A glimpse of the future at Marriott’s new headquarters hotel: Travel Weekly

BETHESDA, Md. — Of the 130-moreover motels in the Washington spot with the word “Marriott” in their names, the spot of the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ sets it apart from the other folks: It is really methods from Marriott International’s new world-wide headquarters, separated only by a little plaza.

As the closest resort to CEO Anthony Capuano’s desk, I at first surmised that this residence might encompass the most up-to-date thinking on how Marriott inns really should be created, developed and operated.

And following a two-evening keep at the 244-space assets in late May well, I imagine my assumption was correct.

“The Marriott Lodges brand name has truly long gone by means of quite a journey, transformation and repositioning,” normal manager Kat Burns stated when I spoke with her about a month right after my continue to be.  It can be about catering to the modern business enterprise traveler who could possibly also carry their relatives, lengthen their vacation by a handful of times and seem for anything that functions both equally for company and viewing a local location, Burns said. “I consider this hotel really signifies the brand name quite perfectly.”

Burns reported that the Marriott Bethesda Downtown was the 8,000th hotel the company has opened. “So from that standpoint, it’s very exclusive.”

And right after 7,999 hotels, what could the up to date traveler uncover in the most current?

Between its characteristics: A lobby with live crops and flooring-to-ceiling home windows that flood the room with light guestrooms with small clutter and tech ability shops galore a everyday, high-top quality cafe and bar that seamlessly blends into the foyer indoor-outdoor solutions and LEED Gold-licensed design processes.

But more broadly, the concept that looks to run as a result of the Marriott Bethesda Downtown is the notion of localism, a lodge that feels built-in into a city community.

In an FAQ about its shift downtown from its longtime headquarters in a suburban business office park, Marriott Global said that “relocating to a new, urban setting was necessary” to acknowledging plans like giving a reducing-edge, eye-catching and practical area that would support it bring in top rated talent.

Marriott’s prized characteristics include effortless transportation options and entry to a “lively, blended-use city local community” with dining places, shops and enjoyment.

Illustrations of residential facilities, Marriott-resort-style, consist of hearth pits on the plaza for alfresco gatherings and a somewhat compact examine-in space with a discreet desk that de-emphasizes the traditional “hotel” seem. 

Burns claimed the acceptance of cell choices, this kind of as check out-in and chat, experienced influenced the design, as quite a few guests will not likely even end at the look at-in station. 

“As we glance to the potential, the front desk we have here is what you will see,” she mentioned. “It just feels very residential, not a massive desk.” 

A preponderance of neighborhood artwork and influences support develop a feeling of location. The lobby’s focal stage, the Seventh State cafe, normally takes its identify from Maryland’s place among the colonies in ratifying the Constitution its draft beer menu even lists the miles from the hotel to the breweries.

And what is a contemporary resort without the need of a rooftop amenity? At the Marriott Bethesda Downtown it’s the Hip Flask bar, an indoor-outside room that’s popular with locals and guests alike.

1 area of the third floor was continue to shut off in the course of my check out. That place, Burns claimed, will be devoted to concept rooms, component of the Marriott Design and style Lab, the resort giant’s investigate facility. In the Lab, it will construct and check new systems and items, and the room is unique to the Marriott Bethesda Downtown.