below my room all night to the elephants above me dropping things and pacing back and forth starting at 3:30am, I will never stay here again.

Mind-blowing experience from start to finish! Historic (beautifully restored while keeping the feel of the era in tact). Staff was incredible. Room was clean and charming. The breakfast that was included was wonderful! Susan, our waitress made the experience exceptional! Drinks (happy hour also included) provided a fun experience in an up north atmosphere. If looking for an overall amazing experience... book your stay today! In regards to other reviews: pillows were great, noise level was fine (only disturbance is the train that runs through).

I seriously write this at 1:45 in the morning as I prepare to drive my tired ass back to Chicago instead of try to stay another second at this hotel. This hotel is LOUD AS HELL. It's bad enough that the windows and walls are so thin that you can hear every sound outside but it's even worse that there's a bunch of drunk a holes yelling and stomping around and there is no one there to shut everyone up so people can sleep. And the pillows and bed? MOST UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS IN THE WORLD. Worst $200 I've ever spent.

Lovely and unique stay at the Hotel Ruby Marie. As a touring band we love the opportunity to stay in one-of-a-kind locations. This place is 150 years old! The rooms were very tidy and clean. The continental breakfast was fresh baked and had a wide variety of items. If you're looking for a taste of Madisons past with the charm of a bed & breakfast, look no further.

I kind of just want to move into the Hotel Ruby Marie. I liked it that much. It may not be a typical five star experience kind of place and it truly may only be five stars to me because I like staying in places that I think are: a) possibly haunted b) possibly decorated with furniture and photos from the turn of the (20th) century c) run by some of the nicest people around I stayed in a gargantuan room for a very reasonable rate. Not only did I have a king size bed, I had a heart shaped jacuzzi tub that I could almost swim in and a little dining area. Breakfast was even included! (Not in my room though, it was in a common area.) The hotel is located above a bar which is convenient and they offer room service if you want. I didn't have a chance to try it as I was in and out of there, but rest assured fried cheese curds ARE on the menu. I would be totally happy to stay at Hotel Ruby Marie exclusively on my trips to Madison, but be aware it's more like staying at a hotel run by your very friendly grandma and not by Mr. Hilton.

Hotel Ruby Marie was the delightful little hotel we stayed at during an overnight trip to Madison. It's not big enough to be called a hotel, and it's too large to be called a bed and breakfast, so I would classify it as an inn. If you look up the word 'quaint' in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure you'd find a picture of the Hotel Ruby Marie next to the listing. The rooms are charming. We managed to get a corner room which had a fireplace and a separate sitting area. The bed was quite comfortable and the shower and jacuzzi had great water pressure. Those are non-negotiables for me, and Ruby Marie passed with flying colors. The inn also houses a couple bars and restaurants, all of which were casual and laid-back. Continental breakfast on weekdays and full breakfast on the weekends is included in the room price, as are two free drink coupons, and free parking. My only gripe is that their wi-fi was frightfully slow. We had to look up directions to a few places and it took forever for the maps to load. It was only a mild inconvenience since we weren't intending on spending an inordinate amount of time glued to the computer, but if you're one of those people that needs to stay connected 24/7, you may find this annoying. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to the Hotel Ruby Marie. If you prefer old-world charm to a boring, nondescript hotel chain, you should definitely consider staying here. I venture to say it's more reasonably priced too; we spent just $100 for one night's stay.

Ok, so I chose this place because I love old, and quirky, and full of history and kindness, and in all these aspects I was not disappointed. This lovely creepy cool old hotel was perfectly clean and there were little shared porches, and the bed was comfy, and the bathroom was recently renovated, and the long blood red hallways were hung with vintage photos of horrifyingly judgmental looking Victorians. All of this I enjoy a great deal. The staff were all super nice. Where it all broke down for me was first, the noise. It sounded like ghosts were cranking machines in all the walls of my bedroom and the machines were full of water and rusty metal and crumbling cement, and it happened all night while the heat swooped from sweaty hot to icy hand of death cold. On the second day I was there the wifi went down, and I weirdly couldn't get phone calls or texts as well, and when I tried to call the front desk the phone in my room didn't work. I chalk this all up to ghosts and history and character, and it wasn't a huge problem, but I'd hesitate before I chose this place again. I loved the location across from the lake and I loved the fresh free pastries downstairs, and I loved the sweet dive bar attached to the hotel. I'm so torn. Did I mention the staff were super nice?

