O Museum In The Mansion Reviews

Intino, (Ms.) Kim on Apr 11, 2013 said:

“My friends and I had a wonderful time! The performers were so engaging and fun. We will be back! ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 10, 2013 said:

“I thought everyone was great. Very enthusiastic and very engaging with the entire audience. Very good at being raunchy but not tasteless. I thought the Q&A about living as a transgender and about impersonating a female was also really interesting. The host was much nicer than I would have been when asked very personal questions about her individual journey to where she is now. ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 10, 2013 said:

“I had the best time of my life. The back of my ears hurt so bad from laughing, smiling, singing and enjoying myself I will come back again and again. As I was called a double virgin so as a virgin this was the best 1st time experience ever! GREAT JOB and I love the mansion with awesome rooms and secret doors! You get a 10+ from me. ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 9, 2013 said:

“Can't tell you how much fun we had at the show; from the searching of the secret doors and rooms throughout the mansion, the friendly staff, great food, and most of all the fantastic show the girls put on! Everyone was super friendly and sweet to talk with after the show! Great night out! ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 9, 2013 said:

“The Drag Show was so much fun! It was lively, engaging, & very entertaining. Absolutely LOVED exploring the gorgeous mansion! ”

Meyer, (Ms.) Kathy on Apr 9, 2013 said:

“The O Mansion is such a fun place. The staff are all so welcoming and the Divas are phenomenal. This was my second time and I still haven't really explored the place to find the secret doors. Next time I'm wearing flats so I can roam the entire place. Kudos to to the chef because the salads were excellent and the desserts that I had were quite tasty. The eggplant was probably the best I have ever had ... would love to get the recipe. Thank you for a delightful evening. I will be back. ”

Suchocki Numerology Tour guest on Apr 6, 2013 said:

“It was a unique experience. I liked how we were able to tour and explore at our own pace. Finding the secret doors was fun, I can't wait to come back to find a few more! ”

De Freitas, (Mrs.) Colleen on Apr 5, 2013 said:

“My visit to the Mansion was another wonderful experience. My guests from the United Kingdom were charmed: the log cabin, the hidden doors, the wine cellar, etc., etc. We enjoyed the gastronomic experience, and for me the bread was simply the best.I look forward to return visits with my friends. ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 5, 2013 said:

“Tina turner and Reba were excellent! Very entertaining. Will be back for sure. ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 5, 2013 said:

“We had a GREAT time! Talk about entertainment. We recommend everybody should experience this at least once in their life time. We will definitely be going again. ”

Eastman, (Ms.) Kelsi on Apr 5, 2013 said:

“This was one of the best evenings I have had in a while!!!!!! We will DEFINATELY be back! :) ”

Showstoppers guest on Apr 5, 2013 said:

“The experience I had at the Mansion was AMAZING! Never seen anything like it. The rooms was different and very cultural. The entertainment was VERY entertaining. No, I didn't find a secret door, guess I have to come back and find at least one. ”

Martinson, (Mr.) John on Apr 4, 2013 said:

“Easter Brunch 2013 at The Mansion was outstanding! We are vegetarian and were very satisfied with the offering. The staff was professional without being stuffy. It felt like we were being served by family! Our kids (ages 10 and 12) had a ball on the treasure hunt and, admittedly, my wife and I too! Bravo!”

Bannister, (Dr.) Sharon on Apr 1, 2013 said:

“What a fun Easter! Next time we need to plan more time. My favorite secret door was in the kitchen...love the wine cellar room!”

Tony - Showstoppers Guest on Apr 1, 2013 said:

“The Mansion is so fun. Incredible food and staff. It is such a unique experience. I will absolutely go back, I am looking forward to exploring The Mansion and looking for secret doors.”

Banick, (Mr.) David on Apr 1, 2013 said:

“The tour of the Mansion on O Street was really fun and interesting...a great way to spend about an hour-and-a-half on a Saturday afternoon. The rooms are completely over-the-top in decor, kitsch, and tchotch. There are many secret doors to try to find that will take you from one room to the next (we found only about a third of them). The complimentary glass of champagne is a nice touch and you can purchase additional ones for $5 each, if you can find your way back to the bar!”

Lifshen, Michele on Mar 31, 2013 said:

“It was really fun to tour the house yesterday! We enjoyed sipping our champagne as we gamely searched for secret doors and admired the eclectic collections. The staff was so friendly and helpful and we also loved meeting and chatting with H. Looking forward to bringing our girls for Mother's Day tea! Thanks again for a really special experience! - Michele Lifshen and Christopher Odum”

Social Tour guest on Mar 30, 2013 said:

“This was so much fun, who knew there was a log cabin housed in a row house in the middle of D.C.? The one thing I would have liked was a map/floor plan, but I guess that'd give away some of the fun of finding the hidden passageways. My friend and I found several. I'd recommend the Mansion to anyone, especially those who have already seen the major tourist spots and want to spend their day doing something completely different.”

guest on Mar 28, 2013 said:

“I had a wonderful stay at the O Mansion. My room was lovely and the staff was wonderful and helpful!”

Tucker, (Ms.) Monique on Mar 23, 2013 said:

“The mansion was AMAZING!!! Over 100 rooms each with a very unique decor. Secret rooms hidden behind shelves, mirrors and portraits. Something to ooh and ahh about at every turn. The show was AWESOME!!! The entertainers really gave their all to please the audience. I would definitely go again.”

Social Tour guest on Mar 22, 2013 said:

“We LOVED our visit! The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and the mansion was fascinating. I can't believe I have lived in DC for over 20 years and this was my first visit! We were there for about 2 hours and could have easily stayed longer. My 2 nieces were completely focused on finding as many secret doors as possible. We enjoyed the champagne and the fact that we were free to roam the mansion at our own pace. There were many items I want to buy, so I plan to go back soon with my husband to decide on a couple of prints/paintings.”

Brunch guest on Mar 18, 2013 said:

“I was there on March 17th for a birthday brunch and the food was delicious! The staff truly has a personal touch that makes you feel very special. I ordered a special birthday key lime pie that was beautiful and tasted wonderful. I understand that the pastry chef is one of the top 10 in the country. I also ordered the 4 floor treasure hunt that is totally worth it! All four of us had fun trying to find the secret doors and other items on the list - the Mansion makes it's worth the search. Everything in the mansion is for sale so have fun trying to find that special something. Every room is different and many guest rooms that aren't booked are open so you can see the different themes in each room. We enjoyed it so much we are already planning a second visit.”

New Member on Mar 18, 2013 said:

“i enjoy the eclectic nature of the surroundings at the mansion on o st. i also like its philosophy. what particularly resonated with me was during the tour, the person told me "normal is not the way we doing things around here." i would like to become a member because i think music and art deserve a much more prominent place in all of our lives. and corporate complacency needs to become less of a part of our lives. i think to be truly successful, a person needs a balance of close family, strong friends, personal integrity, and a smidgen or more of quirkiness. plus an appreciation for good food and drink.”

Hotel Guest on Mar 18, 2013 said:

“Little Things that Mean a Lot My little man took a leap of faith in trusting me when I suggested a change of scenery might (always) be a good thing. He was locked into his world ... Rough scene for his early age over the past many years between his dad's struggles and Me leaving and his beloved cousin, dying ...amidst The Divorce and ... Wow... How does/can one so young and heartfelt deal ... And let's just add The Bullying to boot. But he anted up and said Yes to my request. Small Victories are The Hardest won, I think. And in this case The Most Important. He came to The Mansion with his fragile sense of self and yet he played along... Even though everything has been outside of his comfort zone for a good while now. And he won ....small victories but they all add up to So Much... He found secret doors he could open and found some seriously good people he could try to trust ... He came with me ...so fragilely...and now ...a few days later ...the bricks of self esteem are discernible ... I have had the incredible gift of Mansion Magic for a few years now ... If there is any one thing I want to hold onto in my life ... And to impart to my children... It's everything that you, H, have founded and that You and Ted further everyday ... The world you have created and maintain represents every ideal that is right and strong and true. Please share with Blake that he should know , what an incredible thing he just modeled for my son, just by being himself... And incredibly ... By having the generosity of spirit to just be cool with my kid. ... I could not ask for a better role model ... He has started to shine a bit again ... There is nothing more beautiful or precious to me than this ...he's got a bit of his spark back ... I am So Grateful <3”

Showstoppers guest on Mar 15, 2013 said:

“First time at the Mansion and we really enjoyed it! The Mansion was super interesting to walk around (try to find the secret doors) and look at all the stuff!The Showstoppers show was incredible! We had a great time! Definitely recommend!”

Social Tour guest on Mar 12, 2013 said:

“I didn't know what to expect. It was awesome! Everyone was so nice and friendly. I'm sure we missed some of the rooms. We only found a handful of the secret doors because we were too busy trying to look at everything! I would love to come back sometime for tea. What a great place!”

Tea guest on Mar 6, 2013 said:

“What a wonderful Sunday out with friends! We savored the tea and all of the delicious sweets, cheeses and fruit. Lots of creativity exhibited in each and every room. Thank you!”

