This used to be the Holiday Inn, and Mariott has done well to renovate this property as a new Courtyard. It surprised me -- not decorated at all like the Courtyards I've stayed at in the past (though to be fair, it has been at least a year or two). The decor and spacing here is something like the W (very 'IKEA'-esque design), but with a completely different color scheme: bright/warm oranges and browns and yellows. I'm not sure yet if I like it or not -- it certainly is different. Don't misread that as me saying this place is edgy and cool like a W -- it is not. But it's pretty clear Mariott was thinking along those lines and outside of its traditional Courtyard approach with this one.

The rooms are fine -- a little small (it is Chevy Chase after all), but thoughtfully laid out and with good modern amenities like a zillion electrical outlets, free high speed internet connectivity, a glass shower, a very euro-ish toilet, etc.

The bed is disappointing though. It is *extremely* firm, and the pillows feel like they are made of foam. The linens are pretty rough. The bed just feels cheap.

That being said, for just under $200 a night, this is a pretty good option in Chevy Chase. The Embassy Suites is probably better on many fronts (even if it is a bit tired, certainly so in a comparative sense), but it is just always booked up and definitely costs more.

If you are a business traveler to Chevy Chase that needs the basics and appreciates a clean room with modern touches, the new Courtyard is a solid choice.

Embassy Suites does blow this away if you are traveling as a family though.