The exclusive opening celebration was inspired by the essence of past and present global travel, refined exploration and sleek style. Guests enjoyed intriguing elements including an interactive passport photo booth, personal RLife listening stations, highly styled ambassadors with roving airline bar carts stocked with artful cocktails and spectacular views from the top floor “Sky Lounge” complete with Swarovski crystal encrusted binoculars. The highlight of the evening was a live performance by dynamic duo electric violin vixen Caitlin Moe and DJ Mia Moretti. The performance was part of Renaissance Hotels’ RLife LIVE program (www.RLifeLive.com), an entertainment and music platform that provides hotel guests and local patrons the chance to discover emerging and established artists on-site at Renaissance Hotels around the world.

Acclaimed chefs Eric & Bruce Bromberg of New York’s popular Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group were on site to unveil the “Blue Ribbon Classics” lounge menu that is now available at the hotel. The menu includes white bean hummus toast, grilled cheese Panini, Manchego and Mexican honey toast, “Northern fried” chicken wings and more. In addition to the Blue Ribbon offering, guests were taken on a culinary journey to the exotic locations of the newest Renaissance Hotels in Doha, Qatar, St. Pancreas, London, Sanya, China and savored fresh rustic Italian favorites from SOCCi’s Chef David Creamer.

“We are extremely excited to show off this modern property and to invite the community and guests to join us in an exclusive grand opening experience with electrifying talent, exquisite cuisine and a first class view of our nation’s capital,” said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president of Lifestyle Brands for Marriott International, Inc. Renaissance Hotels is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International, Inc. family of lodging brands, with more than 150 hotels in 34 countries. The brand is known for creating authentic travel experiences which offer passionate travelers the opportunity to discover local experiences through hotel touch points including design, cuisine and distinct amenities.

Designed to be LEED® Silver certified, the Renaissance Arlington Capital View,  owned by The JBG Companies of Chevy Chase, Md., showcases award-winning modern architecture inspired by motion and light. From the glass encased meeting spaces with open-air terraces, to the modern sculptures and “green roof”, this hotel exudes style and sophistication. The 300-room hotel—with a unique location, ultra-convenient amenities, 17,354 sq ft of event space, including a 10,000 sq. ft. unobstructed ballroom—is designed to create an experience like no other. Design elements throughout the hotel entice the eyes with a new discovery around every turn. From the modern kinetic wood sculpture titled “Dance of the Forest” by Charlie Whinney to the custom light fixtures and wall treatments that mimic the motion of water droplets, the theme of motion travels throughout the property.

Each of the hotel’s guest rooms incorporates a soothing color scheme with blue and platinum tones. Other amenities include plush Renaissance bedding; high-speed Internet via cable or WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen high def televisions and iPod docking stations, and is complete with a personal refreshment area featuring a mini-fridge for guests to use. Business and leisure travelers both will appreciate the comfortable ergonomic executive chairs, spacious desk space, the proprietary plug-in technology panel which allows guests to connect their own cameras and laptops to the TVs and the spa-like bathrooms which feature terry cloth bathrobes and Aveda® spa products.

Both savvy travelers and locals alike will enjoy the intimate, 96-seat SOCCi (pronounced so-chee) restaurant featuring modern Italian cuisine from Executive Chef David Creamer. The restaurant and bar are both accessible from the street and include an open kitchen design, expanded pet-friendly outdoor seating area and a Chef‘s Tasting Room. The hotel also houses a full service Espressamente illy café with an outdoor patio, offering a variety of espresso beverages, grab and go sandwiches and light fare prepared daily.