O Museum In The Mansion Reviews

Tour Guest on Mar 12, 2012 said:

“The Mansion is one of the best kept secrets in DC, loved visiting. It is a must see while in DC! Take a camera because there are some amazing photo opps here! LOVED IT!”

Larry Frum on Mar 11, 2012 said:

“I was disappointed that I couldn't find all the secret doors! :) I will have to come back and search some more.”

Rob McCarthy on Mar 11, 2012 said:

“I had a great time exploring all of the areas of the mansion. I'm definitely going to have to go back because I was only able to find 5 secret doors so I obviously have a lot more to see. The mansion is awesome and is a ton of fun for all ages.”

Brittani Berry on Mar 10, 2012 said:

“I had a wonderful visit to the O Mansion during the Sugar Tour. This tour was self-guided which allowed us to visit rooms multiple times in search of new doors. It's a fun house for adults! And children too! ;-) I will definitely be visiting again in the near future. Thank you!”

D. Kocen on Mar 8, 2012 said:

“I had a wonderful stay and really appreciate the hospitality. I admire your work ethic and the attention to detail. You are amazing hosts. Between the 2 of you I'm not surprised you've created such a magical kingdom. I look forward to coming back in the future and spending more time forgetting the outside world at the mansion.”

Tour Guest on Mar 5, 2012 said:

“I flew in for the weekend to visit my daughter in DC and she recommended that we visit the Museum. My daughter and I had a fabulous time and plan on visiting again when I am back in town. Loads of fun and cannot wait to take the scavenger hunt next visit.”

Kevin Fagan on Mar 4, 2012 said:

“Yet again, a Mansion visit wowed my 'first time' guests and me, a multi-visit veteran. I get as much joy and pleasure from seeing the looks on people's faces as I get from discovering completely "new" rooms, and discovering another secret passage (I'm still far from uncovering ALL of them!). As always, the food is delicious, the selection is broad and the mix of people you bump into touring around is fascinating. Being the first of the month, I was impressed by the sizable congregation of musicians who showed up yesterday (3/4/2012) and everyone appeared to enjoy them. One of my guests went crazy after seeing all the desserts and ended up tasting quite a few, declared them the best desserts ever offered (particularly at a buffet setting) and rattled off a list of friends that would need to be introduced to The Mansion. I always tell friends that The Mansion is a great 'secret' to share with out-of-town visitors (locals as well) because, although the furnishings are always amazing, fun and changing, it's the 'spirit' of the house that never changes and is always exciting and "H" and Ted are the ultimate hosts. My only regret was that certain design 'miracles' that I had hoped to share with my guests were unavailable due to the occupancy of B&B guests. Oh well, it just means another visit!”

Jeffrey Litton on Mar 4, 2012 said:

“Awesome experience at The Mansion! It was our mothers 86th Birthday Brunch and we couldn't have picked a better place! The food was superb. Of course every square inch of the place is covered with interesting things to look at and to buy so we spent several hours going through the place. When we took items to the front to pay for them we found out that on your birthday you get a dollar credit for every year you've kept your body alive. My Mom took the 86 dollar credit and was delighted to walk out with a beautiful vase and salt and pepper shaker set! What fun to discover the hidden passages and secret doorways!”

Tour Guest on Feb 27, 2012 said:

“The mansion is really cool and definitely a unique place to visit in DC. There's a lot of fun kitschy things (like hats and guitars) throughout the place that make for cute props in photos. It was also fun trying to find the secret doors/passageways, though sometimes looking for them was frustrating (hence why I gave four stars instead of five). It would have been nice to have a handout with hints for finding them (my group only found about four doors). Also, the food and deserts smelled and looked REALLY yummy, but I didn't try any; I suggest you try them out!”

Illusions Guest on Feb 27, 2012 said:

“Drag show was fantastic. Had a lovely evening with my friends. Enjoyed touring the mansion before the show. Staff was very friendly. Great way to spend a Monday!”

Tour Guest on Feb 25, 2012 said:

“My mother and I had great time exploring the vast assortment of rooms--true eye candy and fascinating. Looking for the secret doors added a flair to the experience. Thanks for a great visit!”

Concert Guest on Feb 20, 2012 said:

“Great venue! Very intimate. Touring the home was an excellent way to spend time before the show.”

Mary Kirshbaum on Feb 20, 2012 said:

“a truly enjoyable afternoon tea from start to finish. Beautiful setting, amazing dessert & cheese spread, good service (pleasant & helpful with guidance for our tour of the mansion) will visit again.”

Jennifer Ritter on Feb 19, 2012 said:

“We had a good time at the mansion today, it was an unexpected surprise! It was nice to feel like a kid again exploring the various rooms and trying to find the secret doors. The rooms were quite bizarre, but that added to the fun of exploring, you never knew what you would find next! Thank you for the fun day, we will be back!”

Tour Guest on Feb 19, 2012 said:

“I really enjoy this hidden gem of DC. Anything kooky and quirky is right up my ally. I loved all the themed rooms and the log cabin was my favorite! I would definitely like to stay here as a guest some time! Thanks for opening your doors for my tour!”

Dinner Guest on Feb 14, 2012 said:

“Enjoyed our Valentine's Day dinner and scavenger hunt. The staff were very pleasant, the food was good, and exploring the house was a lot of fun!”

