Springtime in Washington, DC Features 55 Unique Hotel Partners

Highlights include family festivals, art exhibits and 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry trees

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destination DC, the official tourism and marketing office for the nation's capital, announces 55 springtime hotel partners. These best addresses will offer competitive room rates March 1-May 31 when DC springs to life with dozens of world-class cultural events including the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival which honors the 100th anniversary of the gift of the trees. Hotel reservations can be made online: www.Washington.org/spring and by phone: 1-877-44BLOOM (1-877-442-5666).

"Spring is one of the most popular times of year to visit the nation's capital, so Destination DC is featuring special hotel packages for visitors to fully experience the beauty of our great city and all the activities happening around town," said Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "Visitors who want to fulfill their dream of experiencing springtime in DC will receive a warm welcome in each of our partner hotels, and of course in DC's fine restaurants and attractions too."

Many hotels have been inspired to create cherry-inspired packages that focus on experience and value. Including:

• The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel: Each booking includes two $10 Metro passes; a live blossoming cherry branch to take home; one bag of goodies from Art and Soul Restaurant to enjoy picnic-style; a box of Artisan handmade chocolates.
• St. Gregory: Each booking includes full American breakfast for two; valet parking for one vehicle; two Centennial Blossom martinis (or two cherry Cokes); 15-25% discounts in hotel restaurants.
• Georgetown Suites: Stay three or more nights, save 20%.

Arguably the highlight of DC's springtime calendar is the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 27) honoring the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States. While the actual blossoms can bloom as long as 14 days, the nation's largest springtime celebration "pinks" the city with free and family-friendly events such as the kite festival (March 31); fireworks (April 7) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese street festival (April 14).

DC is rich with stirring, if unexpected, cultural experiences throughout the year, and spring 2012 is no exception. Highlights include "The Art of Video Games" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (opening March 16); the White House Easter Egg Roll (April 9); FilmFest DC (April 12-22); Washington Nationals' Opening Day (April 13); the embassy open house series Passport DC (throughout May) and "Look Both Ways," a celebration of international street art traditions at the Kennedy Center and beyond (May 5-13).

Participating hotels include:

"The allure of springtime in DC is undeniable," says Ferguson. "Whether visitors look forward to revisiting favorite monuments or make a first visit to the newly dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, we look forward to welcoming visitors to the city and our website, www.Washington.org."

Destination DC has created a dedicated web page for visitors interested in visiting this spring. Book a hotel room, review the top 10 ways to enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival and find itineraries including some dedicated to the city's ongoing "Civil War to Civil Rights" marketing campaign on Washington.org.

About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 850 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.

SOURCE Destination DC