With history around every corner, a growing arts community and one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the country it’s little surprise that Washington DC is one of my favorite stops for a city break. The Capitol is spoiled for choice when it comes to great hotels but I couldn’t pass up a chance to return for a stay at the Fairmont Washington DC. The Fairmont’s location is one of the best in the city, within easy reach of the restaurants and shops of Georgetown and Dupont Circle as well as being convenient to the monuments and museums of the National Mall while being an oasis from the tourist fray.
I was in town for an event being held at the Fairmont so after dropping my bags off in my room a made a beeline for the lobby. This was my first time back to the Fairmont since they completed a multi-million dollar renovation and I liked what I saw. The new lobby was modern , yet timeless; with thoughtful nods to the capital city in the decor. Cozy seating throughout the airy lobby provide the perfect place to unwind with a signature cocktail from the Lobby Bar.
The food at the Fairmont was just as good as I remembered. On my last visit I dined at Juniper, the Fairmont’s restaurant for both breakfast and dinner(my recommendation? Go for anything on the menu featuring honey made from the Fairmont’s own rooftop beehive) but this time I had a chance to sample some tasty tapas passed by a gracious staff. Crabcakes and sliders with dijon aioli were tasty but what I really had my eye on was dessert. Bites of creamy flan were topped with just the right amount of caramel but the real star was the rich almond cake drenched in decadent dark chocolate.
The Gold Level rooms are spacious for a Washington city hotel, with modern updates that were comfortable with a touch of fun. As I’ve come to expect with Fairmont my king sized bed was supremely comfortable and the bathroom was stocked with with luscious La Labo toiletries with a large counter that offered plenty of space to get ready for my day exploring DC.
The Gold Level offers access to a private lounge and concierge, a quiet retreat from the hectic pace of capitol life. Start the day with a complimentary breakfast buffet, with choices as healthy or as decadent as you wish ( I personally swooned over the Nespresso machine). The real benefit of staying on the gold level is the concierge staff who remembered me by name, and were exceedingly gracious with no request too large or small.
Of course no visit to the Fairmont is complete without one of their signature beetinis. A heady mix of vodka, tequila, lemon along with honey and honeycomb from the rooftop garden is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Fairmont’s beautiful courtyard.
Cheers!
What I found at the Fairmont was a property with modern elegance that was comfortable and inviting, but it’s the understated and gracious service that will keep me coming back.
I was graciously hosted by the Fairmont Washington DC but all opinions are my own
Alana says
At one point I worked next door to the Fairmont and are regularly at Juniper with clients. Yum! It’s one of my favorite restaurants and hotels in DC!
Brianna says
Lucky you! Not a bad neighborhood to work in at all.
Andi says
I love the Fairmont franchise and have stayed at several although not in DC yet. It looks like a great property. Any hotel that serves Nespresso coffee is okay in my book!
Brianna says
I was in love with that Nespresso machine!
Charles McCool says
Sweet Georgia Brown, your golden experience looks righteous. I have only been to that property’s lobby and a conference room. Alas, one day I will be able to ascend at least one level into its luxury.
Eric || The Bucket List Project says
Very awesome looking hotel. That is really cool that they make food from their own rooftop beehive. I didnt see you post it but do they allow you to go up on the roof to see the hives? That would be really awesome. The food overall looked off the hook especially the sliders. I think I would steal like 20 of those fancy shampoos.
Carrie says
This looks like a great place to stay — I’m a DC local and am constantly asked where the best hotels in the city are, so I’ll have to recommend this. The rooftop beehive is brilliant. Glad you enjoyed my city!
Brianna says
DC is definitely one of my favorite cities!
Indrani says
The place is overflowing with luxury! Fairmont chain is a good one and they have maintained their standards well. The food spread is awesome.
It too me a while to figure out the mirror in the pic. : 🙂
Anne says
This hotel looks fabulous. I love the mirror in the shape of a head,
Cindy Collins says
I haven’t stayed in a Fairmont yet but this makes me want to change that. The newly renovated lobby looks really grand. The food also looks pretty appetising especially those little creamy flans. And I habe to say one of those beetinis on the rooftop garden would be a nice way to relax!
Ferna says
I haven’t stayed in any Fairmont chain or franchise, but I heard about how good they are. The best thing I love from this is the NESPRESSO! geez, as a coffee lover, that is heaven. I bet being in such a luxurious place, the service must be high as well and I do want to experience the same as you had. I am absolutely stunned that they have a beehive, apart from that, the comfort you shared will make everyone want to visit. You are one lucky human being hosted by this institution. Love it!
Megan Jerrard says
They’ve done well with their renovation – the spaces are very artistic! I haven’t been to the Fairmont at DC, though am very fond of the brand itself, and I agree, the food is always delicious – Noted to book a gold level room on our next trip, for both the space and access to a private lounge and concierge.
karishma says
I am going Washington dc next month due to some business purpose and i have sufficient time to enjoy the beauty of Washington. You increased my excitement here.
jitaditya says
Great property in a great location. I know that burger is an American classic but the ones here look special. Love that artwork on the wall. What is that, a postmodern rendition of Monalisa?
Jennifer says
The rooms look very chic, but it’s the food that I’m dying over! The crab cake sliders, the dark chocolate almond cakes, that massive Nespresso station and the beetinis with the honey from the rooftop bees – I need every single one of those things in my life. What a foodie hotel you’ve found!
Suruchi says
They have really renovated the place nicely, artistically and creatively. The rooms too look comfortable and quite spacious. The dark chocolate cake is so tempting. I too would love to munch on them first, remembering that yummy food too.