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The Fairmont
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
2401 M St NW(between N 24th St & N 25th St)
Washington, DC 20037
Neighborhood: West End
(202) 429-2400
- Nearest Transit:
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Foggy Bottom Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
About This Business:
Specializing in short and/or long-term furnished/corporate apartments: We offer a unique alternative to a hotel stay because everything from wine… read more »
43 reviews for The Fairmont
Review Highlights
"...free if you join their "president's club," or $10 a day if..."
(in 9 reviews)
"Concierge was great in recommending local eateries to check..."
(in 7 reviews)
"...to eateries and about a 7 minute walk to the closest metro."
(in 6 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from S R.
San Rafael, CA
11/10/2011
The service was impeccable at this Fairmont. We arrived at 8 pm and my husband needed a shirt cleaned for a party the next evening. By 10 am the next morning his shirt was delivered to our door. Breakfast was delivered exactly on time with piping hot coffee. The front desk receptionist asked if we were new to the area and gave us a map and a quick intro to what was in the neighborhood upon check-in. The atrium bar is a lovely setting for a drink. No more than 10 minute walk to Foggy Bottom metro stop and 5-10 minute walk to Georgetown restaurants and shops.
Cons: The room itself was very clean, but for some reason the tub floor seemed a bit slippery - they need a better standing surface for showering. The wifi service was atrocious: very weak signal. I used 3G most of the time I was there. -
Review from Nicole W.
11/20/2011
3.5 stars.
+staff was attentive, and courteous
+location is spot on (G-town within walking)
+bed is extremely comfortable (and comforting)
+they allow pets
+gym facilities consisted of a lap pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and tanning bed
-they charge $45 to park your car (we found street parking)
-the ADA (wheelchair accessible) rooms are just that.. you can use a wheelchair in them, but don't expect to be able to hang your towel on a hook at your level, or see yourself in the mirror. also, the spa facilities are down a flight of steps (there is a lift to take you to the gym, but not if you also want a facial/massage). -
Review from Rebecca Y.
Washington, DC
1/3/2012
Pros: really nice and fancy place, beautiful lobby, gorgeous rooms, great location, nice amenities, great customer service. Brunch was decent.
Cons: $15 to use the gym, $13.95 for internet. These things should be included! -
Review from Rod M.
Destin, FL
Updated - 8/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I really don't understand the negative reviews below. This is an outstanding city hotel -- certainly not a resort hotel such as the Fairmont Banff Springs one complaining reviewer compared it to -- and should be judged accordingly. Give me a few thousand acres to work with and I'll give you a lot better hotel too.
But the Fairmont Washington is on the small side, and lacks some of the amenities you can get used to in the Fairmont family. It lacks no charm for this, and the staff is just wonderful. The Gold Floor is as fine as any anywhere, and whatever services you may need for business travel, they are there, albeit at times for a price.
This is our home away from home when we're in D.C., and while there are other hotels we like in the area, we always prefer the Fairmont. Clearly others do as well, because the only time we stay anywhere else is when the Fairmont is literally booked solid and even our President's Club Platinum membership is not enough to get us in.
Oh, be sure to stay here around Christmas. The decorations are fabulous.
(I have posted my unfortunate review of the restaurant, Juniper, under its own page. I will say that the room service is excellent, as is the lobby bar. And the Christmas brunch is genuinely one of the most fabulous -- and in one of the most beautiful locations -- you will likely ever experience.)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/10/2011
I really don't understand the negative reviews below. This is an outstanding city hotel --… Read more »
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Review from Jr A.
Pittsburgh, PA
8/24/2011
This is a typical Fairmont location. A luxury hotel with excellent service
and great location. This property sits in walking distance to everything. 25 minute walk to the Mall and 10 minute walk to Georgetown and the nearest Metro. A few points ... WiFi and access to the pool and health club are free if you are a Presidents Club member. Parking fee is $40 a day . I feel it is high but it is DC. Honestly, once you get to the hotel, you wont need your car again. Walking, public transportation , and taxis are the way to go. I do not feel this is a good hotel for kids. The courtyard is beautiful. The rooms are nice but need more electrical outlets. -
Review from Genessee K.
Thousand Oaks, CA
8/7/2011
Location is fabulous, as evidenced by the three hotels that occupy the other corners of M St. and 24th.
