fairmont washington dc

Fairmont Washington DC, Room 915: Impeccable Hospitality, Imaginary Internet

The Bed: Nothing to Report, Which Is the Point

A clean sweep. Linens, mattress and pillows each took five out of five for a perfect 100%, and the resulting night's sleep required no intervention of any kind. There is very little to say about a bed that works, which is precisely what makes it worth saying.

The Room: Handsome, Slightly Cramped in the Details

At 76%, the room was the weakest of the four categories, though not for any single dramatic reason. Cleanliness was perfect and the layout strong. But the view managed only 60%, the workspace the same, and the outlets likewise — a recurring theme in properties built before anyone owned three devices. Room service, minibar, HVAC, noise and style all settled respectably around 80%. Comfortable, well kept, and just slightly behind the century.

The Bathroom: Very Nearly Perfect

92%, and it showed. Cleanliness, water pressure and water temperature were all flawless, with towels and amenities close behind at 80%. This is the sort of bathroom that makes the rest of a hotel's shortcomings easier to forgive, and it very nearly managed it.

The Hotel: Superb Staff, Absent Signal

The property scored 83% on the back of a magnificent lobby, an excellent location and service at a full 100% — a rare and genuinely earned mark. The fitness facilities, restaurants and business amenities were all solid.

And then the Wi-Fi: 40%. The lowest score anywhere in this stay by a wide margin, at a hotel three blocks from institutions that run on email. Everything the Fairmont controls with its hands, it does beautifully. Everything it routes through a router, less so.