Think outside the ballroom: The top event spots in DC

The Hill profiled three of the best locations in town to host events.

Top of the Hay

{mosads}With breathtaking views of the White House, the Potomac and the Washington Monument, the newly renovated rooftop deck at the Hay Adams Hotel exudes power and luxury.

“You don’t need a centerpiece on the table because the centerpiece is the view,” said Lynn Rollins, acting director of sales and marketing at the Hay Adams.

Located across the street from Lafayette Park, “Top of the Hay” is enclosed by French doors that let in light and offer panoramic views of the most quintessential landmarks in the city.

“The space is perfect for any organization that wants to make a statement of power or emphasize the power of the city by hosting an event at this space overlooking the White House,” Rollins said.

The space accommodates up to 300 people for receptions and seats 200 comfortably for a luncheon or sit-down event.

“We do a lot of power lunches, meetings, fundraisers and charitable events because the view of the White House and Lafayette Park lends itself to any event,” Rollins said. “It’s not a ballroom or cookie-cutter meeting space.”

After a redesign in January to correspond with the hotel’s 2001 revamp, the space now has its own state-of-the-art kitchen, ensuring the food served in the space is fresh and well-presented.

“The space has its own private kitchen so that your event menu is prepared and served steps away from where you will be seated,” Rollins said. “There’s no concern about getting food out to you hot and being jostled.”

Pricing for the space is available upon request.

House of Sweden

Organizations that place an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices would be remiss not to look at the House of Sweden for their next event.

Part of the Swedish Embassy, the space is located on the Georgetown Waterfront and offers spectacular views of the Potomac River. It also offers a sustainable drinking water system and does not allow caterers to bring in bottled water, a fact that would make any environmentalist smile.

Andrew Osborne, the managing director of conferences and events at the House of Sweden, said the location’s target audience is businesses looking to host corporate events and associations holding fundraisers.

He said the unique atmosphere of the space makes it a good choice for event planners.

“We offer a very retreat-like atmosphere here,” Osborne said. “We’re located on the water, we’re surrounded by glass and we have very unique rooms. All of the rooms are Scandinavian in design.”

Osborne added that the House of Sweden is the only location on the Potomac that allows event planners to bring in their own caterers, giving organizations freedom in planning their conferences or fundraisers.

With eight rooms pre-equipped with audio-visual technology and space for up to 500, the House of Sweden is an interesting and visually pleasing venue for many types of events.

The Willard InterContinental Hotel

Event planners hosting large events should look no further than the Willard InterContinental Hotel. 

With space for up to 1,500 guests, the hotel, located just steps away from the White House Ellipse, plays host to a variety of corporate, social and political events throughout the year, said Barbara Bahny, a spokeswoman for the hotel.

As a full-service hotel, the Willard employs chefs who cook all of the food for events and are able to cater to any guest’s needs.

“All of the food is prepared in the hotel by our renowned Executive Chef Luc Dendeivel and Pastry Chef Courtney Goldian,” Bahny said. “We can provide ethnic cuisine, kosher and halal meals as well.”

Those planning events at the hotel have a choice of a variety of different rooms, including the Grand Ballroom and antechamber, which are adorned with classical frescos, chandeliers, wall sconces and mirrors. The hotel also offers a Crystal Room, with light green and yellow chandeliers. 

When the weather is warm, the hotel also offers a courtyard and glass-enclosed breezeway where event planners can host parties and conferences.

Bahny said the Willard InterContinental Hotel’s prime location makes it a great place to host a conference, fundraiser or formal affair.  

“There is only one Willard InterContinental Hotel: Our service, grandeur and history are legendary,” she said.