Lobby and inner courtyard are completely lovely.
Sunlight filters in through the generous windows, onto plush, old-fashioned, and prettily upholstered chairs, inviting guests to sit for a while, and relax, with a good book or in the evening with a cocktail (which are quite tasty).
The fountain and generous courtyard seating, are also perfect photo-ops.
The best thing about this hotel, is the service: responsive, helpful, and warm.
We were originally put in a non-smoking room (2 beds), which reeked of cigarettes. After calling to complain, they told us they didn't presently have any other rooms available with that configuration, but a few nights later, upgraded us to a very large, corner room to make amends. Concierge was great in recommending local eateries to check out.
Parking however, is ridiculously expensive: $40 per night. Better to find street parking and move the car in the AM. -
Review from Vanilla Nugget X.
Annandale, VA
6/24/2011
Big fan of this place.
Great staff. Nice hotel. Not too fancy and ridiculous...but clean, well kept, and a great location. Price is pretty good compared to other hotels in the area. -
Review from Daniel C.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/5/2011
The view wasn't very good but the location was awesome. Got to comfortably commute around the city from the hotel to see all the sites of DC. Food was good and nothing to complain about. Room was very clean but smaller than expected. Service was excellent and consistent with all the other Fairmont hotels. Definitely will stay here again next time I'm in DC.
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Review from Kay W.
Rowland Heights, CA
9/9/2011
Very nice hotel and great location to eateries and about a 7 minute walk to the closest metro. You can find an overnight street parking around the nearby school when school's out to avoid having to pay the $40/night parking fee. First class service all the way. The only complaint I have is that the bathroom is quite outdated for such an expensive hotel. But I'd definitely stay here again
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Review from Port D.
New York, NY
8/26/2011
Easy and essential to join the Presidents club, for free wifi and gym.
Eat across the street in the Park Hyatt's restaurant (if you can get a table!)
There is a garage down the block with much less expensive parking.
A very nice option for staying in Washington.
Deals are available sometimes. -
Review from A T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/17/2010 2 photos
The Good:
Beautiful hotel. Nicely furnished, lovely and spacious room with clean bath and comfortable bed with feather pillows overlooking beautiful courtyard and close to elevator.
Free wifi when you join the Fairmont President's Club (it's free to do so, you can sign up online on their website and you must do so prior to arrival)
Ironing board, iron, coffee maker including tea, hair dryer and make-up mirror in room. Nice toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, body cream). Maid who arranged all my cosmetics neatly on a towel (something only my mother would do - God bless her). Free daily New York Times. The shower head is wonderful - like a high pressure waterfall.
Friendly door men who were happy to hail a cab or let you know if a destination was within walking distance and point you in the right direction. Friendly and amicable bar staff (all employees were so nice and made us feel at home). Maintenance staff came immediately when I couldn't figure out how to turn floor lamp on.
The Not-so-Good:
HEAT! I caught a cold on day 2 of our trip, but I was cold much of our stay. The thermostat was originally set to 68.5. I raised it to 70. The following day it was set back to 68.5. My first thought was really, a 4 star hotel too cheap to pay for sufficient heat in November. The last night I swear I didn't hear the heater come on once. When I checked, it was on auto. I increased to 74.5, which should be sweltering. When I pressed high, it did begin making sound, but it took forever to warm up. There was no point calling maintenance as it was our last day. Thank God for the 20 pound blanket on the bed. Otherwise, I would've surely caught the flu. There is absolutely nothing worse than being sick AND cold.
Bills shoved under our door at 8 am when I awoke. We paid for the room in full in advance because I didn't want to be bothered with money. When check out is at 1 pm and bills are already shoved under my door at 8 am I felt like I was being ushered out. The hotel bill wasn't even correct. Why they needed to send a bill when it had already been paid is beyond me. The $75 food bill surely could've been dealt with at check-out. It just seemed like such a tacky, unwelcoming thing to do. No one wants to feel rushed out or deal with bills shoved under their door first thing when they wake up.
