Conrad Cafritz Toasts Avenue Suites Opening; Guests Preview Latest West End Terrace/Lounge!

WEST END -- The rising prominence of Washington’s budding West End neighborhood was made all the more evident with the recent arrival of the newly redesigned Avenue Suites. And property owners Conrad Cafritz and Modus Hotels celebrated the all-suite hotel’s opening in style on Wednesday evening, during a private reception for 200 or so D.C. notables.

Kiki Ryan, Tim Burger, and Kate Bennett.

In preparation for its design overhaul, Cafritz placed an 85-year ground lease on the former Washington Suites property in October 2010.

Bar Manager Sophie Penichet, Ryan Seelbach, and Cori Sue Morris.
While the hotel’s self-described ‘evening oasis’, A Bar, won’t be revealed to the general public for another few weeks, guests to last night’s bash were treated to a special preview of the sleekly designed lounge and outdoor terrace area.

DJ Neekola and Kate Michael.
Well known D.C. mixtress DJ Neekola had been enlisted to spin the party’s dynamic soundtrack, although it was violinist Sarah Charness who really stole focus midway through the event, with a series of live performances.

Violinist Sarah Charness.

Beverage Manager Brennan Adams.
Helmed by Sophie Penichet, the bar’s trilingual general manager, and beverage manager Brennan Adams (who opened the bars at Masa 14 and El Centro D.F.), A Bar will offer guests a carefully curated menu of craft cocktails, world wines, and draft beers, in addition to a variety of small plates.

The space was conceived by local architects and designers Peter Hapstak and Olvia Demetriou and will operate 7 days a week from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. The interior lounge is anchored by a series of blue/black leather settees and a more than 100’-long bright green, backlit garden wall lines the terrace, which also boasts its own fire pit.

Lindsay Sustarsic and Nick Cafritz.
A pretty suite new property if you ask us…