William F. Bolger Center

Nestled within the serene and picturesque landscape of Potomac, Maryland, the William F. Bolger Center offers a distinctive experience that blends the comfort of a hotel with the extensive capabilities of a dedicated conference center. This unique property, set on 43 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, provides a tranquil escape just a short drive from the bustling energy of downtown Washington, D.C. For Maryland residents, the Bolger Center presents an ideal destination for various needs, whether it's for a productive corporate retreat, a memorable social event, or even a peaceful getaway from the everyday.

The William F. Bolger Center is not your typical transient hotel. It operates as a full-service conference center hotel, meaning it is specifically designed to host meetings, training sessions, and events of all sizes. While it accommodates overnight guests, its core strength lies in providing comprehensive facilities and services for groups. This focus allows them to excel in delivering an environment conducive to learning, collaboration, and celebration. From its welcoming staff to its renowned culinary offerings, the Bolger Center aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all who visit. Its blend of modern amenities with a charming, almost historic feel, gives it a character that stands apart from more generic accommodations.

Many locals already know the Bolger Center for its reputation as a premier venue for professional gatherings, but it also serves as a charming backdrop for weddings and other social celebrations. Its extensive outdoor spaces, including manicured gardens and walking paths through wooded areas, offer a refreshing change of pace and a beautiful setting for both business and leisure. It’s a place where you can feel removed from the urban rush, yet remain conveniently connected to the greater Maryland and D.C. metropolitan area.

The William F. Bolger Center is conveniently located at 9600 Newbridge Dr, Potomac, MD 20854, USA. This address places it within a tranquil, suburban setting of Potomac, providing a sense of seclusion and natural beauty, while still maintaining excellent accessibility for residents across Maryland and beyond.

For those traveling by car from various parts of Maryland, the Bolger Center is easily reachable. It’s situated near major roadways, offering relatively straightforward access from areas like Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and other Montgomery County locales. While enjoying a peaceful environment, it's not far from the Capital Beltway (I-495), which connects to other major interstates, making it accessible from Baltimore, Frederick, and Annapolis.

Public transportation options are also available, though it's important to note that the center is not directly adjacent to a Metro station. The closest Metro station is Bethesda, approximately 5 miles away. However, the William F. Bolger Center does offer a complimentary shuttle service to Westfield Montgomery Mall and the Bethesda Metro Station, which significantly enhances its accessibility for those relying on public transit. This shuttle service is a great benefit for guests and attendees coming from D.C. or other Metro-accessible parts of Maryland.

The property's location also benefits from its proximity to various local attractions and business hubs. It's just a short drive to upscale shopping at Westfield Montgomery Mall, and for those venturing further, downtown Bethesda offers a vibrant scene with numerous restaurants and entertainment options. Its balanced location provides the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat for focused work or relaxation, with the convenience of urban amenities and transportation links nearby.

The William F. Bolger Center offers a wide array of services designed to cater primarily to groups and events, but also to ensure a comfortable stay for individual guests. Their comprehensive approach aims to meet both professional and personal needs.

• Extensive Meeting and Event Facilities: With over 70,000 square feet of IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) certified meeting space, including 75 professionally equipped meeting rooms, 2 ballrooms (including the historic Stained Glass Hall), multiple boardrooms, and computer labs, the center can accommodate groups of various sizes, from small executive meetings to large conferences of up to 500 people.
• Dedicated Conference Planning and Support: They provide experienced and responsive teams, including dedicated conference planning managers, to assist with event logistics from start to finish, ensuring professional standards are met. On-site audio/visual and IT staff are available to support all technological needs.
• On-Site Catering and Dining: The center features on-site dining options, including Osgood's Dining, which offers a wide variety of high-quality buffet-style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the Pony Express Bar & Grill, offering casual American cuisine, specialty drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere with billiards, darts, and shuffleboard. Customer reviews frequently praise the "absolutely amazing" food with a "wide variety of high-quality food."
• Guest Accommodations: The Bolger Center offers 431 comfortable guest rooms, including suites. Rooms are equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, coffee/tea makers, and designer toiletries.
• Recreational Facilities: Guests can enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor swimming pool (with specific operating hours), tennis courts, and a 1.5-mile walking path that winds through beautifully landscaped grounds and wooded areas.
• Complimentary Shuttle Service: A shuttle service is available to transport guests to the nearby Westfield Montgomery Mall and the Bethesda Metro Station, enhancing local accessibility.
• Business Services: Two full-service Business Centers are available for copying, faxing, and other business needs, along with complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access throughout the property.
• Wedding and Social Event Planning: The picturesque grounds and unique venues like the Stained Glass Hall and Franklin Ballroom make it an ideal location for weddings and other social events, with dedicated event planners to assist with every detail.
• 24-Hour Front Desk and Guest Services: The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and other guest services to ensure a convenient and comfortable stay.
• Free Parking: Ample free self-parking is available on-site for guests.

The William F. Bolger Center offers several distinct features and highlights that set it apart, making it a compelling choice for various needs within the Maryland community.