Cheap toilet paper. Floor lamp/outlet is difficult to figure out (it only works when switch at the door, which is across the room is flipped on). Coffee maker was difficult to figure out at first (a six step process that doesn't bode well for a tired person in the morning). There was a bit of black mildew on the tub. It could use a Clorox bleach pen. The hotel room doors seem to slam easily so we could hear our neighbors, which was annoying. Slow Internet connection at times
Housekeeping knocking on your door at 8:30 am on weekdays if you don't remember to hang the "Privacy Please" tag outside your door
My bf seemed to think the door men make a bonus/commission for hotel amenities. He wanted to go out for a bite to eat and asked for a recommendation. The doormen ushered him back inside to the hotel restaurant where he paid $23 for a sandwich. In the doorman's defense, it was Sunday night at 10:30 and EVERYTHING seems to close early in D.C. every night of the week. But another time when he saw my bf coming in with a Starbucks, he said "we have coffee here!" Yes, but nobody does coffee like Starbucks, and I'm sure their hotel coffee is probably twice the price. -
Review from Beth G.
Newville, PA
7/29/2011
Ok...I am a cheapskate who came down and hung out with my sister who was in for work...so knowing that, I still don't get why someone would go to this beautiful hotel when you can stay at a cheaper place and get more for your buck. Parking overnight is $40. Wifi is $15 per day. There is no continental breakfast and they say there is a charge for the pool. Now the room amenities are nice and the room was well appointed. It was convenient to the Metro. The lobby is nice, but the courtyard had a bee problem around the fountain. The staff were helpful and friendly. I still think I would go to a cheaper chain to get more for my buck...well when I am the one paying.
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Review from Abi O.
El Paso, TX
6/17/2011
This was the fanciest hotel I've stayed at thus far. The food is great. The conference I was here for was in the hotel, and we were served egg whites with feta cheese, spinach, tomatoes, turkey sausage, etc. There was a great selection. I was very disappointed however, when I called and asked for a microwave. They said they'd bring one up in a few minutes. Half hour later, nothing so I called again. "It's coming." Half hour later, nothing. I didn't end up reheating my food. Minibar was cute. I still can't believe they didn't offer complimentary wifi, not even in the lobby. I just used a hotspot on my phone. The bed was super comfortable, and large. The room was beautiful! I'd definitely recommend this place if you don't ever need a microwave and if you don't need internet.
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Review from Joe S.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2008
Not a bad hotel by any stretch. Nice sized room, great staff and service....so why the two stars you ask?? let's see...$14 for wi-fi use in the lobby and $14 for high speed in your room. ok, I can live with that......oh wait......you want to work out....please cough up $15 for our 17,000 square foot gym. nice gym, but come on dude, its a hotel.
You can join the presidents club beforehand and get all that for free, but damn you if you try to join as you get there or you will be stuck paying the bill...I called the 800#, joined and told them I had not checked in yet.HA take that you bastards!!! -
Review from dave r.
2/8/2010
We got snowed in at the Fairmont this weekend. 30 inches of snow meant that instead of museums we saw a lot of our hotel room, which thanks to the Fairmont was pretty great.
Parking: Due to the $40/day valet, we parked our rental car at the $20/day parking lot at the Westin across the street. Made for some uncomfortable walks through the Westin lobby but was otherwise worth it, since we didn't move the car all weekended.
Check in fine, but I ended up really frustrated while my boyfriend checked in at the President's Club desk because FOUR people asked me if I needed help and I think a fifth would have if I hadn't glared at him. No, believe it or not I'm actually with the man standing next to me checking us both in. Not the end of the world, but since the thing I hate the most about being a homo checking in at a hotel is getting the look when they try to give you two full beds and you have to assert yourself for the one king, well, I wasn't pleased. Sorry if that sentence was long, trying to cram the concept in.
The lobby was quite nice. They had a good mix between traditional brocade-encrusted pieces and nice matte leather benches. And a few flatscreens.
The room was just great. Had a great bed, great shower. Had a desk with two comfy chairs for when both of us were internetting, and a big armchair with a footstool for reading. I sort of wanted to take the armchair home. Plus none of the folks in the apartment block across the street ever closed their windows... awkward but amusing.
Room service was sort of slow, but the guy who brought it up was so polite I couldn't say anything to him. After being let down by the Hudson Restaurant & Lounge, we had brunch here on Sunday too. I didn't use the gym, but my +1 did and said the set up was alright. Staff in general were quite nice.