This hotel has one primary tragic flaw: it's located right above a bar. If you intend to go to bed before 1:00 a.m., this isn't the place for you. On Friday night, it was loud, but not intolerably so. On Saturday night, however, there was a band playing. Our room shook it was so loud. Beyond the volume, the internet is slow. That said, the hotel is charming, a good deal, the rooms are nice, the drink tickets and free brunch are a great bonus, and everyone is friendly. I'm not sure if all the rooms in the hotel are as loud as the one we stayed in, but the fact that the management didn't warn us about the potential for noise is a huge deduction. The fact that I gave the hotel two stars instead of one given the noise level speaks favorably to everything else about it.

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Hotel Ruby Marie for a weekend getaway to Madison. It's a cute little Bed and Breakfast that's been around since the 1880's. Our room was really cute. Comfortable bed, huge bathroom, fridge (with complimentary juice and beer!), TV, closet, you name it. The hotel itself does not provide a ton of services and the innkeeper leaves at 7pm, so if you're a high maintenance traveler, I would avoid this place. The thing we liked best about this hotel was its proximity to downtown. We were only a few blocks from State Street, the downtown bars and brewpubs, and we were right above 3 awesome bars. (I can stumble home from the Essen Haus? Yes please.) The breakfast comes from the Come On In two doors down, and there were a lot of tasty choices. The only reason I'm docking one star? This hotel is right next to a train line, and 3-4 freight trains a night come through. The trains themselves wouldn't be enough to keep me up - but they all insist on blasting their whistles for a good mile or two before they get to the intersection. This isn't the hotels fault, but it is a strike against them.

This place rocks! I visit Madison a few times a year and have stayed at the majority of the hotels in the downtown area. The one place I haven't stayed at and wanted to, until this past weekend, was Hotel Ruby Marie. So happy with the choice. Hotel Ruby Marie is located in walking distance from the Capital Building and across the way from Lake Monona. Couldn't ask for a better location. The hotel is basically its own block. Attached to the Hotel is well-known and fabulous restaurant called the Essen Haus. Additionally, they have a little pub and corner restaurant attached to it. During your stay you get 2 free drink passes per day to the pub and free breakfast to the restaurant. To me, what sets this place apart from most of the other Madison hotels is value and comfort. I loved the fact that they have their own parking lot. Many of the Madison downtown hotels don't provide that, and if they do, its not free like Hotel Ruby Marie. The rooms are easily on par with the pricer places downtown. Rooms are spacious, beds are comfy and service is very accommodating. Then on top of that, you get free food and drinks! To me, staying at Hotel Ruby Marie is a no brainer from now on!

Loved our 5 night stay! 4 nights were in one of the rooms with a gas fireplace. Just loved it. Great location (despite cold weather) - just a few blocks from the Capitol and State St - but isolated from campus. Proximity of Railroad was not intrusive - got used to the noise which was only for a couple of minutes - only a few times per day. LOVED the breakfast nook and deli downstairs for weekday breakfast! It was bitter cold outside for our stay - but right next to Essen Haus (awesome) and the weekend breakfasts at the 'Come Back In' were really excellent with really big portions and excellent and friendly service. Normally we NEVER stay at the same B&B twice (habit) - but planning to stay here again for next Downtown Madison stay. Nice and Romantic.

Our room on the second floor was very nice. The decor is Victorian, from the furniture to the color palette, even down to the little octagonal black and white tiles in the bathroom. There was a lovely fireplace, and the toilet tank was mounted by the ceiling with a pull chain to flush. There was a small sitting area and full sink, countertop and mini fridge, a full sized coffee maker and a small flat screen TV. The mattress was comfortable, the towels were soft and there was good water pressure in the shower. We stayed in the winter and the room was toasty warm. From our room you could hear the traffic noise, especially due to the wet roads, and the room is above a bar. From the bathroom we could hear distant voices, maybe from the bar or from an adjoining room, but it wasn't a problem. I could hear people walking in their room on third floor a couple of times. The thing that was a surprise as far as noise were the trains that went through in the wee hours of the morning. We had arrived after dark and didn't notice that a railway crossing was right outside our window one story down, and at least twice trains went by and blew their horns a few toots as they passed the intersection. We had some drinks, including complimentary ones for our stay, at the Up North, and the bartender told us we could take drinks and popcorn up to the room if we would like. The Hotel Ruby Marie was a charming stay and I would stay again if I were looking to spend some time in the area.