• Expansive and Beautiful Grounds: One of the most frequently praised aspects is the 43 acres of meticulously manicured grounds. These include lush gardens, open grassy areas, and a scenic walking path that extends around the perimeter, part of which winds through a peaceful wooded area. This natural beauty provides a serene backdrop for events, a refreshing environment for breaks during conferences, and opportunities for leisurely strolls, offering a resort-like feel.
• Exceptional Culinary Experience: The food at the Bolger Center consistently receives high praise from guests. With a wide variety of high-quality options, particularly at Osgood's Dining, the meals are a significant highlight. The on-site Pony Express Bar & Grill further enhances the dining offerings with casual American cuisine and a lively atmosphere, including billiards and shuffleboard.
• Dedicated Conference Center Expertise: As an IACC certified facility, the Bolger Center specializes in meetings and events. It boasts an impressive 75 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. This focus means that every aspect, from ergonomic chairs to continuous refreshment hubs, is geared towards productive and seamless events.
• Historic Charm and Unique Venues: The property features the historic Stained Glass Hall, an original chapel building with vaulted ceilings and soaring stained glass windows. This unique and beautiful venue provides a distinctive ambiance for weddings and special occasions, adding a touch of heritage to events.
• Comprehensive Amenities for Guests: Beyond the meeting spaces, the center offers a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation during stays. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and rooms are well-appointed with flat-screen TVs and comfortable amenities.
• Strategic Location with Shuttle Service: While offering a peaceful, retreat-like setting, its location in Potomac provides convenient access to major D.C. area attractions and business centers. The complimentary shuttle to the Bethesda Metro Station and Westfield Montgomery Mall significantly enhances accessibility, blending tranquility with urban convenience.
• Professional and Friendly Staff: Customer reviews frequently highlight the friendly and polite nature of the staff, emphasizing their helpfulness and dedication to guest satisfaction.

It is important to note a recurring piece of feedback regarding the guest room heating and cooling system. Some guests have experienced issues with the HVAC system, particularly the inability to switch from heat to cool mode on warmer days, or a lack of effective cooling. While fans can be provided and windows opened, this is a point to consider, especially during shoulder seasons. However, for many, the overall positive experience, particularly the food and grounds, outweighs this concern.

As a conference center hotel that primarily caters to groups and events, the William F. Bolger Center's promotions and special offers are often tailored to organizational bookings rather than individual leisure stays, though individual room rates are available. Given their focus, you might find offers related to:

• Inclusive Meeting Packages: The Bolger Center frequently offers comprehensive meeting packages that bundle services such as meeting space, audiovisual equipment, continuous refreshment breaks, catered meals, and guest room accommodations into a single, per-person rate. These packages can simplify budgeting and often provide better value than booking services à la carte. For Maryland businesses, these can be very appealing for corporate trainings, team-building events, or annual conferences.
• Seasonal Group Rates: Depending on the time of year or demand, the center may offer discounted group rates for blocks of guest rooms, especially during off-peak seasons or for specific lengths of stay. It’s always worth inquiring about potential savings for booking multiple rooms for a group.
• Wedding and Event Packages: For those planning social events like weddings, the Bolger Center likely provides specific wedding packages that might include venue rental, catering menus, beverage services, and potentially discounted room blocks for guests. They are known to be flexible and can work to customize events to fit various budgets and preferences.
• Last-Minute Booking Incentives: Occasionally, for planners with flexible dates, the center might offer incentives for last-minute bookings to fill available space. These are less common but can be a good opportunity for spontaneous event needs.
• Special Perks for Conference Organizers: For larger conferences, there might be benefits extended to the event organizer, such as complimentary room upgrades, credits towards future events, or special welcome amenities for VIP guests.

To inquire about current promotions or to get a customized quote for your specific event or stay, it is highly recommended to contact the William F. Bolger Center directly. Their sales team can provide the most up-to-date information on any ongoing offers and help you structure a package that best suits your needs and budget.

If you're in Maryland and interested in learning more about the William F. Bolger Center for an upcoming stay, meeting, or event, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 9600 Newbridge Dr, Potomac, MD 20854, USA

Phone: (301) 983-7000

Mobile Phone: +1 301-983-7000 (This is the same as the main phone number, formatted for international dialing)

For general inquiries, you can typically reach guest services by calling (301) 983-7000 and selecting option 0.

For specific inquiries regarding group bookings, conferences, or events, it's often best to contact their sales department directly. While a separate sales phone number is not always prominently listed for general public use, calling the main number and asking to be connected to the sales or events team is the most effective approach.

You can also visit their official website, which is an excellent resource for detailed information on their meeting facilities, accommodations, dining options, and special event planning. Their website often includes online inquiry forms or direct email contacts for specific departments, making it convenient to send a detailed request.

When contacting them, be prepared to provide details about your needs, such as the dates of your stay or event, the number of attendees, and any specific requirements you may have. This will help their team provide you with the most accurate and helpful information.

For residents of Maryland, the William F. Bolger Center in Potomac offers a uniquely suitable and valuable resource, whether for professional endeavors or personal celebrations. Its strategic location provides the tranquility of a suburban retreat while remaining easily accessible from across the state and the greater D.C. metropolitan area, especially with the convenient shuttle service to the Bethesda Metro.

This venue is perfectly suited for Maryland-based businesses and organizations seeking a comprehensive and efficient solution for their meeting, training, or conference needs. With its extensive IACC-certified facilities, dedicated planning team, and on-site technological support, it removes much of the logistical burden, allowing local companies to focus on the content and success of their events. The delicious, high-quality food consistently praised by guests adds a significant bonus to any professional gathering, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Beyond the corporate world, the William F. Bolger Center is an exceptional choice for Marylanders planning social events. The picturesque grounds, including serene walking paths and beautiful gardens, provide an idyllic backdrop for weddings, family reunions, or other special occasions. The unique charm of venues like the Stained Glass Hall offers a memorable setting that stands out from more conventional options. The availability of on-site accommodations means guests from across Maryland or out of town can comfortably stay, making multi-day events seamless.

While some guests have noted occasional issues with the HVAC system in individual rooms, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the staff, the food, and the beautiful environment reinforces its value. The friendly and polite service ensures a welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a positive experience regardless of the visit's purpose. In essence, the William F. Bolger Center provides a versatile, well-equipped, and charming destination right in Maryland's backyard, making it an excellent choice for a wide array of local needs.