BWW Reviews: Crystal Gateway Marriott - The Gem of Crystal City

Nestled in the heart of Crystal City, the Crystal Gateway Marriott offers the pathway to convenience, luxury, and all your essential travel needs.

With complimentary shuttle service to and from Reagan National Airport and about 10 short metro stops away from the Washington Monument, this pillar of Crystal City, Virginia is fully equipped to handle all of your travel needs. Boasting 35,377 square feet of 18 floors, 82 suites, 2 restaurants, an indoor/outdoor pool and jacuzzi, underground shopping and metro access, the Crystal Gateway Marriott offers loads of convenience for vacations, business trips or weekend getaways.

Lobby

The grand lobby is warm and inviting with an expansive foyer, spacious and comfortable seating areas, and complimentary wifi throughout. Although host to several corporations, groups, and even hundreds of runners on marathon weekend when I visited, the Crystal Gateway Marriott is more than equipped and staff are happily willing to handle each traveler's unique needs in a swift and pleasant manner.

Room Accommodations

As a Marriott elite reward member, I was upgraded to a junior suite, which was located on the 6th floor. Upon entering, the junior suite offered a comfortable sitting room with flat screen TV, small but adequate mini fridge, work desk, and pull-out sofa bed. A large sprawling window surrounded the room with a gorgeous view of Crystal City. The king sized bed in the separate bedroom had Marriott's signature luxurious bedding, rich linens and down/feather or foam pillows. The bed was flanked by two end tables, a coffee/tea maker, another flat screen TV and separate chair/reading area. The bathroom was comfortable and conveniently placed between the bedroom and sitting area, and two climate controllers located in the sitting room and bedroom provided individual comfort. Extra amenities included an ironing board, hair dryer, Bath and Body Works toiletries and more.

Whether a single traveler or a family of 4, the junior suite had more than enough space to enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay.

Restaurants

The Crystal Gateway Marriott offers two main restaurants, The Atrium (American cuisine) and Restaurant Mez (Mediterranean), along with an Einstein Bros Bagels located in the lobby for quick coffee, bagels or pastries.

I ate at The Atrium, which was conveniently located and open to the main lobby area. Although exposed throughout the lobby, The Atrium still has a unique vibe of privacy. The bar is intimate and warm, and low tables, high tops and booths are scattered throughout, offering several seating choices for your dining needs. The diverse menu presents an array of delectable food choices, from fish, steak, chicken, pasta, sandwiches and more. Even though a featured restaurant in the hotel, The Atrium is not overpriced, service is swift, and the selections are fresh, healthy, and delicious.

I look forward to returning to try out the Restaurant Mez.

Concierge Lounge

The concierge lounge features an encompassing view of the city's skyline. Here guests can enjoy complimentary beverages and catered cuisine throughout the day. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with various nooks for reading, watching TV, or a separate desktop computer, printer, and work station for all your business needs.

Fitness/Recreation

Located on the 2nd floor, The Crystal Gateway Marriott boasts a fully-equipped and inviting fitness center with indoor/outdoor pool access and whirlpool only steps down. Because I was participating in the marathon and saving my legs, I did not get a chance to test it out; however, I was salivating at the amount of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, and other equipment with full views to the city.

I did, however, use the whirlpool downstairs, which was very clean and privately nestled in its own beautiful oasis surrounded by welcoming trees and plants. The indoor pool is connected to outdoor access and large, soaring windows surround the entire area.

Location/Access

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is the gateway to Washington, DC and all the local tourist attractions. Without taking a single step outside, you can enjoy shopping, dining and other conveniences with access to Crystal City Shops and restaurants just underground.

Crystal City Metro can be accessed directly from the lobby, allowing guests to easily reach Washington, DC museums, monuments, and other attractions. If you want to stay within Crystal City, the Crystal Gateway Marriott is conveniently located to several dining and shopping options just steps outside the lobby door.

Extras

Extras mean everything when choosing a hotel room. The Crystal Gateway Marriott features open areas, dramatic skylights, and grand ballrooms as well as small, intimate spaces. You can always find those private little nooks to relax, unwind and enjoy a book or quiet time while overlooking beautiful city views.

The staff is friendly and more than accommodating and ready to assist with any of your travel needs. This sleek, stylish, and sophisticated hotel is perfect for business travel, family vacations, or a quick weekend getaway. I highly recommend staying at the Crystal Gateway Marriott and will definitely return again when visiting the Arlington or DC areas.

To book or for more information, visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasgw-crystal-gateway-marriott/