Fairmont Hotel makes for a great trip to D.C.
I’ll admit one of the great pleasures I get in life is staying at a nice hotel. Over the years, I can say I have been fortunate to have stayed in quite a few.
Recently I added a new one to my list: the Fairmont Hotel, located at 24th & M Street, NW, Washington. The area is known as the West End and the hotel is only three blocks from Georgetown.
Currently, the hotel is undergoing a major renovation, as all the rooms and many of the common areas are being redone.
To my eye it looked just fine, but I’m told when done it will be even better.
The renovations don’t pose any problems. Actually, if I wasn’t told they were going, on I wouldn’t know.
Upon entering, you walk directly into the lobby and you can sit in a chair, order a drink, read or just people watch. It’s great for whatever you do.
Off the lobby is their dining room, Juniper, which serves all three meals.
I had the blueberry pancakes for breakfast and a delicious salmon for lunch.
I met Marich Tysz, the sous chef, whose goal is to make the restaurant a D.C. dining destination.
Once finished, you might ask for a room on the Concierge level, or as they call it, Fairmont Gold, and on the ninth floor.
The rates on that level will be higher, but the average rate is around $299 a night and are lower with a package, such as the “Eat, Park and Go.”
Hotel amenities include a pool, fitness center, business center, valet parking, a concierge on duty, 24-hour room service and The New York Times delivered to your room. And for those of you who just love their pets, the Fairmont is pet friendly.
By the way, the concierge can be very helpful, assisting you with theater or sport tickets, restaurant suggestions, directions, attractions and general information about the area. They have been asked all kinds of questions, so don’t be shy.
The hotel even offers a signature drink – the Beetina, which is named after the colony of bees living on the roof. I tried it and it was excellent. But one was enough for me.
From our area, Washington is so close and there is so much do to it makes sense to treat yourself to a getaway at the Fairmont.
As I mentioned, Georgetown is just three blocks away and you can spend hours checking out the retail shops.
I know I had a delightful time at the Fairmont. It was one of those trips where you don’t want to leave. The Fairmont can be reached at 202-429-2400 or by visiting fairmont.com.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.