Hotel Review: The Madison in Washington

The august Madison has since 1963 provided temporary sleeping quarters for many famous (and infamous) characters, from Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson to heads of state including American presidents awaiting a move-in date at the White House. The building, which also includes nine floors of office space, was bought last year for $123 million by Jamestown, an Atlanta real estate investment and management company. The owners have completed a renovation of the 356-room hotel that cost more than $20 million, just in time for the coming presidential inauguration and the hotel’s 50th anniversary.

LOCATION

At the busy corner of 15th Street and M Street NW, and not far from Dupont Circle, the Madison is a short stroll from the White House and other attractions including theRenwick Gallery and the Studio Theater.

THE ROOM

No. 927, the elegant, 336-square-foot room that I shared with my partner, had a plush king-size bed with soft cotton sheets that stood against a wall covered in black and white wallpaper busy with sketches that recalled the Revolutionary America era of the hotel’s namesake, James Madison. The palette of earth tones included a dark carpet and brown and beige throughout with a touch of red in the coverlet and a pair of pillows. Several lamps, a large desk, plenty of electrical outlets and a regal leather chair with a small hassock made for a comfortable environment that was a mix of traditional and contemporary. The minibar stocked with top-shelf liquor and a Keurig coffee maker added to the luxurious atmosphere.

THE BATHROOM

There were body care products from C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries in a bathroom that was spacious and modern, with a big shower. The color scheme of the rest of the room — white and earth tones — was reflected in the marble countertop and dark wood drawers beneath.