Great places with swank spaces

Whether its friends, family, employees, co-workers or in-laws you are looking to impress during tourist season this spring, there are many places in D.C. to help you achieve your event-planning needs. Lounge 201 and the Willard Hotel are just two locations available to hold a wedding reception, work party or private event.

Lounge 201

Lounge 201 is known for being “the lounge” on Capitol Hill, according to owner Matt Weiss.

The large, modern bar includes separate rooms called the Sierra Lounge and Executive Lounge. The Sierra Lounge includes a dance floor while the Executive Lounge has a full bar and a separate entrance or exit for privacy.

The bar, with red accents, velvet booths and leather couches gives off a sophisticated yet edgy vibe.

Weiss’s favorite event at Lounge 201 was when George Clooney’s father, actor Nick Clooney, ran for Congress and held a fundraiser at the bar. HBO premiere parties and parties for On Tap magazine and Washington City Paper have also taken place at Lounge 201.

Weiss’s office is located in the facility, and he schedules and talks to clients personally. In response to his efforts, he said there have been many repeat customers.

The facility can accommodate up to 300 guests. To book a private event call 202-544-5201, and for more information visit www.lounge201.com.

The Willard hotel

Known for its history, elegance and location, The Willard hotel is an excellent spot for a private event, said Steele Stevenson, director of catering and conference services.

Although there are several rooms to hold private events, the two most popular are the Crystal Room and the Grand Ballroom. The Crystal Room is known for the crystal chandeliers, columns and hand-painted ceilings. It accommodates up to 200 guests while the Grand Ballroom holds 450. The Grand Ballroom is most known for a hand-painted mural running along the wall, Stevenson said.

Since 1850, every president has either stayed as a sleeping guest at the Willard or attended an event there, including President Obama, Stevenson said.

The inauguration was one of the busiest days of year for the Willard. “Every inch of the hotel was filled with some type of event,” she said.

 To host a private event at the Willard, call 202-637-7325. Depending on the event, the time of availability is three days to two years. A wedding reception would need to be scheduled further in advance, but a corporate event could be scheduled a few days before. Regarding food, The Willard provides its own catering.

Recently, the Willard has added a luxury spa, an outdoor café connected to Café du Parc and a permanent gallery reflecting the history of the hotel, dating back to 1850.

 “There is always a reason for people to host an event and we want them to choose the Willard,” Stevenson said.