Key Bridge Marriott Hotel Prepares for 50th Anniversary With $30 Million Renovation of Event Space

Arlington, VA September 27, 2008 — The landmark Key Bridge Marriott, Marriott International's longest operating hotel, is gearing up for a year long 50th anniversary celebration in 2009 by introducing a brand new lobby, meeting and event space, restaurant and hotel bar. The redesign marks the completion of a $30 million renovation and revitalization investment by its owners, Host Hotels and Resorts.

Replacing the old world style and dark wood paneling is an inviting new urban look and feel that blends nature with modern technology. The rich earth tones, leather wrapped columns and natural elements of bamboo and stone throughout the newly renovated hotel lobby create an ambience that is both soothing and sophisticated for Virginia travelers. This redesign can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/easternmarriott/sets/72157604950978264/

"This renovation brings the hotel full circle and marks the beginning of exciting things to come in 2009 and beyond", says Sharon Lockwood, general manager. "We know our guests want more comfort and style, we have delivered that and more and welcome former guests and new guests alike to discover our transformed hotel."

To view these renovations and hear more from Sharon Lockwood, watch the Key Bridge Marriott - Reinventing an Icon' video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F2kdt4T74Q

The welcoming reception desk of this Arlington Marriott has been redesigned to encourage agent/guest interaction. Two new self serve kiosks have been added to allow business and leisure travelers to check in, check out and print boarding passes with ease. Semi-private seating nooks allow guests to socialize, work and play. With wifi through out the hotel lobby, guests can upload and work on their personal laptops or unplug and kick up their feet on oversized ottomans and relax in front the media wall with flat screen high-def televisions.

The Arlington hotel's 17,000 square feet of well appointed meeting, pre-function event space includes two large ballrooms and 19 breakout rooms. The newly refurbished Potomac Ballroom is 4,290 square feet of event space capable of separating into 4 salons. The 3,000 square feet Capital View Ballroom, on the top floor of the Key Bridge Marriott, offers floor to ceiling windows with one-of-a-kind, unprecedented, 360° vistas of the growing skyline of Arlington's Rosslyn area, historic Georgetown, the Potomac River and Washington DC's historic landmarks.

The new restaurant, Revival, offers comfort food with a contemporary flare and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu offers daily soups, seasonal tarts, appetizers, sandwiches and salads, and a variety of entrées. Several menu items pay homage to Marriott International's heritage by updating and reviving classics, such as the Mighty Mo, the Hot Shoppe Angus beef burger of with American cheese and Mighty Mo sauce served with a side of Old Bay french fries or onion rings.

Ideal for social business by day and impromptu gatherings at night, the energetic hotel lobby bar, Connexion, offers a refreshing cocktail menu. The bar also offers small or large plate menu items.

The landmark Key Bridge Marriott is situated at 1401 Lee Highway in Arlington, Va., within walking distance of historic Georgetown and near the Rosslyn Metro Station on the blue and orange lines. For more information about this Arlington, Virginia hotel or reservations contact the hotel directly at (703) 524-6400 or visit www.keybridgemarriott.com.