The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown has completed a $27-million dollar renovation that emphasizes its location through design.
Phase I of the refurbishment included all 413 guestrooms, the exclusive Fairmont Gold Floor and the conversion of the executive forum amphitheater into the 2,900 square-foot Kennedy Ballroom (which can accommodate up to 300 guests).
New York-based Wimberly Interiors took inspiration for the new guestrooms from the city of Washington, D.C., conveying politics and power in the design. Modern furnishings are mixed with classical detail pieces. For instance, rather than a typical working desk, the king-bed rooms have a chaise and a round table that doubles as a dining spot or a flexible working space. There is also a custom-designed lounge chair.
The number of specialty suites was increased from five to seven. Double guestrooms now have two queen beds.
Rooms on the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor are integrated with more details relating to the hotel’s location. The space has a dark wooded entry, while carpets and fabrics were given modern-day twists on classical patterns using a new color palette. There is also a built-in luggage bench, tea station and 49” television in each room. Marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and expansive vanities.
Throughout all guestrooms, the art collections reflect Washington’s history.
Phase II of the redesign included the entire lobby, loggia and courtyard garden. The spaces were designed by Amanda Jackson, of Dallas-based Forrest Perkins, who drew her inspiration for the lobby design and color scheme from the geometry of an aerial view of the city of Washington, which is evoked throughout the new space. Behind the front desk is a geometrically abstracted map of the city in gold tones with brushed, polished and satin finishes. These geometric forms are carried into open shapes of mixed metals that are hung from the ceiling, and appear to float within the space with small lights randomly sprinkled throughout. This idea of geometry is also brought into many of the pieces of furniture.
The color palette—also influenced by this aerial view of DC—includes blue, green and the neutral colors of the stone buildings in the city.
The U-shaped bar is anchored by the grand staircase and seats up to 16 people, offering views of the lobby, loggia and urban courtyard garden.
The landscaped courtyard was leveled to allow for larger events, with pockets of seating. Two new water features were added as a visual and auditory backdrop. Café tables are now located throughout the center of the courtyard.
Around the perimeter of the courtyard, under the canopy of the cherry trees, there are groups of lounge-type furniture, clustered around three different fire pits. There is also evening lighting in the landscaping and trees. The furniture aesthetic is clean and contemporary. Just as in the interior, there is a variety of seating styles and groups. The color palette visually links to the interior, as well to encourage this space being utilized in conjunction with the lobby.
