I travel to Washington DC often and I’m always on the lookout for the right hotel for the right trip. DC is a large city full of diverse and unique neighborhoods and I’ve spent some time exploring a number of them; Dupont Circle’s lively vibe,the politico airs of downtown, Capitol Hill’s classic meets funky charm and the quiet appeal of Woodley Park. One place I haven’t been was Georgetown and it was high time I explore one of Washington’s most alluring neighborhoods along with one of DC’s most alluring hotels, the Fairmont Washington DC.
I’ve long been familiar with Fairmont’s brand of classic understated elegance, most notably the grand chateau hotels (cheautels?) of Banff and Quebec City. Located in Washington’s fashionable West End neighborhood, the Fairmont is just minutes away from the historic tree-lined streets, trendy boutiques and enticing restaurants of Georgetown. The monuments of the National Mall are about a 20 minute walk away and the nearby Foggy Bottom metro station puts the rest of the DC metro area within easy reach.
After battling Northern Virginia’s infamous traffic, we were quickly and warmly welcomed despite the hotel being full with visitors looking to experience Washington during cherry blossom season. The Fairmont has recently renovated all of its 415 rooms and suites and I was excited to see what my new room had in store. My signature room, at 550 sq. feet, is one of the most spacious rooms I’ve had in Washington. Newly decorated with modern classic decor, my room featured a sitting area that led to a small balcony overlooking the Fairmont’s peaceful courtyard.The bathroom, stocked with with luscious La Labo toiletries, is standard size for a city hotel but the large counter offers plenty of space for two to get ready in the morning.
One of the smartest features in the newly renovated rooms are the number of power outlets and usb ports with easy access throughout the room, its evident that the Fairmont really kept both the business and leisure traveler in mind with the renovation. My signature room was anchored with a supremely comfortable king size bed perfect for recovering after a busy day of sight-seeing. One of things I was most impressed by at the Fairmont was how quiet it was. For a fully booked hotel in one of the busiest cities in the United States, my room proved to be a peaceful oasis from the frenetic energy of Washington DC.
The common spaces at the Fairmont are bright and inviting offering guests a peaceful retreat from the city. The spacious lobby offers plenty of comfortable seating with natural light streaming in. The Loggia lounge is great place to start the evening (with a pianist providing live entertainment) with a signature cocktail or unwind after dinner with a nightcap. While spring had yet to fully work its magic on the courtyard it was clear to see it’s one of the loveliest outdoor spaces of any hotel in the city.
I had the chance to dine in the Fairmont restaurant Juniper for both breakfast and dinner. While there are a variety of made to order dishes ranging from a healthy egg white omelet with quinoa and veggies to a decadent crab cake Benedict I opted for the extensive breakfast buffet. Highlights from the buffet included the perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs, lox that the New Yorkers from the next table over couldn’t stop raving about and the assortment of classic and creative breakfast pastries (I personally loved the coconut chocolate tartlet). For dinner Juniper features modern American classics. The Fairmont is unique among DC hotels in that it has its very own rooftop beehive and the best items on Juniper’s menu feature honey straight from their own hive. I particularly loved the Beetini, a heady vodka and tequila based cocktail with honey and bits of honeycomb; and the Juniper’s signature honey walnut bread is served with an addictive whipped butter drizzled with honey and a dusting of sea salt. Be sure to end your meal with the sticky toffee pudding served in a mason jar with a thick ribbon of honey caramel sauce topped with vanilla ice cream.
What I found at the Fairmont was a refined elegance and a welcome retreat from the hustle of Washington DC but what really makes the Fairmont special is the staff. From the genuinely warm greetings from each staff member I encountered to the gracious service at Juniper the people are what would bring me back to the Fairmont Washington DC.
I was graciously hosted by the Fairmont Washington DC but as always all opinions remain my own.
Charles McCool says
Looks like a splendid place to stay in Washington, DC.
Brianna says
It really was Charles, they also put on a fantastic brunch if you’re ever in the neighborhood on a weekend.
Reginia Cordell says
Two of my favorite things: Washington, DC and the Fairmont Brand. I’ve stayed in their Singapore and Abu Dhabi Hotels. The Rose 31 Scent is so delightful.
Brianna says
Oh, I’d love to stay at their SIngapore hotel!
Jessica says
Such a beautiful property in a great location. I personally love their Christmas display at the Fairmont. You should come back for that!
Brianna says
Most definitely, I love DC at Christmas and I’m sure the Fairmont puts on a dazzling display!