La Cunza, Carmela on Mar 4, 2013 said:

“Amazing, unique and fun! My boyfriend and I had a wonderful experience. We found 5 secret doors, and we're planning to come back to find them all. Get comfortable shoes on, lots of walking to do (and stairwells) . The staff was friendly and helpful.”

Tea guest on Mar 4, 2013 said:

“My friend introduced me to tea at the Mansion, so I took her there as a last girls' outing before she moves to CA. We had a wonderful time - we enjoyed the dessert tea (loved the coco truffle tea!) and then walked around the mansion afterwards. The service was friendly and efficient, the buffet had some lovely cakes and fresh fruit, and they even brought around a delicious gluten-free mousse cake for my gluten-intolerant friend. All in all, it was a really nice afternoon and I plan on bringing other friends to the Mansion. Thank you for a giving us a really nice way to celebrate our friendship!”

Social Tour guest on Mar 3, 2013 said:

“We loved it! We loved having free range to the mansion. Our favorite room was the wine cellar. We would love to come back and discover more secret passages! I think we only found six and we've been told that there are 60+ secret rooms/passages!”

Harris, (Mrs.) Lori on Mar 1, 2013 said:

“My husband and I had a great time at the Mansion. Loved wondering around and finding all the secret places! The staff is amazing and the service was wonderful. The Mansion on O is our new favorite place!!”

Cheston, (Ms.) Michelle on Feb 28, 2013 said:

“We went for the drag show and LOVED it! It was a LOT of fun, and we are no strangers to the drag experience. We also arrived early to tour the mansion and hunt for the secret passageways. We were impressed with ourselves when we located six of these doors, but got a bit deflated later when we learned there were more than 30 of them to discover. This only means we will have to come back! Highlights: The log cabin suite is crazy cool, and we almost didn't want to leave the cozy wine cellar. Thanks for a fun-filled Monday night!”

Social Tour guest on Feb 28, 2013 said:

“Took the self-guided champagne tour. Fascinating place - so much to see - will do it again!”

Moore, Deborah on Feb 22, 2013 said:

“I had a blast ! Everything about the mansion and tour was fascinating and beautiful. I haven't enjoyed something this much in a long time. A true treat that I recommend highly. I will be back!”

Nelson, (Mrs.) Liz Nelson on Feb 18, 2013 said:

“Dear H & Ted, Thank you again for such a wonderful experience .Tom & I enjoyed our Valentines sit down dinner.Your staff was friendly & attentive and made us feel like family.The menu was delectable..,the caviar bar was a exotic starter.....A favorite was the ahi tuna with the creamy braised leeks,....and of course we loved sharing the His & Hers Surf & turf with fingerling potato's ,& asparagus. Our meal was savory & sumptuous but that was just our meal. We love the Mansion,and yes it is magical.You certainly do feel like it is a magical mystery tour...The rooms are filled with eclectic,exotic pieces, such as Art, vintage decor, contemporary decor, Vintage hats of a bygone time,Jewelry, Pewter collections, Movie memorabilia, signed guitars and instruments by famous friends of the mansion....All donated to maintain this gem & to enable a arts in residence program.This wonderful, magical mansion is a museum,a luxury hotel, it has wine cellar with a ancient renaissance flair,a complete log cabin abode within its walls.....And John & Yoko stayed there,as well as many more famous friends,presidents & dignitaries.This is a home of 100 rooms with 32 secret doors that we did not even discover because of the many hours of treasure's we were immersed in. The Mansion On O is our little bit of heaven & we know we will be back again & again & again. Thanks H, Ted & staff for the memories & we hope you were happy with our donations.We will bring more the next time we visit. We know each experience will be unique & heavenly. Fondly, Liz & Tom Nelson”

Social Tour guest on Feb 18, 2013 said:

“What an amazing place, would love to stay for a night or two. Very good experience. We found 11 secret doors. What fun we had just meandering through all the rooms, and seeing the eclectic mix of everything.”

Social Tour guest on Feb 16, 2013 said:

“I need to visit again to find more of the secret doors :)”

SRO: Constanten guest on Feb 12, 2013 said:

“We had a very nice time at O Street Mansion Sunday, Feb 10. We enjoyed the treasure hunt because it "forced" us to wander the many, many rooms and floors, and we especially enjoyed the concert with Tom Constanten, John Kadlecik and Djesben. All the staff we encountered were gracious and helpful, and were rather tolerant of the type of event that night. Very nice! I'd love to do it again! ”

Breakfast guest on Feb 4, 2013 said:

“We loved it! The food, the service, and the treasure hunt!!! We also got the music treat, which was great! We look forward to another visit soon!”

Social Tour guest on Jan 31, 2013 said:

“My mom and I had a blast exploring the mansion! She found a couple items she simply had to purchase, and I loved getting lost in the secret passageways and hidden rooms. What a fun experience!”

Olsen, Donna on Jan 28, 2013 said:

“The food was fantastic (and very plentiful!) service was top-notch and your staff was warm and welcoming. I'd recommend attending a breakfast here to anyone.I did the treasure hunt and it was a total blast. I don't live in DC, but when I return I will definitely do another event here.Thanks so much for the wonderful time.”

Social Tour guest on Jan 23, 2013 said:

“We were looking for a little something different for date-night, and took a chance on The Mansion at O. We went from never having heard of the Mansion, to spreading the word of how amazing our experience was to all of our family and friends! We thoroughly enjoyed touring the Mansion and browsing through all of the collectibles and histories that fill it's many rooms and passages. We can't wait to come back and count secret doors next time - we had too much fun to pay attention this time around!”

LaVerne Palmer on Jan 15, 2013 said:

“I want to thank you again for hosting our group's Christmas dinner party. It was wonderful! The Mansion is quite enchanting and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves exploring the many rooms and secret doors until our delicious dinner was served. It was so much fun trying on hats and taking pictures in the very special vignettes. Our dinner was a wonderful upgrade from our original selection to sea bass, scallops and beef tenderloin. It was a delightful menu selection that we were told the chef created for our party. Quite a nice surprise! Because I live in Chicago, I took advantage a few days later and brought my family and their friends along for the adventure. What a pleasure the concert was! I will remember the Mansion in the future if I ever have an opportunity to host a party in (but not really in) Washington, DC. ”

Salazar, Oxana on Jan 14, 2013 said:

“The staff was really nice, friendly and helpful. It's great that the public can visit such a unique interesting space. The secret doors were the highlight of course.”

Flowers, (Mrs.) Vivian on Jan 14, 2013 said:

“I loved the tour , everything was absolutely awesome. I am a book lover, I was so surprised to see so many books, I was even more surprised to find out they could be purchased. I brought a few, next time I will buy more, and oh yes I will come back again.”

The Heritage Foundation guest on Jan 9, 2013 said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to have our event at the Mansion on O Street. Every single staff member was friendly and helpful, and they made our event go smoothly. It was also a real treat to meet H and have her start our treasure hunt for us. The Mansion itself is amazing and I could spend hours in there exploring (and I plan on coming back to do so!). Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. Everything from start to finish was great. Our team has a dinner every year and this was the best year yet thanks to everyone at the Mansion! In summary: delicious food, friendly staff, wonderful environment.Thank you!”

Lion, Annie on Jan 8, 2013 said:

“We were blown away with this wondrous place! No improvements needed. We were so awestruck we never did the treasure hunt. Will go back ASAP.Thanks for stretching my mind! ”

Rosehart, (Ms.) Angela on Jan 7, 2013 said:

“My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Mansion, on the Champagne Self-Guided Tour. We felt like we were in the movie Clue, with all the secret doors! We had such a great time and would love to go again! ”

K. Carnes on Jan 7, 2013 said:

“We had THE BEST time on Friday night! Your staff were all so helpful and friendly! Tony took really good care of our room and Leslie gave a tour to some of the guests who lauded it as the highlight of their night. Thanks so much for all you and your staff did to make the night special...it was really a birthday to remember!”

Social Tour guest on Jan 7, 2013 said:

“Wonderful time! Grew up and lived in the DC area for 23 years and never knew of the Mansion until I moved away and came back as a tourist! Have already started telling all of my friends and family about this cool place.”

Elena - Wedding Guest on Jan 2, 2013 said:

“Thank You for a wonderful evening that you helped us organize to celebrate our marriage! It was truly a beautiful and memorable event and we and our guests enjoyed it very much. I received many comments how great the menu and the food were and how unique the Mansion was. Several guests said that it was the most beautiful wedding they have ever been to! And we have you to thank for it!”

Ricci, (Mrs.) Maryjo - Dessert Tea Guest on Dec 27, 2012 said:

“Everyone had a wonderful time. We all enjoyed the cakes and cheeses, and the decor was wonderful. The tour of the house was fantastic.Thank you for a memorable day.”

Dec Tea guest on Dec 26, 2012 said:

“The tea at O Mansion was a wedding gift to us -- such a unique idea! It was a grey, chilly afternoon, and the Mansion was the perfect place to have tea and experience the delights of the maze of rooms. The cakes were lovely -- yummy tiramisu.”