Dave Hopkins on Jan 26, 2012 said:

“Having been to the mansion before I had predisposed feelings about the place. I have to say that those feelings were reinforced with last nights Champagne Tour. The mansion is a wonderfully eclectic and elegant facility, filled with fantastic kitsch and memorabilia from past & present eras. It screams DC to me, and I just love it. I've been coming here for over 18 years, and like any fine vintage, it's getting better with age. The staff is friendly, so very courteous, and simply loves the place; and that shows. When hanging around you feel very warm and welcomed. I would love to see or hear some more of the history of the facility, the story behind its inception, the original owners of the 5 houses, the legend of the sisters and more. Placards placed around like historical landmarks in a park may be one way. The only other thing I can think of at the moment is the primary signage for things like "This is not a secret door" and "Guests are staying in this room, please don't open the door". I would love to see these done in a more eccentric way, something more fitting to the house and her character. Try this. Take a brown paper shopping bag, cut it about the same size as a sheet of printer paper. Using a script or Olde English font, print the sign verbiage on to that paper. Then, tear and burn the edges of the paper to give it that aged look. Use a lighter to burn the edges, and an iron to tint the paper it self. Onion paper also works very well for this and is available at most craft shops. No matter what, please keep doing what you are doing, I just love coming here.”

Tour Guest on Jan 26, 2012 said:

“My favorite rooms were the log cabin, John Lennon, and country. I plan to return for tea and a scavnger hunt with my grandchildren! Beautiful! Oh, and I mention the wine cellar? Cool!”

Tour Guest on Jan 22, 2012 said:

“The self-guided tour was great as are the people at the mansion.”

Holly Sapp on Jan 21, 2012 said:

“I had my daughter's 12th birthday party at The Mansion. We decided to do a scavenger hunt and numerology. We were not disappointed. The Mansion is like no other place. Unique in every way. With all the secret doors and hidden stairwells, it's a GREAT place to spend an afternoon. Eclectic collections of guitars, art, vintage hats, purses, books, albums, you name it, it's here. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the only rooms off limits are the ones that have guests. It was really a treat and I look forward to our next visit, which will include a meal. Thank you so much for everything!”

Hugh Huettner on Jan 19, 2012 said:

“My husband and I did the champagne tour and didn't know what to expect. It was so much fun. Nothing like it anywhere else. The champagne may have kicked my enjoyment up a notch, making me go with the flow- which is definitely something you have to do in the mansion. It's strange in a very good way, like one of those "Clue" movies, where guests get lost in the big, old house with secret doors everywhere. The eclectic assortment of do-dads, books, clothes, accessories, furniture and art of every kind made exploring so much more fun. I found a warthog tusk, a beautiful, hand knitted shawl (only $20!), a great $10 purse and an impossible-to-find record I've been looking for years. It was like a treasure hunt. The assortment of things wasn't dusty or mildewy and it didn't smell like moth balls or "old"...and it wasn't set up like a store, it was just like a really interesting person's overstuffed house and you got free-range to look through closets and drawers and everything else...how cool is that?! The fanciful hats are high-dollar fashion, and for sale (at like $100-$200 a pop for some) but you're welcome to try them on. I'll definitely be bringing my friends. Fun afternoon! We took about 2 hours to soak it in.”

Tour Guest on Jan 16, 2012 said:

“Definitely an interesting experience and glad that I got to experience the Mansion! Next time will have to try the scavenger hunt.”

Tour Guest on Jan 16, 2012 said:

“We can't wait to go back and have brunch or dinner!!! We may even spend the night!!! What a great secret right here in DC!!!”

Tour Guest on Jan 16, 2012 said:

“Super! Very fun to go poke around, get lost, and explore, trying to find secret doors. Staff were very nice and helpful.”

Tea Guest on Jan 15, 2012 said:

“The ambiance in the tea area is delightful. Having the hats available was so much fun, especially for the boys when they were included as well. This was my second visit in two months and I am looking forward to another in the near future.”

Deborah Waggoner on Jan 14, 2012 said:

“Wish I had checked this place out sooner - such a fun place to bring those who visit me in DC! The only thing I would suggest is maybe giving a few more hints as to where some of the secret doors are. We only found 3 or 4 and that seemed to be what most others found as well...Overall, a must-do if you enjoy something out of the ordinary.”

Tour Guest on Jan 7, 2012 said:

“The O street mansion is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the city. It was such an amazing experience and I felt like Alice in wonderland. recommended to all - tourists and locals alike. It is a must see place. My personal favorite is the log cabin suite...truly authentic and unique!”

Tour Guest on Jan 7, 2012 said:

“So much fun! Beautiful home. Great shopping. And it was such a cool adventure to try and find the secret doors. My wife and I found 9. We're definitely coming back.”

Megan Burkhart on Jan 1, 2012 said:

“we loved the mansion!! it was a perfect + very fun way to ring in the new year. i had two very hungry guys in tow and they enjoyed the abundance of delicious foods + fun tour of the mansion - - even better, we didn't have to wait for any of it, since we made the reservation online! the only thing that could have been improved was the crepe/omelet station - i heard some grumblings about waiting a long time. but for me, the coffee was delicious, there were plenty of healthy items to choose from, and i happily enjoyed a sliver of delicious tiramisu at the end of the meal. thank you!!”

Michelle Moosher on Dec 29, 2011 said:

“That tour was so unique and interesting! A real treat for the eyes! I can't wait to try the brunch now”

Donna and Jeff on Dec 29, 2011 said:

“To say staying at the mansion was a pleasure is such an understatement. What an amazing place. It gives new meaning to the word, "cool." And thank you for the grand room. And the tour. Christmas Eve dinner was lovely. It was truly a wonderful birthday.”

