Seminars and company events
Top of the Town hosts presentations for up to 150 seated or 180 standing, as well as board meetings for a handful of people, luncheons, retreats, awards dinners and holiday parties. The venue is a penthouse in Rosslyn, Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from the National Mall, and it books one event at a time, so the whole floor belongs to the group.
For business use, the venue provides AV support, teleconferencing, high-speed internet and a professional sound system. Tables and chairs are included, and the layout changes with the format: boardroom session, presentation, seated dinner or cocktail reception. Guests arrive through a marble foyer and take a dedicated express elevator to the penthouse.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are a large part of the calendar. Ceremonies can take place in the Monument Room, in the Main Ballroom or outdoors on the terrace, where tenting is permitted. The reception room has a built-in dance floor and seats up to 150 with dancing. Weekend rentals on Saturdays and Sundays run 8.5 hours, including at least two hours for setup and an hour and a half for load-out and cleanup. Events end by 11 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and by midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and days before a federal holiday. The venue also arranges engagement and proposal events.
Rooms and capacities
The main room stretches about 100 feet along floor-to-ceiling windows under a vaulted ceiling, lit by statement chandeliers. Its windows frame the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, Kennedy Center, the Potomac and Reagan National Airport. An adjoining open-air terrace extends the space for cocktail hours and ceremonies. Under Arlington County regulation, the maximum capacity is 180 guests, and the seated maximum with a dance floor is 150.
Catering
Caterers are normally chosen from the venue's approved list. Outside caterers may be considered subject to documentation, training and fees, and an unapproved caterer may drop off food only if service is handled by the approved staffing partner. Clients may bring their own alcohol, served by a licensed bartender.
History and setting
The venue grew out of the Top O' the Town restaurant, which opened in 1966. The Byrne family bought the penthouse in 1996 and hosted the first private event in 1999. The family still owns and runs it. By day the room is filled with natural light; after sunset the illuminated monuments become the backdrop.
Getting there
Top of the Town is in Rosslyn, a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro station and a short drive from Reagan National Airport. Guests can use a private parking lot at no extra charge; valet parking is not included. Private tours can be booked before signing.
