These new (and newly renovated) venues have meeting rooms, conference facilities, ballrooms, and outdoor spaces, and are equipped to handle small or large groups. Here are the 10 best hotels in Washington for events, meetings, seminars, and business entertaining.
2. Renaissance Washington DC
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.
Photo: Courtesy of the Renaissance Washington DC
1. Washington Marriott Marquis
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.
Rendering: Courtesy of the Washington Convention and Sports Authority
3. Grand Hyatt Washington
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.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Washington
4. Avenue Suites
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.
Photo: Ira Wexler
5. The Homestead
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.
Rendering: Courtesy of the Homestead
6. Salamander Resort & Spa
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.
Illustration: Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa
7. Capella Georgetown
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.
Rendering: Courtesy of Castleton Holdings, LLC
8. Le MĂ©ridian Arlington
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.
Photo: Courtesy of Le MĂ©ridian Arlington
9. Donovan House
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.
Photo: Gaszton Gal
10. Homewood Suites, Arlington
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.
Rendering: Gordon & Greenberg
