As much as I travel, I love to take a staycation in the area from time to time. However, every now and then, I enjoy a little escape to Tysons Corner. Recently, I experienced a staycation at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, a slice of luxury in the beltway. Spa, great food, and shopping… What else can I ask for?
The Scene: The Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner is tucked away in McLean, Virginia. You can feel the calming vibe upon arrival with the warm palette of the lobby décor and beautiful fresh flowers everywhere. There is also a discreet entrance to Tyson’s Galleria, the epitome of luxury shopping of the Washington, DC metro area.
The Rooms: The rooms are spacious with a classic décor. I enjoyed the separate sitting area to the bedroom. Given that I work remotely, it is important to me to have a comfortable working space. The room design makes it perfect for that. The only disappointment I found was Wi-Fi for a fee. For a luxury property with so many extras, free Wi-Fi should be a must, especially with so many business travelers. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby and lounge area.
The Location: With the new silver line, getting to Tysons Corner has never been easier if you want to avoid the traffic from Washington, DC. The hotel is equidistant to Washington, DC and Dulles Airport and there are plenty of shopping areas and restaurants to choose from.
The Spa: After two intense weeks of travel, a spa treatment was happily welcomed! Love how the Spa at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner is a little oasis in the city. I received a Moroccan Oil scalp treatment with my massage… amazing! After my treatment, I was greeted in the spa lounge with champagne. There, I started chatting with a lovely woman who was indulging in a whole spa day with her friend. She was telling me how this had become a yearly tradition for them. It included multiple treatments, access to the pool, gym, and lunch. She said the quality of the services always made them come back. Dining Traveler Tip: The Spa offers complimentary valet parking if you’re not a hotel guest.
The Food: Any hotel with a Jose Andres restaurant gets my seal of approval. I had lunch at America Eats Tavern which has a unique take on American food using a variety of locally sourced ingredients. My watermelon salad followed by their signature coconut cake was to die for. I also recommend going for a cocktail. Their bar and lounge area is great to catch up with friends.
We also dined at ENTYSE, the wine bar and lounge at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner. Don’t be fooled by the title “wine bar”. ENTYSE has an eclectic but delicious full dining menu. Our hostess recommended the pad Thai, which I was hesitant about ordering since the restaurant is not Thai. However, I was surprised, it was absolutely delicious. Another standout were the Korean shrimp tacos. This is another proof not to overlook hotel restaurants!!!
The verdict: Whether you are looking for a staycation or a quiet luxury thirty minutes from Washington, DC, the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner is a great pick. You can never go wrong with the Ritz Carlton brand (about my Ritz experience in San Juan). Not staying overnight? Definitely take advantage of the spa and dining options!