In short, I'd stay again. -
Review from Rusty M.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2007
I just finished a 9 night stay at the Fairmont, and was favorably impressed with it, at least for business travel. The most important thing to me when I travel is quiet in the room at night. This place has good soundproofing, and it was much quieter than most places. Noise from the corridor started to pick up around 6:30 when the early-risers left for the day (and let their doors slam--thanks, guys), but there was zero car noise, TV-in-the-next-room noise, etc. This sounds like something you would get in any business hotel, but, in my experience, it is not something to take for granted.
The room service was efficient and good, with the hot food actually hot and nicely prepared. The concierge was helpful, and the bellmen are quick to get you a cab.
The fitness center in this place is a full-on gym, with TV monitors on all of the treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. It is free if you join their "president's club," or $10 a day if you do not.
This Fairmont is only a block from a 24 hour CVS drugstore, and a block from the District's only Trader Joe's. It is walking distance to scores of restaurants, and the Foggy Bottom Metro station is 2 1/2 blocks away.
2 tips:
1) Search for a good price for this place (and lots of others like it) on http://www.fivestarall... Rates vary seasonally, but I got a $229/nt rate there, and my friend just got a $189/nt rate for a couple weeks from now.
2) If you go here or any other Fairmont property, join their president's club. It is free to join, and you get a bunch of free perks at the hotels, including free wireless internet (otherwise it costs $12.95/day), free health club use (otherwise $10/day), and free local calls (otherwise $1 each). Look on the Fairmont website for the application. -
Review from Lynn L.
5/6/2010
Comfy hotel, and very spacious rooms, but I don't feel it's worth the high price. If traveling for work, go for it! Convenient to Georgetown, and walkable to a lot of other things in the area.
The restaurant wasn't too bad for "hotel" food, but it was on the spendier side. Though the outside courtyard was really nice to dine in, we had poor service, which was kind of a downer.
The Blue Duck Tavern across the street in the Hyatt is a much better dinner option, and is delicious!
Starbucks across the street and Walgreens a couple of blocks away means that you can sustain yourself for breakfast and find water that isn't $7 per bottle. -
Review from Joan K.
Rockville, MD
4/16/2009
I was a bit confused to learn that the Fairmont made the T+L 500 this year...Not that it's a bad hotel, I just think there are plenty of other hotels in the area that out-do the Fairmont on many levels. I held a 25 person meeting with a room block here for work a couple of months ago, so I'll lend opinions both as an event planner and as a guest. I just wasn't as impressed with the place as much as T+L seemed to have been.
The hotel is located in West End, so you pretty much have the luxury of being able to walk to Georgetown/Foggy Bottom. Getting to the rest of NW DC from here is pretty easy.
Upon checking-in, I was very impressed with the staff at the front end. The bell hop, valet, and especially the front desk clerk were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Somehow, they all knew my name before I gave it to them or checked in. Here's a tip on the fees for the wi-fi and gym fees: sign up for the Fairmont President's Club (it's free) on their website before you check in, and you bypass all of these costs.
Those greenhouse/atrium style glass floor-to-ceiling style glass windows next to the lobby need a re-do. The windows are either molding, peeling, or the metal frames are leaking something onto the glass. I couldn't stop looking at them and it was totally not in keeping with the condition of the rest of the hotel. Guest rooms were recently renovated, modern and spacious (I much appreciated being put up in one of the suites) but not in keeping with the classic style of the rest of the hotel. The courtyard was nice, but I think it's seen better days. The landscaping in the courtyard could use some recent TLC.
In the end, my meeting went fine despite my initial scare with the sales/catering departments. Both my catering and sales managers were lovely girls, I just wish they could have been a bit more accommodating. We are used to dealing with the Marriotts and Hyatts who are able to provide us finicky meeting planners with 24-hour bend-over-backwards service. F&B is pricey (not that you wouldn'tve expected it), especially for the amount of food you get. -
Review from Michelle O.
Honolulu, HI
6/22/2008
Lobby--When I pulled up in to the front entrance, it looked like any other hotel but as I walked through the glass doors, I realized it was different from the ordinary hotel. There is an expansive lobby, with ample seating inviting guests to relax on the chairs/couches. The seating is flooded with outdoor light from the windows facing a beautiful, well kept garden.