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
It’s so nice to get a peek inside from a personal point of view. I recently stayed at the Fairmont Newport Beach and so many of the characteristics you discuss were present there, also. I love the Fairmont Brand: you know what to expect when you arrive and they deliver.
Brianna says
I loved the pictures from you review of the Fairmont Newport Beach, I could sit by that pool for hours!
Katie says
I LOVE it when hotels put thought into outlets and USBs… it seems so obvious to have a free outlet by the nightstand for phone charging, but so many neglect it! You can always tell a good hotel when they think about things like that — they know how to make a place even BETTER than home. Will check this out next time I’m in D.C.!
Brianna says
I’m sure you and Justin would love the Fairmont, it was so peaceful!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
I used to live not far from there and went to a few conferences there many years ago. The hotel still looks amazing. I need to go back for that sticky toffee pudding!
Tamara says
This looks so lovely! I’m a huge fan of the Fairmont brand. Did they have any dogs you can walk?
Jenna says
I haven’t stayed at a Fairmont hotel before, but this looks like a very nice choice with lots of memorable details. I will have to look into their locations here in California.
Holly says
I’ve only stayed at a Fairmont once, but this one in DC looks gorgeous. Agree that having outlets and USB plug-ins is key for any place I stay these days! And of course, any hotel that serves a crab cake benedict for breakfast automatically earns extra points in my book. 🙂
Brianna says
The Fairmont quickly become one of my favorite hotels in DC.
Kimberly Erin @ Walkaboot.ca says
This looks like a really cute fairmont, I love the looks of the little courtyard, it looks really nice, as do most fairmonts
Connie Reed says
The Fairmont Washington D.C. looks like a comfortable place to relax after spending a day in the busy city. I love when hotels add lots of outlets and usb ports.
Andi says
I have stayed at several properties in Georgetown, I love that area, including the Fairmont and I concur that it is a lovely hotel. They are refined, but not fussy and I love that about the Fairmont brand. Loved Jupiter as well!
Noel says
Wow elegant is the right definition, stunning property and I would love to stay in this property, hopefully when I get to visit Washington DC in the nearby future.
MariaAbroad says
I am going to DC in 2 weeks and still need to book a Hotel. The Fairmont sounds like a lovely choice to settle down and explore this beautiful city. Luckily my husband gets to travel to Washington quite frequently and as I work remotely, I can often join him. There is always something new to explore and discover.
Bernard Tan says
The hotel makes you feel love, nothing but love. with all the little details covered.
Brianna says
It really is about the details isn’t it?
Tess Andrade says
Loks like a really nice to hotel to stay at! I love the look of the shampoo, conditioner etc. – it’s those little touches that one notices right away (i’m a sucker for beuatifully crafted labels) – and the buffet looks spectacular! I wish I could find a Beetini here! Sounds like my kind of cocktail!
Bell | Wanderlust Marriage says
Looks beautiful! Despite being in Bethesda every 3-4 months work I never seem to get to Georgetown. Hopefully next time! But the hotel there looks gorgeous, we enjoyed the Fairmont brand in Vancouver last year!
Christina says
I just recently got back from staying at a Fairmont in Bermuda. I must say, I am really starting to fall in love with the brand! Washington, DC Fairmont looks very elegant – as did the one in Bermuda. Also, really enjoyed the buffet breakfast same as you! Good to know the brand can be consistent.
Megan says
Love this property. Never stayed but have been able to grab a drink there in the past. Love how open everything is. Thanks for sharing.
Lindsay Nieminen says
The Fairmont in Washington looks amazing! (but can you really go wrong at a Fairmont!!!) I love the shampoo scents they offer!!! and the USB outlets in the remodel, great call Fairmont!!!
Brianna says
I absolutely love the new rooms, I can’t wait to see how they remodel the common spaces.
Trisha Velarmino - P.S. I'm On My Way says
I am going to DC soon and I am getting in touch with you about this hotel! I have a lot of questions and I hope you can help. Xx
Brianna says
Sure thing, have a great time in DC!
Uncover Your Caribbean says
Lux Lux Lux! The Fairmont DC really does fit in well in that area as well as add a little bit of something else to the scene.
Brianna says
How can you not love the Fairmont? I’m really falling in love with the brand.
Sarah Stierch says
Love the Fairmont in Georgetown. Love that you call some of their properties “cheautels” – HA!
Brianna says
Perhaps I should claim #cheautels?