Jeremy Rhoten on Dec 28, 2011 said:

“Really cool place, will be back to find more secret doors!”

Marsha Galicia on Dec 28, 2011 said:

“We had a fun time trying to look for secret doors!”

Tea Guest on Dec 27, 2011 said:

“We loved the spread and exploring the mansion...fabulous..we will be back for sure! Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will recommend as a DC must see......”

Tea Guest on Dec 27, 2011 said:

“I loved the experience. And would come again. As a disabled woman, I found everyone. To be helpful and truly caring. I want to mention the valet and sweet young lady from, --arkansas--. She was wonderful. The -treats were tasty. The decor was unexpected, but fun!!!! Thank you for a lovely experience.”

Courtney Birst on Dec 27, 2011 said:

“When my sister and her husband came to town to visit, I was looking for something different to do and touring the O Street Mansion was just the thing. We wandered around the mansion with a glass of champagne, searching for secret doors (we found 6!) and marveling at the sights within the mansion. We had a great time and they loved doing something different while in DC!”

Champagne Tour Guest on Dec 27, 2011 said:

“We had a lovely chat with the owner of the Mansion, Ted, who was charming and hospitable. The tour was a very unique experience and, while we were a bit overwhelmed by all of the trinkets and kitsch all over the place, we would definitely come back again, to do some additional shopping, and maybe for a special dinner in the wine cellar!”

Robin Crawley on Dec 25, 2011 said:

“Nice atmosphere for dining. The food was flavorful and quite delicious. The treasure hunt was a fun way to burn off a few calories after the meal. After reading several not so favorable reviews we were a little hesitant to try the Mansion. Glad we did because it was truly a great experience and worth the cost.”

T. Gaines on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“DC's best kept secret. We loved every bit of it.”

Self-Guided Tour Guest on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“We had a very pleasant self-led tour. Thank you! Can't wait to come back to find more of the secret doors!”

Champagne Tour Guest on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“My mother and I wanted simple, yet interesting entertainment. We booked the tour through Living Social, saving it for a "rainy day". Well, we were not disappointed. We had a blast! We especially loved finding the secret passageways. We both commented that we would love to stay a night there sometime. And we're glad to know we can attend any assortment of events there. O Mansion, thank you so much for a great time!”

Linda Graniti on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“Our visit to the Mansion was absolutely marvelous, as always, truly unique with lots of wonderful food and great service. Everyone is so friendly and it's so fun to be able to walk around and tour the amazing rooms and treasures. You can always find a treasure/gift for that special person that has everything! Thank you for a most special day and experience,”

Tour Guest on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“Good tour guide. She didn't rush us and she answered our many questions.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Dec 13, 2011 said:

“It was a very cool place that I enjoyed because of the "exclusive" feel. It was very fun to go hunting, but frustrating b/c we knew we were missing secret doors! Will definitely be coming back. The hunt is on.”

Tour Guest on Dec 10, 2011 said:

“A fun, unique way to spend a night on the town learning about history, laughing with new people you meet throughout the house and tunneling through to find secret passages. A great night and we plan to return again!”

hotel guest on Nov 10, 2011 said:

“Loved it! Everyone so helpful and enthusiastic. Welcomed our daughters in for a tour. Fabulous experience and will be back! Thank you”

Museum Guest on Nov 10, 2011 said:

“I brought 6 kids for an 11-year old birthday party, and they had a blast on the treasure hunt.”

Tea Guest on Nov 3, 2011 said:

“The Sunday tea was lovvely with delicious paries and cakes. Very friendly service also. The Mansion of course is amazing. Truly enjoyed it, thank you.”

Tea Guest on Nov 3, 2011 said:

“It was truly a relaxing experience and the variety of music was great and also contributed to the relaxing atomosphere. We truly appreciated the variety of cheeses, sandwiches, and desserts. They were all just delightful. Also, we really appreciate the accommodation you made for us regarding the sandwiches. You can tell the chef that I added the apple/cheese selection to the beef (with one bread) and it was scrumptious. He might want to try it. The champagne was good, too. So, as you can see, we really had a delightful afternoon. To the chef and Dan, we extend many, many kudos.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Oct 18, 2011 said:

“A group of five of us went on the self guided champagne tour. We had a lot of fun wandering through the mansion. We enjoyed trying to find the secret passages. Our favorite one led to the wine cellar off the kitchen. We would definitely recommend it to someone who's looking for something unique to do in DC.”

Kathryn Herty on Oct 18, 2011 said:

“This was a very cool tour, something unique to explore- especially cool when one finds secret doors! I look forward to returning!”

Sumita on Oct 18, 2011 said:

“We loved the mansion! My son is still talking about all the secret doors! Thank you so much for the experience.”

