DC Hotels

Recently opened, The Westin Washington Dulles Airport is the crown jewel of Dulles Corner. Just one mile from Dulles International Airport and fewer than 30 minutes from the nation's capital, The Westin is perfectly located for business and leisure travelers alike.

The 314-room DC hotel boasts 14,000 square feet of flexible event space. Host an off-site meeting in its Executive Boardroom or a cocktail reception in the grand 8,000-square-foot ballroom. No matter what DC meeting space you choose, the Westin's facilities are equipped with sophisticated decor and state-of-the-art audio-visual and communications technology.

Just in time for your next event, The Westin Washington Dulles Airport is offering a great DC hotel deal. Meeting planners can enjoy the Add More Value promotion, which includes:

• 4 percent credit to master
• One complimentary room for every 25 booked
• One complimentary ticket for every 25 booked and special group rates with American Airlines
• 2,500 Starpoints signing bonus for every 25 room nights, up to 100,000 Starpoints

Book by December 31, 2009, to enjoy this great DC promotion.

View more information about The Westin Washington Dulles Airport on the Cvent Supplier Network

Washington, DC is one of the hottest destinations this year. In fact, despite the economy, DC saw a three percent increase in visitation and modest increase in visitor spending in 2008, welcoming 16.6 million visitors.

If you're planning to host an event in Washington, DC soon, rest assured that just because the nation's capital is in demand doesn't mean it will put you in the red. Check out some of the following recent posts on Washington, DC hotel deals to snag a great price for your next event:

• Hyatt Announces Limited Time Offer for Third Party Planners (there are over 10 Hyatt properties in the DC area)

• Starwood Offers Up to 50 Percent Off Room Rates

• 3 Hotel Promotions for Meetings on a Budget

• DC Events Enjoy 44 Power Savings

• 8 Hotel Brands Offering Meeting Deals

If you've heard of or used a great DC promotion, share it in the comments below!

The sour economy has triggered cuts in travel and meeting budgets so the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Virginia just outside of Washington DC is using a novel approach to attract business.

The hotel is running a contest to find a meeting planner that needs help because of the pressure put on him or her in these rocky economic times. If your meeting is critical to stimulating future business for your company, good for the local Alexandria economy or if your organization has deep charitable roots then you could qualify to win a free two-day meeting or event at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town, according to the hotel's website.

The stories have to be in 1,000 words or fewer and they will be collected and judged with one winner selected prior to Nov. 30. The submission deadline is Oct 31.

We have seen many Washington, DC hotel promotions but we thought this one was noteworthy as they are looking to support the local economy.

Hotels in Washington, DC got a boost in January thanks to the popularity of Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. However, it looks like that was just a momentary jump in the overall struggling hotel market.

In January, occupancy at luxury hotels in DC was up 2 percent over 2008, while the luxury hotel market nationwide fell 14.4 percent that same month compared to the previous year. But in February, business at DC accommodations dropped below the same time in 2008, and it seems the drag has continued.

The historic Hay-Adams hotel in downtown DC has seen a decline in business following the inauguration. General Manager Hans Bruland told the Washington Business Journal in April that occupancy rates were down slightly over last year. Plus, business travelers aren't buying as much, he said; for example, they book single rooms rather than suites.

Still, even if the effects of the inauguration didn't last, DC's reputation for "strictly business" might be helping its hotels and venues fare better than other so-called luxury or resort destinations such as Las Vegas. As Bill Hanbury, former president of Destination DC, told WBJ, the District is a no-frills alternative.

"[Business travelers] may be sneaking off to Charlie Palmer's, but not to a casino," he said.

Whatever the reason, Washington, DC does seem to be escaping some of the worst of the recession. Two weeks ago, it posted the smallest available daily rate decline in Smith Travel Research's U.S. hotel performance measurements. Its ADR dropped 5 percent to $122.29, while its revenue per available room saw a decrease of 4.7 percent.

As a means of comparison, DC was one of only four markets to see single-digit RevPAR declines. Six markets saw RevPAR declines of more than 25 percent, including New York with a decline of 30.2  percent, Denver with a decline of 30.1 percent, and Los Angeles-Long Beach with a decline of 29.2 percent.

