The Madison Hotel

A massive white Georgian stunner with a large central clock tower, The Madison Hotel is a sight to behold. Inside, the lobby’s warm interior feels homey, yet elegant, with tufted leather club chairs, coffered ceilings, and thick oriental rugs. A giant stone fireplace anchors the lobby, where guests can be found throughout the day, lounging on chenille sofas or using the hotel’s free-to-borrow iPads. The place is typically aflutter with event preparations, but functions like a well-oiled machine. Guests and staff members can be seen scurrying through the halls, carrying large boxes of party favors, balloon holders, or bridal veils. When hosting events, the hotel seems busy, but never overwhelmed.          

Located in Morristown, New Jersey, a quiet suburb about an hour away from New York City, The Madison Hotel sits on a main street near a commuter railway station. Besides its large front lawn, The Madison’s grounds are certainly not the “countrified and tranquil setting” promised by the website. Instead, The Madison’s surroundings are subject to the typical annoyances of suburbia -- afternoon traffic, commuter train noise, gaggles of teenagers. Luckily for commuters, or those visiting NYC during their stay, there is a train station just behind the hotel. Unfortunately for light sleepers, this train runs frequently throughout the day and night. There's a free shuttle service to downtown Morristown. 

The Madison Hotel features warm, traditional decor throughout the hotel. Dark woods, wingback chairs, and antique chandeliers give the common spaces an elegant, sophisticated feel, and it’s unfortunate that this style and tasteful design isn’t carried out in the guest rooms. Sure, rooms can be labeled as traditional but they’re not as tastefully curated as the common spaces. Green carpeting, beige wallpaper, and thick floral drapes make rooms look noticeably dated. Rooms are equipped with dark wood furniture, flat-screen TVs, and minibars; some have small kitchenettes with microwaves. Bathrooms are generally small with standard shower/tub combos and basic toiletries. Some suites have beautifully redone bathrooms with new tile work, walk-in showers, and separate hot tubs. All rooms receive nightly turndown service. Past guests have complained about noise between rooms and from the nearby commuter train. 

The Madison Hotel is loaded with nice features. The large indoor pool is housed under a glass atrium and is surrounded by a few lounge chairs and plastic tables. The hotel’s tiny fitness center overlooks the pool, and is surprisingly well equipped, with a few LifeFitness treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. There is free parking in the hotel’s large lot, and the free Wi-Fi is fast and works well throughout the hotel. Free iPads are available to borrow in the lobby, and there is also a small business center, with desktop computers, a fax machine, and a printer, next to the front desk. 

There are two on-site restaurants at The Madison Hotel, both of which are institutions in the Morristown area. Rod’s, the hotel’s fine-dining steakhouse, was opened in 1951 by a man named Rod Keller. Today, the Keller family continues to oversee the operation of Rod’s, which often wins accolades for its cuisine and wine list. Rod’s has a masculine, library feel, with rich woods, polished brass finishes, and a vaulted stained-glass ceiling. The bar is often crowded with crisply clad locals and well-heeled visitors; men don suits and women flash their pearls. It’s the type of place people come for a special occasion, or to entertain clients and out-of-town guests. Meanwhile, next door at G.K.’s Red Dog Tavern, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Also owned by the Keller family, G.K.’s is housed in an original 1890s ranch home. Diners can still see the building’s original woodwork in some corners of the restaurant, and the entire establishment retains a cozy, cabin feel. The menu features casual comfort foods like burgers and flatbreads, and entrees like chicken parmesan and open-faced turkey sandwiches. 

For a truly unique dining experience, guests should check out the Parlour Cars at Rod’s. Stepping into the the Parlour Cars -- two completely refurbished turn of the century pullman cars -- feels like taking a step back to a time when train travel was the exclusive domain of the wealthy. Wood paneled, with frescoed ceilings and private alcoves, the Parlour Cars are an ideal place for an intimate meal or special occasion. The Parlour Cars are only open on weekends, but one or both can be rented any night of the week for private events.  

A free continental breakfast is served in the lobby each morning, but there isn’t enough seating for what is often a large crowd. There are free coffee and water available throughout the day.

The Madison Hotel is known for its event space, and as one staff member put it, “events are our thing.” The Glynallynn Ballroom is richly decorated in the same traditional decor that can be found throughout the hotel, and features two-toned gold wall paper, dark wood paneling, and royal blue accents. The hotel’s large sun-filled atrium, known as the Conservatory, is a popular spot for both wedding ceremonies and receptions, and is adjacent to a small outdoor courtyard. Hanging plants. potted flowers, and patterned carpets look fresh and romantic.