Jennifer Stratton on Oct 15, 2011 said:

“On any day you can make an impromptu detour to the O mansion and visit a bunch of old friends you haven't met yet. Most of my visits have been unplanned outings -- I went out to buy stamps and ended up at the mansion on O street. No matter how I got there, one tradition I indulge in each time I visit is to flip to a random page of a random book off a random shelf in a random room. Its the same trick they teach when you as a child -- letting a verse in the bible or quote instinctively find you. On a recent visit my page flip landed on the poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" by Wallace Stevens. This wasn't my first time reading this poem-I'd come across it before through friends, school and even in song. However, at that moment it completely embodied the spirit of the place I was standing. Every verse describing a different way to look at a bird in much the same way 100 rooms, 32 secret doors each unlock different perspectives from which to look at ourselves a! nd each other. The O mansion reminds me that there are so many ways of looking at everything and as a result there will always be more in life to explore, discover and dream. This magical trajectory the O mansion's philosophy very much inspires has lead me here. Since the first time I visited the mansion, I've had a strong desire to share this unique place with my whole family. Before learning about this contest I made a short documentary of a friend taking their first journey through the mansion. I showed the film to my family and it was suggested that I send a copy to a staff member. While searching the website for contact information to do so I serendipitously stumbled upon this contest, which potentially may allow me to actually bring my entire family to the mansion. Either way I am happy to have a conduit for sharing my thoughts and feelings about the O mansion with the people that make it special. Je t'embrasse, Jennifer”

E. Coffey on Oct 10, 2011 said:

“Having just left the Coffey/Smith wedding on 10/8 I want to express how much I enjoyed your site. The mansion is obviously amazing and your staff were delightful. Highlights included the beautiful wooden bath tubs and sinks,the adventure of looking for secret passages to kiss my husband in and the attentive service of Eric and Zoe.”

C. Jones on Oct 10, 2011 said:

“Our friends from Florence Italy were delighted with their visit to the mansion. We spent 2 hours trying to find secret doors and only found 4! The 12 yr old's sheer joy could hardly be contained as he ran around frantically searching. His father was amazed at the collection of beautiful things. At times he was shaking his head, but he was smiling for the entire 2 hours. It was a great beginning of their trip to America. A complete blast for all of us.”

Mansion Hotel Guest on Oct 10, 2011 said:

“Really enjoyed our stay; appreciated the privacy and feeling like we were away from the city. We love this little area around Ost & Hopkins!”

Pam on Oct 10, 2011 said:

“We all enjoyed our stay and the unique fun environment.”

Museum Guest on Oct 10, 2011 said:

“I came with a friend visiting from out of town. We both thought it was a really fun experience,a very pleasant change from the usual DC tourist sites.”

Carol Wyman on Sep 30, 2011 said:

“The O Street Mansion is one of my favorite places in DC -- eclectic, interesting and friendly. My elementary school aged kids had a great time finding and opening the secret doors and designing their dream bathrooms. The music lovers in our tour group loved all the signed guitars and the joining in the jam session in the music room.”

Eowana Jordan on Aug 19, 2011 said:

“I have been to THE Mansion several times: for tea, brunch, Christmas and Thanksgiving! It is the most unique place in Washington, D.C. and probably the entire east coast! Do not miss touring the upstairs rooms after your meal. Delightful, clever, charming, fun, yummy and more! I keep my wonderful black velvet hat with the curved feather I bought at the O on display in the guest bedroom. Oh, don't worry about parking, they have valet service. My dream is to go and spend the night. Maybe for my birthday? Oh, oh, O!”

Becky Hill. — Louisville, Ky on Aug 8, 2011 said:

“This was my very first stop while visiting Washington DC! I had the most wonderful afternoon exploring every nook and cranny of this unbelievable house/museum. I was greeted warmly and whisked through a series of mazes that enabled me to forget about the outside world and "check out" from the craziness of life in exchange for the craziness of this house. What a fun experience! I was encouraged several times to sit down, relax, kick my shoes off and read a book (which there were thousands of scattered all throughout the house!) I signed up for a scavenger hunt, but honestly I was busier "scavenging" through all the items, shopping, to really pay that much attention to what was on my sheet. Lol. After finding my way through several secret passageways, I would forget what floor I was even on! I made several trips down to the first floor where my pile of items to be purchased was being amassed on a couch. When they say everything is for sell, they mean EVERYTHING! I opened closets, armoires, trunks, desks, etc and "H" politely sold me anything I wanted (sometimes asking me where in the world I had found it!) All in all I ended up buying several old, obscure, and delightful books, a family board game from the 70's, CDs I hadn't seen in decades, several pieces of china, a lazy Susan, a beautiful handcarved sandstone nightlight, and several other items I couldn't live without. The only thing that makes me happier than finding great treasures is knowing that all the proceeds go back to charity. I spent 6 hours exploring all that the mansion on the o had to offer for a mere $20 donation. That was the best $20 I spent my entire time in DC. I will definitely be coming back very soon, and bringing my friends with me! Thank you "H"”

Maggie LeDuc on Aug 7, 2011 said:

“Hillary was a fun and energetic tour guide. She had a lot of knowledge and was very approachable both during and after the tour! We plan on coming back to the Mansion as often as possible!”

Ray & Georgene Ammon on Aug 1, 2011 said:

“WE took our two older grandchildren and it was most interesting to see them go from room to room excited when the found one of the items on the list. Great place to enjoy one of the best kept secretes in Washington.”

Lisa Carter on Jul 28, 2011 said:

“I came to The Mansion Champagne Tour once. It was so great I have been back three times, and once by myself! I have been truly blessed and enchanted by your vision, peace and Harmony. Simply a Breathtaking Experience!”

Self- Guided Tour Guest on Jul 27, 2011 said:

“Loved it!!! Wish we would've taken the guided tour instead of doing it on our own. Had the feeling that we missed some stuff. Over all my family loved it from my husband to my 17 year old son!”

Tom on Jul 25, 2011 said:

“Thanks...it truly was a wonderful stay. (I am looking forward to the next time already--and even got a note from friends of mine who are trying out your Monday night dinner on my recommendation, so the fan club is expanding.)”

