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The Watergate Hotel
Washington, United States
The Watergate Hotel
Washington, United States
$249
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2024 Forbes Travel Guide Award

Reimagined Luxury Landmark on the Potomac River

Trip Advisor RatingPowered By TripAdvisor
L.V.X.
2024 Forbes Travel Guide Award

Iconic, inimitable, and legendary, The Watergate Hotel stands alone in its design, quality of service, and unique place in American history. Recently reimagined for the 21st century, its dramatic chic, sleek interior — courtesy of Ron Arad — complements period features. The hotel has set a new high standard, from the rippling, copper lobby and the retro uniforms designed by Mad Men’s Janie Bryant, to the luxurious décor of the guestrooms and suites — try the gorgeous new Rose Suite, ideal for bridal showers and afternoon tea parties.

  • Choose from 336 stylish guestrooms and suites, including the infamous Scandal Room
  • Experience traditional afternoon tea and then pedal to the river on a classic bike
  • Dine on Kingbird’s re-imagined contemporary classic dishes, including Foie Gras terrine
  • Sip on craft cocktails and enjoy 360-degree views at the hotel's Top of the Gate rooftop lounge
  • Choose your whisky from an extensive menu and top it off with a cigar at The Next Whisky Bar, stunningly decorated with illuminated bottles
  • Swim in the indoor pool, and get a jade-stone massage at the 12,500-sq-ft Argentta Spa
  • Stroll to historic Georgetown, The National Mall, or the neighboring Kennedy Center

Completely renovated to the sum of $125 million, The Watergate Hotel reopened its doors in 2016, transforming into a 21st-century destination that redefines luxury. Many of the original features of the 1960s Luigi Moretti-designed building have been restored, while architect Ron Arad and Italian design company Moroso have updated the interiors to signal the next chapter in the fascinating history of this iconic hotel. It is the perfect place to have your wedding, big event, business meeting, or personal vacation in the federal capital of the United States.

Hotel Amenities

Event Space
Event Space
Fitness Center
Gym
Accessible
Accessible
Non-Smoking Rooms
Non-Smoking
On-Site Parking
Parking
Pool
Pool
Spa
Spa
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
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Accommodations

Each of the highly sophisticated 337 guestrooms and suites have been meticulously designed to offer exceptional comfort, contemporary luxury, and refined glamour, with La Bottega bath amenities, deluxe bathrobes, goose down comforters, and carefully selected furniture adding to an ambiance that feels exclusive and glamorous. Book a deluxe or premier room for private balconies and spectacular rooms, and the presidential suite for a fireplace. For something truly special, consider the hotel’s Scandal Room: formerly Room 214, it was the “HQ of the Watergate break-in,” and is today decorated with memorabilia from the 1960s.

The well-informed, extremely attentive concierge team at the hotel can assist with all your queries, from booking transportation to making tailored recommendations. The Watergate Hotel’s variety of event spaces are perfect for weddings, parties, and professional gatherings.

The Watergate Hotel Guestroom
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Dining

The hotel’s drinking and dining options elevate understated elegance into fine art. Flagship restaurant Kingbird merges thoughtful seasonal fare with panoramic views of the Potomac, amber-hued The Next Whisky Bar is a sizzling place for cocktails, and the rooftop Top of the Gate lets the scenery speak for itself.

The Watergate Hotel Dining

Kingbird – Kingbird specializes in upscale American dining with a French flair; enjoy views of the hotel garden and Potomac River from floor-to-ceiling windows while feasting on dishes such as lobster risotto with pickled ramps. The pre-theater dinner menu is also available for those attending a show at the Kennedy Center. Kingbird is open for breakfast and lunch daily, and open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday nights.

The Bar at Kingbird – Head to the restaurant bar for quiet drinks, as well as appetizing nibbles. The Oyster Happy Hour is a particular treat and features a “rotating” selection of oysters.

Beer Garden at Kingbird Terrace – Views of the Potomac, a laid-back atmosphere, and quality craft beers on tap — this beer garden is a charming space to relax in late afternoon and early evening.

Top of the Gate – Some of the best views in the nation’s capital await at the Top of the Gate. Contemplate a panoramic 360-degree perspective of Georgetown and the Potomac, the Kennedy Center, and the Washington Monument. Try a Frozen Negroni or a Scottish Lemonade.

The Next Whisky Bar – The amber-gold glow of the Watergate’s in-house whisky bar is truly something to behold. A copper wall guides you into the comfy armchairs ringed by a curving display of 2,500 whisky bottles. Sample one of the incomparable selections of Scotch, whisky cocktails, and spirits from around the world.

