WASHINGTON, DC—The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion is embarking on a $10.5-million renovation, including a structural conversion throughout the 170,000-sq.-ft. property, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel offers 198 two-room suites. Construction has begun for the full renovation that will be completed on October 20, 2014. Plans include a newly designed open entrance, large lobby, expanded restaurant and lounge, new bar concept, upgraded suites, renewed health club and enlarged public areas.
The renovation will be led by HVS Design and Jonathan Nehmer + Associates (JN+A), based in Rockville, MD. The property will feature an elegant and contemporary design aesthetic, according to the company, of large field graphite tile with glass and silver accents, resembling an independent boutique hotel.
The dining and bar areas will be transformed and launch an original drinking and dining concept. Willie’s Bar, named for the hotel’s late sous chef Wilfredo Benavides, who suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease and passed away last year. The bar will be a 2,000-sq.-ft., 22-seat bar with more than 100 top-shelf spirits, wines and local draft and bottled beers, in addition to a new small-plates menu. The lounge area located off the bar will add 50 seats and feature Willie’s signature cocktails and menu selections. One percent of all bar proceeds will go to the ALS Association for research and patient services related to Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Willie’s Bar will feature a clean, modern look with earth-tone hues and natural materials such as wood panels and stone countertops. The Atrio Café and Atrio Lounge will be reconfigured with the addition of acrylic-topped awnings and an expanded soft-seating area that increases the dining capacity and adds more functional space for banquet and catering services.
The entrance will be newly designed and the open lobby will be double its current size, according to the property. The modernized lobby will offer five new seating areas with light low-profile furnishings and a video lounge, an enclosed gas fireplace that serves as a periphery between two conversation areas, large windows, a conveyor motor lobby escalating to the second level and District Boardroom, a water wall behind the reception desk and a new wood, steel and glass stairway.
Guest suites will also be overhauled. The new design will focus on creating an upscale residential feel with calm lighting, natural texture and earth tones. Dark chocolate wood exterior doors will be added, as well as solid pecan hardwood flooring and modern furnishings with Washington-themed decor.
In partnership with the Embassy Suites brand, two premium floors will be created, featuring suites with 55-in. LG HDTVs, complimentary high-speed Internet, iHome docks, JBL Flip speakers, Keurig coffee makers and access to the floor’s excusive refreshment center.
The District Boardroom is a liquid meeting space anchoring the main lobby with a full storefront glass wall. It features a conference table and 55-in. TV for impromptu business meetings, according to the company.