A Fresh Take on Tradition: Wisconsin Union Hotel & Club Suites Enhances the Campus Stay Experience7/1/2025
The updates touched nearly every aspect of the hotel’s 60 rooms: fresh carpeting, updated paint, brand-new mattresses, and lighting with integrated wireless charging. Custom headboards featuring the iconic UW–Madison crest now greet guests as they enter, paired with Badger-themed accents that make a bold, unmistakably local impression.
“We aimed to enhance the overall guest experience and took advantage of the winter low season—the only time we could free up enough rooms for a comprehensive refresh,” said Andy Licht, who oversees the property. At A Glance: Wisconsin Union Hotel & Club Suites
Blending Campus Spirit with Modern Comfort
While the refresh brought a burst of updated style and amenities, it also infused the rooms with unmistakable school spirit. From the crisp linens to the new mattresses, every detail supports a modern, functional, and inviting space—ideal for alumni visits, campus events, or family stays.
The most striking design element? The custom headboards embroidered with the UW crest. These standout pieces make a lasting impression, anchoring the design in tradition while supporting the property's contemporary aesthetic. The addition of wireless charging within bedside lighting was a forward-thinking touch, enhancing tech convenience without disrupting the room’s clean visual appeal. 
Custom headboards featuring the iconic UW–Madison crest now greet guests as they enter, paired with Badger-themed accents that make a bold, unmistakably local impression.
A Smart Seasonal Strategy
Timing was everything. Completing the project during the holiday and winter period—typically the hotel’s slowest season—allowed the team to move quickly with minimal impact on occupancy.
Still, coordinating material deliveries, installations, and staff availability during that tight window presented logistical challenges. Careful planning and teamwork proved critical to staying on schedule. “With so many design choices—carpet, paint, décor, lighting, and more—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” Licht shared. “Trusting your instincts and sticking to a clear vision helps make decisions easier and keeps the project on track.” 
The addition of wireless charging within bedside lighting was a forward-thinking touch, enhancing tech convenience without disrupting the room’s clean visual appeal.
Strengthening Campus Connections
The refreshed rooms have already made a big impact, drawing increased interest from UW departments, campus visitors, and returning alumni. The hotel’s bold identity, rooted in university pride, now better aligns with guest expectations for quality and comfort.
“We’ve seen increased interest from alumni, campus departments, and families visiting UW–Madison,” Licht said. “Especially those drawn to the elevated comfort and campus-themed aesthetic.” 
The updates touched nearly every aspect of the hotel’s 60 rooms: fresh carpeting, updated paint, brand-new mattresses, and lighting with integrated wireless charging. Custom headboards featuring the iconic UW–Madison crest now greet guests as they enter, paired with Badger-themed accents that make a bold, unmistakably local impression.
Behind the Project: Collaboration & Thanks
The success of the project was powered by both external and internal collaboration. While contracted partners provided flooring, furnishings, and installation support, much of the coordination and vision execution came from the in-house team.
“Special thanks to Wisconsin Union Project Manager Joel Gerrits and the UW–Madison Facilities team, including Chris Bruns, Derek Rahn, Cody Shouse, and the full maintenance and housekeeping staff. Their coordination, flexibility, and hustle made this refresh possible on a tight winter timeline.” The project also benefited from partnerships with:
These collaborations ensured the project met both quality and timeline goals—supporting a seamless experience for guests returning to a refreshed and reenergized campus stay. 
While the refresh brought a burst of updated style and amenities, it also infused the rooms with unmistakable school spirit. From the crisp linens to the new mattresses, every detail supports a modern, functional, and inviting space—ideal for alumni visits, campus events, or family stays.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're returning for a campus event, exploring Madison, or visiting a future Badger, the Wisconsin Union Hotel & Club Suites offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and school spirit.
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Editorial Note: This article was written by WHLA staff with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in content development, refinement, and editing. All information has been reviewed for accuracy and relevance prior to publication.
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