Our stay at the historic Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison, WI was a fantastic experience all around. The staff, location, and accommodations were ideal. The most striking feature of this hotel is the atmosphere. The Hotel Ruby Marie is a beautifully maintained 150 year old building, and the history is palpable. From the lobby, through the corridors, to the rooms the property if full of elegance and charm. Historic photos hang on the wall, and the hallways are lined with beautiful antiques. The rooms are similarly appointed. Comfortable, homey, with a notable touch of class. The bed was very comfortable, The bathroom was large and great for two people getting ready in the morning. An especially nice feature of the Hotel Ruby Marie, were the added bar and restaurant on-site. On the first floor is a delightful pastry shop/deli, which hosts the complimentary hotel breakfast every morning. Delicious sweet and savory pastries and coffee are available. They also offer sandwiches and wraps later in the day. Located around the back of the property is a quaint and quirky tavern. They had live music the night we arrived and it was a wonderful place to unwind at the end of our night. They offer a variety of local beers and tasty cocktails at a much better price point than you'd find at many hotel bars. We only stayed here one night, but I look forward to booking a longer stay in the future. The Hotel Ruby Marie is a beautiful property. Highly recommended.

Loved this hotel! It's cute and charming and everything's at arm's reach. This was my first stay and Madison and I was glad I got a view right on the lakefront. There were 3 places to eat (and drink!) right on the hotel grounds and even more great options a short walk away. I was in town performing at the Majestic, which was about a 5 minute walk from Hotel Ruby Marie. Me and some of the audience strolled back to the hotel bar for a drink and found a lively house band playing - which just topped the night off. I was also given complimentary drink tickets with my stay - I tried to redeem them after happy hour, when they were valid, because I hadn't read the tickets carefully enough - and the bar staff was MORE than accommodating of my mistake and gave me the drinks anyway. In the morning, there was complimentary breakfast downstairs which REALLY hit the spot after a long night out. I also took advantage of the available breakfast/brunch menu. The wi-fi is really fast and they have a good channel selection too. My room had TONS of character. A lot of hotels can all start blending together if you stay in enough of them, but I won't be forgetting Hotel Ruby Marie any time soon and hope to visit again in the near future.

Boutique hotel in great location. Easy walk to downtown, restaurants, and pubs. Wonderful character at a reasonable price which includes parking. Tv is small, I mean small. Some street noise and Trains nearby but not bad for a downtown hotel. I would recommend.

One of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed at. The price is about what you would expect for a huge room with a jacuzzi ($183 for premium room). Service was friendly but it's not a big chain so don't expect 24 hour service. Heart shaped jacuzzi was perfect for a romantic experience. There is a train close by but not a major intrusion. Overall, I would highly recommend this place for a romantic getaway. Just a piece of history I will revisit again and again.

This hotel has good intentions. The service was adequate. The room was clean. The vintage decor of this place does not resonate with me. I don't get it. ..it just looks outdated...but not in a fashionable way ...just in a we're going to grandma's house kinda way...In fact, after having stayed the weekend here, im sarting to wonder if all the 4 & 5 star reviews i read beforehand about the vintage charm of the hotel are even real. The breakfast at the Come Back In was the real deal. The buttermilk pancakes were a little bland, the pan fried potatoes were tasty but greasy but, even with that said, breakfast being included as part of the hotel pkg is definitely a huge plus. Overall, this hotel wouldn't be must first choice to stay at should i need to stay a couple nights in Madison in the future.

I really liked our stay here. Parking was included, the rooms were cure, and there was a free delicious breakfast served by The Come Back Inn included with our stay. If you're looking for a really quiet hotel, I'd keep looking as you can bear music from the bar downstairs and a passing train here and there.