First, a quick update about the new Washington, DC hotel. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty has signed legislation to provide $206 million in financing for the 1,160-room Marriott Marquis hotel, which will be built right across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The city and the Washington Convention Center Authority will also provide $2 million for apprenticeship programs, while developers will contribute $331 million to the $537 million project. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, the city has received buyer commitments for all $479.8 million in revenue bonds offered to investors. These bonds will cover the purchase of the property and the development and construction of the hotel, a 1,016-room Omni property.

Sales will close in about two weeks, with construction on the Dallas hotel expected to begin in the beginning of September.

Think having burgers on your menu lowers the classy quotient on your events? Not so! Burgers have long since shed their image of a meager drive-thru snack and have landed with prominent menu placement at famed restaurants nationwide.

Now featuring a wide range of meats, toppings and buns, they can even be the best-sellers or sole focus of many popular eateries. And they have the clientele to support them. Just consider President Obama, who has made headlines for picking up a burgers around DC at Ray's Hell Burger and chain Five Guys.

Indulge your event attendees in this American favorite. Host a meeting at one of the following restaurants whose burgers have garnered recognition and spots on "Best Of," "Top 10," and "Favorite" lists year after year.

Rare Bar & Grill

New York restaurant Rare Bar & Grill has expertly walked the line between a casual burger joint and exclusive steakhouse with its varied selection. Made with Grade A American chuck beef, it's options include the Mexican, served with a spiced black bean spread, guacamole and chipotle puree, and the M&M Burger, flambeed in whiskey and topped with caramelized shallots, cheddar cheese and apple smoked bacon. Steakhouse burgers take things up a notch, with selections including the New York Strip topped with Roquefort cheese and double smoked bacon and the Kobe Teriyaki covered with teriyaki sauce and sauteed scallions.

All the burgers can be personalized with topping options such as brie cheese, fried egg, basil pesto, truffle butter and grilled portobello. Classic burger sides are available, including three kinds of fries, beer-battered onion rings and homemade slaw. Rare Bar & Grill's location on Lexington Avenue offers its Lexington Lounge for private events. The restaurant also offers top-notch New York City catering.

Good Dog Bar and Restaurant

Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks, but there's certainly room for more than one culinary delight in this town. Good Dog is a great Philadelphia restaurant to find one of the city's best burgers, with its eponymous burger offering a generous half-pound of house ground sirloin stuffed with Roquefort cheese, topped with caramelized onions and served on toasted brioche. You can also enjoy a burger sans-cheese center. Both are served with a side of Good Dog's signature mix of hand-cut shoestring potatoes.

Good Dog offers Philadelphia party space on its second floor for functions of up to 454 people. Rentals on its second and third floors can be arranged for up to 125 people.

Westend Bistro

Located in the Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC hotel, Westend Bistro features a lively menu of dishes that follow Culinary Director Eric Ripert's philosophy of simple, straightforward recipes. The Classic Burger is no different. Boasting Angus sirloin seasoned by only salt and pepper, fresh onions, lettuce and tomato, and a fluffy Challah bun, it proves that there's no need to mess with a classic.

With its stylish interior of raised banquettes and tones of amber, red and blood orange, this elegant Washington, DC restaurant is available for corporate meetings, holiday parties and other private events.

Bistro Don Giovanni

Don't let the Italian and Country French-themed menu at Bistro Don Giovanni fool you. Among the menu selections of mushroom risotto and lamb-stuffed roasted peppers is a  burger than Oprah named as one of the best in America. The grilled bistro burger is topped with grilled onions and slathered in a savory garlic aioli.

The rustic bistro, located in Napa Valley, has indoor and outdoor spaces for private events. Its outdoor terraces, which feature heaters for cooler evenings, can seat 45 to 25 guests, respectively.

It's official: Washington, DC will get a new convention hotel. The DC Council passed legislation to provide $206 million in public financing, plus $2 million for a related training program, for the 1,167-room Marriott across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, according to the Washington Business Journal.

