THE FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW, STARWOOD Luxe

The Fairfax struck me immediately as an old school hotel. The photos and decor were classy and classic. Our room was medium sized, had lots of natural light and was quiet. The bathroom was quite large, but the bathtub drained slowly (which did not bother me). The bar seemed lively as I walked by. The fitness room was not large, but sufficient with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights and towels. The hotel's location was perfect, the neighborhood nice and very pleasant to walk around.

Clean and quiet rooms but very dated decor. Bed was comfortable. Small television (but I never use it anyway). Tiny bathroom, although the water pressure in the shower was stronger than that in many hotels (a feature in my view). Gym is smallish and includes pretty dated cardio equipment (LifeFitness instead of Precor, etc.) -- *very* basic weight training facilities. Skipped the breakfast because they don't do made-to-order omelettes. Service was not friendly but not unfriendly. Desk was unoccupied in the early morning so I just saved my questions for later. All in all, I would not stay here again.

Here’s what distinguishes the Fairfax hotel from many in DC: Location is exceptional, just off Dupont Circle. The bar has unexpectedly good food, is quiet, very comfortable, clubby feeling, decent prices, excellent service, great drinks. Few hotels have such a seasoned, veteran staff; enjoy this before it’s gone. Some of the employees have worked there for decades, there’s a Southern touch of hospitality and gentility. A warm welcome awaits guests at the front door and entrance - Ahmed has been at the hotel for 30+ years, Kassa, Rama, Harry and all the front door staff make one feel at home. Quittina at the front desk tries utmost to provide good service. Sonnelle Gonzales assistant front desk manager and the hotel manager provide good follow up when that’s needed. There’ve been several times when I needed assistance from the telephone operators; they’ve many years at the hotel and provide the old fashioned service one finds rarely these days. Housekeepers - Sara Williams is an important part of why I stay at the hotel. My first visit was just for a few days, and on the second visit some months later, she remembered my name, “Welcome Back, Greg.” The Embassy Row neighborhood is fascinating to walk along, fine homes, the Phillips Museum is across the street, and there’s a museum next door to the hotel as well. There are innumerable good restaurants within walking distance, little, reasonably priced ethnic restaurants. The beds are maybe the most comfortable I’ve slept in, better than my mattress at home. The sheets are of high quality. The towels bigger than many at hotels. Cleanliness is a given, though some of the rugs could use cleaning. My elderly Mom loved the hotel, the staff welcomed her, reminding them it seems of their own mothers or grandmothers. Yes, the venerable Fairfax has certain quirks and warts, the rooms vary in size and view. There are advantages and disadvantages to the different room sizes. I prefer a Mass. Ave view, even if it’s not an upgraded suite. Overlooking the Gandhi statute across the street in a little park is a pleasant sight. If one is fussy on details, modernity, glitz look elsewhere. Parking is often available on streets nearby or purchase a room rate with a special on parking. Certainly if one looks closely there could be improvements. The excellent seafood salad is no longer on the menu. The buffet breakfast is ok, coffee excellent. The restaurant is vastly underutilized. Gabrielle at breakfast is a seasoned pro. Diplomats, distinguished guests have stayed here and the staff knows how to provide personal, professionalism. Am a veteran traveler world wide, the Fairfax is one of my favorites, and I wish II had reason to return here more often.

Stayed at this hotel on the 4th August with my wife and older teenage daughters as part of a three week trip to the US. The trip was booked and paid for over 9 months in advance through a highly reputable independant travel agent in Edinburgh. The hotel itself is lovely but their customer service is appalling. We arrived at 1500hrs and were forced to wait over 45 minutes to try and check in whilst the single receptionist struggled to cope with the queue. He made numerous request for assistance without success. When we were eventually dealt with we were told mattor or factly that our room wasn't ready, at 1600hrs''' No apology, just it wasn't ready and we would have to wait. I asked if we could wait in the bar and was again told rudely, no, it wasn't open. At that point we left and went to a local cafe for an hour. On returning were were finally given our room and were shocked to discover that it was a double room rather than a double/double as requested. I returned to the reception to point out the error and this was where the problems really started. The receptionist initially lied for about ten minutes, claiming that was the room we had booked. This continued even when I produced my confirmation. At that point we were joined by the duty manager who changed the tact from outright lying to total nonsense. She claimed that because we had booked through an agent and not directly through the hotel or Booking.com (who they have a good relationship with'') then they were entitled to give us any room that was available. I enquired how a hotel could possibly supply 4 adults, who had booked and paid for a four bedded room, with only a 2 bed room and she replied that there was no regulations in the US preventing it. The male receptionist even butted in to say that they could even put as many as 8 people in that room if they felt the need. It's almost impossible to argue with such and attitude. The staff were arrogant and rude and it was only after a very tense and upsetting argument that they conceded to give us the room we were entitled to as a "comlimentary upgrade"........for something we had already paid in full''' Whilst we had no problem with the room we were eventually given, the whole episode cast a very unecessary shadow over our stay and was completely unacceptable. Before submitting this review I have written a long and polite complaint to the hotel manager looking for an explanation, however they have failed to reply. It appears that the unprofessional attitude comes from the top down. That last comment is possible unfair because the head parking valet, Uba, was one of the niocest and most impressive gentleman Ii have met and he gave us a lovely lift to the airport. It's a pity the rest of the staff don't have his attitude. All in all a big disappointment. Customer service in American hotels is off the highest standard so why spend your money on a hotel that fails so badly in that respect.

This hotel pretends to be some kind of 'Grand Hotel' but in fact it is pretty average and priced high for what you are getting. It's also a little outdated. The rooms are clean and nice, but not very big at all. They are also fairly dark. The carpet in the hallways has seen better days. The breakfast buffet is expensive for what you get. Parking is Vallet and expensive. I asked to settle the bill the night before we left, as we had an early flight but was told we could do it from 4am. Then when we were at the reception at 4.30am, I couldn't get my bill done. I think you can find a better place for this price