Redefined Luxury at Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner

The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner celebrated their 25th anniversary as the premier luxury property in Northern Virginia with a complete overhaul and modernization—called the Redefinition project. If you have not been to The Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner lately, you should definitely revisit. If you have never been, well go now while everything is fresh and new.

Redefinition project focused on three themes: Design, Technology, and Comfort. Design reflects their partnership with the attached Tysons Galleria shopping center and its upscale shops. Modern technology acknowledges Northern Virginia’s role as a high-tech pioneer; the property frequently hosts corporate events and meetings. Finally, a comfortable residential vibe encourages guests to stay longer and attracts more local residents for staycations.

Complete renovation of public spaces occurred in 2014 while all guest rooms and hallways were remodeled between May and November 2016. More information about the guest rooms appears below. The property commissioned Virginia artists to produce art pieces with scenes of Virginia. For instance, the subject of the painting in Entyse Bistro is of Richmond (although it looks like DC) and an artist from southern Virginia crafted the lobby chandeliers.

Thank you to The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner for inviting my wife and I to experience its redefined luxury. I was not otherwise compensated and this content represents my independent thoughts about the property.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner: Redefined Luxury in Northern Virginia

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner: Location

The Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner is in Fairfax County, Virginia and sits near the highest point of land between Washington, DC and Loudoun County, Virginia (great wineries!). The hotel attaches to Tysons Galleria, one of the most exclusive shopping centers in the world. The Tysons Corner station of DC’s Metro Silver line is a short walk away. Carless guests can fly into DCA or IAD and connect to Metro, ride Lyft/Uber, and/or request a shuttle pickup. The Ritz Carlton shuttle runs from 7am to 11pm and within a 3 mile radius.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner: Arrival

Three arrival experiences offer different ways to access the main lobby on the 4th floor. Most guests arrive at the ground level entrance and take an elevator to the main lobby. Self-parking patrons enter the hotel from the garage on the 4th floor and walk past the fitness center into the main lobby. The main lobby also connects to the Tysons Galleria mall entrance behind the reception and concierge desks.

Juan at the front desk greeted us warmly upon our arrival and offered us one of the classic Ritz-Carlton plastic water bottles. We declined and then he offered us champagne. Well, that is more like it. Thank you, Juan! How about we substitute champagne for water more often!

During our recent visit, Easter decorations filled the lobby. Not just decorations, though, these are all made of chocolate and crafted by the culinary team. Wow!

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Rooms

All guest rooms at Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner were renovated within the past 6 months as part of the Redefinition project. Two Presidential suites (1,830 square feet, with huge walk-in closet) and one Ritz-Carlton suite (1,350 square feet) are the top of the line offerings. These signature suites connect with adjacent rooms on both sides to accommodate large groups and families. All suites, including executive suites, now have hardwood floors.

Our room, an executive suite, is the size of two standard hotel rooms. On the bedroom side is a plush bed with fine linens, a comfortable loveseat chair, and the classic Ritz Carlton marble bathroom. The “executive suite” side has a desk, couch, two side chairs, coffee table, espresso machine, and a half bathroom. Modern large, flat screen televisions are in both rooms. I really like the hardwood; whether an illusion or not, those floors seem cleaner than carpet.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Dining

Entyse Bistro, only open since December 2016, serves elegant home style food in an open kitchen setting. Menu items such as salmon and grits, short rib reuben, and crab cakes tempted us but our selection of truffle parmesan fries, Amish farm chicken with Brussels, and an all-natural grass fed burger was fantastic! Order a fresh cold pressed juice—Awaken, Cleanse, or Pick Me Up—as is or with a shot of tequila, cucumber vodka, or gin.

Be sure to save room for a delectable dessert or four. The chef sent us a dessert sampler to make sure we tried them all. That is McCool Travel style dining!

Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge serves afternoon tea on Friday-Sunday early afternoons (reservations required) and opens at 3pm (every day) with internationally inspired small dishes (focus on sharing) and drinks. It also operates as an espresso bar until noon every morning. Your visit may coincide with one of the daily events, such as Sushi Thursday or Wine Down Wednesday. Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge opened in 2011.

A staff member suggested “Entyse” and it has a couple of meanings—a play on the word “entice” but also represents “In Tysons.” Both restaurants validate parking, self and valet.

Entyse Bistro offers a Sunday brunch every week and the massive ballroom (largest in Northern Virginia) hosts special Sunday brunch experiences on Easter and Mother’s Day.

Other nearby dining options in the Galleria include Legal Seafood, Maggianos, Wildfire, Cheesecake Factory, or freshly made salads at Sweetgreen. Just beyond the valet entrance is The Palm and a little further is Founding Farmers (both are excellent). Many other dining options are available nearby including at Tysons Corner mall.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Spa

The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner offers a full range of body treatments—except for hair—along with steam room, sauna, salt water pool, and hot tub. Look for seasonal specials like the Cherry Blossom Facial. You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to use The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner spa. Anyone booking a treatment can use the spa facilities. Like the Entyse restaurants, the spa validates parking for guests having spa treatments.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner: Other

Fitness Center: Use their state-of-the-art machines and equipment whenever you want because the fitness center never closes. During my quick visit, a dozen people were working out at 8:30-9:00am on a Thursday. An in-house personal trainer can be arranged for $90 for 60 minutes. A staircase connects the fitness with the pool and spa area on the floor below.

Club Level: Spectacular views of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC (I saw the Washington Monument!) dominate the Club lounge on the 24th floor. As part of the Redefinition project, the Club renovation focus was intimacy, comfort, and exclusivity. A large marble fireplace, elegant library decor, and various seating options invite guests to linger as long as they want. Culinary art with local flavors was the ongoing theme. I was impressed that my favorite local farm product line (McCutcheons) was on hand.

Parking: Valet parking costs $40 per night and self parking costs $12 per night. You can park for free—for spa and Entyse visits (not overnight)—in the Galleria mall parking. If so, enter Ritz-Carlton lobby through the mall’s second level in front of Saks Fifth Avenue, between Cartier and Louis Vuitton (try not to get distracted). Remember that Entyse and The Spa validate parking.

Employees: People working for The Ritz-Carlton (any property) are called Ladies and Gentlemen. Besides, Juan, several Ladies and Gentlemen made our stay memorable at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. Two Club concierges mentioned that they worked there 24 and 20 years. As part of my fact checking for this article, I learned from management: “We have a total of 13 Ladies & Gentlemen across different departments whom have been with our hotel since it’s opening in November of 1991.” Amazing!

Check here for best The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner rates.

For more information about Tysons Corner, please see:

Experience Relaxed Luxury at Hyatt Tysons Corner

Northern Virginia Staycation at the Redefined Ritz-Carlton Tysons

Have you stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner? Any Ritz-Carlton?

Sharing is caring!