I first blogged about the new convention hotel in DC in June, when DC city officials were considering issuing up to $750 million in bonds to build the hotel. Under this agreement, DC and the Washington Convention Center Authority will contribute the $206 million, plus $2 million for apprenticeship programs, while developers contribute $331 million in debt and equity.

"We went from a 100 percent publicly financed hotel to a deal that requires the developer to fund the majority of the costs," said DC Councilman Kwame Brown, in a statement. "While it’s not the ideal result, in these tough economic times we can now look forward to revitalizing the Shaw neighborhood and putting District residents to work."

Upon receiving DC Mayor Adrian Fenty's signature on the bill, construction on the hotel is expected to begin in the fall.

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC has unveiled a $40 million renovation. Celebrating 25 years, the hotel saw upgrades to all 772 guest rooms, suites, meeting space and atrium lobby.

"We’re very excited about the new look and feel of our guestroom, suites and lobby," said Scott Nadeau, general manager, JW Marriott Hotel Washington, DC, in a statement. "We know our guests want authentically crafted comfort, purposeful luxury and style, but they also want a space they can tailor to their needs, whether it’s working, relaxing, or dining.  We have delivered that and more."

Guest rooms at the JW Marriott now feature a clean, sophisticated look complete with plush bedding, 37-inch high-def LG plasma screen televisions, and a plug-in technology panel that allows guests to multitask their media usage. The atrium lobby, boasting a new look of red, gold, and platinum tones, cherry wood paneling and leather-wrapped columns, welcomes guests with semi-private seating areas and wi-fi access.

The hotel offers more than 37,000 square feet of DC meeting space, including the 14,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 22 meeting rooms. Also on-site is are Washington, DC restaurants Avenue Grill and Bar 1331.

View more information about the JW Marriott Washington, DC on the Cvent Supplier Network

The White House is getting a new neighbor today with the opening of the W Washington, DC hotel. Formerly Hotel Washington, this new property opens after an 18-month, $100 million renovation project that has created a distinctly trendy yet classic setting.

Combining the original hotel's Italian Renaissance architecture with modern decor designed by Los Angeles-based Dianna Wong Architecture & Interior Design, the hotel's interior—from its ground-floor lobby to guest rooms—is nothing short of stunning.

The grand Living Room features vast archways, ornate chandeliers and sleek red and black furniture. The 285 guest rooms and 32 suites are spacious and airy, and streamlined in their predominantly black and white color scheme (though the 10th-floor, 900-square-foot E-Wow suite pops with a purple semi-circle couch).

Meant to be much more than just a place to stay and sleep, the W Washington, DC is a destination in and of itself. Featuring cuisine created exclusively by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the hotel features J&G Steakhouse, where premium meats and a global selection of fresh fish are savored in a Beaux Arts dining room. Also on-site is the Wine Bar, a cozy DC restaurant where guests can enjoy gourmet cheeses and old and new bottle selections.

Perhaps one of the W's most exciting dining options is the POV Lounge and Roof Terrace. In addition to all-natural, fresh libations, the lounge features 12-foot-tall windows that afford stunning views of the city and major DC attractions, including the White House and the Washington Monument. Before the weather cools, the velvet red banquettes and high-backed wicker furniture of POV's terrace are the place to get an even better view of the nation's capital lit up at night.

Bar goers are not the only ones who can enjoy the W Washington, DC's prime views. Thanks to the hotel's Altitude rooftop ballroom and outdoor terrace, event attendees at the W can, too.

In addition to the nearly 3,000 square feet of meeting space at Altitude, the hotel also features two studios and the Great Room, a modern 6,205-square-foot DC ballroom that evokes Old Hollywood glamour with crystal chandeliers, 15-foot-tall ceilings and gold columns.

View more information about the W Washington, DC on the Cvent Supplier Network

W Hotels, which recently celebrated the opening of its 30th property worldwide, the W Fort Lauderdale, plans to double its footprint by 2011. The brand will expand both domestically and internationally, to locations such as Paris, Barcelona, Washington, DC and London.

