Thursday, April 19, 2012

Hotel Madera, Helix or Rouge? Plus nightlife recs

I%26#39;ll be in DC Oct 20-23 to celebrate my bday with my fiance. He is booking his airfare through his employer, so I am looking at hotel/air packages that include airfare for myself only. We are 40ish and urban (Chicagoans) so we prefer trendy over stuffy. However quality is important, as I travel frequently for business and have become accustomed to higher-end properties.





I can get air and hotel on Expedia for $798 at Hotel Madera, $595 at Hotel Helix or $595 at Hotel Rouge. I know all are Kimpton hotels. All look interesting so I%26#39;d appreciate insight regarding which is best.





Or perhaps one of these is actually better in terms of the quality of accommodations: JW Marriott for $818, Jefferson for $822, Crystal City Marriott for $580. I know Crystal City isn%26#39;t in DC proper but it looks convenient via the metro and the price looks to be bargain.





I%26#39;m also interested in nightlife suggestions. We have both visited DC previously but it has been many years since either of us has visited for leisure. We will be looking for fun restaurants and bars in the evening. We are not ';budget'; travelers so do not shy away from pricier options -- but we are not looking for 5-star, refined, snooty places.





Thanks in advance for your feedback.





Hotel Madera, Helix or Rouge? Plus nightlife recs


If you haven%26#39;t already, read the reviews of these hotels that are posted here under ';hotels';. It will help you come to an informed decision. Yes, Crystal City is convenient via Metro and looking at the reviews posted, the Crystal City Marriott does get good marks. One drawback--there are 2 Marriotts in Crystal City and they are 2 blocks apart (The Crystal City Marriott and The Crystal Gateway Marriott). So if you do choose to stay in Crystal City, make sure you go to the right hotel!



Hotel Madera, Helix or Rouge? Plus nightlife recs


The Rouge would be my last choice of the 3 Kimpton properties (primarily because of the poor soundproofing between rooms, and the decor/furnishings don%26#39;t appeal as much to me, but you may not share my tastes in this regard). And I%26#39;d give the edge to the Madera over the Helix because ot its proximity to Dupont Circle and its nightlife.





FWIW, an office colleague stayed at the JW several weeks ago and was underwhelmed by it for the price he paid. Because of its size (nearly 800 rooms!), it gets a lot of convention business, so the decor is more blandly ';corporate'; than luxurious or distinctive, and he thought the service was ho-hum.




We decided against the Kimpton properties and decided to go with the Crystal City Marriott based on price. I booked hotel through Marriott and air from AA and am paying $520 total, which I think is a great deal.




You did get a good price! Also, one advantage to the Crystal City Marriott is that you can access the Metro station through the Crystal Underground. This is especially helpful on a rainy day. Enjoy your stay!

No comments:

Post a Comment