Explore A Cooler Side to D.C. in August

Some visits to Washington, D.C. in August involve tour buses, long lines, and a checklist of monuments to power through in the heat. Hotel Madera isn’t that kind of visit.

A late summer stay here puts you in the heart of Dupont Circle, one of the District’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Leafy streets. Walkable galleries. Patio drinks. Consider this your guide to exploring the best of D.C. like a local.

Patio Nights & Local Flavor
Arrive in late August and you’ll be just in time for D.C. Summer Restaurant Week (August 24-30). Take your chance to sample some of D.C.'s renowned restaurants for a fraction of the cost.
Dupont Circle rises to meet the occasion with indoor and outdoor dining featuring tasting menus, seasonal small plates, and wine lists made for discovering new favorites.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy one of D.C.’s favorite summer patios downstairs at Firefly. Our inviting al fresco gathering place has become the neighborhood's go-to for evenings that start with a chilled glass of rosé and end with good conversations lingering through dessert.
 

Artful Escapades
When hot afternoons call for a chance of scenery, Dupont Circle reveals one of its greatest advantages: a world of air-conditioned art and culture all within a short, easy walk.

The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art, sits just moments from the hotel and rewards a slow unhurried visit. Marvel at beloved works from Renoir, Picasso, and Rothko.
A few blocks further, the O Museum in the Mansion (also known as the Secret Door Museum) turns a historic townhouse into an eclectic collection of themed rooms, historical artifacts, and stories to discover.  Don’t miss a stop at Anderson House to admire its marble halls and Gilded Age grandeur. The 1905 Beaux Art mansion was the winter home of American diplomat Larz Anderson.

The Late-Afternoon Loop
Imagine this. A slow stroll through shaded, brick-lined sidewalks at golden hour, stopping by neighborhood gems for a cool respite.
Start at Kramer’s independent bookstore and café. An iced chai latte and a new thriller, perhaps? Why not? Have a seat in “D.C.’s living room,” which once hosted such notables as Barack Obama, Maya Angelou, and Andy Warhol.
Take your drink to go and try our favorite sport: people-watching around the central Dupont Circle fountain. Pull up an Adirondack chair and enjoy the summer vibe of visitors reading, relaxing and socializing. The recently-restored fountain was christened in 1921 by the same artist who sculpted the Lincoln Memorial.
From there, wander up Connecticut and New Hampshire Avenues, where rows of historic brick rowhouses line the street with bay windows over wrought-iron railings. It’s one of Dupont Circle’s most charming stretches.
Reward your journey with a stop for happy hour drinks or settle in for an evening meal at a nearby bistro or gastropub.

Your Home in the Neighborhood
Our boutique urban retreat was made for everyone, and made to enjoy the moment as much as the destination. Enjoy our warm hospitality, a pet-friendly stay, and spacious rooms with private balconies. Come and meet the neighbors. We’re pretty sure you’ll want to stay awhile