Good But Not Luxurious
The Fairfax is a Ritz lite. Very lite. You can hear neighbors through the walls. And you can hear noisy, truck and bus infested Massachusetts Avenue through the windows if you're on that side of the building. The rooms are very simple but comfortable. The bathroom is only a step up from a good motel. My shower was really laughable. The bath spout was a cheap classic from the 1970s that you'd find in any suburban tract house. The shower had a nice leak from the knob that sends the water up to the shower head. And the shower head was a cousin of the 1970s faucet; it must have cost, oh, about a buck fifty. (The Courtyard Marriott in Fredericksburg, VA, has much better bathrooms, newly renovated by a smart designer.) My theory for why the Fairfax is rated so highly: Location, with a capital L. You are surrounded by prestigious embassy buildings, and DuPont Circle is a 3-minute walk down the street. There are a number of good restaurants in the immediate area, and many of the city's most intriguing areas are within easy walking distance: the White House, Georgetown, K Street. The National Cathedral is a bit further but not a long way. Rooms overlooking Mass Ave have an impressive view north, with the cathredral at the extreme left. One valuable feature for those who like fresh air: windows that open. If you are looking for a classic old-school hotel, this is a good choice in a fantastic location. There is some snob factor, but that's because it's not too close to the famous five stars near Georgetown. You'll be comfortable in a dignified atmosphere, with a professional, well-educated clientele. But be prepared for some flaws and half-steps. For about the same money you can do much better in equally prestigious locations. In the DuPont Circle area you might try the Kimpton hotels, Palomar and Topaz, which are "boutique" style hotels with big reps and younger clientele than the Fairfax, though they too have some pitfalls. There's also a Renaissance Hotel at DuPont. Another high quality hotel that surpasses Fairfax in some ways is Sofitel, near the White House.