Sunday Lunch Guest on Dec 24, 2012 said:

“What a fun place! And what a fine time. Loved all the decorations, the items for sale, the artwork, and the food. The lamb was especially good. It was such fun just to walk through the mansion and try to take in as much as possible. It will take several more visits to feel as though I've done the place justice. Loved the embellished guitars. What wonderful works of art. The Mansion on O Street is a well-kept secret, but now I've told several friends about it, and I look forward to returning.”

Dec Sunday Lunch guest on Dec 24, 2012 said:

“What a fun place! And what a fine time. Loved all the decorations, the items for sale, the artwork, and the food. The lamb was especially good. It was such fun just to walk through the mansion and try to take in as much as possible. It will take several more visits to feel as though I've done the place justice. Loved the embellished guitars. What wonderful works of art.The Mansion on O Street is a well-kept secret, but now I've told several friends about it, and I look forward to returning.”

Kathy Millier - Sunday Brunch Guest on Dec 24, 2012 said:

“My friend and I went to brunch at the Mansion on O street today. It was fabulous. The food was magnificent with offerings such as beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, roasted leg of lamb, sea bass and made-to-order omelets and all the sides you could want. The service was attentive refilling glasses and clearing plates just in time all the time. Beyond the amazing food, the wonderful environment and the fascinating self guided tour of this fascinating mansion was out of this world. This is a "must" outing in Washington, DC.”

Marriott, (Ms.) Tamara on Dec 22, 2012 said:

“The mansion was more then what I expected. There are so many rooms to explore. A lot of rooms had guests so didn't get a chance to explore all the rooms. I think I only found 5 secret doors so there is still so much more to return for. My favorite room was the wine cellar. I sat in there for about 30 minutes thinking of all the great parties that could be had in there.”

Melissa - National Multi Housing Council Private Party on Dec 21, 2012 said:

“Our event was a great success and exceeded all of our expectations. The food was amazing (everyone loved the chateaubriand in particular), the staff so nice and it was the perfect atmosphere. Our guests had a great time touring the mansion! Everyone enjoyed the party. Thank you for your help coordinating!”

Zemphria Baskin - December Tea Guest on Dec 18, 2012 said:

“Enjoyable experience, Dessert Tea for six (3 mothers and 3 daughters). A unique adventure exploring the mansion after an impressive dessert buffet with incredibile pastries, cheeses & fruit. We never did find all the secret doors! Would recommend it for any special occasion.”

Williams, (Mr.) David on Nov 27, 2012 said:

“We had a great time. The food was wonderful and the treasure hunt was a blast for my girls, my husband and me. The buffet room was a little crowded but I guess that is the price you pay for having 50 (or something like that) dessert options.”

guest on Nov 19, 2012 said:

“The mansion is gorgeous..my room was extremely clean and had some amazing memories..the books are an added bonus of intelligence that is seen throughout the whole mansion. My room was behind a mirror and hidden..the amnesia room is filled with guitars signed by rock stars, and the whole house has something for everybody. Their sunday brunch is wonderfully done and will return for that indefinetly! ”

Bebee Treasure Hunt Tour guest on Nov 19, 2012 said:

“The treasure hunt was amazingly fun.”

Holly H. - Bride To Be on Nov 15, 2012 said:

“It does my heart good to read what you've written about your own vision and mandate- and these words rang equally true when we met H and T at the Mansion last saturday. When I think about where life will take me, I know that it must be to places where I can help others in some way- where I can repay the debt of gratitude I feel toward the many kind souls who helped me make it through the tough times. My fiance, Michael and I SO want to make it official by getting married at the O Street Mansion, having a ridiculously wonderful time celebrating our love and the people we think are fabulous in our lives, and then hiding away together behind a secret door :)”

guest on Nov 12, 2012 said:

“Really enjoyed our stay and loved exploring the house, checking out all of the different rooms, decor, music, hidden doors, guitars, and other fun and unique furnishings. We were in the mood for something different from the usual hotels and this certainly fit the bill. Thanks!”

Anderson Self-Guided Tour guest on Nov 2, 2012 said:

“It was so much fun! I went with my boyfriend and we found about 10 doors. I do think it's a little lame that there are some doors that are secret, but that you can't go through.Thanks again for the fun, i'm sure we'll be back.”

Tea guest on Oct 26, 2012 said:

“The desserts were abundant and absolutely divine. The tea was fantastic as well and the atmosphere felt like something out of Alice in Wonderland. The log cabin room was very cool and my friend and I also enjoyed the pool table room. We had fun playing tunes on the jukebox. Definitely a great place for a special occasion and the house was so much fun to explore. ”

Tea guest on Oct 23, 2012 said:

“The desserts were abundant and absolutely divine. The tea was fantastic as well and the atmosphere felt like something out of Alice in Wonderland. The log cabin room was very cool and my friend and I also enjoyed the pool table room. We had fun playing tunes on the jukebox. Definitely a great place for a special occasion and the house was so much fun to explore. ”

Dr. Freddie Cross - Showstoppers Show on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“The entire experience was fabulous! We went on the treasure hunt and I'm glad we did. It encouraged us to focus more than we otherwise would have on all the oddiies that are in the house. We only found abound three or four of the secret doors but we did rather well on finding the treasure hunt items. The guest rooms were amazing especially the bathrooms. I'm going to come back and stay one night and do the treasure hunt again so I can find the elusive items we missed! The drag show was beyond my expectations. I had never been to one and will definitely go another. The staff was top notch. Everyone was intent on making sure the guests had a great time. I'm sorry the evening ended and I can't wait to go back.”

Treasure Hunt Tour Guest on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“Loved doing the treasure hunt .. very different hotel. the tour was a great gift for my sister who is very familiar with DC ..but had never been here.”

Fields Family and Dr. Ahern - Sunday Breakfast on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“The secret rooms were grand ,the fruit,waffles and omelets exceptionsl.Great to see the guitar signed by Janis Joplin and the John Lennon suite.A must see for Sunday breakfast”

Sugar Tour Guest on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“We had a great time! The treats were lovely and it was a blast getting lost in the mansion and finding the secret doors. There were so many interesting things to see. Just a unique experience - something fun and new to do.”

O'Kids Playdate on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“Our visit was lots of fun. We didn't plan to allow enough time so we want to come back to keep looking for the secret doors. It was a very unique experience!”

Self-Guided Tour Guest on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“Thoroughly enjoyed it as did the boys, ages 8 and 11. Not sure we found all the secret doors but they sure had fun trying!”

Laura Chapman — Illusions Guest on Sep 14, 2012 said:

“I had a great time and will most definitely return for a show, tour and shopping. Tina Turner rocked the mansion!!”

O'Kids Playdate Guest on Aug 29, 2012 said:

“We came as a family, and our 6 and 8 year olds loved everything the mansion had to offer. We did the treasure hunt after searching for secret passageways, and they even had fun going back through the same rooms to find cool items they hadn't noticed before (as did my husband and I). The employees were so very sweet and extremely curteous. They seemed as excited to tell us about it as we were to learn! And our favorite part about the mansion was the lack of traffic. Many locals know the dreadful tourist season, known as summer, when all the other DC museums are packed full to the brim with people. While we ran into a few people at the O Museum, it was never crowded and were able to say hi and share secret passageways info with passerbys and didn't feel overwhelmed. I told all my friends with older children that if you want something to do during the summer months without the overload of people, this is the place. Not only do the kids learns something new, but it is so much fun for them to think outside the box while trying to find passageways! And again, the parents will love it at the same time, and for different reasons, like seeing all the musicians that have stayed there, by reading the multiple signed guitars, that it's an all around win win!”

Jill Price — O'Kids Playdate on Aug 29, 2012 said:

“My 8 year old son had a great time hunting for hidden doors and hidden treasures! He can not wait to go back and look for secret doors! Thank you for such a great experience!”

O'Kids Playdate Guest on Aug 21, 2012 said:

“Visiting the mansion was truly a unique experience. There is so much to see and explore. The architecture, furnishings and fittings are fascinating, and the bathrooms are by turn whimsical, luxurious, or inventive. The two children (11 and 12 years old) loved looking for the hidden doors, and they found about 6! We all felt we were lost several times and were never sure we saw every room. It was so much fun, and we were frequently calling to others to "come see this." However, the old (grandparents) legs had enough after the first exploration. We all enjoyed the delicious cookies, but didn't have the energy to go through the mansions again to complete the treasure hunt.”

O'Kids Playdate on Aug 21, 2012 said:

“Awesome place to visit and even more fun to stay. It's like being inside a video game trying to find the secret way through the passages.”

Lloyd W. McChesney — Sunday Breakfast on Aug 21, 2012 said:

“I love the mansion. Ted and H always make us feel like it's our home away from home. For a few of our guests it was their first visit but it won't be the last. The O Mansion is the best kept secret in Washington, D.C. Thanks for all you do!”

