Frommer's Review
The Hotel Madera fancies itself as a kind of eco-conscious pied-à-terre, or home away from home, for travelers. Judging from the look of those I saw checking in, these tend toward the earthy, backpack-carrying kind, both international and American. The registration line of four people stretched almost to the door in the afterthought of a lobby. Tiny though it is, the lobby is worth admiring: The registration desk is covered in leather; a hammered copper mobile of abstract leaflike shapes dangles overhead.
Guest rooms are large (this used to be an apartment building), measuring an average 430 square feet. Those on the New Hampshire Avenue side have balconies that offer city views; if you have trouble sleeping, ask for a higher-up room on this side, because you're directly over the restaurant entrance and, in pleasant weather, its popular outdoor cafe. Or you could request a room at the back of the house; those on floors 6 through 10 have pretty good views of Rock Creek Park, Georgetown, and the Washington National Cathedral. All rooms are comfortable and furnished with beds whose wild-looking headboards are giant dark wood panels inset with a patch of vibrant blue padded mohair. Other distinct touches: pillows covered in animal print or satiny fabrics, grass-clothlike wall coverings, and black granite with chrome bathroom vanities. Like many Kimpton Hotels, the Madera offers "specialty" rooms, which here include "Nosh" rooms (studio with kitchenette and grocery shopping service), "Flash" rooms (with personal computer, printer), "Strength" (has a Nautilus machine) and "Cardio" (has a treadmill, or an exercise bike, or elliptical steps) rooms, and "Screening" rooms (equipped with a second TV, DVD player, and a library of DVDs).
The Madera has an excellent restaurant, Firefly.
Facilities: Bar/restaurant (American bistro); access to the posh Sports Club/LA health club at the nearby Ritz-Carlton ($15 per guest per day); 24-hr. concierge; business center; room service (during restaurant hours); same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; 6 rooms for those w/limited mobility, all w/roll-in showers.
In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, 2-line cordless phones w/dataports, free Wi-Fi, minibar, coffeemaker w/organic coffee, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes, umbrella, CD player.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
