“Due to its size and popularity, the Presidential Georgetown Suite is the most requested suite by foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and during Presidential Inaugurations,” explained Shane Krige, General Manager for Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. In an interview, we discussed the property’s $27M renovation to be completed in April, the pure luxury of the Presidential Georgetown Suite, signature dishes and cocktails at the on-site restaurant Juniper, and the perfect weekend itinerary to enjoy both the hotel and all that Washington has to offer.
Tell me a little bit about the history and evolution of the Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown.
With the grace and charm comparable to any of the stately embassies of Washington, D.C., our elegant 10-story, 415-room hotel, designed by renowned architect Vlastimil Koubeck, opened in 1985. Currently, we are undergoing a $27 million dollar renovation of all guestrooms and suites including the exclusive Fairmont Gold Floor lounge. We are also converting the executive forum amphitheater into a 2,900-square-foot junior ballroom. The additional ballroom will be called The Kennedy Ballroom and is expected to increase group meeting capacity as well as add entertaining space for social events and weddings.
This exciting project will be completed by April 15, 2016, enhancing both the guest experience and the hotel’s position as the largest luxury group hotel in the nation’s capital.
What sets the Presidential Georgetown Suite apart from other signature suites? The Presidential Georgetown Suite on Fairmont Gold is tailored for powerful executives and royalty. The contrast of dark wooded flooring and a neutral palette of taupe and silver, punctuated by deep blue accents and a pop of ochre, creates a chic and luxurious environment. Artwork throughout the suite is inspired by the city of Washington and its history. A large living room adjacent to a sophisticated white marble dining table with embossed leather chairs is perfect for entertaining. A grand foyer, butler’s pantry, coat closet, and powder room are all part of the spacious and luxurious suite.
The large king bedroom has a fully upholstered headboard wall and a relaxing lounge area. A large walk-in closet has meticulously detailed storage and fittings. The two bathrooms include a large shower and a free-standing bathtub, adorned by Italian glass mosaic walls. The Presidential Georgetown suite is 1,700 square feet, with the option to add a second bedroom with two queen beds, creating a total of 2,100 square feet of living and entertaining space. The Georgetown Suite enjoys all the pleasures of Fairmont Gold including private check-in, personalized butler and concierge services, and access to the club lounge for daily breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres. Due to its size and popularity, it is the most requested suite by foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and during Presidential Inaugurations.
How would you describe the dining options on-site, and what are some of the signature dishes and drinks of the hotel?
Juniper Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Weather permitting, guests may also dine al fresco in our flower-filled courtyard garden. Our signature Crab cakes are the best on the East Coast, and the sustainable menu offers both regional and seasonal cuisine.
Light-fare dining is also available in the lobby lounge and loggia. Our honey walnut bread and BeeMyHoney doughnuts are made with our rooftop honey. Our signature cocktail, the BeeTini, includes honey and honeycomb from our rooftop hives.
If you were to advise guests looking to experience the new and improved Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown later this spring, what would be the perfect weekend itinerary?
Friday: After checking in to a newly renovated guestroom or suite, guests can adjourn to the hotel lobby overlooking the courtyard garden while enjoying our BeeTini or any of our classic cocktails while listening to live piano entertainment. For dinner, a short walk into Georgetown offers a variety of great restaurants and window shopping. Our concierge will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and reservations for you.
Saturday: After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in bed, I suggest touring the National Portrait Gallery, any of the Smithsonian museums, and a stop for lunch in the city center. After lunch, visit The Phillips Collection—America’s first museum of modern art, where you can view Renoir’s “The Luncheon of the Boating Party” in its permanent home and a selection of Mark Rothko’s famous abstract impressionist paintings. Returning to the hotel for a dip in our indoor pool, or a workout in Balance Gym, is a great refresher before enjoying dinner at Juniper. After dinner, the concierge can arrange a driver and champagne for a moonlight tour of the monuments.
Sunday: On Sunday morning enjoy market fresh brunch in Juniper. Before heading home, visit Hillwood Estate and Gardens. The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post boasts the largest collection of Faberge Eggs among other treasures.
