With easy access to Georgetown, K Street and D.C. attractions, this hotel continues to reside at the top of the ranks here, well above the fray. Far better than The Westin Hotel, Washington D.C., it retains its high profile even with the reopening of the stunning Park Hyatt.
This 10-story hotel has a comprehensive design and overflowing amenity roster that has few rivals in the city. In this part of town, it is more fairly compared to the newer Ritz-Carlton around the corner, for this is a hotel with excellent service (as good as any in the capital, bar the Four Seasons), dining above the norm, and graciously appointed public areas and accommodations that set standards that other hotels look up to.
One of the top draws here for diplomats and CEOs is Fairmont Gold, an entire floor that is dedicated to providing superlative service and style. It acts as a hotel within a hotel.
The hotel's rusticated base and verdigris roof, which ring the garden courtyard, may look traditional, but the interiors are crisp and contemporary. The lobby is the loveliest in the capital, with an elegant, airy and refined European style reflected in marble floors so polished one can't help but wonder where they hide the Zamboni.
Continuous maintenance keeps the appointments in the stunning conservatory lounge looking equally fresh and inviting. A large part of the room's allure is the gracefully sloping conservatory windows, under which guests lounging in chic Continental seating gaze at the Tuscan-inspired garden and courtyard just outside. A pianist adds a romantic touch most evenings.
The Colonnade restaurant serves a highly acclaimed Sunday champagne brunch and lavish holiday feasts. When diners are absent, it is perhaps the most coveted meeting space in the city. All meals are served in Juniper, a stylish restaurant with views of the street or central courtyard. In fair weather, guests gravitate to the courtyard for alfresco dining. The varied menu and commendable service draw locals as well as in-house guests.
At 17,000 sq ft, the mezzanine-level health club is one of the city's largest and most comprehensive, featuring a 45-ft lap pool and squash and racquetball courts, as well as a whirlpool, sauna, aerobics rooms, exercise bikes, treadmills and fitness stations with headphones and TVs.
The health club welcomes guests from neighboring hotels, charging them a daily fee. Unfortunately, this is one of the few hotels in D.C. that charges its guests for the use of its own health club. That said, the fee is nominal. (Fairmont Rewards members have free access, as well as free Internet access.)
Meeting facilities include a lavish ballroom accommodating receptions for 700 and banquets for 540. A business center on the mezzanine is open Monday-Saturday, and an 87-seat amphitheater offers high-speed Internet access at each seat. Valets park cars.
Standard guest rooms, labeled Fairmont Rooms, are equal to any in town and better than most, with bright decor, golden yellow and royal-blue color schemes, three phones, TVs, clock radios equipped with CD players, oversized desks, lighted dry bars with stocked minibars and safes.
King beds predominate, but there are some doubles. Whatever the size, the mattresses are firm, with comforters and triple-sheets enhancing the effect, and maid service treats all units twice daily. Similar Deluxe rooms have 25 percent more room, while top-grade Executive Club baths gleam with marble.
Preferred quarters face the courtyard, and most of these have small stand-up balconies, a feature that exterior rooms lack. All guests now have access to the hotels new "sleep menu," which includes an in-room 15-minute neck massage, rose petals for the bath, scented candles and bath soaks, mini nightcaps, tea and cookies, a CD of sleep music, etc. Menu items range from $8 to $30 each.
The Fairmont Gold floor features abundant extras, including private check-in, large rooms and suites with superior decor, luxurious appointments, butler service, a private staff and dedicated concierge. Added perks include a private lounge that offers complimentary Continental breakfasts, cocktail canapes, an honor bar and computer work stations that can be accessed at no additional charge.
Room service never stops, and turndown and twice daily maid service are available. Pets are spoiled with plenty of attention, which includes homemade biscuits.
Management's continued push to improve this hotel keeps it on the city's A-list. It ranks just below the seasoned Four Seasons and on a par with the nearby Ritz-Carlton. For travelers looking for value in a deluxe hotel, this property should be their choice.
