My wife and I stayed at the Fairfax in early November for our anniversary and had a great time. The hotel is in a great location. It felt safe and was close to the dupont circle metro station and some nice restaurants (including the one in the hotel).

The conceirge and staff were very helpful with great restaurant recommendations, tips, and a different set of pillows for my picky wife. We had drinks and food in the lounge downstairs, which was wonderful (although the server could have used a lesson on friendliness).

The room was a little smaller than I'd expected and faced an alley instead of the street, but it was comfortable, clean, and what we needed. I'd suggest if you were going to stay in the hotel for extended periods of time to upgrade from the basic room.

One thing I need to say (and this is applicable to all hotels) is: What's the deal with charging guests for wireless internet? This is nothing against this hotel, because it seems like all hotels in larger cities or above a certain price do it. You can get free wireless at cheap hotels or even at the McDonald's, but when you stay at a 5 star hotel you need to pay for it? It doesn't make sense to me.

Overall, for the price we paid (which was lower than most hotels in the city actually), this was a great stay and I would highly recommend.

I have been staying at the Fairfax for years. I consider it my home when I am in Washington. The property is aging but elegant. Accomodations are very comfortable, and food is excellent. The bar is cozy and inviting. But the best part of this hotel is the staff. The staff have been with them for years, some for decades, and they go out of their way to make one feel welcome and valued as a client. After several years away, when I pulled up in front of the hotel, the bellman said, "I thought you had a red car." He was correct. The last time I had stayed there I did indeed have a red car. I was amazed that he remembered.

Compared to other luxury hotels in DC, the price is reasonable as well.

The location of the property is excellent. It is a wonderful neighborhood for a walk, and the hotel is very close to the Philips Collection.

I stayed at the Fairfax for two nights. The staff was very friendly and helpful, first rate service. When my original room only had a shower, they happily moved me to another room with a bathtub. There was some sort of temperature governor on the faucet that was set too low, so a repairman was sent up to fix the problem within 5 minutes of my complaint.
The lounge bar was remarkable for several reasons. First, it is lovely and clubby with nice wi-fi. The lunch special included the best tomato soup I've ever had. Tea is served correctly, in a pot, with a cup and saucer, fitting the sort of British riding/sailing club mood. I was working so the waiter moved the table around so that I had enough room to spread out and work. Very attentive service.
The bar had very helpful and fun staff who took obvious pride in their work, refusing to use bottled lime juice for the best whiskey sour I've ever had--fresh lime only.
I didn't eat in the restaurant, the once the famous Jockey Club, but the fabulous grand marnier souffle can be enjoyed in the bar. The bartenders were kind enough to rush my souffle order in to make it before closing. The souffle is the best anywhere, and I'm told the same person has been in charge if these works of art for 30+ years. Ditto for the person assigned to the steak tartare. I didn't try the steak but it will be the first thing I try on my next visit. The folks making these dishes are a national treasure. The scene, mood and the style is all Mad Men, for real.

The hotel staff were very friendly, and the location near Dupont Circle was excellent. I'd give it 4.5 if I could.
I had a room facing the street, 2nd floor, and had no trouble sleeping with the window open. The rooms were of decent size - only thing I missed was a bathtub rather than just a gigantic shower. :)
Possible minuses for some:
Very expensive bar, as well as breakfast ($24, before tips).
No seating section in lobby.
You have to pay for wifi (or use the free wifi in the lobby).