Using Marriott Marquis for conventions and meetings: benefits and practical tips
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is a large convention hotel directly connected to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and offers more than 100,000 sq ft of meeting space, a large pillarless Marquis Ballroom, on-site catering and a 24-hour meeting services team—making it practical for conferences and large events. For planners: expect valet-only parking, in-house food-and-beverage outlets (Anthem, Lobby Bar, The Dignitary), complimentary guest fitness access, and straightforward underground access to the convention center.
In this guide
Why use Marriott Marquis for conventions and meetings
The hotel is sized and set up specifically for conventions: it has 1,175 guest rooms, extensive meeting space spread across multiple levels, and a staffed 24-hour meeting services team for catering and AV support.
A direct underground concourse links the hotel to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which simplifies attendee movement between guest rooms and exhibit halls and reduces reliance on street-level transit.
The property is not adults-only; it accommodates families and groups and offers a Club Lounge and a variety of room types for different guest needs.
- Direct indoor concourse to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- More than 100,000 sq ft of meeting space and about 80 meeting rooms
- 24-hour meeting services team, business center, and on-site catering
Key meeting spaces and capacities
The hotel’s event inventory ranges from small boardrooms to very large ballrooms suitable for plenary sessions and receptions.
Below are some of the main spaces often used for conferences and large events; planners should confirm final capacities and room layouts with the hotel’s events team.
| Venue | Approx. Square Feet / Feature | Representative Capacity (theater/reception/banquet) |
|---|---|---|
| Marquis Ballroom | 30,600 sq ft / 22-ft ceilings / pillarless | Theater up to 3,500 / Banquet up to 2,750 |
| Liberty Ballroom | 10,854 sq ft / private pre-function | Capacity up to 1,100 |
| Marquis Salons 5/6 (combined) | 17,544 sq ft (combined) | Theater up to 1,600 / Banquet up to 1,560 |
| Rose Garden Boardroom | 576 sq ft / executive boardroom | Capacity up to 10 |
Logistics and on-site access
Arrival logistics matter for large groups: the hotel offers valet-only parking on site with in-and-out privileges and an official daily valet rate noted on the property page (confirm current rate before the event).
An indoor concourse connects directly to the convention center; the nearby Mt. Vernon Square Metro (Green & Yellow Lines) and multiple bus routes make it easy for attendees arriving by public transit.
- Valet-only parking (official daily rate listed on the hotel site; max vehicle height 6'5")
- Direct underground walkway to Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- Close to Mt. Vernon Square / 7th St–Convention Center Metro station (Green & Yellow Lines)
On-site services and technology useful to planners
The hotel provides a staffed 24-hour business center and meeting services team that handles catering, AV rentals, event production and technical support—confirm AV package details and on-site labor with the catering/events manager.
Wi‑Fi is available in public areas and in-room internet is included for guests who book directly with Marriott Bonvoy; other booking channels may carry an in-room Wi‑Fi fee—verify what your room block includes.
- 24-hour business center and 24-hour meeting services team
- On-site AV and event production support (rentals available through the hotel)
- Public-area Wi‑Fi included; in-room internet depends on booking channel / Bonvoy status
Rooms and room-block options for groups
The hotel lists a range of guest-room types that planners can use when building a room block, including Room (with 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds), Club Room (1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds), Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed), Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed), Studio (1 King Bed), Room, City View, Room, Corner, and several rooms noted with a tub option.
If you need a secure working area or private entertaining space for VIPs, consider the Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom or the Suite, 1 Bedroom; Club Room bookings may include access to the Club Lounge during its posted hours.
- Room (1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds)
- Club Room (1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds) — Club Lounge hours apply
- Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed) and Suite, 1 Bedroom
Dining, breaks and evening functions
On-site outlets suitable for break service and casual evening functions include Anthem (breakfast and lunch), the Lobby Bar (casual bar bites and cocktails beneath the atrium) and The Dignitary (whiskey lounge and evening small plates). An on-site Starbucks offers coffee and light items for quick pickups.
For plated meals, buffets, and large banquet functions the hotel provides catering through its meeting services team; discuss menu, timing and any dietary needs in advance.
- Anthem — breakfast and lunch; accepts reservations; weekend breakfast buffet available
- Lobby Bar — casual bar and bar bites beneath the atrium (no reservation required)
- The Dignitary — evening lounge with cocktails and small plates; reservations recommended for dinner service
- On-site Starbucks for grab-and-go coffee and pastries
Practical tips for planners and event managers
Confirm rates and fees in writing when you contract the room block. The property shows a mandatory destination fee is charged per room per night; amounts have changed over time, so verify the current total before signing.
Note there is no on-site pool or spa; if you want wellness or relaxation options for attendees, plan off-site spa partners or incorporate fitness classes using the hotel's complimentary 24-hour bi-level fitness center.
Allow extra time at registration for valet vehicle drop-off and coordinate deliveries and shipments with the hotel’s event services team so freight handling is ready when the show opens.
- Verify the destination fee and any per-room internet/parking charges up front
- No on-site pool or spa — arrange third-party spa visits if needed
- Use the hotel’s 24-hour meeting services team for AV, catering and freight coordination
