A Season of Gratitude: How to Reset and Recharge in D.C. This November
We love November because it gives travelers permission to pause. Instead of packing every second of their D.C. itineraries, guests lean into a slower season of gratitude before the holiday rush picks up. Hotel Madera is designed for that kind of restful getaway. Our boutique layout features just nine rooms per floor, giving you an exclusive and more private stay, adding to the laid-back atmosphere at the hotel. This is your place to reset and recharge in the heart of Dupont Circle.
Wellness & Mindful Escapes
Wellness looks different for every traveler. Staying at Hotel Madera places you within minutes of accessible options like Aura Spa for deeply relaxing massages and restorative facials, while Yoga District and Past Tense offer grounding classes for all fitness levels. For low-impact strength training, Solidcore or barre3 are your best bet. You can even make a morning of it by stopping by Dupont Coffee Collective for your daily flat white after working up a sweat.
Sometimes it’s easier to dip into a state of reflection when you’re surrounded by nature. Meridian Hill Park is the ideal location to mosey along the path and pause for moments of gratitude: an easy way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and invite a little more calm into your day.
A Season of Giving Back
This year we’re proud to support Toys for Tots, a national donation-based program that distributes toys and holiday cheer to disadvantaged children. From November 17 through December 15, Hotel Madera will serve as an official toy drop-off site for new, unwrapped gifts benefiting children across the Washington area. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM. Guests, neighbors, and the local community are all welcome to participate. Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to mark this season, and we’re grateful to be able to provide a space where generosity can turn into real impact for families.
Comfort Food & Seasonal Sips at Firefly
Sometimes, recharging means cozying up with familiar flavors. Firefly offers just that: a welcoming retreat in Dupont Circle and the perfect spot to slow down for a heartwarming meal. Brunch features decadent favorites like Challah French Toast with citrus whipped cream and berries, and Shrimp and Grits with sweet and spicy shrimp. Dinner offers hearty options like Rigatoni Pomodoro and the Firefly Burger or Impossible Burger with parmesan truffle fries; a match made in heaven. During November, guests can enjoy pumpkin-themed libations like The Classic Pumpkin Spice, a blend of vanilla spiced rum and Baileys with pumpkin and cinnamon.
For something smooth and surprisingly tropical, the Autumn Apothecary mixes vodka, pumpkin, coconut milk, maple syrup, and autumn spices. The Pumpkin Patch Flip is a playful dessert-style drink, with vodka, crème de cacao, pumpkin spice, fresh cream, and a bruléed marshmallow on top. Take your pick and unwind on the idyllic outdoor terrace, where al fresco seating welcomes flowing conversations in a relaxed setting.
Simple Ways to Enjoy the City
A slower approach to travel leaves room to enjoy Washington in all of its splendor. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens this month and is the ideal spot to dust off your skates. For a taste of local life, the Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market stays active through fall, offering artisan goods and produce, like kohlrabi and butternut squash, within walking distance.
The Phillips Collection is just blocks away, and during the winter season, they are featuring Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection, a celebration and examination of the beauty and complexity of this nation’s history. Mount Vernon also begins its holiday programming in November, like Thanksgiving To-Go, a delicious Thanksgiving dinner of roasted turkey or glazed ham, traditional side dishes, and decadent desserts offered by Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, available for families to pick up, or a winter wreath-making class to soak in the holiday spirit.
A Better Way to Stay
At Hotel Madera, we’re here to help you recharge in your unique way. Each guest has plenty of space to call their own within generously spacious guest rooms highlighted by tall windows that open, so the experience stays personal and peaceful. Sink into beds layered with luxe linens and cozy up with goose-down or hypoallergenic pillows, creating the perfect spot to read or reflect. Rooms also include mobile desks, seating nooks, and operable windows for fresh air, giving you room to work or unwind however you choose. Everything is designed to support your needs, whether you’re here for a weekend reset or an extended holiday vacation.
A November stay at Hotel Madera brings the perfect mix of reflection and giving back, with opportunities to care for yourself and those around you. We’re grateful to welcome you to Hotel Madera and we hope your stay helps you reset and start the season with intention.