Going to DC, April 2002. Anyone stayed at either of these properties recently? Bringing guests so need the hotel to be nice and service is important. I've read about other hotels that have been recommended - Willard, JW Marriott, Westin Fairfax, etc., but am looking for recent information on these two properties specifically. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Also would appreciate any information on the Jefferson. Thanks again.

The Radisson Barcelo has rooms that are absolutely gigantic. When I was pricing them, they frequently ran specials at $99 per night.

The Madison is nicer on the inside than the outside, but they continually have problems with staff (who also strike often). Service isn't great, and they've really let that hotel run down in recent years.

My family stayed at the Radisson Barcelo last March and loved it. Our hotel rate was $99 however the Radisson recently send me their Hot Deals mailing stating you can now get a room for $89.00 a night.

Stayed at the Madison last week. Rooms are nicely furnished in a traditional fashion, not cramped but not huge. No ice machines on guest floors (call room service, pay tip) and no coffee maker in the room. Location OK but not terrific, walk a few blocks to Metro. Stayed several months ago at Barcelo. Rooms less sumptuously furnished but still very nice and VERY spacious. Staff very friendly and service oriented. Great location close to Dupont Circle with metro stop, many and varied restaurants nearby. The restaurant at the Barcelo, Garbriel's, serves a legendary Sunday brunch with lots of Spanish food.
For my dime, it's the Barcelo.

The Jefferson is DC's best hotel, in my opinion. It's also pretty expensive. But if you're looking to splurge, it's definitely the place to go. When celebs who want to be seen are in town, they stay at the Four Seasons in G'town. The celebs who don't want to be seen stay at the Jefferson. Several have their own suites at the Jefferson.

I can't answer for the Madison -- but I really like the Radisson Barcelo, for the reasons previous posters have cited. After several stays, I've found no good reason to look elsewhere for comfort and value. I highly recommend it.