Hotel History

The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C. is a luxury Dupont Circle hotel saturated with historical significance and stately elegance.  A Washington, D.C. landmark, our storied hotel has a rich 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 luxury 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, the hotel earned the reputation as a sanctuary for soldiers visiting Washington, D.C. The Gore family adopted a policy of never turning away a man in uniform, even when their arrival became a daily occurrence. When the historic 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 historic Fairfax hotel, sealing its destiny as a Washington, D.C. trendsetter. "Insider" parties kept the hotel 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.

Throughout the years, the historic 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.

But time also brought a number of significant changes-including a series of different owners with very contrasting ideas. In 2006, Pyramid Hotel Group purchased the Fairfax at Embassy Row, vowing to restore the historic hotel to its former glory in high style and becoming an elite member of The Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.