Kimpton Madera DC
 

It's probably starting to sound like a broken record from me, but another great Kimpton stay.

Location: Easy to get to in DC as it is only about 2+ blocks away from Dupont Circle. There was some construction on the street in front of the hotel but nothing huge or all that inconvenient. One of the two southbound lanes was tied up but my stay was a few weeks ago so it might be finished by now. There is an embassy/consulate across the street that looked a bit deserted (?) - can't remember for which country???

Check in: Professional and courteous agent - told me I had the best room in the hotel. Sweet :D

Room: A room with a massage chair. What a great chair to have at your disposal. No more 5 minutes at Brookstone/Sharper Image, I had the real thing for a full day. It was great, however, try not to bang your head on the "roof" and don't sit in it too long or you'll end up like me sore for a couple of days (it was worth it). Same type of funky stuff typically found in a Kimpton room.

Amenities: A nice try but not PDX so not everything was provided. Close enough though.

Wine Hour: Not bad. Better than the standard DC area-ish Kimpton white (maybe the bleh wine is limited to Alexandria (?) - posted in other Kimpton reviews). Talked to the Manager on duty about Kimpton and what I liked about the chain, and about the room I had. Seemed like a real nice guy. We even discussed my two not so stellar stays at the Monaco Alexandria and he was very surprised since he knows the GM. Similar to the embassy across the street, happy hour was deserted.

Restaurant/bar: N/A

Check out: Fine. Uneventful. Doorman ran down the street to hail a taxi.

Another Kimpton win. Similar to the other DC Kimpton hotels - winning stays - and much better than most of the Alexandria Kimptons. I would stay here again.

I've been pretty committed to Hyatt and Marriott in my travels the last 4 years; this is the first year I'll earn mid-status if anything on both. I'll miss Diamond and Gold, but am excited to have found a potential spouse in Kimpton. Stayed at Hotel Madera in DC for 2 nights. Very small place with the charm that you expect in DC. Great location right off Dupont Circle; a variety of restaurants that don't necessarily show up on Yelp, a nearby CVS makes things convenient. Employees were very friendly and willing to help. Room was unique and cool--good size with a decent view. The restaurant, Firefly, had a farm to table style menu, and food was excellent. The only complaint I had was that both mornings at breakfast, service was slow and rather lousy. I guess my second complaint is that what could be the restaurant's outdoor dining area is unusable because of a big metal grate. Not a big deal or reason not to stay/eat here, but how amazing to have outdoor seating in this heavily residential neighborhood. The only other suggestion is in regards to the wine hour. I saw it taking place just once, and it was held in the tiny entrance area. It didn't look that inviting the way the (gorgeous male) host was standing, talking to 2 guests who took up most of the seating. He was friendly, but the space just was not right--why not do it in the Firefly??? I've been tempted to experience this happy hour at both Kimptons I've stayed, but this just didn't look like one to try. All and all, my 2nd of 2 Kimpton stays and I wish I had discovered them a few years ago...

Location: Hotel has not moved :D

Check in: Great agent. Upgraded room but not a suite. Told her the secret word and made reservations at Firefly. Was told no one really knows about the secret word and that I would get VIP treatment at Firefly.

Room: Nice room with an added sitting area. Smallish bathroom with dispensers in the shower (a pet peeve of mine).

Amenities: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!. While not a chicken dinner, after a few words with the front desk at check in, the agent asked what I really wanted, and it all was delivered - Including a nice bottle of red wine.

Wine Hour: Some snacks and better wine than the typical wine hour. Staff member from Morocco (forgot his name) was a wealth of info and fun to talk to. More folks attending then on my last visit.

Restaurant/bar: Firefly was great. It was during restaurant week so the menu was ever so slightly less expensive. Food was wonderful, however, I screwed up. The waiter asked if I had any dietary restrictions and I answered that I could order around them. Little did I know that he was asking because of the VIP treatment I was in for. The extra course was what I assume to be delicious buttery (?) muscles (never eaten them so I don't know). I cringed and apologized since I cannot eat shellfish. I cringed some more :(. The waiter did bring something else and the Chef came out to say hello. The Chef handed me his card and said that if I ever wanted to eat at the Firefly again, contact him directly. (yea for me!). Dessert and the bar were nice too.

Check out: Fine. Uneventful. Typical Kimpton.

A second win for the Madera and one of the DC area hotels on the must visit again list.