The National Landing district of Arlington, Virginia-already buzzing with Amazon HQ2 construction-has gained its first purpose-built lifestyle Hotel. Marriott International and operator HHM Hotels have unveiled the 355-room AC Hotel Arlington National Landing, the brand's largest property in North America. A complete transformation of the former Crystal City Marriott, the 14-story hotel promises European-inspired design, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, and nearly 9,000 square feet of event space, all within 1.6 miles of Reagan National Airport and steps from the Metro. Opening rates start at $189 per night under a limited-time grand-opening package.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Adds major room capacity and meeting space next to Amazon HQ2 and Reagan National Airport.
- 355 rooms make it the largest AC Hotel in North America.
- Multimillion-dollar revamp includes AC Kitchen & Lounge, AC Library, and rounded glass façade.
- Complimentary shuttle to DCA and easy Metro access connect travelers to Washington, D.C.
Snapshot
Fully reimagined from its Crystal City past, the property mixes sleek minimalism with warm neutrals. Accordion glass doors open the AC Kitchen & Lounge to a greenery-lined patio, while wide windows in guestrooms frame the Potomac skyline. Eleven refreshed meeting venues sit on one level for easy flow, and the tech-forward fitness center offers two private studios under skylights. Walkable retail and the Mount Vernon Trail sit outside the lobby, and Bonvoy members enjoy free Wi-Fi plus a $50 F&B credit through the launch offer.
Background
National Landing-spanning Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard-has morphed from 1980s office park to mixed-use hub since Amazon announced HQ2 in 2018. Marriott's AC Hotels brand, founded in Spain and aimed at design-savvy travelers, has grown past 225 locations worldwide. Recent U.S. additions include W Florence in Italy's Renaissance capital, illustrating Marriott's push into lifestyle segments and complementing full-service mainstays such as Marriott, Westin, and Sheraton. The Arlington opening gives Bonvoy's 200 million-plus members another earn-and-burn option minutes from downtown D.C.
Latest Developments
Flagship for HHM Hotels
The Philadelphia-based operator invested in a floor-to-ceiling renovation, wrapping the tower in curved glass and adding dynamic porte-cochere lighting. Inside, the AC Library carves out "rooms within rooms" for coworking, while handmade art nods to local creatives. HHM's luxury-and-lifestyle division plans to apply similar upgrades to future conversions.
Grand-Opening Incentives
Through November 1, 2025, guests booking the Grand Opening Package receive an upgrade on arrival, $50 lounge credit, complimentary parking, 2 p.m. late checkout, and a Mauritian-inspired Napolitaine welcome cookie-starting at $189 per night. The offer targets Amazon contractors, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus visitors, and leisure travelers seeking D.C. access without downtown rates.
Analysis
Demand around National Landing has accelerated since Amazon began occupying HQ2's first towers. Corporate Travel tied to defense contractors, tech firms, and the Pentagon blends with weekend leisure traffic bound for museums and monuments. Until now, the neighborhood's Hotel mix leaned older and business-oriented; the AC Hotel's lifestyle positioning should lift average daily rate (ADR) for the submarket. Meeting planners gain a fresh alternative to downtown ballrooms, while Marriott Bonvoy can capture stays that might have gone to Hilton's Crystal City flags. For travelers, the shuttle to DCA and Blue/Yellow Line Metro slash transfer times, and proximity to Arlington's bike trails adds recreation value. The European-style tapas menu and craft-cocktail focus also reflect shifting guest expectations toward local, social public spaces. Long term, expect further pipeline activity: JBG Smith and others envision at least two additional hotels as residential density and office leasing pick up. AC Hotel Arlington National Landing sets a design benchmark future projects will need to match.
Final Thoughts
With spacious rooms, ample event space, and seamless airport access, AC Hotel Arlington National Landing positions itself as the lifestyle anchor of a rapidly evolving district. Travelers gain a stylish, amenity-rich base that bridges Amazon HQ2, Reagan National Airport, and downtown Washington, reaffirming Marriott's commitment to growth in high-demand urban corridors.