Historic Washington, D.C. Hotel

The Fairfax at Embassy Row is a historic Washington, D.C. landmark, with an intriguing history that spans more than 80 years.

When The Fairfax opened its doors in 1927, distinguished guests were instantly drawn to its stately elegance, and more than willing to part with the outrageous sum of $4.00 per day for a double occupancy suite with a parlor, bedroom, and full bath. Colonel H. Grady Gore and his wife purchased the historic D.C. hotel in 1932, and it was during this decade that congressman, senators, and ambassadors began to make the hotel their permanent residence. Prominent tenants included a young Al Gore, Jr., Mrs. Henry Cabot Lodge, Admiral and Mrs. Chester William Nimitz, and Senator John L. McClellan. A young George H. Bush and his parents, Senator and Mrs. Prescott Bush, also made The Fairfax their home when in town.

During World War II, our historic Washington, D.C. hotel earned the reputation as a sanctuary for soldiers visiting the nation's capital. The Gore family adopted a policy of never turning away a man in uniform, even when their arrival became a daily occurrence. When the hotel was fully occupied, public areas were converted into makeshift sleeping quarters with fold-away cots.  All efforts were made to host our country's soldiers.

In the 1950's, glamour reached new heights at the Fairfax Hotel, sealing its destiny as a Washington, D.C. trendsetter. "Insider" parties kept the historic hotel in D.C. on the tips of tongues far and wide, and it was not long before The Fairfax was asked to host the first inaugural breakfast for President Eisenhower.

In 1961 the original restaurant The Jockey Club opened. Inspired largely by New York’s legendary eatery, “21”, the restaurant became a gathering place for President Kennedy’s "Camelot," infusing The Fairfax yet again with political cache. Throughout the years, the historic Washington, D.C. hotel has caught the eye of many well known personalities, including Jackie Kennedy, President Jimmy Carter, Margaret Thatcher, President William Jefferson Clinton, Vernon Jordan, Lady Victoria Rothschild, Betsy Bloomingdale, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Jack Nicholson, Steve Martin, Julie Andrews, Lynne Redgrave, Samuel L. Jackson, and Angela Basset.

In 1975 the Washington DC Metrorail has become a staple people mover and way to quickly, comfortably and easily get around the city. Just one and a half blocks from the Dupont Circle Station, the Fairfax has continually grown and changed with the times to meet the needs of its guests.

In 2006, Pyramid Hotel Group purchased the Fairfax at Embassy Row, vowing to restore the historic D.C. hotel to its former glory in high style by becoming an elite member of The Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.