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Mendota Lake House Inn

3.0 star property
Historic guesthouse in Madison with free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Mendota Lake House Inn

Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board
Exterior
Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board
Reception
TV
Located near the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mendota Lake House Inn welcomes guests with local breakfast offerings and complimentary WiFi. Visitors can stroll through the garden, select a book from the library collection, or relax by the inviting lobby fireplace.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Gore Vidal)

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Gore Vidal) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Gore Vidal)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (James Baldwin)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Standard Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (James Baldwin)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View (Oscar Wilde)

Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View (Oscar Wilde)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Economy Double Room, Ensuite (Tennessee Williams)

Economy Double Room, Ensuite (Tennessee Williams) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Economy Double Room, Ensuite (Tennessee Williams)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Walt Whitman)

Premium Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Walt Whitman) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double Room, Ensuite, Lake View (Walt Whitman)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Economy Double Room, 1 King Bed

Economy Double Room, 1 King Bed | Hypo-allergenic bedding, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

Economy Double Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hair dryer
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
704 East Gorham, Madison, WI, 53703

What's nearby

  • Capitol Square - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Wisconsin State Capitol - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison - 4 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Camp Randall Stadium - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Madison Station - 3 min drive
  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Public Parking - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bradbury's Coffee - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Cargo Coffee - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Brass Ring - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Vintage Brewing Company East - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Mendota Lake House Inn

Historic guesthouse near University of Wisconsin-Madison
You can look forward to free breakfast (local cuisine), a garden, and a library at Mendota Lake House Inn. In addition to a fireplace in the lobby, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this guesthouse include:
  • Smoke-free premises, a TV in the lobby, and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • Concierge services, a computer station, and multilingual staff
  • Tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Mendota Lake House Inn offer thoughtful touches such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Tubs or showers and hair dryers

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Multilingual staff
  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a lake

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1911
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance

Access methods

Private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 12 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 12 are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 12 years old and younger are not permitted at this property

Property is also known as

Mendota Lake House Bed & Breakfast Madison
Mendota Lake House Bed & Breakfast
Mendota Lake House Madison
Mendota Lake House
Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Mendota Lake House Inn
Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Mendota Lake House
Bed & breakfast Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Madison Mendota Lake House Inn Bed & breakfast
Bed & breakfast Mendota Lake House Inn
Mendota Lake House Bed Breakfast
Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Mendota Lake House Madison
Mendota Lake House
Bed & breakfast Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Madison Mendota Lake House Inn Bed & breakfast
Bed & breakfast Mendota Lake House Inn
Mendota Lake House Bed Breakfast
Mendota Lake House Inn Madison
Mendota Lake House Inn Guesthouse
Mendota Lake House Inn Guesthouse Madison

Frequently asked questions

Is Mendota Lake House Inn pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Mendota Lake House Inn?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Mendota Lake House Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Mendota Lake House Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mendota Lake House Inn located?

Located in Tenney-Lapham, this historic guesthouse is steps from James Madison Beach, and within 3 mi (5 km) of University of Wisconsin-Madison and Camp Randall Stadium. Lake Mendota and Breese Stevens Field are also within 10 minutes. Madison Station is 24 minutes by foot.

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Mendota Lake House Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 189 out of 357 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 108 out of 357 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 357 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 357 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 357 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dino

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property has a beautiful garden, loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What a gorgeous place to stay! Our room overlooked the lake, it was walkable to downtown, and the breakfast was divine
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is historical and interesting to learn about. Garden was beautiful and view to lake was very nice!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

GREG

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
great!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stately property with everything as advertised. All logistics were simple and smooth. We will stay again, if we visit Madison, and would love to try a new room each visit just for fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great spot! Fun to be in a historical home on the water. Obvious maintenance needed which is happening soon but it’s still great. Continental breakfast is excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Happy New Year

Love staying at the Mendota Lake House, the location and view can't be beat. The Virginia Woolf room is spacious and has a great view. The king size bed is very comfortable. The breakfast is excellent, really enjoyed dining with the view of the lake. The Christmas decorations made the home even more beautiful. Can't wait for our next stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

howard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners have amazing gardens and the property looks out onto the lake. It is on a busy street. Since it is an old house, it is noisy. The decor is arts and crafts. I would go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gayle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great lake view. Close to downtown. Quaint old home. Well kept.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the perfect one night getaway to see a show. The owner was very friendly and accommodating. And you can’t beat the location and view of the lake. Will definitely book here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an unexpected last-minute stay and we were SO delighted to find this gem in the heart of Madison. This is the perfect place to find relaxation and also access all of the excitement and fun that Downtown Madison has to offer. Sunrises and sunsets are unparalleled and the hosts were welcoming and provided top-notch service! I hope to be able to stay again after their upcoming renovations.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ralf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hervorragende Lage mit Blick über den See und Schwimmmöglichkeit vor dem Frühstück / TOP (PS: zu unserem wurde der Renovierungstermin schon in diesem Jahr fixiert 👍)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

neil

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It is a nice idea but poorly executed. I am 80 with heart probs and was not told I'd b walking up with my luggage to the 3rd foor. There's a notice in the room apologizing for the room not yet having been renovated which should have been explained before selecting the place. It explained why the room was so dreary and shoddy. Didn't want my skin to touch anything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Toney

Gorgeous garden and beautiful house and wonderful lake view. Also, friendly hosts and delicious home-made breakfast items.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Maybe more breakfast options would’ve been nice and there were some bugs (but that’s to be expected given the location), otherwise very good
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Amy

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location. No host available which is odd for a B and B. Facilities are a little run down.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool old building. Great scones.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Rustic lake side

Very rustic but a beautiful location right on the lake. Room was large and very quiet with excellent coffee and other items for breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not fully restored yet, and still lovely
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Close to Silvee

Nice big old home. Nice view of lake.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sinead

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely restored vintage property with tons of character and a killer view of Lake Mendota! Our Oscar Wilde room was so spacious and we had a corner view from both windows and a separate sitting area plus a surprisingly big bathroom with updated shower and tub and lots of amenities on hand; king bed very comfortable and thick towels a bonus on a cold night! Best part of our morning was the extra special ready made coffee and selection of scones and mini quiche and bread options with local touches (excellent jam and tea choices) and a wonderful setting to enjoy it all in one of several sitting areas, complete with views! Bob was wonderful, despite having had a late nite dealing with a guest issue who forgot key or code, and we appreciated the on-site parking off street ;) We will plan to stay again hopefully sooner vs.later - thanks again! The McHugh’s
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Zhidong

Good location, lake front. Room could benefit from upgrades.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Irene

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Experiência ruim. Não recomendo

I lago aos fundos da casa é belíssimo. Porém o quarto deixou muito a desejar. Colchão ruim, todo ondulado devido ao tempo de uso ele afunda. Banheiro com vazamento no chuveiro e torneira da banheira. As instalações são muito velhas. Necessita de uma reforma e troca do colchão.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The lake view is simply stunning. The hosts are amazing and the rooms are charming, eclectic, and perfect.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elmer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Serene

Peaceful beautiful property. The hosts are sweet knowledgeable. The place is very clean, there’s nothing negative there. It was a second stay for us. And there’s plenty to do if you feel adventurous.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

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