"Obviously the financing market is a challenge now," Carlos Becil, vice president of W brand management, told HOTELS magazine. "But we're working with strong developers. We are going into the right destinations with great partners."

According to the magazine, the 312-room W South Beach is set to be the first to open in mid-August, followed by the 317-room Washington, DC hotel just steps away from the White House.

October will see the opening of the W Barcelona at the Port of Barcelona, which will serve as W's flagship in Western Europe. Scheduled for a 2011 opening, the W Paris Opera hotel is among the properties on the roster.

Construction on the Marriott convention hotel in Washington DC, to be built adjacent to the DC convention center, could begin as early as this fall if a deal between city officials and a pair of developers goes through. Pending approval of the D.C. Council, the agreement would have the city and the Washington Convention Center Authority to spend an additional $80 million on the hotel and an adjoining garage, according to The Washington Post.

This amount comes in addition to the $187 million it had already pledged to spend. The remaining cost would be acquired from private financing secured by Quadrangle Development and Capstone Development along with ING.

Getting financing for the hotel was a matter of debate when I first blogged about the convention hotel in early June. At the time, DC city officials were considering issuing as much as $750 million in bonds to build the hotel, despite the city's $800 million deficit.

Additionally, concerns arose after the Washington Business Journal published a story saying that some development projects, such as the Skyland Shopping Center, Arena Stage, and Southwest waterfront, could be scrapped in order to pay for the hotel.

A vote on the funding plan should occur next month.

First Dallas, then Nashville. Now it looks like Washington, DC is the next city to get involved in a convention hotel debate.

Already facing an $800 million deficit, DC city officials are considering issuing as much as $750 million in bonds to build a $550 million hotel at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The city had originally planned to finance about one-quarter of the hotel's cost via a $187 million tax increment financing package, passed in 2006, with the rest of the money coming from private contributions.

In today's economy, though, securing private funding has become nearly impossible. Thus, the Washington Convention Center Authority choose to seek out public money for the 1,167-room Marriott hotel in DC.

"They’ve been pursuing private financing and in this market, you know, that is very difficult," WCCA CEO Greg O'Dell told the Washington Business Journal. "They’ve spent millions of dollars on this project to try to move it forward. It really is shovel ready with the exception of financing."

The stall comes at a time when many say the city needs to step up its competition for convention business. As I blogged two weeks ago, nearby convention destination National Harbor is about to get even more attractive, as Disney announced a plan to build a 500-room hotel resort at the development.

"Travelers spend $5.5 billion a year in the District of Columbia and the development of the convention center headquarters hotel is a critical element in ensuring...we remain a top-tier destination for the meetings and convention industry," City Administrator Neil O. Albert said in a statement. He went on to express support for the project, saying it will "not only produce a District-owned asset, but will accelerate our construction timetable."

DC Chief Financial Office Natwar Gandhi, on the other, said he would not support this debt.

"To be very blunt about it I was very clear in saying to them that if you were to borrow $750 million that would put us way beyond the 12 percent cap we have envisioned for the city...and I cannot be a party to that," he told WBJ.

This looks like a debate that's only just begun. Make sure to check back at the Cvent blog to stay on top of updates as they occur!

It's a great year to host an event in Washington, DC. Thanks in great part to President Barack Obama, DC has been in the spotlight as a sought-after event destination, starting off with January's much talked-about Presidential Inauguration.

Now, Destination DC and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have teamed up to offer event planners a president-themed DC meeting promotion. Just like the Reno-Sparks CVA's creative promotion, this offer pays homage to our 44th president by offering these incentives:

• 44 percent off the total convention center rental
• 44 meals up to $44 each
• Free drawing held at 4:44 PM daily for an 8 x 10 classic view photo of DC
• 44 free table top exhibits
• 44-minute reception, 44-cent wine and beer

These incentives are offered to planners who sign a contract in a hotel using 1,000 rooms on peak nights with meeting space at the Washington, DC convention center. Those who book an in-house meeting at one of 36 participating DC hotels can receive a variety of incentives as well, including 10 percent off food and beverage and free Internet within the room block.

