The Watergate Hotel
Washington, DC
Foggy Bottom
Vibe
A 46-foot brass reception desk follows the building’s curves, while sculptures and metal installations give the lobby its bold character.
“Scandal and sculpture”
The historic Watergate complex retains its sweeping silhouette and original grand staircase.
Argentta’s seven treatment rooms anchor a wellness floor with saltwater swimming, sauna and hammam-style steam.
A 46-foot brass reception desk echoes the building’s curves beneath sculptural metal installations.
On Foggy Bottom’s Potomac waterfront, near the Kennedy Center and a walk from Georgetown.
“the Watergate is refreshing for the fact that it’s not just luxurious, but visually decadent as well.”
Rooms
Rounded walls and midcentury furnishings carry the building’s curves indoors, with Zebrano marble bathrooms and solid granite vanities.
“The hotel’s 336 stylishly modern guest rooms, half of which offer large curving balconies, have some of Washington’s most Instagram-worthy views.”
Wellness
Argentta Spa combines seven treatment rooms with the hotel’s original heated indoor saltwater pool, a whirlpool, dry sauna and hammam-style steam room.
“This DC landmark … was vibrantly restored in 2016 and has since become a favorite among everyone, from politicians to vacationers.”
Backstory
The building was designed to resemble a sail on the Potomac, giving its sweeping silhouette a connection to the river.
“Moretti had designed the building with almost no continuous straight lines – a sleight of hand that invests its silhouette with an unusually fluid motion and dramatic quality.”
Eat & drink
Kingbird serves steak frites, The Next Whisky Bar pours Scotch, and Top of the Gate pairs cocktails with Potomac views.
“the building’s sweeping curves carry into the guest rooms, where rounded walls and midcentury-modern furnishings create a distinctly retro-cool atmosphere.”
The neighborhood
The Kennedy Center neighbors the complex, while the waterfront leads south toward the Lincoln Memorial and north toward Georgetown harbor.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.