A glimpse of the future at Marriott's new headquarters hotel: Travel Weekly

It is steps from Marriott International's new global headquarters that makes the new Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ stand out.

I assumed that the property might encompass the latest thinking on how Marriott hotels should be designed, built and operated.

I think my assumption was correct after two nights at the property.

When I spoke with the general manager about a month after my stay, she said that the Marriott Hotels brand had gone through a transformation. The hotel really represents the brand.

The Marriott was the 8,000th hotel the company has opened. It's very special from that point of view.

What might the traveler find in the most recent?

A lobby with live plants and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light is among its features.

Localism, a hotel that feels integrated into a city neighborhood, is one of the themes that runs through the Marriott Bethesda Downtown.

Marriott International said that moving to a new, urban environment was essential to realizing goals like providing a cutting-edge, attractive and functional space that would help it attract top talent.

The bar and lobby of Marriott HQ are located in the downtown area. The photo was taken by Rebecca Tobin.

Marriott has access to a vibrant, mixed-use urban community with restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Fire pits on the plaza for alfresco gatherings and a relatively small check-in area with a discreet desk are examples of Marriott hotel-style amenities.

The popularity of mobile options, such as check-in and chat, had influenced the design as many guests wont stop at the check-in station.

The front desk is what you will see as we look to the future. It doesn't feel like a big desk.

There is a lot of local art and influences. The lobby's focal point is the Seventh State restaurant, which is named after Maryland's place among the colonies in signing the constitution.

What is a modern hotel without a roof? The Hip Flask bar is a popular place for locals and guests alike.

During my visit, one area of the third floor was not open. The Marriott Design Lab is a research facility for the hotel giant. The space is unique to the Marriott Downtown and will be used to build and test new technologies.