ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwire - Sep 4, 2012) - The Washington, DC area will go car-free on September 22, 2012, urging locals and visitors alike to utilize alternative transportation when exploring shopping, attractions and dining in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA near the Crystal Gateway Marriott.

Guests taking advantage of Arlington, VA hotel deals at the Crystal Gateway Marriott can park their wheels at this hotel near Washington, DC and then head out to explore. With a Metro station accessible from the lobby, guests can use public transportation to explore DC's major monuments, museums and neighborhoods including Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill. Bike rentals are also available near this hotel, and DC offers the Capital Bikeshare program throughout the city.

Car-Free Day corresponds with International Mobility Week, September 16^th through the 22^nd, and encourages people to support sustainable transportation. Those who participate not only save money, reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality, but are eligible for prizes including an Apple iPad or a bicycle. For more information on Car-Free Day Metro DC, visit www.carfreemetrodc.org/index.php. To save the environment and some money at the same time, visit this hotel's website for the Arlington, VA hotel offers and packages.

A certified Virginia Green Lodging property, this hotel near the Pentagon does its part to help the environment, too. Everyday practices include linen service that employs biodegradable detergents, "wet" rather than "dry" cleaning and an on-request linen-changing policy; water and energy conservation with low-flow showerheads and toilets; green events packages and the use of natural lighting and energy-efficient light bulbs. Other eco-friendly features include paperless billing, 100% recycled notepads, the use of organic and locally grown produce and the recycling of all paper, plastic and glass used in the hotel's offices.

About the Crystal Gateway Marriott
Finding the best of both worlds is never easy, but at the Crystal Gateway Marriott you'll find the convenience of a city hotel with the ambience of a much-needed escape. Located just one mile from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) via complimentary shuttle service, this newly renovated hotel near Pentagon City offers comfortable accommodations, resort-like amenities and the convenience of having a Metro station literally steps away from the lobby. Guestrooms at this Crystal City hotel combine work-friendly features including desk space and high-speed wireless Internet access with home-like touches such as plush bedding and bathrooms with spa-like amenities and marble finishes. With a location near the Pentagon and Washington, DC, this hotel offers suites for VIP guests, casual meetings and special events, and concierge-level rooms that include complimentary breakfast, appetizers and all-day beverages. All guests can enjoy delicious meals throughout the day at this certified Virginia Green Lodging hotel's three venues. Einstein Bagels offers bagels, coffee, sandwiches and salads; The Atrium features American fare and Restaurant Mez serves a menu of Mediterranean cuisine. Resort-like amenities at this Virginia hotel include a fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, free lobby Wi-Fi and more than 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Exploration is easy from this Crystal City Metro hotel; don't miss DC's museums and monuments, shopping and dining at nearby Pentagon City Mall and The Fashion Centre and history at the Arlington National Cemetery.