Bar--The bar is tucked in the corner of the lobby/lounge area with a few bar tables. After my friends arrive, we decide to have a drink. The bartender was friendly but reserved. We took our drinks to one of the few tables and he later delivered a fabulous sterling 3-bowl server with complimentary snackie-yums-yums that included wasabi peas, pretzels, and a bar mix. Perfect with our martinis.
Room--My room was on the 6th floor and one wall offered a landscape window that ran the entire length of the wall facing the main street. The room was decorated in gold/beige tones accented by chestnut furniture with glass tabletops. In the closet is a small safe for valuables. The mini bar is built into an alcove with a beautiful silver ice bucket and glass set that also sat on a silver tray. The crown molding around the room and marble tile in the bathroom provided additional elegance. Although I was by myself, I had 3 phones in the room with one in the bathroom and wondered why this would be an important amenity to include in the original space plans. Maybe a lot of people have flashes of brilliance on the toilet and need to call someone about it immediately before they forget.
Complaints--Despite the praise, I did have 2 legitimate complaints. First, you have to pay for internet access. If you're gonna pay a lot to stay in a 4-diamond hotel, you should automatically get free internet. This is one area where Best Western & Holiday Inn definitely had a leg up. Second, they had a great looking health club with a pool but that too required a $15 charge--WTH!
Other that, the staff was friendly, I slept like a baby, and it was a 2-minute walk to my conference location. I've stayed here before this recent trip and would definitely recommend it. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Brooklyn, NY
4/5/2007
Quite a lovely hotel if a bit understated overall. Formerly known as The Monarch Hotel until a changeover about 3 1/2, 4 years ago. Nice lobby bar. Comfortable, plush rooms that are pleasant but not ostentatious.
Very popular for weddings, particularly in the central courtyard.
A tough place to find a discount room on weekends, though. -
Review from Dorothy W.
Cambridge, MA
10/4/2009
With friends and family in DC, I get down there often. Always assured of a top notch experience when I can get a room here for a decent price. (Not always the case....some weekends they charge more than double what I usually pay. All depends on what is happening at the local colleges.)
If you are involved with anything in Georgetown, this is a perfect location for you. The lobby is very spacious and light, filled with various seating areas and a bar. I always like having a glass of wine down here while waiting for friends.
My rooms here have always been comfortable and quiet compared to the other hotels I have stayed in in DC. Very luxurious. They have a decent restaurant in the hotel that offers standard hotel food- nothing great- but we've enjoyed some pleasant birthdays and breakfasts here.It's clean and I found the breakfasts to be really delicious, with lots of fresh fruit. A high point was a certain Sunday brunch that was in a different area of the hotel. VERY expensive but just over the top fantastic for the college kids in my life. So much food, superior service, unlimited champagne...quite special if you have hungry people in your orbit.
I am a member of the President's Club. It is worth it to sign up.Listed in: Places to stay when you are…
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Review from Yoonjee K.
New York, NY
7/11/2007
The boy and I stayed here last weekend for a spontaneous trip. We found a deal online and it was quite nice. The room was spacious and clean. The downsides included the lack of a view and a tv that looked too small for the cabinet it was housed in.
I enjoyed the purple floral carpeting in the hallways, the boy enjoyed the beautiful courtyard, even though the breakfast wasn't so yummy.
Unfortunately we couldn't stay for the Sunday brunch, so there's no comment on that. -
Review from John I.
4/23/2010
The Fairmont Washington DC has a warm, modern and new feel located in the Georgetown area of DC. Upon entry, you notice the grand opulence of the lobby with pristine marble flooring, glass structures and unique piano bar area. There is plenty of room to sit down and relax over a wonderful drink and listen to an exceptional "pop" pianist playing songs from a host of different eras.
The rooms were large, very clean and bright. Electrical outlets were well positioned and the work desk was just the right size and possessed enough light. Rooms also appeared to have adequate sound baffling and thus noise was not a major issue.
Bathrooms were spacious with modern toilets and sinks. However, I did not like the shower head as it was a "slow flow" and didn't possess the requisite level of pressure. Towels were not of adequate size and comfort, but not terrible.
The bed was excellent. It was a mid-firm mattress and the comforter was stain free, lacked noticeable odor and was soft.
Phones were powered properly and were clean. The morning wake up service operated well and the follow-up was a nice touch.
Front desk service was poor. I thought they could have been a bit more friendly. The late night concierge was excellent, while the early morning professionals lacked manners. So, my advice would be to use the later night professional for all of your DC questions. He was quite knowledgeable and provided good insight into the local restaurant scene.
