Meet Me at the Madera DC Summer Staycation

How to turn your next Staycation into Work, Play, and Live

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Most of the world has been working from home for over a year now. I don’t know about you but I am starting to get that work from home burnout. Even for those who have been going into the office this whole time, burnout is just as real. That is why a staycation is the perfect solution to help you recharge while still working. So that is why I decided to turn my birthday weekend into a staycation. I was able to feel like I went somewhere without a long travel day, limited use of my vacation days, and much needed fun relaxation.

• Minimum Travel Time – The key to booking the perfect staycation is your hotel. The great thing about living in the DC metro area is the abundance of hotels within a 30 min drive. Why spend all your time in the airport or in traffic taking a road trip. Instead, book a staycation and be at your destination in less than 30 minutes. You can be far away from home that your family will miss but close enough to get home if you need to. That is what attracted me to the Hotel Madera. It is less than 30 minutes from my house. I also loved that it was a small boutique hotel that offered a more intimate experience.

• Minimum to no vacation days – When you book a staycation you can also turn it into a coworking space for the day and afterwork your mini-vacation. I did an early check-in so I could work from the hotel. Therefore, I didn’t have to use my leave. I got checked into my room, got comfortable and worked from the balcony. Yes, did I mention the rooms at the Hotel Madera come with a balcony and a nice view of Dupont circle. It was good to get a change of scenery. I feel like I actually was even more productive in a new environment.

• Fun Relaxation – They have coined themselves the Urban Oasis and I have to agree. While surrounded by the hustle and bustle of DC it still felt like my own little Oasis away from home. After I finished up with work, I headed down to Happy Hour at the hotel restaurant Firefly. Since it was my birthday I even got a little fancy and wore my sequin skirt I found on the clearance rack at Walmart this Spring. The restaurant is a true gem in DC. The food and drinks were delicious. The chef even sent me the Octopus for my birthday. I was feeling adventurous because after this past year why not and I dug right into it. If you have never had Octopus before I highly recommend checking out Firefly because it was full of flavor and tender.

Did I also mention the drinks at Happy Hour are just what the doctor ordered to help you relax and get ready for the weekend. I can’t decide which one was my favorite but I think I have to go with the Watermelon Popsicle Drink. You allow your Popsicle to melt in the Processo to create a refreshing adult beverage. I had two lol! Plus isn’t it the perfect Instagramable drink. 

Now after being in the house for over a year, it was important for me to book a staycation that was walkable and allowed me the opportunity to leave my room. The Hotel Madera was perfect, located in Dupont Circle and a quick walk to Georgetown on Saturday after brunch we walked over to Georgetown for a cookie from Levine Bakery and enjoy the Waterfront.

Speaking of Brunch, I headed back down to Firefly for some of the best Chicken and Waffles I’ve had in a long time. The staff was very attentive and I liked that it wasn’t overly crowded. You can enjoy your brunch inside or their patio. 

My stay at the Hotel Madera my Birthday weekend was just what the doctor ordered. I was able to work, play, and just live a little on my staycation. Hopefully my tips will help you book your next staycation at the Hotel Madera or a hotel near you! Drop a comment if you have done a staycation and what your experience was. 

Visit Hotel Madera website to book your next staycation or stop by Firefly for brunch (Saturday and Sunday 9am – 3pm) or Happy Hour (Monday – Friday 4pm – 7pm) you won’t be disappointed. Also, check out Firefly calendar of events they offer mixologist class each month and much more.