I am not a huge Fairmont fan since they are so hit and miss by city. This one is a definite hit! From check-in through check-out, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting to be disappointed but I was pleasantly surprised at every turn! Great hotel. Staff is extremely pleasant and professional. Room was gorgeous and immaculate. Bed and pillows were very comfortable. Don't be fooled by its exterior (it looks like a dive from the outside - very nondescript building). It is grand inside. Excellent value as well. I am planning a personal trip to DC this summer and definitely plan to stay here.

Stayed at the Fairmont for just one night over Memorial Day Weekend. Had a friend visit from Idaho who had never been to Washington. We took a quick trip up from NC just because the price at the Fairmont was so good Sunday night ($139). Exceptional pricing! Parked on the street since it was weekend and holiday so no charge at meter. I understand that parking is $28 at the hotel otherwise. The hotel is in a quiet, business neighborhood of not particularly interesting buildings. Two blocks west of the Ritz-Carlton which is also on M at 22nd. Neither of these hotels are interesting to look at, basically like office buildings. The Farimont has a really nice lobby (much nicer than the Ritz-Carlton, and a truly lovely courtyard with restaurant; this is the best feature of the hotel). The courtyard rooms overlook the flowers and umbrellas, fountain and tables. Coffee and pastries/cookies in the morning! Check in was fine. I asked for an upgrade and was accomodated without charge to a Deluxe room instead of a Standard (was told the only difference is that the views are better; all I was able to see from my room was Georgetown University and the courtyard, but it was fine). Had a little balcony that was a nice touch. Can't sit out there, just stand. Also, I joined the President's Club online after reading that the health club was a charge unless you joined. Did this 2 weeks before visit, and everything was in order. The room was very nice, about what you would expect from a nice 4 star hotel, very clean, nice king size bed with lots of pillows, a nice chair and ottoman, desk, etc. BIG floor-to-ceiling windows including the balcony door and nice draperies that kept out light when closed. Bathroom was clean and crisp, with lots of shampoo, nice soaps.etc. The air conditioning did not work particularly well, and the room seemed warm though the temperature read 69 degrees on the thermostat. Had a little trouble sleeping since the room was muggy (a very warm and muggy Memorial Day). The health club is ok, nice machines, but the pool area and jacuzzi are gloomy and a little depressing. This area could use some work. The locker room is typical nice wooden lockers with lots of amenities like razors, towels, shaving cream, etc. Only complaint was the wet areas. The hotel is in a quiet area (espcecially on the weekend) with not many restaurants, but Georgetown is only a few blocks west, Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan about 5 blocks or so NE, and the White house about 10 blocks S. (maybe 30 min). I like to walk, and I know this area, so walking was no problem. Pretty to walk through the GW University area on the way to the Mall. If you walk due S, safe. You hit the Mall right about the White House and GW monument. Check out was no problem, and I left my bags with the doorman and came back later in the day to claim and leave for NC. Overall, very nice for the price, but would feel ripped off if had to pay the regular prices (about $3-500 during the week). At least as nice as the RItz-Carlton, and much nicer public spaces. Would certainly recommend if the price is right. Check out the hotel's website for best deals not found online elsewhere.

To all the DC Experts: for my trip in general, a very grateful thank you for your recommendations; they were invaluable. I'll wirte report on my trip later - this is my review of Fairmont Hotel.

Exterior - brick building; once inside it is a very lovely hotel, great location, good food/room service, great concierge and fantastic service.

I'm a picky traveler so when I give an "Excellent" rating, it is well deserved. This hotel works for both business and tourist traveler. Join the Presidents' club and internet is free (as are many upgrades). Rooms are spotless and lovely; rooms are good sized, nice furnishings, bed was very comfortable, bathroom large-very nice plus robe; overall good amenities. Was lucky to be upgraded and had balcony, which was nice, but appreciated AC more (it was muggy & hot). I used the DC Circulator (stops 1 block from hotel) and it was great. Easy transport to and from the sights, and the price can't be beat ($1 each direction). Easy walking distance (& safe) to Georgetown. Basically, really liked this hotel and definitely would stay here again.

To people who enjoy a beautiful hotel, this hotel is for you. It is absolutely beautiful and first class in that sense. The common areas were gorgeous and the room my wife and I had was large and well appointed.

That said, we were VERY disappointed with the service at the hotel. We left with the impression that the employees were ill trained. Problems with the restaurant-- slow service although it was not busy. Problems with the concierge-- unable to give good restaurant recommendations in Georgetown. Problems with the lobby staff-- again just very slow when not busy. We had to pay for use of the business center-- we are premier members of the President's Club and have never before paid for that service. Finally, to get one extra hour for a late check out, we were told it was impossible without paying for half a day. The excuse was that DC's normal check out is 11:00am and the hotel offers everyone a complementary late check out of 1:00pm, therefore, we were already given a late check out. I failed to understand that logic because if everyone is given a complementary late check out of 1pm, then don't you have a de facto check out of 1pm?

All in all, we were not made to feel special at this hotel. Now, not that "feeling special" is absolutely necessary at a hotel, but that is how we were made to feel in past stays at the Fairmont and we expected the same in DC. I doubt we will stay at the DC Fairmont in future trips.

I should also say that our room rate was AMAZING. With a Club upgrade we got a beautiful room for cheap. So, with that said, maybe we got what we paid for in this stay.