Source: Marriott International

Stop & Smell the Cherry Blossoms at This Foggy Bottom Hotel Near the National Mall

Walk to Festival Events From the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom Hotel

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Feb 26, 2013) - Chirping birds, refreshing rain showers or an annual cleaning; there are plenty of things to announce spring's arrival. For Washington, DC residents, however, spring hasn't fully sprung until the National Cherry Blossom Festival arrives.

The annual festival celebrates the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the friendship between the U.S. and Japan with nearly a month of events, performances, exhibits, workshops and more. Guests of this Foggy Bottom hotel near the National Mall will be just a short walk or Metro ride away from the biggest and best events, most of which are free and open to the public.

This year's festival runs March 20th through April 14th, but Foggy Bottom accommodations are booking quickly, so visitors are encouraged to reserve their stay at the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom hotel early to ensure the best rates and availability for their desired dates.

With a stay at this Foggy Bottom hotel near the Metro, visitors are just minutes away from March 23rd's Opening Ceremony, where they'll experience the history behind the festival through traditional and contemporary performances.

Other top festival picks close to this hotel near Smithsonian Museums include:

Official Cherry Blossom Food Tour: Fully guided walking tour that combines historic and cultural sites with the chance to sample cherry blossom-inspired dishes at local establishments.

Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise: A photography workshop just a few blocks away from the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom hotel is run by a professional architectural photographer that uses the early morning sun, cherry blossoms and the Tidal Basin monuments as its subjects.

Pink Tie Party: Fundraiser featuring spring- and cherry blossom-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Bid on everything from a yacht charter to Japanese-themed jewelry in the Auction Spectacular.

Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series: Award-winning artists share their interpretation of the festival and its meaning through a series of performances.

Family Days: Two days of fun for kids of all ages with hands-on activities, performances, interactive art demonstrations and more near this Foggy Bottom accommodation.

Blossom Kite Festival: Kite-makers compete in skill and creativity in the Hot Tricks Showdown, Rokkaku Battle and more.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival: Fireworks, music, food, culture and more at an event that's fun for the entire family.

April 13th National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®: Constitution Avenue is taken over for one of the city's biggest events featuring colorful costumes, elaborate floats, marching bands and more.

For more information about the National Cherry Blossom Festival, including a full list of events, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

About the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom Hotel
In the heart of the nation's capital, the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom hotel offers a modern and comfortable stay. The centerpiece of this Foggy Bottom hotel near the Metro is its state-of-the-art lobby, with flexibility and choices for both work and play. Gather with colleagues or a good book in one of the inviting seating areas, stay connected with the office or friends with complimentary property-wide Wi-Fi, or get the latest news, weather and airport information via GoBoard technology. For dining morning, day or night, The Bistro has refreshing, delicious options including sandwiches, soups, pizzas, burgers, beer, wine and beverages made with Starbucks® coffee. Guest rooms combine the comforts of home with the conveniences of the office including a large desk with ergonomic chair, flat-screen TV, minifridge, coffee/tea maker and complimentary high-speed Internet access. On the road doesn't have to mean off the wagon; stay on track with the well-equipped fitness center and indoor pool. The area's biggest attractions are all nearby; explore the Washington and Lincoln monuments, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, International Spy Museum, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Mount Vernon.

Contact Information:

CONTACT:
Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom
515 20th Street NW
Washington, District Of Columbia 20052 USA
202.296.5700
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasfb-courtyard-washington-dc-foggy-bottom/