October 19, 2011 - The Crystal City Marriott, one of Crystal City’s first hotels, has recently completed an award-winning redesign that adds sleek polish and modern updates to its lobby, including the launch of a new American tavern, BELL20. The extensive renovation marks the first stage of the hotel’s multi-million dollar plan to revitalize its public and meeting space, an investment by the hotel’s owners, Vernado Realty.  The renovation includes the new design for Marriott Hotels & Resorts lobbies that offer guests spaces for working, dining and socializing.

“This renovation is the beginning of exciting things to come,” says Scott McClinton, general manager of the Crystal City Marriott.  “We know our guests want comfort and style, we have delivered that and more. We look forward to welcoming our longtime and new guests alike to discover our transformed space.”

Cauhaus Design, in Frederick, Md., replaced the old world style lobby with a new look that blends nature with modern technology. To create a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere, Cauhaus Design used visually stimulating elements such as textured walls, warm earth tones, marble floors, leather chairs, and natural materials including stone and reclaimed wood on the walls and plank top communal tables. Other recycled materials such as natural tile accents, recycled 55 gallon drums, and hammered metals are used as artwork throughout the transformed space.

The welcoming reception desk has been redesigned to make it easier for guests and hotel staff to interact at check-in. Three new pods made of dark wood and stone have been added to allow business and leisure travelers to check in and check out with ease. With free WiFi and electrical outlets throughout the lobby, guests can plug-in and work on their laptops or kick back and relax in front of HDTVs at the lobby bar. In addition, semi-private seating nooks full of plush pillows, allow guests to socialize or work in an intimate environment.

The new bar and restaurant, BELL20, offers straight forward comfort food and pub classics. The menu offers daily soups, unique burgers, sandwich standards, salads, and a variety entrées. Ideal for socializing with work colleagues by day and impromptu gatherings at night, the energetic BELL20 bar offers a refreshing cocktail menu, over 30 bottled beers, wines by the glass and a number of hand-crafted micro-brews from Alexandria’s own Port City Brewing Company.

About the Crystal City Marriott:
The Crystal City Marriott is situated at 1999 Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington, Va., just off the Crystal City Metro on the blue and yellow lines. With 333 guest rooms, 10 suites, and a newly renovated lobby, less than one mile from Reagan National Airport, the Crystal City Marriott is ideal for business, weekend getaways, family and leisure travel. For more information or reservations, contact your travel professional, call the hotel directly at 703-413-5500 or visit crystalcitymarriott.com.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts:
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.