— Photo by Photo Credit: TW photo by Rebecca Tobin
Of the 130-plus hotels in the Washington area with the word “Marriott” in their names, the location of the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ sets it apart from the others: It’s steps from Marriott International’s new global headquarters, separated only by a small plaza.
As the closest hotel to CEO Anthony Capuano’s desk, I initially surmised that this property might encompass the latest thinking on how Marriott hotels should be designed, built and operated.
And after a two-night stay at the 244-room property in late May, I believe my assumption was correct.
“The Marriott Hotels brand has really gone through quite a journey, transformation and repositioning,” general manager Kat Burns said when I spoke with her about a month after my stay. It’s about catering to the modern business traveler who might also bring their family, extend their trip by a few days and look for something that works both for business and visiting a local area, Burns said. “I think this hotel really represents the brand very well.”
Burns said that the Marriott Bethesda Downtown was the 8,000th hotel the company has opened. “So from that standpoint, it’s very special.”
Highlights of the Marriott Bethesda Downtown
And after 7,999 hotels, what might the contemporary traveler find in the latest?
Among its features: A lobby with live plants and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light; guestrooms with minimal clutter and tech power outlets galore; a casual, high-quality restaurant and bar that seamlessly blends into the lobby; indoor-outdoor options; and LEED Gold-certified design processes.
But more broadly, the theme that seems to run through the Marriott Bethesda Downtown is the concept of localism, a hotel that feels integrated into a city neighborhood.
