Baker Project Consulting

The renovation will include expanding the hotel from 214 to 226 rooms and creating 1,500 additional square feet of retail space just north of Saks Jandel with direct access to Wisconsin Avenue. Saks Jandel and other existing retail tenants at the adjacent Chevy Chase Plaza, which also is owned by Grosvenor, will remain open throughout the renovation.

“Our renovation project illustrates Grosvenor’s commitment to providing quality retail and hotel amenities in thriving urban neighborhoods. With an ever-increasing focus on the environment, we also are implementing many energy-saving measures within the hotel,” said Mark Darley, Senior Vice President and General Manager in Grosvenor’s Washington, D.C. office. “This hotel was originally developed in 1970 and needs to be modernized to better serve the needs of today’s business and leisure traveler as well as the local community,” he added.

The hotel’s energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable features will include a reflective roof; energy-efficient HVAC system and lighting; new energy-efficient windows; low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpets, and sealants; use of regionally sourced construction materials; construction demolition management; green housekeeping; a “bike-to-work” program for employees; low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets; and purchase of green power credits. 

The Courtyard by Marriott in Chevy Chase will have an all-new outdoor swimming pool and deck, an updated appearance including larger windows, and a welcoming porte cochere with a feature canopy. Inside, guests will find a variety of amenities being introduced by Marriott as part of its Courtyard brand (see www.gocourtyard.com).

Courtyard by Marriott’s new lobby is designed for business, efficiency, and comfort. Flexible “welcome podiums” replace the traditional check-in desk. Inside the lobby, visitors can check out the interactive touch-screen GoBoard™ that provides a wealth of useful information including weather, local events, and restaurant recommendations, along with mapping capabilities.

Business travelers appreciate the Courtyard by Marriott lobby design, with its free Wi-Fi, ample electrical outlets, printers, fax machines, and complimentary computers. There’s also a home theater area with a 50-inch TV screen, a library, and “media pods” for private meetings or TV viewing. Redesigned guest rooms are more comfortable than ever with flat-panel televisions, large work desks, ergonomic chairs, and king-size beds with plush mattresses, rich linens, and fluffy pillows. 

In addition to offering a full daily breakfast with made-to-order specialties, Courtyard by Marriott now features a Central Bistro providing “what you want, when you want it,” as well as The Market, offering prepared foods to go, toiletries, and sundries 24 hours a day. To work off extra calories, there’s a state-of-the-art exercise room.

Grosvenor acquired the 112,500 square foot Holiday Inn in late 2004 as part of a 464,000 square foot urban retail portfolio that had been assembled by Starwood Urban, LLC. The acquisition included the adjoining 40,000 square foot Chevy Chase Plaza, home to prestigious retail tenants Brooks Brothers, Saks Jandel, Sylene’s and Bank of America. Grosvenor acquired a leasehold interest in the hotel in 2007.

Grosvenor is an international group of property businesses with total assets under management of $25.7 billion as of December 31, 2007.  We have regional investment and development businesses in Britain and Ireland, the Americas, Continental Europe, Australia and Asia Pacific.  Our international fund management business operates across all these markets.  Unusual for a private company, Grosvenor publishes a full Annual Report and Accounts, available at www.grosvenor.com.