Available May 2009 to March 2010, the 44 Power Savings gives planners a chance to save money while hosting an event in one of the most popular and powerful locations in the country. Visit Destination DC for more information.

Washington, DC resembled Hollywood last weekend at Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. This annual black-tie affair gathers the WHC association's members who hold hard passes for the White House or Hill proceedings. This year, the over 2,000 event attendees also included attracted top-notch celebs such as Ashton Kutcher, Natalie Portman, Sting, Steven Spielberg, and Glenn Close.

Located at the Hilton Washington, DC hotel, the evening began with a number of elegant receptions. A blank fabric canvas backdrop was a showcase of changing audio-visual projections of automobiles, inventions and social issues through time at the Thomas Reuters reception, where guests also enjoyed political-themed cocktails such as the One Hundred Day Martini. The big Atlantic Media party featured Andy Warhol-like murals of President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and other politicos as well as a red carpet that welcomed the likes of John Bon Jovi and George Stephanopoulos.

On to the main event, the evening's dinner was crafted by the DC hotel's Executive Chef Andrew Cote, according to Obama Foodorama. Passed appetizers included prosciutto toscano, oregano brie, and spiced olives (about 250 pounds of prosciutto and 350 pounds of brie were used!). A wild watercress salad was served with a petite filet with sundried tomatoes and sides of seared escolar with olive tapenade; asparagus, cippolini, green and yellow squash with porcini; and mushroom demi-glace. Instead of dessert, a $23,000 donation was made by the WHCA to So Others Might Eat, a non-profit organization that works to meet the basic needs of DC's homeless and poor citizens.

In addition to feeding the hungry, the $200-per-ticket Washington, DC event also raised money for journalism scholarships.

As long as we're on the topic of what's hot for 2009, Conde Nast Traveler has released its hot list of hotels for the year. The list features a number of hotels in the United States, from the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills in Los Angeles to the Donovan House hotel in Washington, DC.

For cash-strapped planners, the hot list also showcases a number of hotels that offer rates under $250 per night. Rates at the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, for example, starts at $149, while The Nines in Portland, Oregon, has rates for doubles at $126 and up.

Check out the CNT Hot List Hotels 2009 to read about all the feature properties, then make sure to get their meeting space details and more at the Cvent Supplier Network.

I've already talked about DC restaurants getting into the Cherry Blossom Festival spirit by offering cherry-themed entrees, desserts and drinks. But the Festival attracts guests from all over, so I thought a post highlighting the restaurants located within Washington, DC hotels would be great for all the overnight groups.

Check out some of these on-site hotel restaurants with cherry-themed menus that will get your event guests into the Festival spirit before you even step out the door:

Cafe MoZU

Named after an ancient Chinese philosopher who touted the values of universal love, Cafe MoZU is equally suitable for a power lunch or a romantic dinner. Mixing bold yet clean flavors, the restaurant's international menu is now capped off by a cherry treat: mini chocolate-coated cones with warm cherry kirsch compote, cherry sorbet and minus 8 vinegar.

Located just off the main lobby of the 400-room Mandarin Oriental hotel in DC—which offers two ballrooms and seven meeting rooms—Cafe MoZU is a natural choice for Festival lodging and dining.

Bourbon Steak

Poached Hudson Valley foie gras with cherry blossoms, green almonds and Balinese long pepper is an unexpected way to celebrate the Festival at the popular Bourbon Steak restaurant. One of Michael Mina's eateries, Bourbon Steak also offers a modern menu full of his award-winning poached meat and poultry selections.

Bourbon Steak itself accommodates private events of up to 22 guests in its private dining room, while the Four Seasons Hotel in which it is located has several additional DC meeting rooms.

Adour

If all you need is a sweet finish to your celebration, look no further than Adour's cherry-flavored pink macaroons. Paired with a glass of wine from the restaurant's selection of over 400 varieties, this dessert is the perfect indulgence.

Up to eight guests can enjoy dessert, along with a selection of French dishes, in Adour's semi-private room before retiring to a room upstairs in the The St. Regis luxury hotel in Washington, DC.

