Hotel Monaco or Hotel Madera in Washington, DC
 

Which hotel is better for safe evening neighborhood and unpretentiousness (if that's a word?)

Are they both on the Metro Red Line?

Thanks!

Both are in safe neighborhoods on the Red Line.

Monaco (7th and F Streets NW) is smack in the middle of the lively downtown arena-restaurant-theater-museum district that is jumping every evening. Lots of good restaurants (and chain places) within four blocks in any direction. Metro: Gallery Place

Madera (New Hapmshire Ave. near 20th and N) is near Dupont Circle at the edge of a residential area, so it quieter, but only two blocks from the great P St restaurant row, four to six blocks for many more choices on Conn. Ave.

I think you would find the area around the Hotel Monaco less pretentious, if I understand what you mean by that. It is more chain oriented and IMO more sterile as a result.

1) They both fit your requirement quite well. I don't recall either one ever referred to as "pretentious". Do you mean overly formal?

2) Monaco is at Gallery Place Metro which has three lines runninbg through it: Red, Green, and Yellow.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Has anyone stayed at these hotels? They both seem nice. Any opinions?

Also, I guess I meant "attitude" rather than pretentiousness. Any 'tude at these places?

I have not stayed in rooms at either property but can vouch for the restaurnt/bar at either one. Both have excellent food/ambience (and no attitude).

Perhaps tripadvisor.com will some comments on the rooms.

I live in the general area and my advice is whether they have 'tude or not is somewhat irrelevant. What i would suggest is this: you walk in like you have a reservation, like they are happy that you made that reservation, and like they are happy you showed up. Any 'tude ill quickly dissipate once they figure out you know you belong there, will continually treat them with politeness and respect regardless of wether they have low self-esteem or not.

Enjoy your stay in Washington.

I stayed at the Madera for two nights this summer. I'm a Kimpton In-Touch Loyalty Rewards member which may have accounted for the amazing service I received from the staff. They really could not have been nicer, and even let me do an early check-in at 11:30 in the morning. The outside of the hotel and lobby are not much to look at, since it's in a converted apartment building. I had a huge room though that fit a king size bed, sofa and even included a nice balcony. The "bathroom" is a little strange in that the actual bathroom is only the toilet and bathtub, with the sink, dressing area and closet located just outside the bathroom. If you aren't already an Kimpton In-Touch member, sign up on their web site. I really think it makes a difference in the level of service you receive.