AC Hotel National Harbor

The first thing you notice when walking into the AC Hotel National Harbor is the lobby. Sleek European minimalism meets American hospitality creating a recipe that’s all chic. It’s not a lobby to breeze by, but one to be savored with a cocktail created by the bar’s mixologist. I take in a light snack, one of the many photography books on display, and even do some work on my laptop as the hotel boasts WiFi everywhere. The designers were thoughtful by putting charging stations for those of us who are perpetually out of battery. I’m in hotel heaven. In partnership with Marriott, the AC Hotel is a European inspired concept for travelers in a digital world. The hotel’s mission is for guests to experience something “stylish, yet efficient”.

With keys in hand and an empty email inbox thanks to speedy and omnipresent Wifi, I decide it’s time to change for dinner. I’m kindly upgraded to a suite and as I first enter my room, I notice a vast space with stunning views of the Harbor waterfront and Washington, DC. At some angles, it’s easy to mistake this room for a European oceanfront villa. Bonjourno!

It’s now time to test the most important attribute in any hotel stay, is the bed comfortable? But no time to nap, it’s time to kick on the Gianvito Rossi stiletto’s as the hotel has arranged for dinner reservations next door at the Old Hickory Steakhouse. A quick walk around the corner and I enter a beautiful restaurant space that is equal parts London and Las Vegas. After a wonderful dinner (you will be obsessed with the bread basket and savory dips, apologies to my personal trainer), I return to my hotel room where chocolate chip cookies, a large flat screen TV and my bed awaits. Can I extend my stay for a week?

I wake up the following morning and relish over having one of the best night’s sleep in a while. Though I want to continue spooning my pillow, I have a flight in a few hours and sadly have to check out. I take one last look at my European loft and say “this is not goodbye”. I recall the guest relations manager mentioning their Continental Breakfast so I head to lobby for a quick bite and also get an update on my flight from the hotel’s flight departure screen. Efficient indeed. A quick check out and I’m back on the road but already looking forward to my next stay. Oh, and can we talk about the snack selection??

The AC Hotels have a winning concept. Ciao!

 

Special thanks to AC Hotel for sponsoring this post.