Barbara Wallace - Self Guided Tour on Aug 21, 2012 said:

“Always intriguing! I think we found at least 11 of the secret doors. We has lots of fun looking at the eclectic decorations and other items, trying on hats, and even bought a few things to take home with us. What a fun adventure!”

Museum Guest — Sugar Tour on Aug 14, 2012 said:

“At first i was worried walking up to a brownstone in dupont, i thought this "mansion" tour was a bit embellished. However, you learn that they have many brownstones which are interconnected. I thought my self-guided tour was a lot of fun. i did wonder how many secret doors were hiding in rooms that guests were staying in as I didn't keep count of those that my party found. my favorite part was the wine cellar :)”

Gloria Canter — Sugar Tour on Aug 14, 2012 said:

“I have been there several times but this time I took a friend that had never been there. They loved it, but we missed going into the kitchen to find another secret.”

Tereza Jenkins — Showstoppers Drag Show on Aug 14, 2012 said:

“The all you can eat salad bar was awesome, not super big but the food was very tasty and filling! The salad bar layout was very classy and appealing. Loved the egg plant with the sweet sauce! The mansion was very nice, we didn't get to see all of it, and only found 2 of the 60 + secret doors, more reason to return! The drag show was very entertaining, the boys put on quite a show. The only down side and I hope the only time it happens is that the show was 40 minutes late in starting. The valet parking was excellent and fast, no waiting! P.S. love the hats! Kudos to all, job well done!”

Tour Guest — O'Kids Playdate on Aug 14, 2012 said:

“hello! I brought my nephew and niece (ages 9 and 5) for a fun adventure that was something different, and that's exactly what we got!! we all had a great time with the Treasure hunt! There are so many details to absorb throughout the mansion. We found only couple doors on our own, and a few with a little assistance. I would like to come back without the kids sometime to really search for more doors!!! thank you!”

Showstoppers Drag Show Guest on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“Loved the show. loved the self-guided tour. Got lost a couple of times, but found my way. My friend and I joind some other guests and had an absolute blast. I never had so much fun! The salad bar and the desrt bars are fantastic, even though at the end I couldn't eat a single piece of that scrumptious desert...well, we got all nicely hammered - reasonably :) and had so much fun molesting all your drag queens they had to restrain some of us :)”

Self-Guided Tour Guest on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“The O Street Mansion was a really fun, interesting and unique experience. After doing all of the museums and tourist attractions in the city, my friends and I were looking for something different to do. We did the self guided tour of the mansion and explored on our own. The people at the Mansion were friendly and the atmosphere was exciting and mysterious. I got to feel like Nancy Drew, searching through an old mansion, looking for secret rooms and hidden trap doors. I had a really great time and my friend and I plan on coming back. We want to find all of those secret rooms!As for the mansion being dirty, I didn't see it that way. There was stuff everywhere, sure, but that made it a more unique experience. If it was just like any old mansion then there would be no attraction. All in all, if you are looking for something really REALLY different to do, try the O Street Mansion.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“I loved exploring the mansion at my leisure. It was so much fun discovering the secret doors and all the little treasures. The rooms were incredible!! The themes were beautifully done, and it was amazing to walk into such unique spaces at every turn.”

Treasure Hunt Tour on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“My boyfriend and I had a great time at the O Mansion! We had no idea what to expect so went in with an open mind. We had a reservation for a treasure hunt tour and had a blast looking for the items and searching for hidden doors. We will definitely return and will recommend to friends and family.”

Sugar Tour Guest on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“Our family had a wonderful time touring the mansion. We really appreciated the unique items on display and it was great that it was kid friendly as well. We definitely think it is one of Washington's best kept secrets.”

Treasure Hunt Tour on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“We had a wonderful time! What a unique experience...really enjoyed searching for the secret doors. You have an amazing collection.”

Hector — Long Term Hotel Guest on Jul 16, 2012 said:

“Thank you and your wife again for the friendly hospitality and helping me and my family in this time of transition in our lives. We truly enjoyed our stay at the Mansion and all it had to offer! We will definitely come back and visit the Mansion many times whether for brunch or a show!”

Sylvia Vriesendorp — Hotel Guest on Jun 19, 2012 said:

“Wonderful relaxed place. the scavenger hunt was an amazing experience. I love you leaving the unoccupied rooms open for exploration and, although I didn't get to taste it (would anyone dare?) your chocolate Capitol. the food was also fabulous. It was a great setting for a team retreat.”

Dennis Freezer — Champagne Tour Guest on Jun 19, 2012 said:

“Touring the Mansion is a fascinating experience. I ended up buying one book I found during our search for hidden doors etc., but my wife and I found five hidden doors and thoroughly enjoyed the hunt and the fascinating objects we found throughout the tour.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Jun 19, 2012 said:

“Love the secret doors!”

Mary Meyer — Docent Led Champagne Tour Guest on Jun 19, 2012 said:

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and find the museum an amazing place! Our tour was unique, fun and totally entertaining. I've already mentioned coming back to my daughter, daughter-in-law, friend and my wonderful granddaughter to enjoy tea.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Jun 5, 2012 said:

“We had a fantastic time and are already planning when to come back for brunch and high tea. The hats were wonderful, but we need to find more secret doors...we only found four! LOL”

Secret Door &amp; Sugar Tour Guest on Jun 5, 2012 said:

“What a wonderful and delightful time we had yesterday afternoon! My boys (ages 11 & 13) were thrilled at even the thought of finding secret doors and compartments (they found 10!) and are already asking when we can go back to look for more! We spent hours of quality time as a family looking for doors and we are already planning our return trip!”

Brujita Murillo-Valdez — Treasure Hunt Tour Guest on Jun 5, 2012 said:

“My daughter wishes she had more time for the treasure hunt.”

Mr. John Hatfield — Illusions Show on Jun 5, 2012 said:

“We had a really incredible time. The show was great, and I think I'm still is awe of the 100 or so rooms (no, I don't think I saw all of them). The secret doors and passageways were fun to find (no, I didn't find all of them). We'll be back, with friends, on the last Monday of the month! :) A really enjoyable evening! Thank you!”

Sue Brown — Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“It could not have been better. It is a fun house for adults. esp. loved searching for secret doors.”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“The staff were all very helpful and friendly! The mansion was a lot of fun to explore..both looking for secret passageways and admiring the unique rooms and memorabilia! Champagne is always fun too! I forgot to ask if cabinet-type openings count too if they're hidden, or just big door-type passageways?”

Self-Guided Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“We need to come again! We only found a few secret doors!”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“I took my mom on a self-guided tour as part of her Mother's Day celebration. We had such an amazing time! The mansion was simply beautiful and out of the 66 doors, I think we only found about 25. We are planning to take the guided tour next time to make sure we are able to see all of the hidden treasures. See you soon!”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“love the secret doors and self-tour.”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“I surprised my sister with the Champagne Tour offered on Living Social and she absolutely loved it! We both did! And....better than average champagne! She is planning on returning in the near future with some out-of-town guests. A reallly fun time!”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“I loved the tour - I wish we had a map”

Kay O'Brien — Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“My husband and I had a fabulous time at the mansion. We loved the friendly feeling we got upon entering this special place. One could spend hours just wandering and taking it all in. The rooms are all so beautiful with such an eclectic collection of furniture, china, paintings, chandeliers and signed guitars! We were lucky enough to enter a secret doorway and be able to listen in on some of the musicians playing one of my favorite songs! It added an extra piece of enjoyment to our already special visit. We will be sure to return soon!”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“We had such a great time on our Champagne Tour! There was not nearly enough time to see every nook and cranny ... let alone the secret doors! We only found about 5 or so before we gave up (this time around!). We can't WAIT to come back and tell all of our friends and family about this hidden treasure in DC!”

Courtney Alford — Illusions Guest on May 28, 2012 said:

“Wandering through the Mansion for the first time was absolutely magical! After searching for secret doors, exploring, and giving into my childlike curiosity, I realized I'd already found the most important secret door of them all, the front door. I thank you for letting me into your Wonderland. Sincerely, Alice”

Laura Hall on May 28, 2012 said:

“What a great alternative to the usual DC museums. Great fun exploring the rooms. It would have been kind of nice to have a few clues about the secret doors as some really didn't lead anywhere but it was still fun. Prices on things for sale were generally very reasonable. Having some sort of bags or even some newspaper and grocery bags would be helpful for people since a lot of what is for sale is breakable. I probably wouldn't buy anything in there if I hadn't had a vehicle with me with something to wrap my item in, so if you want to encourage sales you should make it more accessible. Other than than it was great fun.”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 15, 2012 said:

“We had a wonderful time. The staff was extremely friendly, and the mansion itself is amazing. Didn't find more than 8 secret passages, but the place is full of amazing and amusing paraphernalia. The rooms were very tastefully decorated and the bathrooms were awesome! Our two hours passed real quickly.”

Linda Murphy, Champagne Tour Guest on May 15, 2012 said:

“We thoroughly enjoyed our champagne and tour of the mansion. The chandeliers were amazing. Each bedroom had it's own personality. The bathrooms were beautiful and unusual. There was so much to see in the mansion. We enjoyed trying on all the hats. We had a lot of fun exploring the mansion with its many secret doors.”