Steve Lehmann, NOAA on Jul 22, 2011 said:

“Last night I stayed at the Mansion (Octagon) on the advise of a good friend and work colleague, Debbie Payton (she is a current long term resident there). Speaking as a frequent government traveler for the past 25 years, I can easily say that your establishment is my favorite among all the places I've stayed throughout the world. It was as if I became privy to this secret in the middle of Washington, DC, this magical place that few have seen and fewer know well. I can't thank you enough for creating your hotel and permitting me a glimpse. At the end of August, we drop our only child off at the University of Delaware to begin his freshman year, thus ushering in a new era in our lives. I can think of no place better to spend our first night as "empty nesters" than at the Mansion. My wife, in particular, will require the fine distraction offered by such a hotel as she contemplates life without her son each day. Thank you again for your creativity and hospitality. The Mansion is an adventure through the looking glass for those lucky enough to find it.”

Champagne Tour on Jul 10, 2011 said:

“We had a fantastic time visiting the museum! It felt like there was so much to see and we all want to go back to try and find more secret doors and see more of the rooms. This has definitely become something I will recommend to DC visitors--so unique and fun.”

Self Guided Tour Guest on Jul 5, 2011 said:

“I took my boyfriend to the Mansion as a surprise date. Our visit was unique and worthwhile over all - the self-guided tour made it easy to explore on our own terms and take our time discovering hidden doors.”

Sandi B - Ridgewood, NJ on Jun 25, 2011 said:

“We were guests in the Rosa Parks Safe House and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Our room(s) were charming and comfortable. The location of the Mansion was very convenient, too. We will definitely come again!”

Pastushonak — Gives the Self Guided Tour 5 Stars! on Jun 11, 2011 said:

“I went to Mansion on a 3rd date with my boyfriend and it was an unforgettable adventurous experience. its a perfect place for a date, as you can look for secret doors together, get lost and all of a sudden find a way and be fascinated by interesting unique things. I have a friend visiting from Canada this weekend and am taking her to this amazing mysterious place!”

Luanne Stevenson on Jun 10, 2011 said:

“The mansion is a fabulous place life happens there at a slower pace So much to see at every turn You may even find a wonderful urn Signed guitars are everywhere From the great musicians that have visited there They serve you food from salad to quail And everything you see is also for sale The secret doors are very cool Stop and enjoy a game of pool It is the most unique place I have ever been And I cannot wait to go back again!”

Sue Bumpous on Jun 10, 2011 said:

“I love exploring all the rooms, secret passages, seeing the eclectic collection of "stuff." But the thing I return to over and over is the "Beatles jukebox". It reminds me of the first time I heard the Beatles on the radio, the nights watching them on the Ed Sullivan show, the first time I saw "A Hard Day's Night", singing "Yellow Submarine" with my daughter and teaching her the rest of the Beatles song catalogue. I would love to have this in my condo - I'd find room somewhere!”

Angela O'Brien on Jun 6, 2011 said:

“Behind Secret Door #1 A Bachorette's Delight: A Story Told in Pictures - The Story begins as we all head downtown to Dupont Circle! - We arrive at the Mansion on O St! - Greeted by champagne, we check-in and explore! - Each party member wrote a letter to the bride-to-be, Katie. We all found our favorite room in the mansion where we read our sentimental letters. - We had fun sorting through the fun hats, dresses and eclectic items around the mansion. - Our tour lead us to the secret Champagne Room, where the Maid of Honor reads her special toast to her sister. The bridal party toasts! - Onto a limo tour around the Monuments downtown! - The Limo drops us off at the Dirty Martini in Dupont for dinner. - Out to drinking and Dancing at Local 16! - Thankfully, the wedding party woke up to a wonderful Breakfast Buffet waiting for us! What a marvelous weekend we all had - the O St Mansion kept the secrets of an amazing Bachlorette Party. ”

V Chanthaphone on Jun 6, 2011 said:

“Absolutely Beautiful, exciting and mysterious place. We have enjoyed our tour! Thank you!”

Barbara J. Schreiber - Executive Director, Starlight Children's Foundation MidAtlantic on May 30, 2011 said:

“Thank you for an incredible event last Sunday with Starlight Children's Foundation MidAtlantic. The event wasn't just a party; it was a cherished family memory. It meant that Sophie's dad could play pool for 15 minutes, knowing that the joy of his life is safe and happy and forgetting that she was ever sick with Neruoblastoma, it meant that Quinn, who has Spina Bifida and Vocal Cord Paralysis could help the musicians keep their beat with the maracas, it meant that families could share a happy day together. Between the incredibly accommodating staff, delicious breakfast, exciting treasure hunt, and wonderful musicians, the Mansion on O Street was instrumental in helping our families take a break from their stress of child's illness. Thank you again for hosting Treasures and Treats at the Mansion on O Street Great Escape. The real treasure was giving the children a day to just be kids and the families a chance to enjoy it.”

