DC Meeting Space

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

Best-selling author Dan Brown, who penned novels Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code, explores the symbology and iconology of Washington, DC in his latest thriller The Lost Symbol. For visitors who want to experience the action in real life, Destination DC has made it easy to visit the landmarks and locations featured in the novel. Visit Experience DC: The Lost Symbol to learn more about exhibitions and events in DC relevant to the book, such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts' exhibit on "Telling Secrets: Codes, Captions and Conundrums in Contemporary Art." You can also view an interactive map of some of the top
attractions for your Dan Brown-inspired visit.

Washington, DC event planners can get in on the fun as well, as a number of these attractions also serve as great event venues. Check out a few of the following DC meeting spaces for a Lost Symbol-inspired event:

International Spy Museum

From George Washington's secret life as a spy to the Enigma code-cracking machine, the International Spy Museum immerses guests in the undercover world of espionage. In addition to taking advantage of this Washington, DC special event facility after-hours for groups of up to 300 people, meeting planners can also enjoy a number of the museum's unique packages. Three different scavenger hunts, for example, challenges attendees armed with a top secret bag of tricks to work through coded messages and tough questions as they navigate the museum. The exclusive Speaker Series offers a variety of former intelligence offers willing to share their expertise and experience with your event guests.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Towering over Old Town Alexandria just outside of DC, the memorial showcases both Freemasonry and George Washington himself, who joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg at the age of 20. Interesting artifacts on display include Washington's family Bible and even a lock of his hair. The memorial also offers over five DC event venues, including the grand hall for up to 250 people and the impressive Memorial Hall, which sets the stage with a 17-foot bronze statue of Washington, eight granite Corinthian columns, two large murals and six stained glass windows.

Library of Congress

Home to many of the nation's secrets, it's not surprising that the Library of Congress is often featured in thrillers such as Brown's The Lost Symbol. It was also featured in the action-thriller film National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Planners can take advantage of the air of mystery around this seemingly low-key but unique Washington, DC venue at one of its five room options, which include the Italian Renaissance-style Great Hall, a great DC banquet space for up to 1,200 guests.

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

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

Washington, DC has no shortage of picturesque sites, from its world-famous monuments to its internationally-acclaimed museums to the one of the largest natural parks within the boundaries of any city in the world. With so much of the scenery to take in, it's no wonder that DC is home to several event venues with a view.

An existing backdrop of majestic architecture and the natural environment is a cost effective move for your event decor budget. From skyline to waterfront, every type of view in DC is sure to be breathtaking. Take advantage of this scenic backdrop by checking out the following venues for your events in Washington, DC:

Top of the Town

Overlooking the Potomac River and affording unparalleled views of monuments and landmarks, Top of the Town is at the top of most event planners' lists. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, this Washington, DC restaurant makes it easy for out-of-town guests and locals to enjoy the gems of the capital region.

Hay-Adams Hotel

Some say even the President doesn’t get a better view of the White House than visitors at the Hay-Adams Hotel do! Located in Lafayette Square, this Italian Renaissance-style, historic Washington, DC hotel also has views of the "Church of the Presidents," or St. John’s Church. Though the Hay-Adams rivals any 21st century hotel as far as amenities are concerned, one can't help but be taken back by this venue’s historic charm and opulence.

Tabaq Bistro

Located in the trendy U Street area, Tabaq Bistro may seem an unlikely place for amazing views. The three-story climb is well worth the effort as you stroll past the aptly-named Red Room and Art Room to the Glass Terrace. With one of the most unique rooftops on the East Coast, Tabaq Bistro features a halfway retractable, completely enclosed Washington, DC meeting room, affording panoramic views of downtown from an uptown perspective.

Sequoia

A riverside bar never looked so upscale. Situated on the Potomac River along Georgetown's harbor walk, Sequoia caters to everyone, from young singles mingling at the outdoor patio and bar to business people enjoying a meal in the two-story dining room. Virtually every wall of Sequoia is made of glass, affording fantastic views of the exquisite yachts of DC’s elite.

Cafe MoZU

Located in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this restaurant is named after an ancient Chinese philosopher who emphasized the idea of universal love. And after seeing the cafe's stunning views of Washington, DC attractions such as the Jefferson Memorial and Potomac Tidal Basin, you, too, will be in love. Full-length windows showcase the beauty of internationally-renowned DC cherry blossoms by day or the romantic lights of the monuments at night.