Bethesda Marriott Hotel Offers New Features and Selections for Planning Holiday Parties and Events

Bethesda, MD., – October 30, 2009 – This week, twenty-nine Marriott and Renaissance properties between Charlotte, NC., and Baltimore, MD., showcased their signature holiday party options. Locally, the Bethesda Marriott hotel unveiled brand new holiday party fare, decorations and a variety of party selections unique to the hotel to help customers plan exciting holiday parties and events in Bethesda, MD. With a significant portion of its business coming from holiday events, the Bethesda Marriott's Holiday Showcase is a chance to share its unique creativity and new incentives with party planners.

"Traditionally, holiday parties have been the place where companies go all out to thank their employees for their hard work, and despite the poor economy, this year looks like it will be no exception," says Brian Hilger, general manager of the Bethesda Marriott hotel. "We're showing creative options this year, such as breakfast parties, sushi bars and a wide range of decorating selections to ensure that we've got something for everyone. Our chef has put together special menus and our catering staff has been creating fun options for parties of all kinds."

According to Bethesda Marriott Senior Catering Sales Executive Vivian Tsakeris, new party and event trends have surfaced, but there is still a desire for the traditional. For example, corporate ice sculptures and sit-down dinners, popular in the past, are out this year, but reception-style food stations are in. "We are offering carving stations with traditional fare, along with a twist-roast turkey with plum-glaze—and cashew stuffing," says Ms. Tsakeris. "Desserts include beautifully decorated Yule Logs and pastries, as well as traditional favorites like pecan pie."

Casino-style holiday events continue to be popular, along with great raffle items, like flat-screen televisions, and other prizes, according to Ms. Tsakeris. "As a value added incentive this year, we have a variety of give-aways that customers can choose from when they book an event with us: an overnight stay for two in one of our suites, a chocolate fountain with a variety of dipping options, dinner for two at our Agio Restaurant, and we always offer free parking to all of our guests."

Karaoke also continues to be a popular entertainment option at holiday events, as well as vodka and martini bars with an ice luge. "More than any other time of year, these holiday parties are really geared toward fun," says Ms. Tsakeris.

Ms. Tsakeris invites the public to learn more about planning a hotel holiday party or event at the Bethesda Marriott hotel, MD by calling 301-897-9400.

The Bethesda Marriott is celebrating its 30th anniversary of service to the community this year. The Bethesda hotel completed extensive renovations recently that included the addition of a new ballroom, newly redecorated guest rooms, and fitness center. This hotel in Bethesda, MD boasts 27 meeting rooms and 18,500 square feet of total meeting space. More details can be found at www.bethesdamarriott.com. The hotel is located at 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD.