Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Madison

The staff are fantastic and the location is 10/10. Madison, Indiana really needed an upscale hotel like this, but two things keep it from being a true five-star stay for me. The executive suite bed sits maybe 2.5 feet off the ground and was awful, soft like an old pillow with too little filling to support or feel comfortable for the hotel’s price point. The kitchen setup is also mysterious: you have to order food from the bar, the menu is only on Facebook, and there’s no room service. That feels like a missed opportunity and a letdown. I can understand scaling back a full-time kitchen because the town is seasonal, but a property this nice should have more options during peak season.

The Ohio River is just a short walk away, a peaceful and scenic place to get outside. Breakfast tasted good, though I wish it ran later than 9:00 on weekdays and 9:30 on weekends. Staff from the front desk to breakfast and housekeeping were all kind, welcoming, and attentive. The room was spacious, fresh, and comfortable, with soft beds and cozy pillows. A few things fell short: the shower heads could be upgraded, the toilet paper didn’t fit the hotel’s otherwise luxurious feel, and both entrances had quite a few stairs, making luggage difficult to manage. I wasn’t the only guest who noticed the access issue. It’s a quiet, charming retreat with excellent staff, and I’d absolutely return and recommend it, keeping the limited accessibility in mind.

I’ve spent a week at a time here for work over the past four months, and the Cotton Mill has been consistently great. The view is awesome, and I feel at home. The fitness center and bar are both good, and there are plenty of other food options nearby. Breakfast could be better, but it’s free, so I can’t complain. The walls are a little thin because of the restoration, so a loud neighbor can make for a long night.

I love this old cotton mill hotel. The architecture is so cool, and the rooms are large and clean. Service was friendly and exceptional. It’s beautiful, and I’ll definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.