Grandeur, Guests and Ambassadors Alike

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 Fairfax in 1932, and it was during this decade that congressman, senators, and ambassadors began to make the hotel their permanent residence. Prominent tenants included 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.

In the 1950's, glamour reached new heights at The Fairfax, 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.

To accommodate the growing masses and celebrity guests, Col. Gore's children endeavored to launch a restaurant that would mirror the superb service and unparalleled elegance of the estate itself. Scouting the world's most renowned restaurants and art galleries for the elements of a truly sophisticated dining experience, The Jockey Club opened in 1961 as a living testament to their vision. 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 Fairfax at Embassy Row 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 it to its former glory in high style and becoming an elite member of The Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.