Jim Ryan — Happy Hours on May 10, 2012 said:

“Blown away by the turn out on a Monday for the Drag show, wish I could have stayed to see the performances! As usual my VIP's from Las Vegas were enchanted with touring the mansion”

Maggie Bibb — Medmarc Insurance Group Corporate Event on May 10, 2012 said:

“Medmarc Insurance Group recently held an event at the Mansion which included cocktails, cheese/crackers, desserts and the treasure hunt "Above & Beyond". The desserts were well presented, lovely to look at and absolutely scrumptious. Everyone loved the Mansion and what it had to offer. In fact some people requested more info from me because they plan to take friends and/or family to the Mansion. What a big hit. The staff on duty that evening were very engaging and very customer oriented. They made our visit to the Mansion even more pleasureable. They were the GREATEST!!! The contact that I worked with to schedule the event was Katherine Johnson. Katherine was a pleasure to work with and met my every need in planning the event. Big Kudos to her. Thanks for making our event a truly unforgettable experience.”

Cicero Fain - Champagne Tour on May 10, 2012 said:

“A thoroughly enjoyable time! Wonderful kitsch, memorabilia, photographs, rooms, and art. We enthusiastically shared our experiences with friends that day and will definitely spread the word far and wide. And, will certainly buy gift certificates in the not too distant future. One suggestion: we would've liked a map or list upon completion of the tour to see which hidden doors we had missed!”

Self-Guided Tour Guest on May 10, 2012 said:

“The museum is a refreshing break from typical stuffy DC tourist experiences, and a nice break from the world for that matter!”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 10, 2012 said:

“I attended the self-guided champagne tour and loved it! Definitely a unique experience that I'd recommend to friends should another groupon/living social deal come along.”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 10, 2012 said:

“We had great fun this morning. We received the tour as a Christmas present. We would recommend it to anybody!”

Easter Tea Guest on May 10, 2012 said:

“Second time. This was a blast, with both an Easter/Alice in Wonderland theme...perfectly adding to the whimsy of the scavenger experience...secret doors, lurking "characters", rabbit holes, OH MY! Brought a friend for her birthday. She was overwhelmed with enchantment. Scrumptous confectionaries and great staff, too! Thank you.”

Champagne Tour Guest on May 4, 2012 said:

“The Mansion on O Street was an experience unlike any other I've had. A feast for the senses. My friends and I all enjoyed the tour. I recommend anyone see it at least once.”

Sugar Tour Guest on Apr 29, 2012 said:

“We had a great time! The kids (10 & 12yrs old) had a wonderful time exploring and looking for secret doors. It was a perfect environment to get the imagination running wild. The staff was very helpful and accomodating. The only suggestion I could make would be to have healthier snacks in addition to the candy. Thanks for a great time.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Apr 25, 2012 said:

“Great place for a unique and fun experience. Highly recommended, do the tour or for that matter try a hotel stay. All kinds of unique things to see and explore and in a great area.”

Rose &amp; Dan Lash on Apr 25, 2012 said:

“To Steve, our tour guide, and Ted. our sponsor, we cannot put into words our experience of such wonderment and total enjoyment! We could easily do promo work for you. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon!”

Richard Miller — Self-Guided Tour on Apr 24, 2012 said:

“A really neat and interesting tour. So much to see we will have to go back. Personel were very friendly & helpful also.”

Toni Jette — Champagne Tour on Apr 23, 2012 said:

“I had never heard of O Mansion and had not looked it up before going on the tour with a Livingsocial voucher and was very pleasantly surprised!! Four of us went and had a great time looking through doorways, rooms, and looking for secret doors. What interesting items and collections to see and wonder why and how they got there. We did find 4 secret doors and think we missed some. We are not actually sure we saw the whole place! But had fun. The lady that met us and poured our glass of champagne was very pleasant and informative about the mansion.”

Champagne Tour Guest on Apr 15, 2012 said:

“Loved trying to find all the secret doors- although the signs saying "this is a secret door" kind of gave some of them away...Also enjoyed that everything in the mansion was for sale. I would definitely recommend the O Mansion to friends and visiting family.”

Sugar Tour Guest on Apr 13, 2012 said:

“The sugar tour at the Mansion on O was a crazy and wonderful time. We were lucky and found about 10 hidden doors. For people who like sleek, modern, sparse houses, this place may be a bit overwhelming, but it's also like sneaking around your rich, eccentric antiques collecting aunt's house. The neighborhood around the Mansion is beautiful and there are lots of great little eating spots just a street or two over. We had a wonderful time and have already suggested it to our friends who live in DC.”

Tour Guest on Apr 9, 2012 said:

“What a great experience. Thank you for sharing an adventure with us. I will definitely be back for more secret passages and a great atmosphere.”

Sara Brown on Apr 9, 2012 said:

“interesting concept... I think a map with all the secret doors marked would be a great addition to the self-guided tour. I'm not even sure how much of the museum we never saw as we never knew what the layout was. Also, if there was an option for an audio guided tour, I missed that.”

Karen Carrabba on Apr 9, 2012 said:

“We went to the Monday Happy Hour for our anniversary. What a memorable experience! The staff at the O were attentive and helpful yet unobtrusive . The hostess took pictures of us and even picked out several unique handcrafted hats for me to pose in! We plan on going back to search for more secret doors when family comes to visit next week and we are looking into spending a night in one the theme rooms.”

Michelle Birkenstock on Apr 9, 2012 said:

“I could only find 5 secret doors, and two were given to us by the mansion...for the rest of the day, I have been thinking all doors, bookshelves and walls might lead to a secret room. I'm obsessed with find the doors, and am definitely coming back to try and find some more! Love the entire house, and all the kitchy stuff. Now I want to experience everything, brunch, tea, and even sleeping over! Can't believe I grew up in the NOVA area and never heard of the O Mansion! Will definitely bring friends and family and come back to visit!”

Mansion Member on Mar 29, 2012 said:

“I am a legal recruiter at a local law firm and have spent the last 4 1/2 years living in DC. I grew up in Florida and when I moved here is spent the firm few months roaming the city for the next big adventure. But I didn??t discover the Mansion until about a month ago while looking for event space and let me say from the moment I entered the row house I was in awe. I felt like a child as I was given a tour the space discovering new and exciting things. I spend 8 hours a day in an office where my job is to find new ways to recruit students to our firm and to help find a work, life balance with our current employees. That day I walked into the Mansion, my heart smiled because first I was surprised that I didn't know about this hidden treasure, just a few blocks from my office, with its secret passages, themed rooms and décor for sale, and second I felt at ease. It was a weird combination because I was so excited to see the next room but also wanted to take in the room I was currently standing in with its trinkets, books, portraits, guitars and more. I was overwhelmed in a good way! Last summer I planned the first artistic event the firm has done and a group went to a local art studio and painted portraits of the national mall, and for a person who has little to no artistic ability my canvas hangs proudly in my office. The feedback from that event was overwhelming; those who attended were so excited for a new outlet other than the mundane cocktail parties and socials. Also, people weren??t criticizing paintings but instead were giving complaints and tips to those not confident in their work, not the typical feedback in a work environment. A few weeks later we did a cupcake decorating class and the skeptics who attended reported after that there domestic and creative sides really shined thru with mixing flavors and colors and the best part was they could eat their goodies. These two events reminded us that it??s not all about working hard, it??s also about enjoying working together, giving advice outside of the office and remember there is more to thi! s life than the 9 to 5. Being a member of the Mansion would expand upon the types of events and outlets that I could plan to make our firm more fun, relaxed and creative. It would give us the opportunity step out of the box and explore a different side of ourselves, whether thru a planned event, lunch or a much needed mental break from the rigors of the corporate world. Our events help refocus what all this is really about, building a collegial environment that transcends the halls of the office and into our lives.”

Ester Turner on Mar 27, 2012 said:

“What an interesting tour! This mansion is so eclectic and fun with twists and turns. They have no shame in selling everything that you see in a room. While it was fun to venture on our own, it would have been nice if someone was taking you on a tour...at least to lead you to a central location on each floor, let you explore on your own and then regroup for questions & more of a history of that part of the house. A must see place in DC.”

Tour Guest on Mar 25, 2012 said:

“We did the self-guided tour and loved this crazy, quirky house! We were thrilled to have found 12 on our hour-plus wanderings. It was perfect for our mixed-age group of pre-teens, teens and adults - so much to see! For long-time DC residents, it's amazing we never knew about it, but we'll be telling everyone to come visit now!”

Lauren Armstrong on Mar 19, 2012 said:

“We really enjoyed wandering through the various rooms, searching for the secret doors and experiencing the different aspects of the Mansion. The staff members we met couldn't have been more helpful or pleasant. Thanks for a really wonderful afternoon!”

