The Madison Washington DC, A Hilton Hotel
1177 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Why We Like It
Just thinking about the illuminati who have stayed here is mind-boggling: John F. Kennedy presided over the opening ceremony, while guests have included Frank Sinatra, the Dalai Lama, and every president since JFK. It's in a state of transition right now, but it remains a luxurious retreat. The staff goes the extra mile to ensure everything is just right.
Fodor's Expert Review
This elegant and sumptuous hotel, with its refined silver-and-red palette and sophisticated furnishings, taps into DC's stately side. Recently rebranded as a Hilton, it has hosted presidents, prime ministers, sultans and kings since opening in 1963. There's a lobby bar, a coffee shop, and a fitness center; the new owners plant to update the common areas. The convenient downtown location puts you close to the White House, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and some of the city’s best museums and monuments.
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Room
The guest rooms are spacious and sophisticated, with elegant silver decor accented with red. Egyptian bed linens, ergonomic work stations and wingback chairs add to your comfort.
You Should Know Some rooms are noisy thanks to street traffic. There aren't a lot of plugs or ports for devices.
Bathroom
The small marble bathrooms have marble-topped, dark wood vanities, walk-in showers and gleaming subway tiles—though the heated towel rack is probably the favorite amenity.
Lobby
You enter the sophisticated lobby and feel like you've taken a turn into Paris. Decorated in rich creams and soft grays, the elegant space showcases marble floors, leather seating, and soft lighting. You'll want to sit and stay awhile here.
Pool
There is no pool.
Spa
There is no spa.
Gym
There's a small, newly remodeled fitness center on the second floor with cardio equipment and weights—and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on downtown DC. A his and her steam room is also available.
Tip The concierge can arrange personal training sessions.
Dining
Postscript in the lobby serves small bites, sandwiches, salads, and larger plates (seared rockfish, roasted chicken breast), while the barista bar offers coffee and baked treats.
Drinking
The chic Lobby Bar is the place to go for innovative cocktails, wine, beer, and small bites.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Madison is located just two blocks from the White House, with D.C.'s major monuments and museums within walking distance. Your best bet for public transportation is the Metro; the McPherson Square metro station is just four blocks away.
Restaurants
The daily menu at Tabard Inn Restaurant (9-minute walk), located in a historic town house, offers classic dishes with a seasonal twist: house-smoked salmon carpaccio with lemon-mustard aioli, chicken Milanese with grilled lemon, tomatoes and limencello vinaigrette. Bombay Club (11-minute walk) serves up sophisticated Indian cuisine in an old-world setting, complete with live piano music.
Bars
For an elegant, Orient Express kind of evening, the St. Regis Bar (6-minute walk), with Chesterfield leather sofas, archway doors and soft lighting, is the perfect place to sip an Old Fashioned or Classic Red Snapper by the fireplace. Off the Record (9-minute walk), in the basement of the historic Hay-Adams, is a classic DC bar, filled with the post-work crowd.
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Quick Facts
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