VENUE: Top of the Hay (Photo Credit: The Hay Adams Hotel)
For a Rooftop View of the White House: Top of the Hay
One of the most coveted private rooftops in Washington, the Top of the Hay at the Hay-Adams Hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar, five-month renovation before reopening in late January. The all-new, L-shaped space features floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound terrace, and five separate rooms hosting groups of 15 to 300; those rooms all offer panoramic views of the White House and downtown Washington. Designed by interior designer Tom Pheasant and architectural design firm Hartman-Cox Architects, the updated decor boasts a new palette and mosaic tiles, marble floors, and custom-designed carpets.
For Meeting Space a Mile From Reagan: Renaissance Arlington Capital View
Opened in March, the 300-room Renaissance Arlington Capital View is just a mile from Ronald Reagan National Airport and has 17,354 square feet of meeting and event space. The grand ballroom is the largest event area, with room to host as many as 900 people in its 10,164 square feet of unobstructed space. Prefunction space surrounds three sides of the ballroom and is shared by the nearby six meeting rooms and executive boardroom. For intimate affairs, on-site Italian restaurant Socci can seat 96 in its main dining room or smaller parties of 14 in its chefs tasting room. Other property amenities include a 2,500-square-foot gym, business center, and swimming pool.
For a Sports Bar Near the Verizon Center: Redline
Sports bar and restaurant Redline opened in Gallery Place near the Verizon Center in December. The 6,000-square-foot space has dark hardwood floors, leather-accented booths, plenty of natural light, and exposed brick walls. Sports fans can check out the 40 flat-panel TVs, 11-foot projection screen, 22-foot electronic sports ticker, and two Vegas-style electronic sports-book boards displaying the current odds. When it comes to food, chef Fabrice Reymond oversees the kitchen, which serves pub grub along with a few upscale options, like tuna tartare spring rolls, jumbo lump crab cakes, and short rib skewers. There is seating for 130 people, and the choice seats are the eight horseshoe-shaped leather booths with built-in taps so guests can serve themselves.
For Private Dining on K Street: P.J. Clarkes
P.J. Clarkes continued its expansion outside of New York City with the opening of a Washington outpost in October 2010. On K Street, just a short walk from the White House, the Washington edition is outfitted with high tin ceilings, mosaic tile floors, and red leather banquettes. Sidecar, the lower-level private room, can accommodate as many as 150, while the main dining room can host 125 for semiprivate affairs. Known for its classic American menu, the Washington location will offer the same all-day menu offered elsewhere, along with an extensive raw bar that will be sourced as much as possible from local waters.
For an Upscale Night Club: Eden
Opened last summer in Farragut Square, Eden recently debuted its newest themed space with the opening of Green Room in January. Encompassing the 2,000-square-foot first floor of the nightclub, Green Room can host 250 for private events. In an effort to bring the outdoors in, the new space is adorned with bamboo, live waterfalls, greenery, wooden walls, and green LED lighting throughout. The second floor of the nightclub has its own bar and DJ booth and can also accommodate 225. Designed specifically for events, the third floor can seat 30 or host 60 for receptions. For outdoor events, the Garden of Eden rooftopwhich has similar decor to Green Roomis made of two areas, accommodating nearly 250 and 40, and has its own private bar and DJ booth.
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