Janet Rodriguez on Mar 19, 2012 said:

“My middle school son and I are going through a stage where it is difficult for us to find things to do together that we both truly enjoy. We both had an absolute blast exploring your beautiful mansion and delighting in all the treasures and secret doors! Thanks so much for a wonderful afternoon. We will be back and hopefully spend the night!”

Katie Kiraly on Mar 15, 2012 said:

“My boyfriend and I came for his 21st birthday, and we had a fantastic time! We found 5 (count 'em, FIVE!) secret doors and were very proud of ourselves. We hope someday to come back as hotel guests!”

Nuyiri Kasbarian on Mar 12, 2012 said:

“Of all the activities and events that my friends and I have attended. WE LOVED the Illusions show at the mansion on the O, THE BEST! Not only was the show FABULOUS, but the mansion itself was so much fun. You are free to roam and explore all of the rooms and everything is for sale. You can play and dress up in the props as you please and there are secret passages and doorways. Above all, the staff is EXTREMELY friendly and helpful and the food is DELICIOUS. THANK YOU for a WONDERFUL time.”

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. (please wait for video to load - it is amazing!) O Journey from Jennifer Stratton on Vimeo. 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 &amp; 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.”

Linda Surles on Dec 10, 2010 said:

“Hands down, the Mansion is the most creative place in the entire Washington metropolitan area. I have so many fun memories--Christmas parties, wedding receptions, high tea and scavenger hunts. But the main thing is the way the Mansion offers such an incredible place, a one-of-a-kind vibe, to share with friends. When I think of the Mansion I think not only of the great times I've had there, I think of Barbara, Geoffrey, Courtney, Brien....and so many others who were with me during some of the best times of my life.”

Push Pakoneri on Dec 9, 2010 said:

“Mansion means a door opening to secrets of the life that you can experience through mansion and its unique feature and state of the art decor.”

Joanne Biagi on Dec 9, 2010 said:

“We stayed at the Mansion in Country as as surprise for my husbands 55th birthday - he turned 55 and was born in 1955 ! It was our first visit and we will never forget this one of a kind experience. From our entrance and tour with Hillary, to the helpful gentleman named "Ted" who pointed us to the wine cellar, the waiter who found me at the buffet table with my empty drink glass in hand asking if I needed another...it was delightful. We will return to the mansion as guests again. Thank you.”

M Conopask on Nov 27, 2010 said:

“The Mansion means adventures in a time in my life that isn't as adventurous as it used to be now that I'm an "adult". It means martinis on the treadmill with my girlfriends, celebrity sightings (even if we're not sure exactly who they are), having to face the priest the next morning after he'd walked in on me and my husband after a wedding (we'd forgotten to lock the door to our room!)? So many fun memories with friends at the Mansion. From martinis on the treadmill to celebrity sightings, to an overnight stay after a friend's wedding where the priest walked in on me and hubby making love in our room (I won't tell you which room)? I hope to have many more memories and stories from the Mansion. A trip to the Mansion always means new memories and new stories for me and my friends and family to talk about for years to come. It means magic. Secret Room Haiku Books overflowing A gentle push and a creak A room just for me”

Anonymous on Nov 22, 2010 said:

“"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Which is the most secret passage way of them all? Behind the lion my favorite secret lies"”

Melanie Conopask on Nov 12, 2010 said:

“Secret Room Haiku Books overflowing A gentle push and a creak A room just for me”

D. Countly on Oct 31, 2010 said:

“What a wonderful stay! I only wish we had more time to find more secret rooms and enjoy the brunch!”

Jennifer Stratton on Oct 29, 2010 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. O Journey from Jennifer Stratton on Vimeo. Je t'embrasse, Jennifer”

D. Petersen on Oct 24, 2010 said:

“Great place. This has been a wonderful stay!”

Brandy Rogers on Oct 24, 2010 said:

“A dream so fantastical you refuse to pinch yourself for fear of waking! The hope that all you secretly believe in actually exists and is waiting for you just around the corner.”

Luanne Stevenson on Oct 21, 2010 said:

“I love The Mansion! My favorite part is everything! There are not enough hours in the day to enjoy the rooms, books, guitars and fabulous food. I brought my book club there and we had a wonderful time - what better place is there to enjoy a martini and wander through the thousands of books! I feel like it is my little secret place and want to live there when I grow up! Im turning 55 soon and want to go back for my birthday!”

M Conopask on Oct 15, 2010 said:

“So many fun memories with friends at the Mansion. From martinis on the treadmill to celebrity sightings, to an overnight stay after a friend's wedding where the priest walked in on me and hubby making love in our room (I won't tell you which room)... I hope to have many more memories and stories from the Mansion.”

Conni and Holly on Oct 14, 2010 said:

“What a delightful place! We enjoyed every moment of the 3 hours we were there. Will have to say that the John Lennon room was our favorite and was visited again and again in our hunt for treasures. A must see for natives and visitors to the DC "off the beaten path".”

Sara Jacobson on Oct 8, 2010 said:

“O Street: A Haiku Unearth the secrets Hidden among knick and knack Board game come to life”

Marie — Earth Rights on Oct 6, 2010 said:

“I'm not sure that words can really express what the Mansion means to me. That's something that goes beyond thoughts or feelings, for which there may be words. But I don't think it's just a matter of the inadequacy of words. If I were tech-savvy enough to own and know how to use a digital camera or video recorder, I don't think the sights and sounds that could be electronically recorded and shared would prove any more adequate... Still, when I saw what seemed like a challenge of self-discovery - a seemingly simple question begging to be answered: What does the Mansion mean to you? - I couldn't resist. I'd heard about the Mansion before, but these references fell in the category of things that people tell you about, which make you think "Oh, that's interesting...", but you really don't understanding what it was they were really describing until you experience it for yourself (for example, like Cirque du Soleil). I'd heard The Mansion was an alternative hotel, or a great place to go for a Sunday brunch, so I stored this information in the back of my head for future reference... I didn't 'discover' what The Mansion really is (to the extent I've scratched that surface) until I was looking for a place for my organization to have an office retreat. I wanted to find some place to match the passion we feel towards our mission (to protect human rights and the environment), and the hotel conference rooms I was finding just weren't going to cut it. I found a few places that might have been OK (said with a resigned sigh) ... but somehow or other The Mansion reached out and found me, without me even really realizing I was looking for it, just when I really needed it. I don't remember how that happened. All I remember was that I had a rapidly growing understanding that it was going to be The Place I was looking for as soon as I started to make contact (via the website - What a treat!! - and then with the people who facilitate the Mansion's magic). When I showed up to check out the place in person it was not at a normal hour, and so I entered through the d! ownstairs door. It felt like I was entering through some special portal. I was instantly hooked. Magic indeed! I almost felt guilty asking for a full tour, as I knew from those very first few seconds I'd found what I was looking for, but I suddenly was greedy for more. I wanted to see it all. I was grinning from ear to ear as I entered each room, saw each angel, walked down each narrow passage way leading on to the next discovery, could almost hear the music coming out of each guitar... I was enchanted! I couldn't wait until my colleagues would see it as well. It was a space that was even more outside than outside the box. When it came time for the retreat it was like we were transported to a different planet. We spent a couple days exploring The Mansion while we explored our own mission, and prepared our strategic plan, in a space where the creative energy was almost bristling. The space, the books, the art, the food. It all enriched our mind, bodies, and souls. There could not have been a more perfect place for us! Since then I've come back - always bringing someone else along, knowing that they too will be charmed, and will marvel at this total-being experience of stepping from what seems like an ordinary street in Washington DC into a magical kingdom (not of the mickey mouse variety). To enter in to The Mansion is to enter in to a state of mind that makes you feel blessed, and as special as the place itself is. Thank you for creating this space and opening it up to the rest of us!”

Marie on Oct 6, 2010 said:

“I'm not sure that words can really express what the Mansion means to me. That's something that goes beyond thoughts or feelings, for which there may be words. But I don't think it's just a matter of the inadequacy of words. If I were tech-savvy enough to own and know how to use a digital camera or video recorder, I don't think the sights and sounds that could be electronically recorded and shared would prove any more adequate... Still, when I saw what seemed like a challenge of self-discovery - a seemingly simple question begging to be answered: What does the Mansion mean to you? - I couldn't resist. I'd heard about the Mansion before, but these references fell in the category of things that people tell you about, which make you think "Oh, that's interesting...", but you really don't understanding what it was they were really describing until you experience it for yourself (for example, like Cirque du Soleil). I'd heard The Mansion was an alternative hotel, or a great place to go for a Sunday brunch, so I stored this information in the back of my head for future reference... I didn't 'discover' what The Mansion really is (to the extent I've scratched that surface) until I was looking for a place for my organization to have an office retreat. I wanted to find some place to match the passion we feel towards our mission (to protect human rights and the environment), and the hotel conference rooms I was finding just weren't going to cut it. I found a few places that might have been OK (said with a resigned sigh) ... but somehow or other The Mansion reached out and found me, without me even really realizing I was looking for it, just when I really needed it. I don't remember how that happened. All I remember was that I had a rapidly growing understanding that it was going to be The Place I was looking for as soon as I started to make contact (via the website - What a treat!! - and then with the people who facilitate the Mansion's magic). When I showed up to check out the place in person it was not at a normal hour, and so I entered through the d! ownstairs door. It felt like I was entering through some special portal. I was instantly hooked. Magic indeed! I almost felt guilty asking for a full tour, as I knew from those very first few seconds I'd found what I was looking for, but I suddenly was greedy for more. I wanted to see it all. I was grinning from ear to ear as I entered each room, saw each angel, walked down each narrow passage way leading on to the next discovery, could almost hear the music coming out of each guitar... I was enchanted! I couldn't wait until my colleagues would see it as well. It was a space that was even more outside than outside the box. When it came time for the retreat it was like we were transported to a different planet. We spent a couple days exploring The Mansion while we explored our own mission, and prepared our strategic plan, in a space where the creative energy was almost bristling. The space, the books, the art, the food. It all enriched our mind, bodies, and souls. There could not have been a more perfect place for us! Since then I've come back - always bringing someone else along, knowing that they too will be charmed, and will marvel at this total-being experience of stepping from what seems like an ordinary street in Washington DC into a magical kingdom (not of the mickey mouse variety). To enter in to The Mansion is to enter in to a state of mind that makes you feel blessed, and as special as the place itself is. Thank you for creating this space and opening it up to the rest of us!”