Rhonda Hendershot on May 29, 2011 said:

“The O Street Mansion needs to be on everyone's Bucket List! I got all dolled up for a Red Hat brunch and tea there one afternoon, and was totally unprepared for EXTREME sensory input! As an artist, I absolutely "got" the eclectic atmosphere - everywhere I turned there were unique artifacts, and ALL with sale tags, right down to the hand-made jewelry featured on every dining area table! I am plotting a return trip with my young adult daughters, who will be just as excited about this experience as I was. The exceptional brunch is as memorable as the tour through the startling suites filled with trinkets and objects d'art on every flat surface! The word "Dining" in this fabulous museum/shop/Victorian home does not begin to describe this fabulous experience. When we couldn't eat another bite, we toured the museum - up and down stairways, in and out of unexpected doorways, peeking in nooks and crannies to find surprizes at every turn! We vicariously shared the dream of a young bride as she posed with her family, creating memorable pictures while a lovely string trio playing softly in the background. You can not help but fall in love with the O Street Mansion. I drooled over every inch, wondering how I can stay there, not just in my dreams! I am crossing my fingers that I win the Grand Prize for me and my family!”

B-j Thompson Powell on Apr 15, 2011 said:

“It was Djani's 14th birthday and the breakfast celebration with my grandson and his Dad went off swimmingly; the repartee, in combination with wonderful food was delightful. I did have some initial speculation as to whether the planned "treasure hunt" would, in fact, be one that would be a hit with "all ages", especially since my grandson who reminded me, he was "?no longer a child?", once or twice was enamoured with video games whose sophistication had been proven to exceed my skill set. Nevertheless, we launched into the hunt: Everybody loved it! So much so that I ended up being the "voice of reason"-along with a bit of urging from my near stiletto-height heels-and convinced all in our small company of 3 that 1PM was a suitable time to graciously depart the mansion in order to give others quarter and access to space that we had occupied since the first stragglers for breakfast had appeared. My suggestion received reluctant acquiescence: Clearly, we loved the Mansion experience and will return! [P.S. I was the one who kept insisting that the secret door locations not be given away to inquiring newcomers; after all, half the fun was their discovery!] ”

Judith DuBowy on Apr 4, 2011 said:

“We have enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea and treasure hunt!”

Ellen Koh on Mar 25, 2011 said:

“O The mansion is a mystery! Lots of rooms and places to explore First, Darjeeling for two? And perhaps some scones? Yes, please. Now we're ready to find our treasure 100 rooms and 32 secret doors awaits O The mansion is full of history!”

Angela O'Brien on Mar 10, 2011 said:

“Behind Secret Door #1 A Bachorette's Delight: A Story Told in Pictures. read below for full story (click to enlarge) ”

Victoria McLean on Mar 3, 2011 said:

“Along a secluded, dark street lies a secret door to paradise; A world of beauty, imagination, and magic lies within the mansion ; Come enjoy friendship, share love, and experience the charm; Get lost behind false doors and moving mirrors and feel the passion; With fancy jewels and glamorous hats, Timeless decor and famous memorabilia gleam; Delicious food and succulent drinks, The Mansion on O street is like a dream.”

Gwendolyn Hancock on Feb 28, 2011 said:

“A wide-eyed expression of pure joy Radiating from the face of my darling boy Experiencing the thrill of discovery first-hand As each secret door leads us to a new land The house's magic keeps worries of the outside world at bay At the mansion we are children together, if only for a day.”

Gwendolyn Hancock on Feb 28, 2011 said:

“A wide-eyed expression of pure joy Radiating from the face of my darling boy Experiencing the thrill of discovery first-hand As each secret door leads us to a new land The house's magic keeps worries of the outside world at bay At the mansion we are children together, if only for a day.”

Tom Wilhelm on Feb 27, 2011 said:

“The Bob Dylan guitar in the Garden Room is famously cool. But the bathroom with its own secret staircase and phone-booth shower is no less a marvel. And all this with the private dinner: well, it was the best stay in DC ever.”

Kim Rossmann on Feb 15, 2011 said:

“THE MUSEUM ON "O" STREET The Museum on "O" Street Is lots of fun to explore There's really no place better To find treasures galore All those who are kids at heart Wish they could play hide'n'seek Lost behind a secret door On the other side peek There are baubles and antiques No signs saying, "Don't touch this" Go upstairs and downstairs With your brother and sis You can stay overnight with Your husband, wife and children Take a tour or adventure With your guy or girlfriend Activities are aplenty In this interesting place Like tea, or a treasure hunt All your fears will be erased Hosts and hostesses friendly Time you spend here is thoughtful If it's peace you desire There's a room to indulge you It's a row of five houses Don't wait long to discover It's more than you bargained for Come soon to this wonder”

Mary Grace Finelli on Feb 7, 2011 said:

“It's probably been said before, but I found the Mansion to be a agical place, like falling through the rabbit hole. It's also the best concert venue I've ever been to. I feel I've found D.C.'s best kept secret spot. I'm bringing all my favorite people!! (click to enlarge image)”

B. Surles on Feb 7, 2011 said:

“I was at the Mansion on O Christmas Day for a dinner with the East Carolina University football team. I just wanted to say what an amazing experience this was! I am one of the team managers and my other co-workers as well as myself absolutely loved this experience! We had never heard of The Mansion, nor been to anything like this before. We had to rush through the house in order to catch our next scheduled tour events with the team, but we wished we had a lot more time to tour this beautiful place! I just wanted to say thanks for having us there for the dinner and this was definately a great place to experience. I hope to go back in the future and have the chance to tour again. Thanks so much!”

Erik N. on Jan 26, 2011 said:

“Thanks for the brand new shower in my room! Works great!!”

