Patio To Penthouse Parties At W Hotel: ESA Previews Xbox One; Gilt City Chills Apres Ski

NORTHWEST -- From the (tented) patio outside to its prized rooftop deck overlooking the national monuments, the W Washington, D.C. hotel was literally overflowing with parties on Wednesday evening.

The fun kicked-off at 6:00p.m. at Bar 515 (located on the lower level of top-rated J&G Steakhouse), with a crowded invitation-only affair hosted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

Microsoft had partnered with the video game industry advocacy organization to provide a lucky group of Washingtonians with a sneak peek of its new Xbox One gaming console, which roughly provides a tenfold increase in computing power over the current Xbox 360 (originally released in 2005).

And such technology -- lifelike colors, textures, animation and all -- was on full display throughout the event, with nearly a dozen gaming stations scattered across the tented (and heated) patio much to the delight of young and old alike (the Xbox One won't be available for sale until November 22nd).

Some of the party's most interested guests were of the 'bigger kid' variety, including various members of Congress (Representative John Barrow (D-GA), Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA)) and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Senior Adviser Mark DeLoura.

While seemingly all about fun on the surface, the $20 billion American video game industry is also involved in areas as diverse as intellectual property protection, international trade relations, education, and consumer research and makes a formidable contribution to the global economy. All of which explains why there were countless Congressional Chiefs of Staff, Chief Counsels, and Directors of Legislative Affairs spotted mingling about.

Meanwhile, some 11 floors up on the hotel's iconic P.O.V terrace, a very different kind of celebration was unfolding. Business attire gave way to 'chalet chic' ensembles, as Gilt City hosted its annual 'Après-Ski' affair.

Heat lamps shielded guests from the very real cold weather outside, while they warmed-up with selections from the rooftop's winter cocktail menu. The newly launched menu boasts festive creations, such as "The District Maple Leaf", a blood orange Old Fashioned, and a "Hot 'Not' Chocolate".

Beyond the libations, the stylish ticketholders were treated to massages from the hotel's on-site Bliss Spa, makeovers from a Bluemercury lipstick bar, and an interactive photo booth.

Naturally, both savory and sweet fare were in abundance during the evening, including a dedicated raclette station and plenty of toasted chocolate s'mores.

Whatever/whenever will the W Hotel think of next?