The Watergate Hotel sits beside the Potomac River in Washington, DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, known for the 1972 break-in that gave the complex its name. Its curved modernist design and political history give the stay a distinctive setting, while rooms have river or city views and some include private balconies. For a drink, head to Next Whisky Bar for tapas and a whisky flight, or take in the riverfront and Washington Monument views from the rooftop bar. The hotel also has an indoor spa with a heated lap pool, sauna and steam room.
A hotel with a political past
The Watergate Hotel is part of the Watergate complex in Foggy Bottom, alongside offices, residences and retail spaces. The complex became internationally known after the 1972 break-in connected to the Watergate scandal. The original break-in took place in an office-building section of the complex, not in the hotel itself. A suite now recalls the episode with political memorabilia from the Nixon era.
The building’s history began before the scandal. Italian architect Luigi Moretti designed its sweeping, curved modernist form. When the complex’s design was presented in 1961, it drew objections from people who preferred more traditional architecture. The hotel opened in 1965. After its former version closed, it reopened in 2016 following a major renovation.
Rooms and river views
Guest rooms and suites look out over the Potomac River or the city, and some have private balconies. The hotel’s rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. The riverfront setting also puts the Kennedy Center across from the hotel, with Georgetown nearby.
Room layouts differ, so check the room details when choosing a stay. Some have living areas and more than one bathroom, while other rooms are smaller. If you are sensitive to noise, request a room away from potential disturbances. Air traffic can be noticeable around the hotel.
The spa, whisky bar and rooftop
The indoor spa has a heated lap pool, sauna and steam room. Spa access and treatments are part of the hotel’s wellness facilities; if your booking includes a spa package, contact the spa directly to arrange an appointment and confirm the package details with the hotel.
Next Whisky Bar serves tapas and whisky flights among illuminated bottles. Spanish octopus and Siberian caviar are among the food options mentioned for the bar. The rooftop bar, The Top of the Gate, has views across the Georgetown waterfront and toward the Washington Monument. Mushroom flatbread is one rooftop snack to look for. The hotel also has Kingbird, a French-American restaurant.
FAQ
What is the Watergate Hotel known for?
The hotel is part of the Watergate complex, associated with the 1972 break-in and political scandal. The original break-in happened in an office-building section of the complex.
Does the Watergate Hotel have a pool and spa?
Yes. Its indoor spa has a heated lap pool, sauna and steam room. Contact the spa directly to arrange an appointment.
Which bars are at the Watergate Hotel?
Next Whisky Bar serves tapas and whisky flights. The Top of the Gate is the rooftop bar, with views of the Georgetown waterfront and Washington Monument.
Where is the Watergate Hotel?
It is at 2650 Virginia Ave NW in Washington, DC, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood beside the Potomac River.
