Happy Hour Goes Yappy at The Bench

GAITHERSBURG, MD--(Marketwired - Jun 26, 2013) - Nothing is better than enjoying dinner and drinks with friends at your favorite restaurant, even if your preferred companions have four legs and fur.

The Bench, a dynamic new bar and restaurant at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, turns Happy Hour into Yappy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through October 2013, weather permitting. Two- and four-legged guests alike are invited to experience the Montgomery County hotel's new outdoor patio overlooking the lake at the RIO Washingtonian Center shopping and entertainment complex.

"I am a huge fan of dogs, and I have a wonderful rescue dog named Molly," says Sara Moore, general manager, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center. "Making our patio dog-friendly was one of my top goals when we opened The Bench in May."

The newly designed patio at the hotel near Germantown, Maryland features stylish cushioned sofas, sun-savvy umbrella tables and outdoor televisions. Guests can catch a game, soak in the sunset or people-watch the nearly one-mile footpath circling the Washingtonian Lake that's popular with dog walkers, hotel guests and shoppers.

Pooches will savor complimentary gourmet dog treats prepared by The Bench's executive chef, Aaron Tootill. Their human friends can enjoy a menu of regional American cuisine infused with modern attitude. Fresh ingredients sourced from local and artisan purveyors are used to create a unique selection of snacks, shareable plates, entrées and desserts. Craft beers, signature cocktails and domestic and imported wines are also featured.

The Bench, a dog-friendly restaurant in Montgomery County, is located at 9751 Washingtonian Boulevard at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, one of more than 500 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. For more information, call 301-590-0044 or visit www.gaithersburgmarriott.com. Get social with Gaithersburg Marriott on Facebook and Twitter @MarriottGWC.

About Marriott Hotels
With 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 60 countries around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, enabling the next generation to Travel Brilliantly. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom, Future of Meetings and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

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