I stayed at the Hotel Ruby Marie for two nights about a year ago. I stumbled upon their website when trying to find a a room in a hotel that was not part of a national chain for my first ever trip to Madison. I's SO happy I chose to stay here. This hotel and building has so much character and charm, it's like no 'National Name' Hotel I've ever stayed in. We arrived very late, about 11 PM, after the front desk was closed. They arranged to have me pickup my room keys in the bar, which was no problem at all. It was a little loud in there, but the bartender was super nice and helpful. Our room was adorable and looked like it was straight out of 1910, except for the TV, phone, and electricity. We chose a lake view room, and a word of warning for light sleepers: there is a busy freight train line that runs about 50 feet from the front of the building (between the building and the lake). I read about this from previous reviews, so I wasn't surprised when a freight train woke me up the first night at 3 AM blowing its horn. This happened again the second night. I didn't really mind; I just went back to sleep. If you are a very light sleeper, though, ask for a room that faces the parking lot on the back of the building. Positives: great location--very close to the state capital, lakefront, restaurant & bar downstairs (with free breakfast on weekends for hotel guests), most of downtown Madison is within walking distance, super charming, friendly & helpful staff. Negatives: The busy freight train line at the doorstep, but the hotel can't really do anything about that.

We have stayed here the past two years for the CrossFit Games. It was recommended in the RedBull magazine and it did not disappoint. The location is central to everything in Madison, the rooms are comfortable, and the breakfast is delicious. In addition, the staff is always pleasant and willing to help answer questions, provide suggestions, etc. We look forward to our return. Other reviewers have noted the music from the bar, but I always travel with earplugs so it was never an issue for us.

I've stayed at a lot of hotels but none have made me feel like I'm about to go on an impromptu ghost adventure quite like Hotel Ruby Marie. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. They even embrace it in the decor a little bit. It's fun. It looks immaculately restored from 150 years ago which gives each room and part of the building a unique feeling. The rooms are cozy and intimate and from what I saw, not full of ghosts. It felt like a mix of a bed and breakfast and a hotel. Very nice staff, free baked goods in the morning and the looming but not worrying presence of spirits make Hotel Ruby Marie a very cool hotel experience. Hot tip: open your closet real quick expecting a poltergeist and then laugh with your significant other!

Came in town for a convention Last minute. I was initially looking for a familiar chain named hotel. Walked into a restaurant/Bar and found out Hotel Ruby Marie had available rooms for a good rate. I asked to see the rooms, did a walk through and just just jumped on the bed like the letter T. oooooh my gosh I fell in love!!!! Love the hot tube that they have in the bathroom, the comfortable old school bed. I only stayed there for one day and I wanted to empty out my suitcase in the dresser they had. Thats how comfortable I was. I definitely want to stay there again next time I'm in town!!!!

Nice hotel with very friendly staff. The room was spacious and comfortable. Highly recommended!

My sister in law planned an overnight stay in Madison and at her suggestion we checked in at the Ruby Marie. My husband and I opted for a premium room because we wanted the jacuzzi, and with the fireplace it just sounded so cozy. We all arrived early since we were going to a local show and the person at the desk, Dylan or John, I'm not sure, was nice enough to let us check in before the scheduled time. The price of the room ($160 + taxes came about to $183) included two drink vouches at the Up North and a breakfast voucher for two at the Come Back In. The room itself was really nice. The bed was very comfortable, the jacuzzi was a pretty decent size, and the fireplace gave the room a really nice atmosphere. Really, the biggest negative experience of our stay there was getting our free drinks at the bar. When we checked in we were told the 3pm-7pm happy hour on the voucher was more of a suggestion than a rule. After we got back we went straight to the Up North around 7:10, not long after the show finished. The bartender seemed drunk and was acting really obnoxious. I asked for a bloody mary and the bartender's response was "Seriously? I just put everything away." and he seemed so annoyed at my request. He made a few sarcastic/rude comments while making my drink too, and I've never had someone make me feel like such an inconvenience all because I ordered one drink. My sister in law asked for a bourbon and coke and he gave her a bourbon and WATER and they had to ask for a coke on the side. Afterwards we went to Essen Haus, but that's another review entirely. The jets in our jacuzzi also didn't work, but after calling the front desk in the morning they gave us a partial refund. I was a little disappointed, but because they did what they could, I can't really fault them for that. Breakfast at the Come Back In ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our stay, at least for me it was. With the voucher we were able to get prime rib and eggs and two bloody marys. The prime rib was cooked very nicely, with the eggs and pan style potatoes it was definitely a filling meal. Easily a step up from the usual muffins/waffles that most hotels offer as a complimentary breakfast. Our tab came out to $6 with the extra bloody marys we ordered. Overall, there were some hiccups in the experience and the bartender is truthfully the only reason I'm not giving them a 5 star rating, but if I stay at any point in the future, I hope those issues will be solved.