I recommend Fairmont DC! -
Review from RJ W.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2007
We stayed there about a month ago for a long weekend. The staff was PHENOMENAL and the hotel beautiful. The location is great. About 3 blocks from the subway, got us to the Mall in about 10 minutes, and a quick 5 minute walk to Georgetown. Concierge staff was great.
The Sunday Brunch was absolutely the Best Brunch I have ever gone too. The setting is great, the food fantastic...
Highly Recommend this hotel -
Review from Moshe G.
Washington, DC
9/29/2009
I wasn't really that impressed with the Fairmont. Overall the hotel is very nice, the staff is polite, the rooms are clean, the amenities are all pretty nice. However, I stayed here last year for 4 days before I moved to DC, and even though I could've stayed at many other hotels, the location was the best seller for me.
And it wasn't that it is cheap! Not at all folks! I mean if you're looking a regular room, king size bed, tv, just pretty standard hotel room, I paid $389 a night. But since my work was footing the tab, I wasn't too worried about how much and the details. Yet when I looked around after I check into the hotel, I could've stayed at some really trendy places for half that amount or within the same range.
The problem with Fairmont is that it really doesn't have any personality, I mean, a lot of hotels now are offering amenities like free massages, free tanning, free breakfast, free wifi. But I found it pretty ridiculous for my future-company to pay up the wazoo but for me not to get any of those things, especially the wifi, which is pretty standard at a goddamn coffee shop where you spend $3.89 for a cup of cappuccino, not $389.
So if I were paying, I would've certainly stayed someplace a lot more trendy, stylish, cool, ideally located, and accommodating. And by the way this place is not IN Georgetown, its in the West End which borders Georgetown, which means, you'll be hiking about 7 blocks in each direction or a $5 cab ride each way.
The other thing that bogged my mind is the fact that I wasn't accosted by a manager or some higher up on my checking out, because when I was told about the wifi expense I just figured, "fine, whatever, I'll never stay here so long as I live." However that feeling obstinate resentment could've been avoided had a manager came and asked, "how did we do?....Okay, well how bout I comp you the wifi??" -
Review from Emily V.
Miami, FL
4/30/2009
I stayed here for two nights when I went to D.C. for a conference, so I didn't pay for it. However, I did have to pay an excessive fee for wi-fi. It was my first trip to D.C., so I decided to extend it a bit. I couldn't afford to stay at the Fairmont any longer, so I went to L'Enfant instead.
It was a nice hotel. Beautiful room, spacious. There's a Starbucks right across the street, which is a plus for me. Not too shabby for Emily.
The Fairmont is located in Georgetown, so in order for you to get to attractions, such as the Smithsonian, you would probably have to get a cab. I never did find the subway...
L'Enfant was right in the middle of everything, and, for me, that was way better than all of the Fairmont's luxuries. -
Review from Justyna R.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2011
Ah the Fairmont!! You'd think they would be extraordinaire at least in Washington DC where it's the most sought place to stay for the diplomats....competition would drive them to improvise and be a notch better than their neighbors....NOT!!
I think they're just surviving on the name of Fairmont.....great chain of hotels....some of the best but not in the US...I stayed at the Banff Fairmont and had an amazing experience.
Here in DC....exterior was amazing...lobby was OK..lovely serene courtyard (too cold to be able to enjoy this time of the year)
Horrible furniture, rooms, upkeep, toilet paper and towels....The rooms are so motel like generic..nothing to set them apart from the 2 start hotels!!!
Really old carpets, clogging wash basins....Absolutely not worth the money you pay :-(((
Morning breakfast ( I can only talk about the Juniper room) was just average too!! -
Review from Matt W.
Seattle, WA
4/23/2010
Stayed 7 nights in April 2010 - not a bad place at all. Check-in was a tad bit slow for a 4 star hotel, but not a big deal at all. The concierge were great, loads of info and maps when asked/needed. Dined a couple of times in the restaurant ($$$) - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an "almost midnight snack" - the latter was in the lounge which was a little loud with the afterwork....loooonnngg after work crowd at the bar. We worried that our "tourist clothes" would be a hindrance at the restaurant (jeans and polo's), but alas they were not. They have a wonderful outdoor courtyard with a trees, a fountain and tables spread around. The hotel is U shaped, so if you are at the other end - it seems like a looong walk when you are carrying you luggage, shopping bags, your feet hurt, or you have to ......!
