Events in DC

After more than a decade in development, the Washington Marriott Marquis is planning for a spring 2014 opening and has started booking business. The 1,175-room hotel is being built adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Following a multimillion-dollar lobby renovation in 2010, the Renaissance Washington DC is undertaking a rooms renovation slated to finish in October. The hotel's look is moving in a modern direction even as contemporary artwork pays homage to presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The hotel has 64,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms.

The Grand Hyatt Washington announced a planned renovation of its 888 rooms. The hotel, in Penn Quarter, has not confirmed the exact timeline but expects to finish the work in the first quarter of 2013. Bethesda-based Host Hotels purchased the property in July.

The new 124-room Avenue Suites hotel opened in April. The Georgetown hotel is targeting business meetings and small conferences to sales events and social gatherings. Its meeting space includes a board room, lobby library, and the indoor/outdoor lounge A Bar for lunch meetings.

Within driving distance Washington, The Homestead is a popular spot for both Democratic and Republican meetings. A $25 million renovation included a new lobby bar, renovated spa and wellness center, and transformed outdoor water amenities including a children's activity center, which opened July 4, and a new Allegheny Springs area with a family pool, water slides, and a lazy river that opens in early August.

Salamander Resort & Spa, an 168-room luxury resort in Middleburg, Va., is expected to open in August 2013. The hotel will have 12,000 square feet of conference and event facilities, including a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom and a restored 100-year-old Stallion Barn. Other features include a 23,000-square-foot spa, full-service equestrian center, and dining overseen by James Beard-nominated Chef Todd Gray. The resort plans to seek LEED certification.

A former five-story office building the new luxury boutique Capella Georgetown will feature close to 50 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and lounge featuring seasonal dining, an executive boardroom, a rooftop pool and bar, and a fitness center and spa. Peter Shilling & Associates is designing the interiors. The owners are hoping for a December opening.

Starwood rebranded this hotel from the Hotel Palomar to Le Méridien Arlington this spring. Now managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, it features 3,200 square feet of meeting space in three flexible meeting rooms with natural light. A 4,800-square-foot terrace accommodates as many as 120 seated guests or  250 for a reception. The adjacent Waterview Conference Center offers an additional 15,000 square feet of space.

Kimpton took over management of the boutique Donovan House in April and has some minor renovations planned. The hotel is still home to Zentan, a  sushi and Asian restaurant from Susur Lee and its popular rooftop pool and lounge.

The Homewood Suites, Arlington, a Hilton brand, is scheduled to open in late 2014 and will feature 1,500 square feet of meeting space and 168 suites.

Opened in late May, Quench Bar in Rockville features cocktails such as “Sex in the Suburbs,” its twist on the cosmo, and the “Kentucky Irby,” a sweet, minty drink with gin and fresh rosemary. Private events can be held in the space, which can accommodate as many as 75 guests.

Masa14 opened its rooftop in April. The bar serves pairings of Latin-Asian finger foods such as Bulgogi Steak & Cheese Bun with Latin-style sangria and cocktails. The rooftop can accommodate 131 seated guests and 176 guests for reception.

Inside Lost Society is a 2,900-square-foot lounge adorned with crystal chandeliers and purple couches. A roof deck is also available offering a unique vantage point of the Capitol. On weekends, DJs spin dance, lounge, and house music creating a relaxed atmosphere. Private events can be held in the lounge or the roof deck, which is accessible throughout the year and is enclosed on cooler days.

A few steps away from the Columbia Heights Metro, Acre121 brings Southern flavor and a mix of live traditional bluegrass and folk rock together. The 3,800-square-foot space serves barbecue, craft beers, and cocktails. It can accommodate 225 guests in its two bars and outdoor patio.

Located in midtown, MIA Lounge features a 3D lighting system and vibrant decor include high ceilings and hot pink brick walls.

Using refurbished shipping containers, Fairgrounds is an outdoor multiuse pop-up space featuring bars, live music, food trucks, and farmers markets. Private events can be held in the space for 50 to 4,000 people.

A new addition to Dirty Bar, the Deck opened in April where DJs get the crowd started with hip hop, top 40, and house music. The 1,600-square-foot rooftop patio holds 125 guests and is available for private events.

The Curious Grape in Arlington opened in March with a decor using green and purple tones. The space seats 55 guests with 10 bar seats and five cheese bar seats. A private dining room is also available accommodating 40 for a seated dinner and 55 for reception.

A warm and rustic space, Boundary Road features family wine-makers practicing organic or biodynamic production. The 2,000-square-foot space, which opened in February, frequently changes its food and wine selection. It can seat 72 guests and 99 guests for reception.

Located in Petworth, Chez Billy features a second-floor lounge that carries an old-world cocktail and beer list. The 5,000-square-foot space can accommodate 260 guests.