On March 1, 2022, Marriott opened their 8,000th property, the Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ. This property was highly anticipated as it is described as a 12-story stylish retreat situated directly next to Marriott’s global headquarters in downtown Bethesda.
Located conveniently steps off of the Washington Metro Red Line Bethesda station, the Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ allows for easy access to all of Washington DC. In between the hotel and Marriott HQ is a walking path with seating and sculptures. One of the sculptures is dedicated to the late Arne Sorenson, the 3rd President & CEO in Marriott’s history, and the 1st President & CEO outside of the Marriott family. Arne Sorenson passed away on February 16, 2021 after battling stage II pancreatic cancer.
In this review:
✈ The Lobby
✈ The Room
✈ The Lounge
✈ Dining
✈ Overall
The Lobby
Guests are greeted with stone and tiles reminiscent of Bethesda’s local bluestone quarries at the entrance of the hotel. Upon entering the Marriott Bethesda Downtown, the natural light coming through the lobby is immediately noticed alongside a grand staircase. The front desk offers a welcoming reception and The Great Room lobby bar livens the lobby as a social hub from day to night that welcomes you in as soon as you enter. Located just off of the lobby is the M Club lounge which serves as a space to get work done and enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the day.
The Room
Despite the hotel being a year old, the room still has the scent of a new hotel room upon entering. When entering the room the modern touches are immediately noticeable. Along with the modern décor the hotel did not stop short of modern technology. The alarm clock has a wireless charging pad on top, the TV offers numerous streaming options and there are more than enough charging ports with USB-A and USB-C connection to power your devices. The Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ includes a steamer, iron and ironing board, plenty of closet and storage space as well as a refrigerator for the guests.
The bathroom was well lit had a large shower with glass doors and a textured wall, an oversized counter and sink, and a large mirror. The hotel incorporated the flooring within the bathroom to extend and blend in with the flooring to the shower to avoid the separation of floors and to give the bathroom an overall larger feel.
The Lounge
The M Club lounge is accessible by Marriott status (Platinum or above) or by booking a room type with lounge access. The M Club offers complimentary food and beverages throughout the day and is accessible 24 hours a day. After breakfast until after the evening reception there is an assortment of snacks and candy in the lounge. Sodas, water, coffee, tea are available complimentary 24 hours. Self serve wine that is charged to the room is accessible 24 hours.
During breakfast hours the Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ offers guests with M Club access a complimentary hot buffet breakfast. The buffet consisted of an egg and meat, assorted pastries, breads and muffins, a cheese and charcuterie board, assorted fruits, assorted cereals, oatmeal, coffee, teas and juices.
During a block of hours in the evening in the M Club offers small bites and desserts, on the evening in review, the lounge served mini beef wellingtons and hash brown potatoes, alongside a variety of dips (hummus and onion dip) with pita bread, homemade potato chips, grilled vegetable crudité, mixed olives, an assortment of crackers, dessert cakes and cookies.
The M Club has various seating arrangements that allows for productivity and the ability to get work done solo or in a group.
Dining
Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ offers three dynamic and unique dining options by Executive Chef Dupree Braswell. Each concept offers something unique and distinctive to Maryland through locally sourced makers. The Greatroom Bar is a social hub at all hours of the day that offers a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap. There is outdoor and indoor seating that resembles that of an Italian Piazza where cocktails are prepared table side. The hotel’s restaurant Seventh State pays homage to Maryland entering the union. The restaurant’s main focal point is the custom made Italian wood fire oven clad in bronze. With floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls open seasonally to allow for outdoor dining. The Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ is home to Bethesda’s first high-rise rooftop bar, Hip Flask. Hip Flask stirs up a variety of cocktails with tableside presentations on the outdoor terrace. The signature cocktails will be shaken and stirred into a flask and presented hidden inside of a book, a true speakeasy style cocktail.
Overall
Overall the property is one of the best options to stay if staying outside of Washington DC. The hotel is new, modern, comfortable and boasts local and history all into one. The staff consistently had a smile and went above and beyond for all guests. A comfortable stay in downtown Bethesda’s is just steps away from the bustling Washington Metro Red Line giving you easy access in and around the DC area. The Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ is going to be a force to be reckon with for years to come in the Bethesda hotel market.