The Fairmont Washington DC. Suited for Business and Pleasure
Written: Nov 17 '03 (Updated Dec 30 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good location and cabs always lined up outside the hotel.
Cons: A bit pricey for those who may spend most of the day sight seeing.
The Bottom Line: If you have the extra dollars this place charges you will find this place quite the place to be.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: The Fairmont Washington DC |
Business brought me to Washington DC this last weekend. Most times when out of town I try to mix a bit of pleasure with the business. In that light, I was able to review the hotel from the point of view of business person and that of a tourist.
This hotel is in the West End. This is an upscale neighborhood with many fine restaurants and clubs. Other fine hotels are there too. This is also very close to the charming and happening Georgetown.
I would guess that the hotel is a mile or so from the White House. This also puts you close to the Washington Monument. From there it's your choice of all that DC offers. It really is a place that needs at least three days to start to get to see all it offers. It has amazing historic sights, great memorials, many parks, and so much that has to do with the American heritage. I have been to this city many times with my family, on business, and participating in marches and protests on different issues.
The ENTRANCE
The building itself is nondescript. If not for th entrance itself one would not take this structure as anything out of the ordinary.
The entrance, however, is a step above the rest. In fact I took the time to check out a few other entrances and lobbies of other hotels just steps away.
The Park Hyatt is just across the street. Nothing special about it. Just a few more steps away was the Westin Grand. It was nice but not the same. A block and a half away I checked out the Ritz Carlton and the Wyndham City Central. Though fine looking, none of them had the grandeur of the Fairmont.
Though the building is on a fairly busy street they have valet service with cars and taxis able to drive up to the lobby by way of a cobblestone driveway that was under a very large protective covering. A doorman is always on station and there were plenty of bellman to help with luggage. Brass luggage carriers were neatly lined up prepared for the guests of the day.
Walking into the hotel was delightful. The first thing I noticed was a lot of light and the smell of fresh flowers. The light is all natural. The lobby is an huge atrium that is multi-leveled making its way down to an outside courtyard that was as beautiful as any formal gardens I have seen. Everything radiates from a lovely fountain that anchors the gardens center point.
The flower aroma, I noticed when first entering the lobby, was from actual live plantings that are throughout the interior area. Apparently there is enough light to keep these flowers doing well. I suppose they change them out depending on seasons. There were mostly mums at this time of year.
Also found in this open atrium area is a bar. It is quite inviting and everyday they have piano music playing in the late afternoon. The sounds also add to the overall pleasurable feeling of the hotel.
DESK SERVICES
The Concierge was the first person I met when in the lobby. I spoke with her when I looked at the check in desk about thirty feet away and saw no person stationed there. She immediately came from behind her rather imposing looking station and walked me right over to the check in desk where two people miraculously appeared. I am convinced that she must have pressed some kind of signal to make the help aware that someone was approaching.
The people at the check in desk were very business like yet friendly. Some places just cannot get a good balance of the two. This one did. I first asked what a standard room would cost. Surprisingly they quoted just ten dollars above the best prices I found on Expedia, Hotels.com and a couple of other Internet services. Though I did not need their check in price they did tell me of a step up I could make for only $100.00 per night. They offer the Fairmont Gold Floor. Though I never saw the rooms I was told they were a notch above the standard rooms and also offer free Internet service, a breakfast, and some kind of a drink deal at the bar. I declined thinking that I could have a few drinks, a fine breakfast and even use the room Internet service and still be ahead of the game.
A moment later I was being escorted to the room. The elevators are a little bit of a walk to the desk. This really isn't a problem because the elevators are close enough to the entrance and the open area to the bar.
The ROOM
The halls and elevators were in tip top shape. Everything looked new. I did read that this was until fairly recently the Monarch Hotel and improvements were made as soon as the new property owners came in.
The room was a good size. Two double beds were within this one. King and queen beds are available. Being I was on the road without my wife the present arrangements were fine.
The rooms are in a very subtle earth tones. Plenty of natural light fills the room. A fine looking furniture of a credenza, desk, and night tables were without even a scratch! There was adequate storage room for two people . however a family staying for a could of days might find that some clothes would be staying in their luggage.
The room had a small 19" TV which did have Internet service, games, and in room movies for a charge. I never watched the TV so I could not tell you how many stations etc.
The inside rooms overlook the garden area and is quite a delightful view. There are small decks that you may step out to but not enough room to lay out in the summer sun. I suggest asking for a room overlooking this court area. It is also quite, no city traffic noises here. The outside rooms, especially those on M street might get some noise.
The closet housed an iron and board, a keyed safe, and terry bath robes.
The bath was a nice size. Counter top amenities and a make up mirror were at hand. The marble and fine fixtures all looked new. Lighting was excellent.
Towels were plentiful and good sized.
BALL ROOMS
My business brings me to many parties and celebrations. The hotel has some very fine ball rooms. The decor though luxurious is in mute earth tones. They were classy yet not overly glitzy. The food was mediocre. Nothing special from their catering. Well one thing did come through and that was a strong odor of curry in the downstairs area of the Ball rooms. There wasn't anything on the selections of the night that should have had that smell permeating the area but there it was. To some this may be fine. I don't care for curry. I might add that this smell was in the air six hours before the function.
Part of the cocktail hour was in the Roosevelt room. There were four very large old framed photos of Roosevelt's. They were of Franklin and Eleanor. What I found interesting, in this city of presidents, was that two photos were of them together and two were of Eleanor by herself.
For the BUSINESS PERSON
They have a manned Business center with Internet service stations, and fax and copying capabilities.
While we were there a few business meetings were going on. Break time between meetings were in the downstairs open areas with coffee and soft drinks available. They seemed to do this right. I did get a peek at the amphitheatre that they advertise. It is the best I have ever seen. Each personal area of the over 80 seat room has desk like stations with swivel chairs along with microphone and Internet capabilities. I thought I walked into one of the meeting rooms of the United Nations building in NYC. Actually I shouldn't compare them. The technological capabilities in the UN are now archaic.
OTHER FEATURES
Though I did not have time to check them out due to a short stay and doing sight seeing the hotel does have
A lap pool
Squash and Racquetball courts
A luxury Spa
Fine dining in the Bistro, one of their two restaurants
and
24 hour room service.
SOME LAST THOUGHTS and IMPRESSIONS
This is a fine luxury hotel where you can get good weekend prices. During the week you can expect to pay double or triple the $180 rate. Though it has upscale surroundings I also found the help and hotel very comfortable and without any snobbish airs about it.
I liked that there was a taxi stand just outside the entrance. Though any major hotels can have a cab in front in a matter of minutes I prefer that there was never a wait at the Fairmont.
Metro stations are fairly close by too. I would say an eight minute walk would get you to them.
I would be set to challenge their statement that says they are just 12 minutes to Reagan National Airport. I have always found driving in DC, especially at night very slow going.
In any case this hotel is in a good area, comfortable, business and tourist friendly, and can offer some fine upgrades. I would stay there at the lower weekend rates.
Other DC reviews by popsrocks
The Capital Hilton
Fairmont Washington Hotel
The Old Ebbit Grill Good Eats near the White House
The White House and Tour
The Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
Washington DC
The Korean War Veteran's Memorial
The Vietnam War Veteran's Memorial
The National World War II Memorial This is a new major memorial that will be dedicated May 2004
The National Art Gallery
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
The National Air and Space Museum
Recommended:
Yes
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