See all properties

Mendota Lake House Inn

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Mendota Lake House Inn

A wooden deck with outdoor furniture, a view of the lake, and a railing. - Mendota Lake House Inn (Madison)
A cozy living room with a fireplace, wooden furniture, and a large window. - Mendota Lake House Inn (Madison)
A wooden staircase with a handrail, leading to a room with a wooden door and a wall-mounted artwork. - Mendota Lake House Inn (Madison)
A two-story house with a front porch, a fire escape, and a well-maintained garden with colorful flowers. - Mendota Lake House Inn (Madison)
A bedroom with a bed, a desk with a lamp, a TV, and large windows with a view of greenery. - Mendota Lake House Inn (Madison)
Consider a stay at Mendota Lake House Inn and take advantage of free breakfast (local cuisine), a garden, and a library. In addition to a fireplace in the lobby, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

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

A bedroom with a wooden bed, two bedside lamps, a window with a view of trees, and a radiator.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden headboard, two bedside lamps, a window with blinds, and a carpeted floor.

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A living room with a fireplace, a dining area, and a view through a glass door.

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A bedroom with a bed, a desk with a lamp, a TV, and large windows with a view of greenery.

Economy Double Room, Ensuite (Tennessee Williams)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A bedroom with a wooden bed, two bedside lamps, a fireplace, and a nightstand.

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free wired internet

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

A neatly made bed with a striped blue bedspread and four pillows, a wooden headboard, a nightstand with a lamp, and a wooden dresser.

Premium Double Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Economy Double Room, 1 King Bed

A bedroom with a wooden bed, a fireplace, and two bedside lamps.

Economy Double Room, 1 King Bed

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

About the neighborhood

Located on a lake, Mendota Lake House Inn is in Downtown Madison, a neighborhood in Madison. Memorial Union Terrace and Wisconsin Union Theater are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Madison Children's Museum and Overture Center for the Arts. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Camp Randall Stadium or Alliant Energy Center. Visit our Madison travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Madison
Map
704 East Gorham, Madison, WI, 53703

What's nearby

  • A calm lake surrounded by dense foliage.
    Lake Mendota
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A large white building with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees and a flower bed.
    Capitol Square
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • A street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and a tree in the foreground.
    State Street Shopping
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • A large domed building surrounded by modern cityscape and a body of water.
    Wisconsin State Capitol
    14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Breese Stevens Field
    10 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • The Old Fashioned
    11 min walk
  • Eno Vino Downtown
    11 min walk
  • Vintage Brewing Company East
    8 min walk
  • LJ's Sports Tavern
    9 min walk
  • Bradbury's Coffee
    9 min walk

Similar properties

Miscellaneous
Hotel Ruby Marie
Downtown Madison
    9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 1,003 reviews
    Hotel Ruby Marie
    Compare similar properties

    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

    • Hair dryer
    • Towels provided

    Entertainment

    • 32-inch TV

    More

    • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
    • Desk
    • Heating (climate-controlled)
    • 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

    Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

    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

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Mendota Lake House Inn pet-friendly?

    No, pets are not allowed at this property.

    How much is parking?

    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 Downtown Madison, this historic guesthouse is within 1 mi (2 km) of James Madison Beach and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lake Mendota and The Sylvee are also within 10 minutes. Madison Station is 24 minutes by foot.

    Have a question?

    AI iconBeta

    Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

    Reviews

    Mendota Lake House Inn Reviews

    8.8

    Excellent

    9.0

    Cleanliness

    9.8

    Location

    9.2

    Staff & service

    8.4

    Property conditions & facilities
    Rating 10 - Excellent. 204 out of 374 reviews
    Rating 8 - Good. 110 out of 374 reviews
    Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 374 reviews
    Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 374 reviews
    Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 374 reviews

    Reviews

    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    William

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Very cool little spot. Very accommodating hosts. Charming. On the water. Nice breakfast made to order. Pricey, at least when we stayed, but worth it.
    Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Greg

    Close to Silvee

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

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    8/10 Good

    Charles

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Breakfast was adequate and the location perfect.
    Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Bryan

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    We had a wonderful stay. Bob and David were exceptional hosts, the location was perfect, the house was very nicely renovated. We would highly recommend it.
    Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Jake

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Very clean room and wonderful hosts. The whole property was beautifully maintained and the view of the lake was stunning.
    Stayed 1 night in May 2026
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Sandra

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Walkable-minutes away from our concert and great places to grab a bite to eat along the way
    Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Zafiro

    Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Wonderful hosts, beautiful space. Will definitely come back.
    Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Isaac

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Gorgeous little BnB right in downtown Madison. It is a lovely house, with excellent amenities including comfortable beds, showers/bathrooms in each room, great breakfast, and friendly staff. The only downside is somewhat limited parking space, with 6 spots for 7 rooms. I didn't end up having any issues, but just something to be aware of, especially if you're bringing multiple cars.
    Stayed 6 nights in May 2026
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Stephen

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

    Great stay

    Great setting in lovely old house with incredible views over the lake and easy walk into capital square and university. Friendly hosts and good inclusive breakfast.
    Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
    Verified review

    8/10 Good

    Lars

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
    Very nice room with view over the lake. Also very welcoming hosts and decent+ breakfast. Only reason for not giving full stars is that the B&B from the outside clearly needs some TLC
    Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Dennis

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Great view. Great location.
    Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
    Verified review

    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
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Ann

    Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
    Appreciate the lake view and the comforts of the historic home. David and Bob are wonderful hosts. They thought of everything and did a great job with the recent renovations. Nicely done!
    Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
    Verified review

    10/10 Excellent

    Zach

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