The Ruby Marie has character, with everything that means for you. It's in an old building, and they've kept as many of the details as they can -- cool old room layouts, converted gas fireplaces in the rooms, old furniture -- and I can't remember the last time I saw one of those chains you pull to flush the toilet. It's very clean. Weekday breakfasts are wonderful pastries from the bakery downstairs, weekends apparently mean breakfast at the Come Back In. Appreciated the drinks at the Up North, too. Just know that Ruby Marie is not a quiet experience, between the bar noise (don't forget to ask for a room that isn't over the bar), the traffic noise (the fan helps), the trains, and the noisy floorboards. Sleep might be a challenge. I get why people like it here so much, though -- it's very casual and laid back and friendly. It's convenient to the square and Willy Street. You can find bikes across the street and this is a VERY bike-friendly city. There are so many amazing restaurants in walking distance, I can't begin to name them. I just need my sleep is all..

The Expectations: Hotel Ruby Marie was everything I hoped for, plus more. I expected a fun, memorable stay in a kitschy hotel in Madison, and it came with a friendly staff and goddamn delicious complimentary food. The Reservation: Super easy. We waited until the last second to make plans. Called on Friday mid-morning and made reservations for that night with no problem. I don't know if online reservations are available - it said "no rooms available" online so we called to see, and of course there was vacancy. The Location: The hotel was very easy to find. We took the highway into town and knew where/what we were looking for: a gorgeous red building at the corner of Wilson and Blair. About a 4-5 minute walk from the Majestic and the Capitol. Parking: We got there around 7pm. Parking was a little difficult in the lot by Essen Haus and Come Back In because it was the dinner rush but we just waited for someone from the restaurants to leave, took about 5-10 minutes. We were able to leave our car there the next day after check-out, just needed to tell the front desk that we'd be leaving it there for the day. Check-in: We warned them we were checking in late and they told us we'd get our keys from the barkeep in the Up North Saloon on the 1st floor. It was crowded but he attended to us quickly and professionally. The Bar: Our free drink vouchers (1 per guest) were good during happy hour 3-7pm and they let us use them at 7:30 so we grabbed a quick drink before heading out. Later in the night, we went back to the Up North Saloon to meet a friend, had beer and a little pizza around 11 pm. The Room: We paid for the cheapest room available, at $150 after taxes, and had a wonderful view of the lake. Everything was clean, the bed was nice, the bathroom had modern furnishings and the shower was very nice (it had one of those giant shower heads). The building had some creaks and groans throughout the night like an old building would and it wasn't bothersome. I don't think there were many other guests because I didn't hear anyone else in the hotel. The Staff: Laid back and unobtrusive. I don't think they'd have free toothpaste for you or stuff like that that you'd find at a big chain hotel so you just need to manage your expectations. The front desk is closed at night but checking in and out was easy and we had no other problems. It seemed like a do-your-own-thing kind of place, like you're renting an apartment room for the evening and the landlord isn't going to be there to hold your hand. The Perks: The free drink vouchers were a nice touch but more importantly, we got a complimentary meal at the Come Back In the next morning. You order whatever you want off the menu. That means a steak & egg and skillet breakfasts with wheat toast and potatoes, an orange juice, an apple juice, and a bloody mary with a chaser. For FREE. The friendly server didn't even bring us an itemized bill, she just let us know that gratuity wasn't included in the voucher. I would definitely recommend this hotel to other Madison visitors.