A new upper mid-scale hotel development is set to enhance the hospitality landscape near Arlington Airport, featuring 134 all-suite rooms across five stories. The proposed hotel will span 81,050 square feet and include a range of amenities such as a 3,000 square foot lobby, a 1,000 square foot meeting space, a fitness center, and an outdoor seating area with fire pits and a swimming pool.
The hotel, developed by Stonewall Hotels, aims to cater to the growing demand for accommodations in the area, particularly for pilots undergoing training nearby. With this addition, the total number of hotel rooms in the vicinity will exceed 1,300, addressing the needs of both business and leisure travelers.
The design includes a first-floor layout featuring a breakfast area, market area, and guest laundry, while upper floors will house 30 rooms each, with an average room size of 414 square feet. The exterior will incorporate elements such as stucco and a water feature, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the property.
The landscaping plan has been tailored to comply with FAA regulations, ensuring that wildlife does not gather near the airport. Although some landscaping requirements will not be met due to these regulations, the developers will still provide trees in designated areas.
During the meeting, the commission discussed the project's alignment with the comprehensive plan for the region, which aims to create vibrant spaces that include residential, office, and research facilities. The proposal received support from the developers, who emphasized their commitment to managing the hotel independently, similar to their existing Aloft Hotel in the area.
The commission is expected to review the proposal further, with staff recommending the exclusion of certain uses in the planned development to maintain the integrity of the hotel environment. The public hearing opened with the developer expressing readiness to address any questions or concerns from the community.