It’s always a treat to explore a town you know well or once lived in as a tourist. I had a great time staying at the Marriott Marquis Washington DC for a weekend and exploring an area that has gone through an amazing transformation since I first moved there five years ago. My very first apartment in DC was near the convention center, but not much else. What an amazing place to live that would be now, with some incredibly hip restaurants around the corner, art galleries, boutiques and more. The Marriott Marquis, with its stunning glass facade, sits conveniently on the corner of 9th and Massachusetts. If you have business near Chinatown or want to explore the Mall, the location is perfect. For anywhere else you’re a short Metro or cab ride away.

I was blown away by the lobby of the Marriott. If you are ever attending a meeting or event in this enormous facility, be sure to take a minute to enjoy the spectacle that greets you at the entrance. “The Flag” sculpture shoots up several stories toward a glass ceiling and between the windows of guest rooms. The lobby bar at the base has a captivating view. Luckily for me, the hotel was all decked out for the holidays, making it even more of a treat.

View this post on Instagram

Pretty blue skies today in DC! #checkingin to @mhmarquiswdc for the weekend. How crazy is this lobby? | Repost my posts with #MRPoints and earn points for yourself! #StayDC #marriott #MRPoints #ad

A post shared by Poplar Travels (@poplartravels) on Dec 2, 2016 at 11:59am PST

During the trip I was invited to try out the Marriott Rewards program using #MRPoints. It’s so easy to earn points, it almost seems unreal. Just share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #MRPoints, link your profiles to the rewards website and you’re on your way to earning discounts, upgrades and free stays!

The Room

My suite was really a surprise. With windows (and great views) on three sides, it was truly an impressive place to spend a weekend. From my living room, I could see Carnegie Library which is stunning at night. From the bedroom, I looked over the building next door and beyond thanks to being on the 14th floor. The desk was a great setup for work and the couches and chairs were all comfortable. The bathroom had a separate tub and walk-in shower, there was plenty of closet space despite most of the walls being made of windows and the king bed was luxurious.

There was nothing to tempt me in the mini fridge, but I tried the hotel’s version of room service, Fresh Bites, and was pleased with my meal of a brown rice bowl with avocado and chicken. It was even pointed out that the container was biodegradable: bonus points for Marriott.

The Lounge

While working in my suite was perfectly comfortable, the M Club Lounge was a delightful escape. I managed to miss the complimentary breakfast both mornings of my stay, but caught the tail end and could tell it was an impressive spread. Throughout the day, complimentary snacks, candy and drinks are available for those guests who have access. Free newspapers, a great view and many different seating arrangements made it an ideal place to grab tea or sit for a while to do work by yourself or with a partner. It was too cold while I was there, but the balcony seating has a great view as well. Though not explicitly a business lounge, I would have appreciated a quiet area; it was a bit loud when several families with young children decided to raid the candy.

Amenities

There is no shortage of dining in the hotel. I met friends in The Dignitary whiskey bar which I highly recommend even if you aren’t staying at the Marriott Marquis. The high-back booths, low lighting and impressive tasting menu make this place worthy of a night out. We enjoyed an impressive charcuterie plate and I tried the frozen highball with a ginger ale ice cube which I would 100% get again. If you’re a whiskey drinker definitely give this place a try. Had I been with more whiskey fans, I would have tried one of several tasting flights.

Other amenities include a gym with multiple floors, a gift shop, several restaurants, a lobby bar, meeting spaces, room service and buffet breakfast.

While you could spend your entire trip on the premises (there’s even a Starbucks) you would be sadly mistaken because you’d miss out on all the great dining in Chinatown and just up the street in Shaw. During my stay I enjoyed delicious ramen and dumpling shooters at Chaplin’s Restaurant and a brunch of jalapeno biscuits Benedict at Espita Mezcaleria.

So after my wonderful weekend I can say without a doubt I’d love to stay at the Marriott Marquis Washington DC again! The room was above my expectations, the lounge provides a VIP experience and small details like irons waiting in the room make this a great option for business travelers. The location is convenient to, well, just about everything and it’s a beautiful part of the city. You definitely couldn’t pick a better spot if you were attending an event at the Convention Center or the Carnegie Library. Don’t forget to sign up for #MRPoints to make the most of your stay.

Quick Tips

• Great location and amenities for business travelers
• The M Gallery Lounge offers a VIP experience with complimentary breakfast and snacks
• Quick, healthy options for room service and a variety of dining options in the hotel
• Plenty of dining, nightlife and cultural attractions nearby – try Espita Mezcaleria for brunch!
• It’s easy to earn rewards by using #MRPoints – just link your social accounts!
• Visit the Marriott Marquis Washington DC online for more info and to make a reservation

Thanks to the Marriott Marquis for having me! Opinions are always our own.