Deborah Kerwin on Jan 14, 2011 said:

“I lived through this accident 4 years ago. The car was flipped end over end twice and rolled twice down a hill. I was belted into the passenger seat, the driver was unbuckled. He was thrown from the car before it flipped and landed unharmed beside the highway, I was in the only area of the car that was undamaged, in fact it looked as if an energy halo had kept that part solid. The tow-guy said it was a top ten wreck for him, and the worst injury I sustained was a broken big toe. I was 38 and had one son who was due to graduate High School. 2 months after this crash, I fell pregnant! The man who was driving was my husband and our marriage didn't survive to the end of the pregnancy, but for whatever higher purpose God has in mind for me, He has a greater one in store for my son. I can't afford to do much "extra" these days, but am passionate and curious and excited by life. I'd love to be able to share your work with my family. there are many days when I think that I actually DID die in that accident, and that all of THIS life that I am percieving is actually a dream. In that vein, I take nothing for granted, and revel in the gift that is "being". I have alot of arty things, (went to art school as a matter of fact) but Im going to send you a few things, 1 is an essay I wrote after last years snowstorm, the other is a photo of the accident, and third is a picture of me and that baby. I'd love to get more involved. Deborah (oh and the treasure hunt on line is making me cookoo!) (Click to Enlarge Pictures)”

Cathlyn Lynch on Jan 11, 2011 said:

“I was looking for another Christmas present for my very picky mother- you the type- one gift is never enough and she already purchases everything she wants. So buying for her is difficult to say the least, but I know she loves to drink tea. Great, high tea, lots of places have high tea in the Washington area. Problem- she does not like typically high tea food. What to do? Well, after hours of searching the internet I come accros the O Mansion. You have tea and not just high tea, but desert tea as well, JACKPOT! I have hit the mother load, a present not only of good food and drinks but also of my time. What more could a mother want. We went on Sunday January 9, 2011 and we had the best time. Exploring the Mansion and sampleing way to many rich deserts, but worth a life time of memories it created for both of us. We found 5 of the secret doors and cannot wait to come back to find some more. Thank you O Mansion PS. I am now planning my 40th birthday at the Mansion.”

Deborah Kerwin on Jan 4, 2011 said:

“I lived through this accident 4 years ago. The car was flipped end over end twice and rolled twice down a hill. I was belted into the passenger seat, the driver was unbuckled. He was thrown from the car before it flipped and landed unharmed beside the highway, I was in the only area of the car that was undamaged, in fact it looked as if an energy halo had kept that part solid. The tow-guy said it was a top ten wreck for him, and the worst injury I sustained was a broken big toe. I was 38 and had one son who was due to graduate High School. 2 months after this crash, I fell pregnant! The man who was driving was my husband and our marriage didn't survive to the end of the pregnancy, but for whatever higher purpose God has in mind for me, He has a greater one in store for my son. I can't afford to do much "extra" these days, but am passionate and curious and excited by life. I'd love to be able to share your work with my family. there are many days when I think that I actually DID die in that accident, and that all of THIS life that I am percieving is actually a dream. In that vein, I take nothing for granted, and revel in the gift that is "being". I have alot of arty things, (went to art school as a matter of fact) but Im going to send you a few things, 1 is an essay I wrote after last years snowstorm, the other is a photo of the accident, and third is a picture of me and that baby. I'd love to get more involved. Deborah (oh and the treasure hunt on line is making me cookoo!) (Click to Enlarge Pictures)”

Shana Walsh on Dec 31, 2010 said:

“The Mansion on O Street was the first weekend away with my boyfriend, it was the first trip to our nation's capital, and it was our first Christmas together. Like the many monuments it is bordered by, the Mansion on O Street commemorates an event that has become important to me. I first learned of the Mansion in August 2009 during a weekend visit to DC. We were having a great weekend of touring and enjoying our surroundings, yet he kept reminding me that the best was yet to come. On our last morning in DC we walked to the Mansion in temperatures that must have reached 100 degrees. The Mansion served as a refreshing retreat as we were greeted by friendly faces and served a delicious brunch. After brunch we explored and ventured through secret doors and imaginative spaces. We picked our favorite rooms and learned of the Mansion's secrets. During our exploration of the Mansion my boyfriend came across a George Washington doll. As a George Washington University graduate, he not only has a special place in his heart for DC, but also for George Washington himself. He went back and forth about purchasing it, but ultimately we both left with different items. When we returned home I emailed the museum and had the doll shipped to Rhode Island. As hard as it was, I kept Mr. Washington a secret. On Christmas we exchanged gifts, and he was both surprised and delighted to see our first President in the gift box. It could not have been a better way to commemorate our first Christmas. The Mansion on O Street truly holds a special place in my heart. The magic and wonder of the Mansion itself are what made it the centerpiece of our trip to Washington. But the helpfulness, attentiveness, and caring of the staff are what helped to make it a centerpiece of our relationship. While I don't know when we'll have the opportunity to return to the O Mansion, I am confident that all of our return trips will be just as magical as our first. (click to enlarge)”

Shana Walsh on Dec 31, 2010 said:

