Washington, D.C.—The Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion is ready for its close-up. On Oct. 30, the Friendship Heights hotel, owned by Clarion Partners, a leading real estate investment manager, and managed by Destination Hospitality Management, announced the completion of the multi-million dollar property renovation.
The renovation of the 198, two-room suite property includes a newly designed open entrance, sweeping lobby, expanded restaurant and lounge, new bar, upgraded suites, renewed health club, and enlarged public areas – all offering an entirely new guest stay experience. The completion of the Embassy Suites renovation concludes a total repositioning of Chevy Chase Pavilion by Clarion Partners.
The Embassy Suites’ dining and bar areas underwent a substantial transformation. The hotel launched an original drinking and dining concept that has been expanded beyond hotel guests to the public. Named after the hotel’s former sous chef Wilfredo Benavides, who passed away last year after battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, Willie’s Bar is a brand new 2,000-square-foot, 22-seat bar featuring more than 100 spirits, wines, local draft and bottled beers, and a newly crafted small-plates menu. An additional 50 seats, also featuring Willie’s signature cocktails and menu selections, are situated in the lounge area directly off the bar. In special remembrance and honor of Chef Willie, one percent of all bar proceeds from Willie’s Bar will go to the ALS Association – an American nonprofit organization that raises money for research and patient services related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Hotel guests are greeted with a newly designed entrance and open lobby that is double its former size. The modernized lobby area features five new seating areas with light low-profile furnishings, a video lounge, an enclosed gas fireplace, and large windows with views of the Friendship Heights neighborhood. The District Boardroom – a new liquid meeting space that anchors the main lobby area with a storefront glass wall, is tailored for impromptu business meetings. A water wall, a core element of the Embassy Suites brand, is located directly behind the reception desk with a new wood, steel, and glass stairway as a defining feature of the hotel lobby.
The Embassy Suites Chevy Chase renovation includes an overhaul of all guest suites, which range in size from 600-800 square feet. The new design presents an upscale “at-home” residential feel, incorporating the use of calm lighting, natural texture, and an earth tone color scheme. The hotel also newly introduced dark chocolate wood exterior doors, modern furnishings with subtle Washington-themed décor punctuated throughout the living spaces, and hardwood flooring. In partnership with the Embassy Suites Brand, two new premium floors feature suites with 55” LG HD televisions, complimentary high-speed Internet service, iHome docks, Keurig coffee makers, and access to the floor’s exclusive refreshment center.
“Embassy Suites Chevy Chase provides a refreshed urban atmosphere, offering visitors a luxurious retreat with a delicious food and beverage option and convenient access to unmatched shopping, entertainment and dining in the national capital region,” said Jeff Brainard, area general manager. “We’re delighted with the new, sophisticated feel and are eager to showcase our upgraded setting.”