Our stay ended up being the same time as the Nuclear Summit and we had some dignitaries in the hotel - didn't cause any problems getting in/out, to/from the room or hotel. Room was large (King room facing M St), with a window that open just enough. Good locale to G-town and maybe a 5 min walk to Foggy Bottom/GMU Orange line or a 10 min walk to Dupont Circle Red line metro station.
Stayed at 3 of there properties (DCA, SFO, SEA) and have enjoyed each one. -
Review from Becky J.
Sacramento, CA
5/15/2009
If you sign up for the Fairmont President's Club, your internet and gym access fees will be waived.
I wish I'd have known this when I checked in, because signing up for the club is free, so that could have saved me $30! -
Review from Andrew P.
Washington D.C., DC
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Classy place...just like any other nice hotel. Nothing too special.
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Review from Sam H.
Tacoma, WA
4/30/2010
My experience to fairmont was via wedding reception. So... as for pay... I didn't really pay just "experienced and enjoyed the royalties" that Fairmont had to offer. Located a walk from Georgetown so you can't beat that.
As for a place to have a wedding reception... I have no idea how much the host paid but there was a time where i was totally confused where i was... I was thinking am I in Hawaii? NYC? oh wait i"m in DC due to it's upscaleness. THe staff was very friendly from trying to open everybody's doors, oderbs, gladly serving up alcohol... and the host... doing their best to make the guest happy.
ie. friend was walking unsteady secondary to intoxication and the hostess came and politely offered glasses of water for my friend. The courses were really spaced out... (i guess they gave us time to drink). The bathrooms were awesome!!! (the ones in the hallway not the room) ( had cotton towels with mouth wash all supplied)... ok... I guess now it shows I usually stay at the level of holiday inn express so.. I was impressed!!! -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2009
A nice, decent Fairmont. Newly refurbished, great West End/Georgetown location. The staff has been really friendly - great catering staff, great front desk staff, great business center staff, great reservations team, great A/V team. . . . the catering managers however are a little hit or miss. Nice, but a little scattered perhaps, and intensely focused on deadlines like no other hotel I've worked with. They were super accommodating with all of my millions of changes and last minute requests though, so the end results are high.
The food has been decent, and as mentioned, because the catering staff is so fab, my team stayed happy. Even when they were being demanding little nightmares (and breaking the law), the staff stayed calm and friendly. I'm recommending them for sainthood.
Maybe the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had (yes, I had two in one day, South Beach be damned). I had the best sandwich of my life on Thursday - a portobello mushroom/veggie/goat cheese number, which was totally not as good when I got it again on Friday. However, for those of you that typically shy away from crummy box lunch options, you don't need to worry about that here - they were some of the best I've had.
Walls between rooms are super thin though- I can hear my upstairs neighbor peeing and dropping things on the tile floor in his bathroom, and the kids of my other neighbor yammering on well into the night and watching tv at a volume that can't possibly be good for them. Such is hotel life though, and all in all, I'd recommend this as a solid option for a meeting or event in DC. -
Review from Andrew K.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2006
I attended an all-day retreat at this classy hotel. The service was great! The muffin, muesli, yellow watermelon, and chive cream cheese were great as was their signature tea selection. The lunch was also yummy - with fajitas, shrimp, and other such things. Best was the happy hour afterwards with mojitos and sugar cane sticks, peking duck, mushroom stuffed dumplings, and tuna tartare on the outdoor patio filled with impatiens. I enjoyed the ambiance. But, I am sure this came at a great cost.
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Review from Laurie B.
Swarthmore, PA
6/7/2010
We got into the Fairmont at a very good rate via Hotwire, which has it as a 4-star hotel. Each of these stars is earned, as far as I'm concerned. I very much appreciated the gracious service, the speedy elevators, the well-equipped gym, and 50-foot lap pool. Little things made all the difference: robes in the room, large feather pillows, good air conditioning, thick walls and floors that kept all noise but the hallways unnoticeable, great water pressure in the showers. The TVs were flat screens, but of the older variety. Nevertheless, we were very comfortable.
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Review from Catherine M.
