WASHINGTON, D.C.—Marking a milestone in the city where it all began, Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International Inc., officially celebrated the grand opening of the company’s 4,000th hotel— the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC.
The day kicked off with the official dedication led by J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., executive chairman, along with city officials and other dignitaries who helped welcome the 1,175-room hotel to the company and city. The hotel is located not far from where founders J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine seat A&W Root Beer stand 87 years ago. In a salute to the company’s origins, the ceremony featured a root beer toast and a performance by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Members of the Marriott family also surprised Bill Marriott by unveiling a plaque on the mezzanine level in honor of his exemplary leadership and commitment to put people first.
“It is fitting that our 4,000th hotel is located here in our nation’s capital, because it is the birthplace of our company and represents the future of the Marriott Hotels brand,” Marriott said. “The Marquis will also be an economic boost to the city, creating job and career opportunities for hundreds of District residents and attracting major meetings from around the world.”
Upon arriving for the evening reception, guests were given high-tech RFID bracelets, which allowed everyone to interact with elements of the party. Guests sipped different variations of the D.C. Mule, a new take on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, and voted for their favorite. The winner, The Virgin-gin, will now be served at the hotel bar. Throughout the evening, guests also offered their own inspiration and co-created live with local D.C. muralist Aniekan Udofia, what it means to “Traveling Brilliantly in Washington, D.C.”
The evening featured a sampling of passed hors d’oeuvres emblematic of D.C. neighborhoods, including Shaw, Chinatown, Waterfront, Eastern Market, and Adam’s Morgan. Guests were treated to a bourbon bar featuring an array of cocktails curated by Jim Beam and inspired by the global locations of the nearly 500 properties in the Marriott Hotels’ brand. D.C. native DJ Stylus drove the pulse of party, spinning tunes throughout the evening. The event was punctuated with an aerial ballet performance by Les Oiseaux Du Paradis.
The Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is the fifth Marquis property within Marriott Hotels’ portfolio and incorporates the brand’s newest innovations across technology, design, fitness, culinary, and meetings.
