June 18, 2014 - Washington, D.C. – The renowned hotel at Chevy Chase Pavilion is gearing up for a facelift. The Embassy Suites Hotel at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, by Destination Hotels & Resorts, is embarking on a colossal $10.5 million property transformation with construction set to begin on July 13. Hotel officials announced today plans for the renovation that includes a structural conversion throughout the 170,000-square-foot, 198 two-room suite property offering an entirely new guest stay experience. Plans call for a newly designed open entrance, sweeping lobby, expanded restaurant and bar, upgraded hotel suites, renewed health club and enlarged public areas. The full renovation is slated for delivery on October 20, 2014.

Designed by HVS Design and Jonathan Nehmer & Associates of Rockville, Maryland, the new Embassy Suites Hotel at the Chevy Chase Pavilion will take on an elegant and contemporary design aesthetic of large field graphite tile with glass and silver accents that will resemble an independent boutique hotel property catering to weekday business travelers and weekend family sojourners visiting DC.

Upon entry, guests will be greeted with a newly designed entrance and an immensely open lobby area that doubles its current size. The modernized lobby area will feature five new seating areas with light low-profile furnishings and a video lounge, an enclosed gas fireplace serving as a periphery between two conversation areas, large windows with scenic views of the Friendship Heights neighborhood, a conveyor motor lobby escalating to the second level and the District Boardroom – a liquid meeting space that anchors the main lobby area with a full storefront glass wall that hosts a conference table and 55" television monitor tailored for impromptu business meetings. A water wall located directly behind the reception desk, a core element of the Embassy Suites brand, and a new wood, steel and glass stairway will become a defining feature of the hotel lobby.

The dining & bar areas of this Friendship Heights hotel are also undergoing a substantial transformation. The existing Atrio Café and Atrio Lounge will be greatly reconfigured with the addition of acrylic-topped awnings and an expanded soft-seating area increasing the total dining capacity and offering a more functional space for banquet and catering services. Atrio Lounge will also encompass Willies Bar — a brand new 20-seat lounge featuring more than 100 top-shelf spirits, wines and local draft and bottled beers as well as a newly crafted small-plates menu. Additional lounge seating, overlooking the Pavilion atrium, will provide guests with a relaxing place to work, meet friends or simply unwind after a long day of sightseeing or meetings.

The Embassy Suites Chevy Chase redevelopment will also include an overhaul on all the guest suites, which range in size from 600-800 square feet. The new design is focused on creating an upscale "at-home" residential feel through the use of calm lighting, natural texture and a color scheme incorporating the use of earth tones. The extended stay hotel in Washington, DC will newly introduce dark chocolate wood exterior doors, solid pecan hardwood flooring and modern furnishings with subtle Washington-themed décor punctuated throughout the living spaces. In partnership with the Embassy Suites Brand, two new stylish premium floors will be created featuring suites with 55" LG HD televisions, complimentary high-speed Internet service, iHome docks, JBL Flip speakers, Keurig coffee makers and access to the floor's exclusive refreshment center.

"Rooted in the architectural vernacular of the Friendship Heights vibrant neighborhood, the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase has become prominent DC-area destination," says Jeff Brainard, area general manager. "With our widespread renovation, we are creating a sophisticated urban atmosphere offering visitors a luxurious retreat with convenient access to unmatched shopping, entertainment and dining." The Embassy Suites, along with the Chevy Chase Pavilion, originally opened in 1990 and has been consistently maintained with the last significant room renovation occurring in 2009 and the meeting space in 2012. The Chevy Chase Pavilion mixed-use office, retail and hotel complex is owned by Clarion Partners, LLC. Destination Hotels & Resorts has managed the Embassy Suites since November 1998.

About Destination Hotels & ResortsDestination Hotels & Resorts is an authentic collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels and resorts across North America. Offering enriching, locally-inspired experiences from alpine adventures and stunning beachfronts to urban landmarks, each property reflects the natural surroundings and culture of its distinctive locale. With more than 40 properties in premier travel destinations, including Aspen, Chicago, Denver, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Santa Fe, Seattle, Vail and Washington D.C., the award-winning portfolio features renowned golf courses, indigenous spas, and exceptional culinary venues. For more information on Destination Hotels & Resorts, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.