Here’s a closer look at Washington, D.C.'s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated Washington, D.C. venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill debuted in January 2023 in D.C.'s NoMa neighborhood. Situated within the newly developed NoMa Center, the hotel offers 235 guest rooms and two F&B concepts—including Yara, a rooftop, indoor/outdoor venue and chef-driven restaurant, buzzing bar, and lively lounge that celebrates the cuisine and spirits of Latin cultures. There's also a 24-hour gym and wellness lounge to take advantage of. As for meetings and events, planners can work with 18,000 square feet of prefunction and event space that can accommodate up to 280 total guests. Also notable—a courtyard spans 5,000 square feet with the D.C. skyline as a backdrop.
Photo: Courtesy of Marriott
The Morrow Hotel Washington D.C., Curio Collection by Hilton
The Morrow Hotel Washington D.C., Curio Collection by Hilton debuted in November 2022, bringing with it 203 guest rooms to NoMa's new residential and retail hub, 3rd Street District, as well as three F&B outlets from Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli of well-known local hot spots Masseria, Philotimo, and Officina. The property offers 11,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including the bright and airy Armature Ballroom (pictured). It spans 3,150 square feet, can accommodate up to 180 guests, and features an artistic floating ceiling fixture. It also opens to a 2,200-square-foot terrace, dubbed The Veranda. Planners can also work with the NoMa Room, ideal for smaller gatherings of 12-36 guests, and the 875-square-foot Tanner Room.
Photo: Courtesy of The Morrow Hotel
Swingers Navy Yard
U.K.-founded Swingers Crazy Golf opened its third U.S. location, Swingers Navy Yard, on March 10, 2023, in D.C.'s bustling Ballpark District. The new outpost sits at the base of The Kelvin apartment building and boasts more than 23,000 square feet, spanning two floors. It features three nine-hole "crazy" golf courses, a stunning 750-square-foot patio, multiple cocktail bars, and gourmet street food from Tu Taco, Lil’ Succotash, and KNEADZA Pizza, plus sweet treats from Mah-Ze-Dahr. Swingers Navy Yard can host groups of 12-750 guests, and is ideal for team building, client entertaining, festive celebrations, or just a night out for a group looking to take a break from the norm. Any private event booking will include a round of golf for each guest, premium house drinks, a personal "caddie" to look after your group, and waiter service.
Photo: Courtesy of Swingers Navy Yard
Skydome
Arlington, Va.'s rotating rooftop restaurant, Skydome, reopened in February 2023 after pandemic-induced closures and a revamp. The venue is located atop the DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City Hotel and gives patrons an impressive, 360-degree view of the D.C skyline and Potomac River. Newly appointed executive chef Klaus Happel developed a new dinner menu that launched alongside an innovative new bar program, and diners can expect dishes like grilled octopus with potato chorizo corn hash, truffle mushroom pizza, sautéed gnocchi alla vodka, and a Wagyu burger. Led by beverage director Haley Stone, the new bar program serves up cocktails like "Evening Thyme" that's smoked with cherry wood and presented tableside. For private events, the dining room can accommodate up to 100 seated or 125 standing guests. The chef and his team can also curate a personalized menu for receptions, buffets, or plated, multicourse meals. The center of the restaurant—under a glass dome—can be used as a dance floor or performance space.
Photo: Deb Lindsey
Beat The Bomb
This chain of interactive, immersive entertainment venues has opened an outpost in D.C.'s Ivy City neighborhood. This new Beat The Bomb location marks the company's third in the U.S., after openings in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Atlanta. The 10,300-square-foot venue, located in the Hecht Warehouse, features high-tech game systems, the infamous "World's Largest Paint Bomb," and F&B offerings. How it works: Groups of 4-6 suit up in hazmat gear and take on a mission to disarm a giant paint bomb. Teams must advance through five high-tech game rooms equipped with touch screens, motion cameras, RFID readers, and projection wall mapping. In the final, if they don't disarm the paint bomb before the clock runs out, they'll get blasted with bright neon paint. The venue serves as an out-of-the-box idea for corporate team building that can foster team communication, collaboration, and coordination. Less intense offerings on-site include private arcade bays, a beer garden, and a full-service bar. The D.C. location also offers a 400-square-foot private event space and a selection of catering and bar service packages.
Photo: Cameron Whitman
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown
In November 2022, Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown debuted in the heart of D.C. with 247 guest rooms and a large, inviting lobby that serves daily hot breakfast. Centrally located near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena, the 14-story property is within walking distance of major attractions like the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, and the Washington Monument. Accommodations include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and all rooms come equipped with microwaves and mini fridges. An on-site meeting room (pictured) on the top floor spans 788 square feet and offers views of the Capitol Building.
Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts
