The Madison, A Loews Hotel....For the Federalist In You
Written: Jan 01 '09 (Updated Jan 01 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Warm, caring service from a staff who know what service really means
Cons: Not all of the rooms have been renovated
The Bottom Line: The Madison has a long history but has been updated well to meet the future. Exceptionally friendly service.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Loews Madison Hotel |
The Madison Hotel has been around the block and back again, but it still delivers exemplary service and comfort. Plain glass boxes often have good things inside.
A Brief History
The Madison opened its doors during the Kennedy administration. Since then, it has played host to a steady stream of important visitors. Owner Marshall Coyne was unstinting in lavishing the property with a collection of art and antiques which would have been at home in many a palace. Such surface luxuries were backed up by an all-knowing staff who really knew how to take care of diplomats and world leaders. Its tenure as Washington's undisputed leader came to an end some time in the 1980s as newer hotels opened. The Madison, with its art and antiques falling steadily out of fashion, never changed. Some things never go out of style, or so they thought. After Marshall Coyne's death, the hotel was sold and the glacial pace of change came to an end. Loews Hotels assumed management of the property and the new owners immediately set about the task of updating the property. While not all of the rooms have yet been renovated, the property bears a crisp new look. Most of Mr. Coyne's enormous art and antique collection was dispersed, but a few pieces remain here and there to remind one of the hotel's gilded past.
Arrival and Reception
Perhaps arriving on my Segway wasn't entirely necessary, but it was one way of making an entrance. the heavy glass doors were swung open by Euwie the doorman. I had worked with Euwie some years before at the Dupont Plaza. In fact, a number of the staff here had also worked at the latter hotel, thus making me feel even more at home.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had been upgraded to one of their Penthouse rooms on the 15th floor. These rooms are not quite suites, but are twice the size of a standard room and most have terraces.
Room
The penthouse rooms are twice the size of the standard rooms, so I had a bit of room in which to move around., The fussy French furniture is gone. A streamlined Art-Deco look has taken its place with clean lines and muted colors. Onb the whole, the rooms are attractive without drawing much attention to themselves. The most unusual feature of the room was a large (and rather ugly, if I must say) massage chair near the door. I don't think I've yet had a hotel room with its own massage chair. In any event, this one worked well.
The bed was comfortable and had 330 thread-count linens. No problem drifting off to sleep here! If you do happen to wake up in the middle of the night, there';s always 24 hour room service, something which is becoming more of a rarity in these cost-cutting days. My favorite feature of the room was the generously sized balcony overlooking M Street.
I did not stay in a standard room, but I did see one or two.. The rooms which have not yet been renovated are still attractively furnished with traditional georgian reproduction furniture,, floral bedcovers and matching draperies at the windows. it should also be noted that the standard rooms are not especially large by today's standards. Id size is important to you, ask for a penthouse room or a suite.
Bath
The Madison was built in 1962, so you'd expect the bathrooms to be tiny. While they aren't enormous, the baths are not cramped, so their size factors in at about average., The tub was standard and I had no trouble with water issues. The bath amenities were by Elemis and there were mots of towels and a hair dryer.
Dining
The Madison once proudly featured the Montpelier, one of the most extravagant restaurants in Washington. It was known for elaborate French service and menus with no prices (except for the host). Such formality has been jettisonned in favor of a more democratic restaurant- Palette. The name is taken from the rotating art exhibitions on the walls. The space is modestly attractive and the food is quite decent enough. I suppose $25.00 for breakfast is standard now, but perhaps not. Lunch was agreeable as well, but not the stuff of which memories are forged.
The bar, Post Script, has been given a sleek makeover as well. i had a look, but it was closed by the time I returned to the hotel after dinner elsewhere. Its dark wood and modern furniture are a departure from its former appearance.
Fitness Etc.
The fitness room is on the second floor and has windows overlooking M Street, so it's not dark and gloomy like many of the fitness rooms in hotels of this vintage. Though obviously a later addition, the room is well equipped with weights, treadmills and exercise machines. The sauna wasn't very hot, but the steam room next door was in fine working order. There is not an attendant, so you would be best advised to leave anything valuable in your room. There is no pool, but are allowed to use the large indoor pool at the University Club one block west on 16th Street. Fees do apply, so ask beforehand.
Service
As in its illustrious past, service is the trump card which keeps this hotel in top form. The staff here really do seem to care whether or not you are enjoying your stay. in a world of plastic hotels and interchangeable deskbots, this is an asset which ought not to be undervalued. While my requirements were relatively simple during my short stay, I never lacked for anything. There is a sundries store just off the lobby, but if you have forgotten anything in the way of basic toiletries, the staff will cheerfully replace them at no charge.
Cost
Rates here usually average in the $250.00-$350.00 range, though suites go for quite a bit more. The room I had usually goes for about $100.00 or so more than the above. I made my booking through Priceline and only paid $102.00, but I have heard of lower bids being accepted here. Timing is everything.
Note: A package being promoted now offers a replica of the Lincoln Bedroom complete with "I Slept In the Lincoln Bedroom" towels for $809.00 per night. I don't think I'd be tempted....
Overall
The Madison isn't the newest, largest or grandest hotel in town, but it has not lost the art of keeping its guests contented. This should count for something. Recent renovations have brought the rooms (or many of them- try to be specific when booking) to a standard which would be enviable anywhere.
The Madison, A Loews Hotel
1177 15th Street, N.W. (at M Street)
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel. 202-862-1600
FAX 202-785-1255
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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