View more information about DC restaurants for group dining on the Cvent Supplier Network

Cvent will be attending ACTE’s Global Education Conference held Sunday, April 5, through Tuesday, April 7, at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in Washington, DC. Held annually, ACTE’s show is expected to see over 850 top level corporate executives from the travel industry come together for educational sessions and peer-to-peer discussion about this year’s theme “Unconventional Solutions for Uncommon Times.”

The ACTE conference schedule also includes an exclusive tradeshow, TransACTE, of 30+ exhibitors, held Sunday, April 5, and Monday, April 6. Make sure to visit Cvent at booth 412 during tradeshow hours!

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) was founded in 1988 from a belief that corporate travel buyers and suppliers could work together in a mutual partnership. ACTE currently has over 6,000 attendees in over 80 countries.

If you would like to set up a private meeting during this DC event, please email Anil Punyapu, Vice President, Enterprise Sales, at apunyapu@cvent.com. For more information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Washington, DC started the year off as a much sought-after destination thanks to the well-attended presidential inauguration. Now, the city will no doubt keep its popularity high as it kicks off one of its most celebrated annual traditions.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts Saturday, March 28, and runs through April 12 (peak dates are April 1-4). More than a million visitors are expected to visit the city to enjoy the 3,700 cherry trees lining the banks of the Tidal Basin and to take part in a number of celebratory DC events. Among the most popular are the Smithsonian Kite Festival (March 28), the Grand Sushi & Sake Tasting (April 1), the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival (April 4), the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (April 4) and the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run (April 5).

This year's Festival marks the 97th celebration of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC. Not surprisingly, Washington, DC hotels, DC restaurants and more are getting in on the action, so make sure to check back next week to read about great options for your Festival events!

With all the excitement surrounding our nation's capital, it's no surprise that Washington, DC is becoming a premier destination for meetings and events. What better way to take advantage of all the city has to offer than by hosting an event at a landmark DC attraction, The Washington Plaza Hotel.

Located in the heart of the city, this Washington, DC hotel is just five blocks from the DC convention center and only minutes away from most talked-about museums, happening nightlife and iconic monuments. It is also just four miles from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Hosting a meeting or event at the Washington Plaza is just as convenient to planners as its location. With 12,000-square feet of column-free space and 12 distinctive meeting rooms, the Plaza can accommodate events of many sizes. Its stately Federal Hall is a great DC banquet facility for up to 500 guests to mingle and dine, while the 400-square-foot Executive Boardroom is great for professional meetings of 12 guests.

A seamless blend of business and pleasure, the Washington Plaza Hotel offers 240 guest rooms in addition its meeting space. The resort-style hotel also boasts wireless, high-speed Internet access in its rooms, a contemporary lounge and bar, and a full-service restaurant.

View more information about The Washington Plaza Hotel or other Washington, DC venues on the Cvent Supplier Network

Cvent will be attending the National Capital Chapter of SGMP’s 12th Annual Winter Meeting and Trade Show on Wednesday, February 11 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Held annually, this show brings together meeting planners for state and federal government agencies, government contractors and more, as well as various suppliers working with the government sector. More than 300 industry colleagues are expected to convene this year and discuss the theme of "Ingredients for Change: Recipe for Success in 2009."

The 12th Annual Winter Meeting and Trade Show kicks off with Keynote Speaker Rebecca Pace, founder of Pace Communications. She will be presenting at the general session “What Ingredients Are You Cooking With?” at 9:30 AM. Following this presentation and breakout sessions, attendees can explore the floor and visit Cvent at booth 415.

The Society of Government Meetings Professional National Capital Chapter, or NATCAP, is comprised of SGMP members in the DC metropolitan area. Founded in 1986, NATCAP has grown to be the largest of all the 28 SGMP chapters, retaining around 740 members each year. Several of these chapters use Cvent's event management software, as do planners at over 20 state governments.

If you would like to set up a private meeting with Cvent during the show, please email Brian Pirkle, Senior Account Executive, at bpirkle@cvent.com. For more information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!