Overview
by Amanda Geronikos
There are a total of eight Kimpton Hotels in Washington D.C., each of them a viable option for family-friendly accommodations. Hotel Madera, however, might just be our favorite. Situated on a surprisingly quiet part of New Hampshire Avenue (between residential areas), Hotel Madera offers cozy, yet chic accommodations, and all the perks we love — a kids’ program, wine hours, and the ability to bring pets. It also offers a fantastic onsite restaurant, Firefly, snug and inviting for both couples and families.
Dupont Circle, a hub for restaurants and nightlife, is a quick walk from Hotel Madera, yet the hotel feels removed from the excitement of that area. It’s the best of both worlds in downtown D.C.
For more information, read about Kimpton Hotels.
Our Editor Loves
- Bunk Bed Rooms
- Onsite restaurant, Firefly
- Quiet location near Dupont Circle
Family Interests
- Bicycling
- Museum/Cultural
Family Amenities
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- DVD
- Family Room 5+
- Kitchenettes
- Laundry
- Onsite Dining
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
Hotel Madera offers 82 guestrooms and suites, each with 300 thread count linens, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs (with on-demand movies and cable), fully stocked honor bars and bathrobes, including children's sizes. Yoga mats can also be found in all rooms -- a signature amenity by Kimpton Hotels.
Aesthetically, accommodations feature simple, yet modern furnishings and palettes of red, white and blue, evoking an cozy ambience.
Cribs and rollaway beds are available free of charge. Note: Some rooms cannot accommodate cribs or rollaway beds due to potential fire hazards. Luckily, the hotel offers plenty of rooms that are suitable for families as is, and connecting units are available. Bathrooms also feature shower/tub combinations. Tip: Request a safety kit with outlet covers and toilet latches, complimentary via Kimpton Kids.
Queen Queen With Balcony
This room type provides views of New Hampshire Avenue, along with two queen beds.
King Deluxe With Balcony
This room type is almost the same as the Queen Queen Balcony, except it offers extra privacy with one king bed and a sofa bed in a separate area.
Executive King
This is a standard suite, with one king bed and a separate area with a sofa bed.
Queen Queen With Bunk
This is the ultimate room for families, with two queen beds, plus a separate nook with bunk beds, sleeping a total of six guests.
Snack Queen Queen Room
This is another good option for families, with two queen beds and a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge.
Additionally, Hotel Madera offers King Deluxe rooms, with one king bed, and Tranquility Rooms, with one king bed, a massage chair and an ambient noise machine; both room types are best for one or two adults.
Reviews
by Scarab-eight
Last week I spent one night at the excellent HOTEL MADERA located in a strategic position in DC. The rooms are very spacious and charming finely furnished and the hotel has a very welcoming and cozy atmosphere (we have been offered a nice evening glass of wine in the main lobby).
Hotel location is perfect for business (right in the Embassies area) and for vacation. I took an enjoyable walk to the White House and the National Mall.
I also had a surprising high quality breakfast at the Hotel "Firefly" restaurant. Under the branches of the central “tree”, this restaurant is serving New American Cuisine.
I highly recommend Hotel Madera. I Will Definitely Come Back Here!
by _zac17k
Staff was the best I have ever encountered from the valet, to front desk, to the manager. I don't impress easily but was incredibly impressed! Our room was great! Huge, with a balcony. Small bathroom but we didn't care. Great location. I absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to DC for any reason.
Family Activities
Bicycles
Four bicycles are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis -- two adult and two children's bikes. Helmets are also available.
Kimpton Kids
Offered at all Kimpton Hotels, Kimpton Kids features in-room goldfish (fed by housekeeping), hula hoops, welcome gifts, snacks and other in-room treats. Our favorite program perk at Hotel Madera is a life-size version of Connect Four - it's fun for the whole family!
Family Dining
Firefly Restaurant
Attached to Hotel Madera, but also open to the public (and quite popular; make reservations), Firefly feels like a tiny, chic cabin in the woods -- there's even a faux tree in the middle of the restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and brunch is offered on weekends. We recommended the Firefly Omelet or Egg BLT.
Kids aren't left out; in fact, they have two full-course meal options, plus a separate menu. The Giving Tree, designed for ages 5 and under, includes baby shrimp, macaroni and cheese, an iceberg wedge, a cookie (decorated by kids) and milk, juice or water. The Very Lonely Firefly, also for kids under age 5, features grilled chicken bites, buttered noodles and parmesan, apple wedges, a cookie and milk, juice or water; both options are $12. There's also a Big Kids' Menu (ages 6 and up), which includes a cheeseburger, macaroni and cheese or a peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich, plus sides that include fries, braised greens and a fruit plate.
The restaurant opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, closing at 10 and 10:30 p.m., respectively. The bar is open until midnight.
Room Service
The hotel offers room service, though kids' options are not available; hours are 7:15 to 10:15 a.m., and then 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wine Hours
Because the hotel has a very small lobby (where wine receptions are typically held at Kimpton Hotels), guests congregate in Room 201. The location makes for an odd set-up -- you'll likely feel like you're at a hotel room party with strangers, but there's complimentary wine, small bites and hot chocolate and apple cider for kids. We're not complaining.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Hotel Fee
Hotel Madera charges a fee of $15 per night to anyone who isn't a member of Kimpton Karma Rewards; sign up for the free program to bypass the charge. Otherwise, the fee includes upgraded Wi-Fi, coffee and tea each morning, local and long distance calls, car service within a mile of the hotel (available 7 to 10 a.m. on weekdays; 8 to 10 a.m. on weekends) and use of bicycles.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free if you sign up be a member of Kimpton Karma Rewards (no fees involved), which also allows you to earn free nights, enjoy exclusive dining offers and "Raid the Bar" (a $10 credit for the in-room mini-bar).
Pet Policy
At Kimpton Hotels, pets are people, too -- they're even welcome at the nightly wine receptions! You won't pay any additional fees either - all animals can stay free of charge. Bowls, beds, mats and other necessities are available.
Forgot It? We've Got It!
Kimpton Hotels, including Hotel Madera, takes the stress out of forgotten necessities by offering items you may have left at home. Think contact lens solution, hairbrushes, deodorant and more. It also offers other creature comforts, such as humidifiers and white noise machines.
Fitness Center
The hotel doesn't have a fitness center, but guests can use the gym at Hotel Palomar, two blocks away.
Business Center
There's a business center located onsite and it is open 24 hours a day (a key card is needed).
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check out is at noon.
The Art of Smart Timing
Enjoy lower rates in January, February, September, October and even part of November, but book in advance -- the hotel often reaches full capacity during shoulder seasons. Of course, spring and summer are a lovely (though crowded) time to visit, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the capitol's most popular events.
Getting There
Opt to fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport, but plan at least an hour-long trip (or more) from the airport to hotel -- traffic jams are notorious in Washington D.C.
Getting Around
Be prepared to pay an extra $46 per night (50 percent less if you own a hybrid vehicle), as valet is the only form of parking at Hotel Madera, and plan to leave the car there for most of your trip. The Dupont Circle Metro Station is just two blocks from the hotel, and Dupont Circle itself is right there, with dining options aplenty.
For Mom and Dad
Firefly is family-friendly, but it's equally romantic -- enjoy a cocktail and late-night snack at the bar, or enjoy an in-room massage service. Alternatively, visit Sauf Haus Bier Hall in Dupont Circle -- an indoor-outdoor venue with all-German brews on draft. Pretzels -- as in, 2-pound pretzels -- are also on offer, as is gluhwein (mulled cider) during the winter months. On select nights, you can enjoy live music.