"2015-07-22T00:00:00"^^ . "0"^^ . . "3"^^ . "2"^^ . "The good: A few bits and pieces of the Graduate Madison has potential. The decor in the downstairs lounge and in the rooms is incredibly cute and they really have the 1970s preppy meets hipster college dorm vibe down pat. That concept is incredibly unique and a nice diversion from the standard, modern hotel that looks and feels the same from city to city. Also, the beds are small when shared but incredibly soft and comfy, especially the down-like blankets. \n\n\nThe bad: Many other parts need work, improvement, and renovation. Here are just a few examples that come to mind...\n\nExample 1: The parking lot in the basement is filed with overflowing dumpsters and boxes of trash and even reeks of it. The trash is apparent upon entering the basement, and it is unacceptable even if Graduate Madison is still undergoing renovations. \n\nExample 2: Hallway and walkway space on the first floor is used as storage for old elliptical and treadmills, ceilings were leaking in plain view, and rooms next to ones occupied were left open and used as storage. I acknowledge that the Graduate Madison is in transition, but please, these displays are unacceptable for people looking for a home away from home. \n\nExample 3: Deliveries were being made right in front of the check-in counter. This would be fine if it was a small UPS package, but it was boxes upon boxes of materials and it looked unprofessional. Surely there is space in the back to take care of back office business. \n\nExample 4: From $254/night to $120/night, the Graduate Madison charged each room $114/night during our stay. This was ridiculous as we booked each room for $40/night and they refused to honor the booking price. Our party was only notified of this change fifteen minutes before cancellation period was up. Due to this our booking and customer service fiasco was a nightmare and our party went into our stay appalled and unhappy. Ultimately, our stay was honored at the $40/night price that we booked it at, but it was only acknowledged and appeased when someone in our party publicized the ordeal on Instagram. To me, having corporate PR remediate the situation after the fact is not quality customer service. \n\nGraduate Madison has potential, but ask yourself: Is it worth it $254/night? $120/night? $114/night? Or $40/night? With the headache, some might even opt out entirely."^^ . "0"^^ . . .