Courtesy of the Renaissance

Food and Beverage Director David Child shares his excitement about the new bar and lobby at the Marriott Renaissance D.C.

Quick Peek: New Bar at D.C.’s Renaissance Hotel

David Child has been the beverage director for Renaissance for more than three years, and he proudly showed off the bar and lobby to me during a recent walkthrough, chatting the whole way in his charming accent about the new additions, MiXX and Mingle, to celebrate the hotel’s 21st birthday earlier this year.

The exclusive seating areas adjacent to the central seating (Mingle) can be reserved for meetings or private parties with free WiFi and access to MP3. The menu was completely redone, now offering small plates to share plus a new array of cocktails.

How would you describe the atmosphere of the new bar (right) and lobby?

It has a contemporary, modern feel in a large space [coupled with areas that offer an] intimate feel. People can come and socialize, and the feel of the lobby changes throughout the day. The music gets louder, the lights grow dimmer toward the evening, and it becomes much more social.

How has the reaction been since the renovation?

Fantastic. We’ve had numerous letters. We have a lot of repeat groups, of course, and when they come back they’re blown away. It’s that “wow” factor.

What are the plans for the bar?

For the lobby (left) and bar, or for the lobby itself, we’d like it to become a destination for locals. The private rooms [are perfect] for people to come in the evening or late at night—maybe it won’t just be a happy hour feel. It certainly is somewhere you can come with others, especially now that we have a menu that’s designed to share. Smaller and larger groups can certainly appreciate that.

What’s your favorite new drink on the menu?

Probably the Watergate, which is a twist on the Ward 8 classic. We make ours with Grand Marnier. It’s the kind of drink I like: hearty and strong. All the Renaissances around the globe have a bank of 40 cocktails to choose from, so we chose the ones that fit our hotel.

How would you compare the new bar to the old?

It’s like night and day. It was very old school, and now it’s got this great feel to it. The atmosphere in the lobby is just energized. The colors were muted, and the music was, well, elevator music—now it’s really stylized, and there’s a huge energy to [the space]. (Absinthe tower, right)

Renaissance, Washington, D.C. at the Marriott , lobby and bar; 999 9th St., NW.