Washington, D.C., January 18, 2005…Just in time for Presidential Inauguration crowds, The Bernstein Companies’ 156-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on Washington, D.C.’s Embassy Row has undergone a major renovation adding upscale state-of-the-art amenities for comfort and convenience. 

Responding to frequent travelers’ needs and desires, the hotel lobby has been completely refurbished with plush furnishings, a Starbucks café serving pub-style food, a working fireplace, plasma TV, and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Guests can plug their laptops into tabletop outlets, or use the hotel’s state-of-the-art computer, printer, and CD burner.

“Our goal was to make the lobby luxurious and inviting, and it’s been a great success with both business and family travelers,” remarked Adam Bernstein, President of The Bernstein Companies, which owns six hotels along with over three million square feet of commercial office space. “Our guests can grab a Starbucks coffee and pastry in the morning, or a light meal and glass of wine in the evening, and catch up on e-mail while sitting by the fire.”

In addition to its new Starbucks Café, the hotel also has an on-site restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are now available round-the-clock for guests who arrive late at night. 

“Our latest renovation positions the Courtyard by Marriott very favorably in the market,” Bernstein continued. “We provide a level of service that’s on par with downtown full-service hotels, combining value with extraordinary comfort.” The hotel enjoys a convenient location at 1600 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., within walking distance of the White House and other Washington attractions.

Interior designer Elyse Linowes of Linowes Design Associates explained: “We wanted to make the décor comfortable for people accustomed to a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, but more upscale to reflect the property’s Embassy Row location. We used an eclectic mix of transitional furniture with warm fabrics like mohair and chenille, along with jewel-toned colors like ruby, plum, and gold. Now the lobby is a place where people can eat, drink, work, and meet other travelers, rather than just passing through.”

Although only six years old, the hotel rooms are undergoing a full renovation, implementing Courtyard by Marriott’s designs that meet the needs of today’s modern travelers with stylish décor. The newly refurbished rooms will feature Marriott’s new bedding concept, which replaces bedspreads with quilted comforters tucked tightly between high-thread-count sheets, complemented by an over-abundance of pillows.

The Courtyard by Marriott-Embassy Row is located in a building that previously housed the headquarters of the National Rifle Association. The Bernstein Companies acquired the 80,000 square foot structure in 1998 and began a multi-million-dollar renovation that won the Washington Business Journal’s “Best Renovation of the Year” Award. The transformation included replacing a basement firing range with a state-of-the-art health club and indoor swimming pool.

When completed in 1998, the hotel was one of the first Courtyard by Marriott facilities in an upscale downtown location. Since then, Courtyard by Marriott has promoted this successful formula nationwide. 

The Bernstein Companies comprise one of Washington, D.C.’s oldest and most respected real estate development, investment, and management organizations. Founded over 60 years ago, TBC has been directly involved in transactions exceeding $1.5 billion, and currently holds a commercial portfolio of more than 40 properties including office buildings, land development parcels, and hotels. For further information, visit The Bernstein Companies’ Web page at www.thebernsteincompanies.com.

Contact Information
Adam Bernstein, 202-333-9000