On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I stayed at Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison. The hotel traces its history to February 1963, when it opened as The Madison Hotel. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy were the hotel’s first guests of honor, and the couple cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Among Washington hotels, it’s presidential significance still holds a special place.
Photo: Marriott
This D.C. Hotel Belongs on a History Lover's Itinerary
Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison opened in 1963 with John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy among its first honored guests. Today, its midcentury-inspired design, contemporary art, and central location make it a compelling base for exploring the capital’s past. Originally billed as Washington’s first modern luxury hotel, The Madison opened with rooms renting for $27 a night, an unheard-of rate for the city at the time. In September 2024, the hotel completed a $15 million renovation and emerged as Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison.
Its connection to the Kennedy era is woven into the property through midcentury-inspired furnishings, sculptural illumination, artwork, marble, wood, and details from Jackie Kennedy’s style. The renovation doesn’t attempt to recreate a 1963 hotel, but instead interprets the period through contemporary design. One of the most distinctive details is the lobby chandelier, which was inspired by Jackie Kennedy’s signature pearls.
All products and listings featured on Matador Network are independently selected by our writers and editors. Matador Network may receive compensation if you make a purchase through these links. Prices are accurate as of publication.
Rooms and suites at Le Méridien Washington, D.C.
Photo: Marriott
The property has 356 guest rooms, including 38 suites. The top-floor Presidential and Penthouse Suites feature sizable, private outdoor balconies with direct line-of-sight views of the U.S. Capitol. I stayed in a suite with a separate sitting room, giving me considerably more space than I expected from a downtown Washington, D.C., hotel. The room echoed the public spaces with clean-lined furniture, artwork, and soft lighting.
The suite’s sitting room had a 40-inch TV, dining table, writing desk, and coffee station. The bedroom had a plush king bed, another 40-inch TV, and views of the city. The bathroom was larger than many New York City apartments, with a spacious shower and plenty of counter space.
Dining at ‘The Madison’
Photo: Marriott
The hotel has three on-site dining options. Lady Madison, the restaurant and bar on the lobby level, serves dinner and cocktails, while Market Place offers grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the day. The Club at Madison is the hotel’s third dining option, although access is limited to eligible Marriott Bonvoy members and their guests.
I stopped at Lady Madison for drinks during my stay. The beer selection was fairly limited, while the cocktail menu includes drinks such as the Dubois 75, Bonnet de Nuit, and Lost in the South, which draw inspiration from Dolley Madison. Room service is not available, so you’ll need to plan on dining out, visiting the restaurant, or picking something up at Market Place if you want food in your room.
Amenities at Le Méridien Washington, D.C.
Photo: Marriott
Beyond the design and Kennedy-era connections, The Madison covers the everyday details well. The hotel has a complimentary 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there’s a 24-hour business center in case you need to print boarding passes, museum tickets, or paperwork for your very legitimate claim to the Hope Diamond. Valet parking is $71 per night for a standard vehicle.
The staff were consistently available when I needed them, whether I had a question about the hotel, needed directions, wanted a restaurant or bar recommendation, or needed help with luggage. It’s the sort of service that is easy to overlook in a review because nothing went wrong, but it made getting around an unfamiliar city considerably easier. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so you can bring Fido. One pet weighing up to 40 pounds is permitted per room, although there is a $75-per-night, nonrefundable pet fee.
Exploring historic D.C. from the hotel
Photo: xbrchx /Shutterstock
The hotel’s downtown address on 15th Street NW puts you within walking distance of the places where much of American history happened. This includes a short walk to Lafayette Square and the White House, then St. John’s Church, known as the “Church of the Presidents” because nearly every president since James Madison has worshipped there. From there, the Washington Monument leads onto the National Mall and its Smithsonian museums. The National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture sit next to each other, and to this point, all of this is doable in a two-night stay at the hotel.
The National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History are close by. A few blocks north in Penn Quarter, you can stand in Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, and then cross the street to the Petersen House, where he died. The National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, sits between the Mall and the Capitol, and the walk ends at the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. Coming back to the same downtown base between outings also makes it easy to rest, take in what you’ve seen, and then head out again.
Rates generally start around $200 per night and can reach $300 or more, depending on the season, room type, and dates. For travelers who build a Washington trip around American history, The Madison offers more than a convenient place to sleep. The hotel has been part of the city’s story since 1963, and its latest renovation acknowledges that past without turning the property into a museum. After long days spent exploring Washington’s monuments, museums, and historic sites, it’s nice to return to an elegant hotel with a story of its own. 