Marie Danch on Sep 30, 2010 said:

“If your ears were not burning Saturday afternoon they should have been; I was so pleased to hear so many compliments on the Mansion and the Brunch. It was definitely a winner. Our brunch at the Mansion, to start off our Embassy Tour was the highlight of the day.”

Maria Esguerra on Sep 30, 2010 said:

“Thank you! Marvelous treasure Hunt!”

Monica Thompson on Sep 24, 2010 said:

“Phenomenal!!! I had wonderful stay. My room was spectacular. The food on Monday night superb. I can't wait to return.”

Deborah Ward on Sep 22, 2010 said:

“For my husband and me the mansion represents a charming, private, endearing potential -- a place to further the romance of our relationship. We talk about the mansion a lot and when we do, we imagine secret doors and staircases that invoke the mysteries of childhood. We become a girl and boy detective again, exploring this amazing place of ever changing, never ending intrigue - a place where joy abounds and food is abundant, where we leave our worldly cares behind for a few precious hours of happiness.”

Sophie Richard on Sep 8, 2010 said:

“The Mansion is a place of retreat - somewhere I feel happy inside and out. The perfect atmosphere to sip a cup of tea with some delectable dessert. I am looking forward to our next visit on Sunday Sept 19th for our Afternoon Scavenger Hunt & Afternoon Tea.”

Nancy on Sep 7, 2010 said:

“Thank you for a wonderful day at the mansion! We accomplished quite a bit. The food, staff and overall experience was wonderful, and we appreciate the guided tour as well. I wish I had had more time to shop...”

Len Washko on Aug 27, 2010 said:

“Thank you for making it possible for us to stay at the Mansion. My daughter Grace's art award at the Capitol (the Congressional High School Arts competition) kept us running from ceremony to tours. Your staff was gracious, and we were continually amazed by the Mansion. What a great concept and an elegant delivery - Grace was particularly enamored with the variety of artwork. I've attached an image of Grace's award winning pastel, which now hangs in a gallery between the Capitol & the Cannon Office Building. (click to enlarge)”

Craig Fauver on Aug 23, 2010 said:

“I loved it, but a simple map, that doesn't divulge the secrets, would be great! (tea and treasure hunt)”

Amanda Roche on Aug 10, 2010 said:

“To me, a trip to the Mansion on O Street means never having to say you're sorry. Whether you're downing champagne at 2pm at Sunday brunch, or sneaking upstairs to ogle the Log Cabin room, or running into mirrored walls in an effort to relieve yourself, or hamming it up with the chefs in the basement, or trying on antique jewelry and extravagant headwear, or channeling rock legends by delicately running your fingers down the frets of a Gibson, or showing off to friends by plucking open secret doors, or escaping reality for just a few hours, or saying hello to everyone you meet, anything goes at the Mansion. Its obscure vagueness, its sheer inscrutability, and moreover, its tolerance, keeps one coming back and leaving yet again with a completely justified and memorable experience.”

Amanda Roche on Aug 10, 2010 said:

“To me, a trip to the Mansion on O Street means never having to say you're sorry. Whether you're downing champagne at 2pm at Sunday brunch, or sneaking upstairs to ogle the Log Cabin room, or running into mirrored walls in an effort to relieve yourself, or hamming it up with the chefs in the basement, or trying on antique jewelry and extravagant headwear, or channeling rock legends by delicately running your fingers down the frets of a Gibson, or showing off to friends by plucking open secret doors, or escaping reality for just a few hours, or saying hello to everyone you meet, anything goes at the Mansion. Its obscure vagueness, its sheer inscrutability, and moreover, its tolerance, keeps one coming back and leaving yet again with a completely justified and memorable experience.”

Judith Davis on Aug 10, 2010 said:

“The Mansion is the ultimate hideaway for people who want to experience something unique, fabulous, sophisticated. A hideaway for people who want to experience all these things without any distractions from outside(rs) - it's a safe haven for regular folks who would like to believe that they found "THE SECRET SPOT", politicians, or simply famous folks who would like to be "themselves" without being judged and/or scrutinized. At the Mansion - and ONLY at the Mansion ALL THAT and then some is possible. The Mansion and it's fabulous staff are discreet and spoil their guests with gourmet food (Brunch is a MUST DO!!!) that makes ones taste buds re-discover the true meaning of "Gourmet". A romance between new, nostalgia, old (not old: let's call it "antique"!) will leave one gasping for the right words..... but it's simple: "Oh! The Mansion" - folks, run tell dat!”

Eowana Jordan on Aug 9, 2010 said:

“My first time at the O wowed me with wonder and delight. I went back again to find the O even more Out of Sight! We spent a Christmas at the O which was full of fun and joy. Brunch and tea I enjoyed so much I have gone again, oh boy! I thought I had seen it all until I visited the O. But every time I return, I see a new reason to go. The food is amazing and the surroundings divine. The tours upstairs thrill me hoping to come spend more time. Everything has a price tag on it--my kinda place. Heck, the entire O is one huge gift shop space! It's been awhile since I've been back at the O to have fun. Maybe, if I am lucky, my poem will win me prize one!”

Rose Walton on Aug 6, 2010 said:

“Mansion on O St. Who would have known from the outside This place of wonder and surprises A million things, big and small, awaiting them on inside Filled from top to bottom, wall to wall A treasure hunters' fantasy Capturing everyone's ooh's and awes Each room unique and enchanting Inviting and exciting A secret passage or door Leaves you searching for more. Not knowing what you'll find Makes the Mansion on O St. simply, one of a kind.”

Glenn on Aug 5, 2010 said:

“I visited the Mansion one time on a Monday night with some of my office co-workers and managers. These are my memories and thoughts of my experience at the Mansion: The Mansion is a one of a kind experience in life. Consume delightful food and drink until you are content. Then go on tour. Explore a huge treasure of collections from famous people. See the room dedicated to John Lennon with original memorabilia. Listen to a song that he was composing while he resided at the Mansion. Explore hidden rooms and discover countless more treasures obtained from famous people. Purchase some of them if you wish. Take a tour. Along your tour, relax in a conference room like you never have before. Book the room for your next off-site meeting. Bring your family to visit the Mansion. Attend one of the special family activities. Allow your family members all of the pleasures that you encountered. The Mansion contains treasures that are bound to interest people of all ages. Sleep over . Rent a room and use the Mansion as your hotel. Stop by with your co-workers on a Monday night. Enjoy a buffet along with fantastic homemade martinis. Try the special martini of the week.”

Sarah Gaudreau on Aug 2, 2010 said:

“The mansion on o has much more to owe, than tours and teas and gave me glee 11 I found but need 21 more, all I can say is I had so much fun. -Lourdes I took my 11 year old to the Mansion for tea. She was quite entertained and wrote the above poem for you.”

