Midcentury sculptural monument
Curved metal ribbons and glowing installations turn the historic riverfront landmark into an unapologetic celebration of bold 1960s glamour.
“The mid-century modern icon still keeps a few relics from its past, namely the staircase in the lobby and the indoor pool…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Ron Arad's curvilinear interiors honor Luigi Moretti's 1960s facade free of continuous straight lines.
Remarkable
The 1972 scandal's setting preserves architect Luigi Moretti's original sweeping lobby staircase.
Notable
A fifteen-meter indoor saltwater pool anchors the subterranean spa, sauna, and gym.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
This venerable D.C. institution, fresh off nine years of closure followed by a massive renovation, is sailing straight into the wind, positioning itself as the ideal venue for hosting a (hopefully not career-ending) scandal of your own.
“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.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Perched on Foggy Bottom's riverfront, the hotel sits next to the Kennedy Center, with riverside paths leading directly into historic Georgetown.
The rooms
Many rooms open onto curving private balconies overlooking the Potomac, complemented by floor-to-ceiling Zebrano marble bathrooms with solid granite vanities.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Hydrotherapy swan-neck spouts line the 15-meter heated saltwater lap pool, an original feature from the 1960s.
The spa
Seven subterranean treatment rooms offer massages, scrubs, and facials, accessed past a curved mosaic arrival lounge.
Sauna and gym
A cedarwood dry sauna and a 24-hour fitness room with a dedicated barre studio complete the floor.
Dogs stay too.
The Next Whisky Bar
Undulating walls of illuminated whisky bottles wrap around sculptural red armchairs off the lobby.
The redesign keeps intact some of the signature aspects of the space ... while re-envisioning others, like the custom metal of the front desk.
Restaurant
Kingbird
Curved red banquettes and twisted steel columns set the scene for Riviera-inspired dining beside the Potomac.
At the table
Top of the Gate pours cocktails on the roof with panoramic views across the river to the Washington Monument.
How it began
Conceived in the 1960s without continuous straight lines to resemble a sail, the complex forever etched its name into American political history.
“the building’s sweeping curves carry into the guest rooms, where rounded walls and midcentury-modern furnishings create a distinctly retro-cool atmosphere.”
Good to know
Stay here
The Watergate Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.