“The Mansion on O Street was the first weekend away with my boyfriend, it was the first trip to our nation's capital, and it was our first Christmas together. Like the many monuments it is bordered by, the Mansion on O Street commemorates an event that has become important to me. I first learned of the Mansion in August 2009 during a weekend visit to DC. We were having a great weekend of touring and enjoying our surroundings, yet he kept reminding me that the best was yet to come. On our last morning in DC we walked to the Mansion in temperatures that must have reached 100 degrees. The Mansion served as a refreshing retreat as we were greeted by friendly faces and served a delicious brunch. After brunch we explored and ventured through secret doors and imaginative spaces. We picked our favorite rooms and learned of the Mansion's secrets. During our exploration of the Mansion my boyfriend came across a George Washington doll. As a George Washington University graduate, he not only has a special place in his heart for DC, but also for George Washington himself. He went back and forth about purchasing it, but ultimately we both left with different items. When we returned home I emailed the museum and had the doll shipped to Rhode Island. As hard as it was, I kept Mr. Washington a secret. On Christmas we exchanged gifts, and he was both surprised and delighted to see our first President in the gift box. It could not have been a better way to commemorate our first Christmas. The Mansion on O Street truly holds a special place in my heart. The magic and wonder of the Mansion itself are what made it the centerpiece of our trip to Washington. But the helpfulness, attentiveness, and caring of the staff are what helped to make it a centerpiece of our relationship. While I don't know when we'll have the opportunity to return to the O Mansion, I am confident that all of our return trips will be just as magical as our first. (click to enlarge)”

kevin and danica on Dec 31, 2010 said:

“What an absolute extravaganza at the Big 0!!! From the moment we entered and throughout our wonderful stay we felt as though we tripped and fell down a rabbit hole. The entire staff created an environment of wonderment from which we danced and giggled our way up and down, in and out with a few skips and jumps. A most majikal special place. So happy we stumbled into the Big 0!!! thank you So much, ~danica & kevin”

Anonymous on Dec 20, 2010 said:

“Fabulous!! will be back each time a new visitor comes to town. # of TV's should be a treasure hunt question.”

Frances de Wolff on Dec 19, 2010 said:

“My Favorite Christmas Gift Children grow up and leave the nest. They marry and start families of their own. After that, time accelerates for their parents. December pops up faster each year. This December finds me grappling with some especially challenging Christmas shopping. One particularly dear person on my list has me stymied. As I reflect on special Christmas gifts that I have received, one stands out above all the rest. Two years ago I was beginning to feel a little old for the first time. Both our daughters were grown and married. We had one grandson and another on the way. Life was good, but different now. In early December the girls announced that for our Christmas gift they wanted to take us to brunch at the O Street Mansion. My husband and I had never been there. A date and time were agreed on and the four of us set out together alone for the first time in years. We are blessed with terrific sons-in-law and awesome grandsons. We have great times together, but they are often busy making their own individual family memories. The Mansion at Christmas is a glorious place and we were soon caught up in the excitement of good cheer, excellent food and beautiful surroundings. The sisters talked and giggled more than they ate, just like they did as children. We reminisced and laughed at old family stories. Then we explored the mansion and admired the art and decorations. For a couple of hours that afternoon I was transported back in time to the days when the four of us went on adventures together. Our little girls were sharing an outing with their parents and showing them secret passages and fun. For a shining afternoon I was just the mother of those little girls again. It was magical. The most special gifts are inspired. They come from the heart. As I struggle to think of a special gift for my sister, I remember the special afternoon my daughters gave me and I'm getting an idea.”

Frances de Wolff on Dec 19, 2010 said:

“My Favorite Christmas Gift Children grow up and leave the nest. They marry and start families of their own. After that, time accelerates for their parents. December pops up faster each year. This December finds me grappling with some especially challenging Christmas shopping. One particularly dear person on my list has me stymied. As I reflect on special Christmas gifts that I have received, one stands out above all the rest. Two years ago I was beginning to feel a little old for the first time. Both our daughters were grown and married. We had one grandson and another on the way. Life was good, but different now. In early December the girls announced that for our Christmas gift they wanted to take us to brunch at the O Street Mansion. My husband and I had never been there. A date and time were agreed on and the four of us set out together alone for the first time in years. We are blessed with terrific sons-in-law and awesome grandsons. We have great times together, but they are often busy making their own individual family memories. The Mansion at Christmas is a glorious place and we were soon caught up in the excitement of good cheer, excellent food and beautiful surroundings. The sisters talked and giggled more than they ate, just like they did as children. We reminisced and laughed at old family stories. Then we explored the mansion and admired the art and decorations. For a couple of hours that afternoon I was transported back in time to the days when the four of us went on adventures together. Our little girls were sharing an outing with their parents and showing them secret passages and fun. For a shining afternoon I was just the mother of those little girls again. It was magical. The most special gifts are inspired. They come from the heart. As I struggle to think of a special gift for my sister, I remember the special afternoon my daughters gave me and I'm getting an idea.”

Amy Donahue on Dec 13, 2010 said:

“I really enjoyed my room and meeting all your house guests at breakfast, what a fun and amazing concept! Your Inn is second to none, the artwork, ambiance and aesthetics, make for an amazing experience, and I look forward to staying with you in the future.”

Karl Sanchack on Dec 13, 2010 said:

“Am a journalism major with an art history minor making ends meet like many another in a world of science. For many, many, moons, I have been a part of the universe of technology but I was recently a guest at a business event held at The Mansion. I was like a kid in the candy store with wide eyes and bright smiles. The world of science had intersected briefly with a world of art and style.... I cannot say for sure which of the many pieces of artwork, rock memorabilia or secret doors got my adrenaline flying the highest. I can say it was a truly memorable event. Imagine a charcoal grey, business-suited, 340 lb guy, hiking up and down the stairs and finding at least 10 of the secret doors in an hour-and-a-half. He breathlessly tells his VP about what he just found and marches off to his next adventure. The first act of this story ends when he manages to lock himself out on the balcony in December on one of the upper floors but the story will continue someday in a follow-up with friends and family. That is what I tell those same friends and family about the evening at The Mansion.”