The Edgewater
Upper-Midwest luxury resort meets historic Wisconsin charm — American Craftsman bones, Art Deco flourishes in the older Langdon wing, and clean modern interiors throughout. Community-facing in an authentic way: the plaza, pier, and summer programming are genuinely public-facing, not just hotel marketing.
Book direct at theedgewater.com for best rates — they emphasize this prominently.
Why It Matters
Dane County's only AAA Four Diamond hotel, and the only Wisconsin property to appear on Travel + Leisure's Top 500 Hotels in the World (named in 2025 and 2021). Also Madison's only lakefront hotel. The summer Brewgrass Fridays series — free live bluegrass, craft beer, and a Friday fish fry on the plaza — has become a genuine Madison institution.
The Edgewater sits right on the south shore of Lake Mendota in downtown Madison — and the views are genuinely hard to beat. The property spans two buildings: the original 1948 Langdon Building, restored with its classic facade intact, and the newer Wisconsin Building tower. Both were fully gutted and rebuilt after a $100 million renovation before reopening in 2014. Five dining outlets, a full-service spa, a public plaza nearly an acre in size, and 40 boat slips at The Pier make this feel far more resort than standard urban hotel.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
The ADA Lakeshore Queen
Accessible lakefront room with views of Lake Mendota and the Edgewater Pier. Beautifully appointed with both comfort and accessibility as design priorities.
Queen
The ADA Lakeview King
Fully accessible room with luxurious custom furnishings, modern amenities, and lake views. Thoughtfully designed so every guest can experience the hotel at its best.
KingThe Edgewater King and Queens
The foundational room type — in both the Wisconsin Building and historic Langdon Building. Clean, neutral décor with custom furnishings and modern amenities. A solid, comfortable room that doesn't try too hard.
King or Two QueensThe Lakeshore King and Queens
Sitting just above the lake's edge, these rooms offer views of both Lake Mendota and The Edgewater Pier. Open the windows and let the water sounds in. Available in king or two-queen configurations.
King or Two QueensThe Lakeview King
Partial lake views rather than the full panorama — but these rooms are particularly good for watching the sun go down over Lake Mendota. Luxurious custom furnishings and modern amenities throughout.
King
The Langdon Loft King
In the historic Langdon Building, this loft-style room blends Art Deco touches with world-class modern amenities. A comfortable and characterful choice that feels like a proper home away from home.
KingThe Langdon Studio King
The best option for extended stays. These oversized corner rooms in the historic Langdon Building pack in over 600 sq ft with a full kitchenette and dining area — plus a Kohler clawfoot tub alongside a separate spa shower. Panoramic Lake Mendota views. Art Deco-inspired styling meets modern amenities.
KingThe Premium Lakefront King
Located on the lake-facing side of the Wisconsin Building, these rooms are the clearest expression of the hotel's main selling point. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic Lake Mendota views, with a neutral color palette, custom furnishings, and elegant textiles keeping everything out of the way of the view.
KingThe Presidential Suites
The top-tier rooms at The Edgewater. Specific size and layout details are shared at reservation — expect the full treatment with premium lakefront positioning and all amenities dialed up.
The Terrace King and Queens
The standout feature here is outdoor space: sun-drenched balconies or terraces with views of the lake, city, or Grand Plaza. Available on the 1st floor (walkout patio), 8th floor (terraces), or 12th floor (balcony). Classic contemporary styling with custom furnishings.
King or Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A hugely popular summer series on the lakefront Grand Plaza: live bluegrass from some of the country's best bands, craft beer from Potosi Brewing Company, and a Friday night fish fry at The Boathouse. Free to attend. Runs all summer season.
Indoor yoga classes at The Edgewater Spa. Runs February through October.
Located on the 4th floor of the Langdon Building with views over Lake Mendota. Synergy360 resistance training equipment and cardio machines. Sauna and relaxation pool for wind-down. Private fitness classes and corporate wellness breakouts available.
Outdoor yoga sessions led by instructors on the lakefront Grand Plaza, with Lake Mendota as the backdrop. Runs seasonally (confirmed June dates; check the events calendar for full schedule).
The Grand Plaza converts to an ice skating rink in winter months. A genuinely beloved Madison winter tradition. The Icehouse food hall is steps away for warm-up snacks and Wisconsin beers.
40 public boat slips on Lake Mendota. Daytime docking is complimentary. Overnight docking available for $135/night. The pier is one of the only public access points to Lake Mendota in downtown Madison.
In collaboration with Madison Boats, The Edgewater offers captained pontoon boat excursions on Lake Mendota. Up to 10 people per boat. Food and alcohol permitted on board. Two-hour and three-hour options available. Must book at least one day in advance.
Nearly one acre of public plaza between the Langdon and Wisconsin Buildings, open to hotel guests and the public alike. Regularly scheduled outdoor events, concerts, and celebrations. Sweeping views of Lake Mendota and the State Capitol dome in the distance.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Modern Midwestern cuisine delivered to the room — Wisconsin classics with a twist, craft cocktails, and desserts via The Statehouse kitchen.
Multiple event spaces including The Grand Ballroom, Mendota Ballroom, Red Crown Club (atop Langdon Building), Sky Bar, Madison Room, and The Grand Plaza. Combined event capacity up to 500 guests.
Synergy360 resistance training equipment and cardio machines on the 4th floor of the Langdon Building with Lake Mendota views.
Standard in all rooms. Select rooms also include kitchenettes and sofa.
Select pet-friendly rooms available. Contact hotel directly at time of booking.
Temperature-controlled indoor pool for relaxing and soaking — part of the spa complex. Not a lap pool.
Full-service locker rooms include saunas. Part of the spa and wellness facility.
On-site grab-and-go café that also carries Wisconsin gifts, clothing, home décor, and hotel-branded merchandise.
Complimentary airport shuttle within a 2-mile radius of the hotel. Must be arranged prior to arrival and is subject to availability.
Covered, secure on-site parking. $4/hour with a $32 daily maximum. First come, first served.
BUILD YOUR THE EDGEWATER PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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