Hotel Madera – a Kimpton Property – Washington, D.C.

As I mentioned already, it has always been a goal of mine to take my children to Washington, D.C. when they were learning about American History. My daughter (14) just finished US History in 8th grade, and my son will take it in a year, so this summer was the perfect time to go. In fact, a trip to Washington, D.C. inspired our whole #Austin 2 Boston 5 week road trip that we took.

When I was looking to book a hotel, I was overwhelmed at where to stay when visiting the area. There was so much we wanted to see in both DC and the surrounding areas. So for us, it was easier to split the stay into 2 locations – both at amazing Kimpton properties.

Our first 2 nights, we stayed at The Monaco in Old Town Alexandria, a Kimpton property. And for our final evening, we stayed at the Hotel Madera in Washington, D.C. I was happy to have had the opportunity to stay in the city and experience walking to the White House! Here’s more on our stay and why it’s a great location for a visit to D.C. with family.

Location

The Hotel Madera in Washington, D.C. is located in Dupont Circle, a very popular location.  The area is vibrant and full of energy, with many restaurants and shops nearby.  The hotel is just 2 blocks from Dupont Circle Metro (red line) and half a mile from Foggy Bottom (blue & orange lines). We actually walked to the White House in less than 15 minutes.  And of course, it’s a quick taxi ride to/from anywhere in the city.

A Room Tour

We stayed in a really fun room at the Hotel Madera – we had 2 queen beds with a separate nook with bunk beds for my boys.  The nook also had a couch, tv and Xbox One.  As we had been on the road for over 2 weeks by the time we made it to Washington, D.C., my boys were overjoyed to play video games and even asked if we could just stay in the room the rest of the day (haha. no.).

The decor in the Kimpton properties are just beautiful.  Sharp, modern colors and designs, it really tends to open the room up and make what could be a stuffy hotel room, light and open.

I was very impressed at how much effort the staff at Hotel Madera put into making my kids feel welcomed.  Not only did we have the Xbox One in the room, but we were greeted with a giant Connect 4 game and popcorn and drinks.  With simple touches like these, you can easily make children feel more at home and relaxed.

But the hospitality didn’t stop there.  When we were checking in, we were greeted by a delightful bellman who was so nice to my youngest son.  He had opened a cabinet behind the front desk and my eagle-eyed 6 year old spied a Paw Patrol game (it’s a popular cartoon – one of his favorites).  He commented on how fun it would be to play the game and the bellman took note and we had it waiting for us when we returned to the room later. Again, simple gesture, but it went a long way in this mom’s book.

Firefly at Hotel Madera

We had a spectacular meal the evening we stayed at Hotel Madera at their restaurant on property, Firefly. Boasting “contemporary American comfort food”, the menu was diverse enough for even my picky 12 year old to find something he liked.  I enjoyed the pot roast, as I was really missing a traditional sit-down dinner after being on the road for sometime.  It was delicious – the pot roast fell apart it was so tender and full of flavor.

What was my kid’s favorite part of the meal?  Making their own sugar cookies!  Before dinner came out, each kid got a uncooked sugar cookie and a cup full of sprinkles to decorate it with.  What a terrific distraction while waiting for your meal to come out.

What we Liked About Hotel Madera

• The rooms were large and spacious
• Animal Print bathrobes
• Yoga mats in every room
• Xbox One and board games to use in the room
• The Ultimate Pet Friendly hotel – providing complimentary pet toys, beds, food and water bowls, disposable waste bags
• Complimentary PUBLIC bikes to tool around town on
• Complimentary coffee service in the lobby each morning
• Hosted evening wine hour each evening
• In-room spa services
• Ask for a goldfish for your room!
• Cribs, pack-n-plays, and outlet safety covers available

What You Need to Know About Hotel Madera

• Only valet parking is available. It is $46 per night before tax
• Wireless internet is available for $12.99 per 24 hours. However, become a Kimpton Karma Rewards member and get complimentary high-speed access on all devices during every stay.
• The MiniBar in the room is stocked with fun treat and gifts – like an adorable stuffed animal – be aware if kids open it up.

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We were all sad to leave the Hotel Madera in Washington, D.C. after one night.  The room was comfortable and the location was great, but to be welcomed by so many employees – from check-in to departure – was outstanding.  This is my second experience with a Kimpton property and experienced this type of hospitality on my first stay at the Hotel Monaco Alexandria.  It has made me want to look for a Kimpton in every city I visit now.  It all comes down to how our weary, yet loud family of 4 was treated, and that was exceptional.

Disclosure: My family was invited to stay at the Hotel Madera and were provided with a complementary stay.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.