Tim Lorenz on Jul 27, 2010 said:

“Hi! This past Christmas I decided to do something a little different. On Christmas Eve, without telling them where we were going, I brought my two daughters ("Oh Dad, not another secret trip! Where are we GOING?"), my out of work brother, and my 82 year old mother, to the Mansion. I gave them each $30 and said "Find a treasure and buy it!". My mother was in stroke recovery, but in her day she was a musician, a flea market specialist and Collector of Things, and even a Docent at Hillwood, the Margery Merriweather Post mansion here in DC. She absolutely LOVED the O Mansion. The girls covered every room they could find and had a blast! Mom moved slowly between floors, but was in awe by Simply Every Thing! In between helping her around, my brother found The Perfect Hat. I had the best feeling of giving I have ever experienced and we all decided this would be a new family tradition. I was also on the lookout for one of the Afternoon Teas at the mansion hoping to get ! Mom to attend one of them. She was looking forward to one. Mom was hit this June with acute diabetic pancreatitis. The impact of this disease spread throughout her body, and although she fought for three and a half weeks in the ICU and suffered the entire time, we lost Mom on July 5th. Still in shock, and still going through her things, I just realized I have tears in my eyes as I write this. However, I am certain her happiest moments in years were at your place with our little family this past Christmas Eve. Thanks for being there. Tim Lorenz (on the left in the snappy bow tie circa 1956) Son of Marynelle (born January 14, 1927)”

Biceman on Jul 27, 2010 said:

“Whimsy Abounds! From every corner to every wall through every door - there is a virtual feast for the eyes. Curiosity flourishes your mind as you gaze among a vast array of artwork, statues, china, lions, tigers, bears - OH MY! Beginning with the creak of the floor boards as you wander through the front foyer you get a sense of nostalgia. Never have I walked into a place and felt more at home. Typically buildings and establishments that are B&B-esque put you on guard and tend to make you walk on eggshells. Not the Mansion. A sense of calm, tranquil-ness is the initial feeling - then the explorer, the adventurer, the fortune-hunter is exposed and there is no stopping you! You must move, but cautiously so as not to miss one spec of who-knows-what. My first stay in the Windmill room was amazing. The emerald green soaker tub was sublime. The bed was heavenly. I swear it was like sleeping on angel's wings! The room is very quiet and provided a nice respite following my busy day. Of course the fact that I had experienced the plethora of cuisines at O-Dinnertini and imbibed on the Monday Martini's helped ;-) I certainly cannot wait for my next stay at the Mansion. August has a special O'Shimmertini event that is just the excuse I need to book a room and be pampered like royalty! From the most courteous of staff and volunteers to the welcomingly unpretentious owners - the Mansion is the premier location for food, fun, frolic and flight of the imagination not too mention the fabulous accommodations.”

Deeanna Burleson on Jul 15, 2010 said:

“It is just a magical, magical place. Everytime I have been there I have had a wonderful time with friends. The history and the ambience create a perfect place. The waiter we had on one visit quickly gave us a tour of the entire place down to the wine cellar. I later learned that a son of a dear friend of mine who had been killed in a car wreck when he was 23 had worked on the copper top in the wine cellar or the kitchen. A place where special things and stories all come together. I wish I had pictures and a great creative story but it is very simple for me... Magical.”

Tea Guest on Jul 15, 2010 said:

“" We really enjoyed our tea and the desserts. We appreciated the salty options. The staff was attentive. This was fun!"”

Sarah Lu on Jul 14, 2010 said:

“Great tour, loved everything!”

Alison Nadle on Jul 13, 2010 said:

“Our tour was great! The mansion is beautiful and we enjoyed it”

Published in Charles Luck Perspectives By Heidi LaSalata — Contributor: Meghan Marino on Jul 12, 2010 said:

“A TOUR OF THE WONDERFULLY WEIRD O ST. MUSEUM http://perspectives.charlesluck.com/2010/06/10/a-tour-of-the-wonderfully-weird-o-st-museum/”

Nancy Clark on Jun 29, 2010 said:

“A truly wonderful stay at this unique mansion. Loved wondering every evening to see what new room or new decoration would catch my eye. I want to try each and every room. Now that sounds like a wonderful goal!”

Eileen Marston on Jun 24, 2010 said:

“My baby's engaged to her Prince Charming but planning a wedding has become alarming. The Mansion would be the perfect venue, allowing her to celebrate a dream come true. We'd love to be members of such an exquisite site! We hope we'll win them a magical night. I am a teacher, but enrollment is down so now I must job-hunt all over town. I would truly appreciate your lovely Grand Prize and enjoy the excitement in my daughter's eyes! ~ Thanks for considering us! (click picture to enlarge)”

The Mansion! on Jun 21, 2010 said:

“Congratulations to the Grand Prize Winners of the Alice in Wonderland Treasure Hunt & Tea! Jerry Mowery won a $100 gift card and Quinta Jackson won a one nights stay at The Mansion!”

Whitney Rivas on Jun 15, 2010 said:

“I came to the mansion a couple of years ago for a party i loved it...I loved how priviate it was. It was my little secret. The service was wonderful, the food was great, and party was one not to ever forget. Thank you for such a wonderful night and more to come..”

Erin Mantz on Jun 8, 2010 said:

“I first arrived at the Mansion in 1994, my first New Year's Eve since i'd moved to Dupont Circle from Chicago. Entering the mansion, at age 24 and just a few years out of college situated in a small town, I felt like i entered a magical world! The cocktails, the music, the crowds, the play casino tables, the spectactular scene before me made me realize I was in a very special place at a very special time. And that was just the entry-level floor! Making my way up the stairs and through secret doors and twists and turns, one room was more interesting and unique than the next. My favorite has stuck with me for years -- the "log cabin" with the loft-like kitchen and beautiful bathroom. Since 1994, I have dreamt of one day making a success of myself to come back and stay in this special room. I have certainly built my career and had kids since then, and get bogged down with bills for the mortgage, college funds and child care, but, at age forty, I still dream about waking u! p in the log cabin room just one time and enjoying brunch, away from the everyday Eggo waffle-toasting and hub-bub or real daily life!”

Natalie Donovan on Jun 5, 2010 said:

“Super Fabuloso! Every room is a treasure hunt.”

Beverly Barnhart on Jun 1, 2010 said:

“I never heard of the Mansion until I attended a Purdue alumni party a few years ago when the PU president attended. I was amazed and awed at the place,and so proud to know a fellow PU alum was the owner. I have never been to any restaurant (how can I call it just that? It is really an "experience") that was so overwhelmingly beautiful and a sensory experience. I tell everyone I know about it and hope to be a member one day. This place is nothing short of fabulous and a wonderful DC secret!”

Brendan Curran on May 22, 2010 said:

“I don't need a minibar in my room w/ $7 cashews. I don't need a giant atrium in the lobby. What I need is feeling like a guest at someone's house. Instead of feeling like a transient working in DC, at least after 6PM I'm on vacation. The Mansion is the hidden gem of DC hotels.”

Paul and Michele Nathanson on Apr 11, 2010 said:

“All of you made Hannah's Bat Mitzvah party wonderful - everything was perfect. The food, as usual, was excellent, but it is the little and big things you all do to make sure we have a special day that makes the Mansion such a wonderful place. We greatly appreciate all your efforts, your thoughtfulness, creativeness, care and hard work in making Hannah's Bat Mitzvah party such a wonderful occasion.”

Caryn on Mar 15, 2010 said:

“We had a treasure hunt at our last Mansion event and it was a true highlight.....friends and family are still talking about it.”

T. Martin on Mar 7, 2010 said:

“I celebrated my birthday with the Brain Teaser Treasure Hunt and Champagne.... THANK YOU! All of my friends and I had a fabulous time, what a unique experience.”

Sheila on Feb 25, 2010 said:

“I've decided the Mansion will be my "glass slipper". I figure the man who gets it ? me? and enjoys the mansion as I do ? from the architectural details and treasures, to the added treasures of art, books, nick-knacks, guitars, luxurious and fun touches, surprises and stimulating yet relaxing style? in addition to the culinary experience will "fit" my glass slipper? So i will be coming down for many day trip and weekends from Rhode Island in the hunt!”

B &amp; F Elbeze on Feb 14, 2010 said:

“Very comfortable accommodations and ambience. Thank you to our hosts and Katherine who took us on a lovely tour. We'll be recommending you to friends and family. Congratulations on your 30th anniversary!”

Kristen C. on Nov 17, 2009 said:

“It's unanimous - our team had a wonderfully productive and fun retreat and cooking class last Friday. We'd like to send special thanks and recognition to Diana Diamond who took excellent care of us and enhanced every aspect of our cooking class.”

Joel Korn &amp; Susan Bandler on Jun 22, 2009 said:

“Jona's bat mitzvah celebration at The Mansion turned out to be a wonderful, memorable evening for our family. Our guests loved exploring the unique space and savoring the delicious food -- several also commented on the quality of the staff. We are appreciative for your responsiveness to our suggestions and to all of your attention to detail. Though we imagined it when we booked the party last fall, our experience confirmed what a unique and special place the Mansion is.”

Paul and Michele Nathanson on Dec 27, 2008 said:

“The Mansion was the perfect, unique venue for our daughter Rachel's Bat Mitzvah. Rachel and her friends had a wonderful time exploring the Mansion and dancing and playing games with the DJ. The adults were amazed not only by the dcor of the Mansion, but by the fabulous food and desserts. The Mansion staff could not have been more accommodating and were great to work with throughout the planning process. Our immediate family stayed at the Mansion for the Bat Mitzvah and it was a weekend that we will all remember forever. I strongly recommend the Mansion to anyone who is looking for something different than a hotel or country club ball room for their child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah.”

Mansion Guest on Nov 30, -0001 said:

“A very unique experience with finding hidden doors. It was a blast to tour the mansion all on our own on the quest to find hidden entryways. It was fun getting lost and being found again. So many interesting items in each room and hall. A very cool place.”