Washington, DC
2/3/2008
Beautiful understated hotel. Warm and festive lobby where you will more than likely find a piano player.
Excellent customer service. Comfy cozy rooms.
Good business location, not *the* best tourist location, though it is within a 15 minute walk to the Foggy Bottom Metro, and is close to Penna Ave and the 30 buses.
Would be thrilled to stay here again. -
Review from jeff c.
5/27/2008
Mainly booked this hotel for the Chocolate Brunch @ The Colonnade. Service here was friendly. There is a concierge to answer all your questions for those who are just visiting. There was a sign up that said we could book MLB games here (Nationals vs Brewers) for $45 along the 1st base line. They were kind enough to tell us that it cost no more at the stadium and there were plenty of seating if we were to change our minds. To the right of the concierge is some water with lemon in it. Perpendicular to that on your right was the check-in desk. The decor is a bit outdated and is ideal for baby boomers. The rooms were sufficient, although we had to ask for shampoo. There was a coffee maker and dryer in the room at least. The water pressure was good and there were plenty of towels to go around. Don't expect any plasmas though. We had a modest 13" tube tv with cable service. I saw a 4 star diamond award plaque against the wall. I would say that's pretty accurate. At $199/night, it's not bad if you want peace and quiet. Although for $35/night more, you can stay at the Mandarin for a more upbeat nightlife. The room service menu pricing was RIDICULOUS though. Something along the lines of $24 for Eggs Benedict. UN POCO LOCO!
Note: Sign up for the President's Club for free Ethernet and local calls during your stay. It's free to sign up so why not!Listed in: Brunch Sh*t
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Review from Jared M.
Manhattan, NY
1/22/2009
Do yourself and stay here in D.C.. This Fairmont is head and shoulders above the Ritz in D.C.. It also helped that we got a really good rate and free upgrade to the club level but even still, it was a great stay and the lobby bar was one of the better ones Ive been to. They also have a really nice courtyard.
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Review from Danielle J.
West Village, Manhattan, NY
1/23/2009
This place was adorable--cute room, great bar area, great courtyard! As my boyfriend said below, way better than the ritz. wish we hadnt switched! came here for the 4th of July, and got the free upgrade to club level, just a great overall experience, and the bartenders were also super friendly! Best Fairmont i've stayed at yet!
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Review from Laura H.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2011
I had a very nice stay at the Fairmont. I wouldn't say it is the fanciest of hotels, but I gave it five stars because I was very impressed by the customer service and small touches that made it feel very nice. I stayed there for a conference and was pleasantly surprised by the size of the room (big by DC standards). The fitness center is excellent, and they also deliver yoga mats to your room promptly, for free, which is a nice touch. The staff went out of their way to help me on several occasions, so I was surprised to see that other reviewers had a bad experience with the staff. And it is a short walk to charming Georgetown with nice restaurants and shops.
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Review from S. W.
Park City, UT
8/2/2009
We stayed at the Fairmont-DC for 7 nights. 2 adults and 1 child.
Location: 5 stars. Very close to Mall activities and Georgetown. Easy walking distance to White House. The Metro is only 3 short blocks away. In the future, I would stay here, or the Four Seasons - Georgetown, or the Ritz Carlton which is 1 block away. Great area -- so much better than downtown.
Property: 3 and 3/4 stars. We stayed on the 9th Floor (Gold) and that was the saving grace. Wonderful, professional, and attentive staff. Wonderful food and beverage offerings throughout the day. We changed rooms upon arrival and had a few problems with house-keeping. The room and bathroom were just not as clean as I would have liked, but I purchased some Clorox wipes and contacted the Gold staff and things got better. If you are accustomed to staying at the RC or Four Seasons (But are looking to save a few bucks), then choose the Gold 9th floor at the Fairmont. If not, then go with RC and FS. Again, the Fairmont's proximity to the restaurants and nightlife in Georgetown is stellar. The Gold floor staff is amazing. Gold Floor guests also have access to a complimentary car service-- it will take you anywhere in the City.
Staff: The 9th floor Gold Staff was top-notch and friendly. Everyone was accommodating and helpful. The Gold lounge was gorgeous. An excellent respite after sightseeing all day.
Overall: A great property for higher end travelers if you stay on the Gold Floor. Great concierge service for restaurants and spas.
