The property has been the choice of celebrities, dignitaries and presidents-elect
Washington’s Madison gets face-lift to mark its 50th birthday
By Gay Nagle Myers
A hotel in Washington long known as the
address of choice for global leaders and
VIPs is primping and preparing to celebrate
a milestone golden anniversary in 2013.
and dignitaries as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth
Taylor, the Dalai Lama, high-level Russian
delegates for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in 1987 and representatives to the Ar-ab-Israeli peace talks in 2010.
The property also served as the interim
residence for presidents Jimmy Carter,
Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton before they
moved into the White House.
It was officially opened by President
John F. Kennedy in February 1963.
Located at the corner of 15th Street and
M Street NW, the Madison is a short walk
from the Capitol, the White House and the
National Mall.
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History, and preserving it, was on the
mind of architect and interior designer
Dominick Coyne, who oversaw the restoration.
The private, covered terraces attached
to several of the hotel’s guestrooms and
suites are the most unique feature of the
hotel, and were retained, Coyne said, citing
the architecture of Washington as his main
inspiration during the restoration project.
He used warm tones of gray, brown and
taupe in many rooms, including gray and
white fabric wall coverings, which were first
used in the White House years ago.
The Federalist restaurant, also designed
by Coyne, is adjacent to the hotel and features vintage oak wood, splashes of red and
color schemes from the guestrooms.
The Madison’s public spaces include the
PostScript Cafe and adjoining Lobby Bar,
The Madison’s restoration project included a redo and
update of the hotel’s 365 guestrooms and suites.
whose walls are covered with antique prints
of historical figures, including two small
oil paintings of President James Madison,
whom the hotel is named for, and his celebrated wife, Dolley Madison.
Three Presidential suites, with custom
furnishings, kitchenettes and 2,000 square
feet of living space, also were renovated.
Summer bookings at the Madison are up
50% over summer 2011, “and we are cautiously optimistic we will continue on that
trend,” according to Horsman.
To make reservations, contact the Madison at (800) 424-8577 or www.madison
hoteldc.com.
