The Westin Arlington Gateway is celebrating its tenth birthday. This upscale and vibrant urban hotel is located in downtown Ballston, a bustling epicenter of research and innovation with elegant high-rises, upscale offices and residential living, variety of restaurants and shopping all connected with inviting green spaces to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, just minutes from the nation’s capital. The hotel is managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, an operator of over 100 hotels throughout North America, including 15 in the Washington, DC area.
Over the last ten years the hotel has always made it a priority to give back to the local community. The hotel team’s charitable and community activities have included Toys for Tots, Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), and others. “Being in the service industry, it is in our nature to give back to our community, especially when we can make in impact in our neighborhood” said Michael Broadhurst, hotel General Manager.
The Washington, DC suburb of Ballston has expanded exponentially over the last decade. As the Washington metro region’s hub of innovation, research, learning, technology and science, more restaurants and shopping options have popped up to cater to the large growth of residential and office space in the area. The variety and diversity of local activity choices has also benefited The Westin’s guests, giving them much to do after a long day at the office or options while exploring the city for leisure. Ballston is also home to Metrorail stops for both the Orange and Silver lines, just minutes from the Westin Arlington Gateway, offering countless transit options in and around the city.
The hotel industry has seen many changes in the last ten years. “One of the largest changes in the hotel business has been regarding technology,” said Broadhurst. The hotel has taken the lead with adding complimentary high speed internet for its guests, easily assessable outlets on guest room desks for powering devices, beta-testing technology check-in options, and offering Tangent, a modern, high-tech boardroom style meeting room where hotel guests and local business professionals can meet for gatherings. Unlike the rest of the hotel's 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Tangent is designed for short, quick, last-minute meetings and may be rented by the hour http://www.westintangent.com/en/the-westin-arlington-gateway
Ballston has benefited from Westin bringing its focus of well-being, a global initiative dedicated to inspiring our guests to feel their best, maintaining their healthy eating and exercise regimens while traveling, and leaving their hotels feeling better than when they arrive. The hotel offers healthy options in all food and beverage outlets. “One of the Be Well Pillars of Westin is Eat Well,” said Broadhurst. “Because of this, healthy dining is not just an afterthought; it is infused in our banquets, restaurant, and in-room dining. The local community connects with this, and we are usually the first call for event planners that are looking at the growing trend of healthy eating as an important option for their attendees.”
Prior to its tenth birthday, The Westin Arlington Gateway underwent a multimillion dollar renovation, including enhancements to guest rooms, public spaces, lobby, function space and its own Starbucks Café.
During the renovation, the hotel wanted to ensure all aspects of our business including the Starbucks Café, located adjacent to the lobby and also offering a street entrance for local foot traffic. These enhancements included the new Starbucks Café look, expanding the size of the café and adding more comfortable oversized chairs with cluster seating to allow guests to interact. “We felt it was important to give our Starbucks a true local neighborhood vibe,” said Broadhurst. “Over the years, our Starbucks has really become a place for locals to stop to or from work, hang out and take time to unwind after work, and recharge on the weekends. Our café’s large local following has given us great feedback on the new look.”
To learn more about The Westin Arlington Gateway, visit them online or call 703.717.6200.
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