I was invited to review the Residence Inn Arlington’s Social Hour (#InntheMix). Residence Inns across the United States has started hosting free Social Hours for their guests. Their research showed that guests needed more activities at the hotel. The Social Hours will be offered three nights per week at Residence Inn’s nearly 700 locations; these evening gatherings encourage guests to interact and connect with the destination. Themed nights include:

• It’s On (Mondays) – Meet other guests for some “must-see TV” or hang by the fire pit with a variety of light-fare appetizers.
• Off the Grill (Tuesdays) – Join in for conversation and great eats, hot off the grill.
• Food Truck (Alternating Wednesdays) – Get to know the local area’s most popular food trucks.
• Local Flavors (Alternating Wednesdays) – Sample specialties from famous local hot spots.
• Just Desserts (Alternating Wednesdays) – Reward yourself with something sweet and savory.
• Out & About (Anytime) – Stop by the front desk to get the lowdown on the best local spots and what’s abuzz in town.

A hotel guest can follow along on Residence Inn’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms and raise a glass to a new way to “mix” work and play.  Residence Inn is rolling out their social hour to help their extended stay guest enjoy a hotel amenity besides the gym and pool.  This amenity just involves food and alcohol.

Astro Donuts’ Chicken Sandwich!

Upon entering, the guests were asked to download Blippar, which is a new application (that can be downloaded from the App Store for Iphone and Android); guests are then able to “Play Live Trivia” either alone or against your friends.  The application also suggests beer and food pairings.  As an example, for tonight’s selection of chicken pot pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies, the application suggested that I drink a Flat Tire; the beer’s floral notes match well with the hearty pie.

Residence Inn by Marriott put out a meat and cheese platter that was well prepared and decadent and was served with Brandon Byrd “sodahop style rootbeer floats.”

Astro Donuts!

Outside on the patio, three food vendors were featured:  “Astro Donuts” who has a food truck, IPhone app, and even online ordering.  The featured sandwich was the fried chicken sandwich with tomato and lettuce on a bun which was heaven.   The sandwich melted in your mouth along with a good beer.

The assembly line method truly does work in your high in demand.  They definitely had the longest line.

“Dangerously Delicious Pies DC”

The offerings from “Dangerously Delicious Pies DC” were either side savory of chicken pot pie, steak and mushroom with gruyere, and ratatouille along with sweet with rhubarb, and apple.  My favorite was chicken pot pit however the steak was really good and all the sweet pies were missing was ice cream which I snagged some from the Brandon the Sodahop inside.  (Shh! My little secret.)  One of the guest commented on that fact that even cold the crème Brule was the best donut bite she has had in awhile.  And she travels a lot.

Lastly,  “Sweet Lobby” was featured rounding out the dessert theme with macarons!  They were small cakes with creamy insides,  sort of like a elevated adult Oreos! (HAHA)

The music was acoustic and provided by an violinist who played all contemporary hits that were easily to identify and provided for a young, hip, musical taste with elegant feel for those who attend.   The attendees were a mix of hotel guests including families (most children posted up in the AstroTurf lounge area and really enjoyed the sweets) and the other hotel guests who were visiting on business.  People just mill about the outside patio and inside the lounge bar area when the weather is too hot.

However,  my favorite part was  (Drum roll, please):

Miss Faith made gooey s’mores with marshmallows over steno along with chocolate and graham crackers.  This interactive part of the experience was for kids and adults alike.

As the night was winding down, our wonderful host, Noah invited a lucky young star to come join him and announcing some prizes.  The top leader board trivia master, Meredith won a $100 dollar gift card along with Gold Key Members of Marriott won some goodies bags.

The pictures were provided by Crystal Foley and Residence Inn By Marriott (with Permission to use).

-CLF (Crystal)