Activities at The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel Activities

Relax at the hotel’s wellness center with a swim in the pool, a manicure or massage in the spa, or a detoxifying session in the sauna and steam room. Alternatively, do some cardio or weight training in the fully-equipped gym, or push your limits with the help of a personal trainer. For a special occasion, ask about the Pedal and Picnic offering, which features food and drink put together by the chef, and stylish retro bicycles on loan for your adventure. The concierge team will advise on a suitable picnic spot.

Beyond the amazing hotel, wander around Georgetown, stopping by boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Stroll along the Potomac River and explore the waterfront parks. Catch a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or at the National Symphony Orchestra. Visit the iconic Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pond, the White House, and the many museums of the Smithsonian, such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of Natural History.

Location

The Watergate Hotel’s Georgetown location puts you within easy reach of Washington, D.C.’s historical monuments, museums, shopping, and restaurants. Theodore Roosevelt Island is just across the bridge, and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and several waterfront parks are nearby.

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Address

2650 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, United States


Transportation

  • Airport
    • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 6 mi / 9 km away
    • Dulles International Airport is 27 mi / 43 km away
  • Metro
    • The Foggy Bottom Metro station is a short walk from the hotel
  • Train
    • Washington Union Station is around a 20-minute drive away


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Reviews

4.4Trip Advisor Rating

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TripAdvisor Rating 5

Amazing location and facilities

Thu Aug 07 2025 15:12:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by TheAllergyQueen

The Watergate is a great place stay if you want to be close to the Georgetown Waterfront and the known sights in DC. Staying right on Virginia Ave allows you to walk 5 minutes to the waterfront where you can go for a wonderful walk into Georgetown for some coffee or shopping (why not both?!). If you walk 5 minutes the other way you will hit the Kennedy Center. One of the most underrated places in DC. Go to the rooftop for sunset- you won't regret it. Most people don't know that it's completely free and open to the public, unless you are seeing a show! A 15 minutes walk away leads you to the Lincoln Memorial, currently under construction, but fingers crossed it's almost done. I'd recommend a late night monument walk there. Sitting on the cold marble and looking out towards to the Capital is truly amazing. Additionally, the rooms are fantastic. The beds are extremely comfortable. The only problem here was that we had requested feather free rooms, due to allergies, and the room was not properly prepared when we had gotten there. The bathroom is very nice. Great water pressure and my family loves their products. Food is good here too! My family ordered room service, which they enjoyed. When we had eaten at Kingbird, they took my allergy card and worked with me to make something I would be pleased with. The rooftop has great views of the city, but the drinks are expensive, just a heads up! The facilities are fantastic. The pool, sauna and hot tubs are a must!!

TripAdvisor Rating 5

Unique and Outstanding Hotel

Tue Aug 05 2025 15:25:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by mbryant73

We were pleasantly surprised on our stay at the Watergate. The rooms still have authentic touches and style with a modern twist. It is great to stay at a property with original charm and not “cookie cutter”. The service was very personal and the couple of issues we had were resolved and handled in the most professional way. The gym and spa were great in which we used frequently during our 6 day stay. The location was safe and close to Georgetown and many restaurants within 10 minutes of walking.

TripAdvisor Rating 5

Urban resort level experience

Sun Aug 03 2025 10:36:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by S R

The Watergate was a lovely experience. The mod 60s design was thoughtful and playful, with vintage detail even refelcted in staff attire. We enjoyed the amenities: the room's storage space, the rooftop's comprehensive view, the spa and fitness center all met our expectations. The King Bird was a pleasant surprise both in quality and service. On our arrival day, our entertainment plans were unexpectedly cancelled by the performer but we were lucky enough that Yab was helping us to our room and willing to go above and beyond which saved our evening. Thanks to his helpfulness and quick thinking we found an alternative jazz venue which turned out to have one of our favorite pianists playing! We had one of our most streamlined and efficient departures with no wait time. A nice historic stay within steps to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.

TripAdvisor Rating 5

Customer service

Wed Jul 23 2025 14:03:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Nia S

The hotel room was average, the shower door leaked, the ac vent cover consistently became dislodged, however despite these minor inconveniences the customer service was top notch. Everyone from the front desk (Hugo) and the valet were ALL exceptional, one in particular Dereji (DJ). I would also like to add the housekeeping was nothing like we’ve ever seen. Kudos to the teams. Thank you all.

TripAdvisor Rating 5

First class all the way. ❤️

Mon Jul 14 2025 17:36:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by William G

The historic Watergate Hotel was very upscale, the rooms were comfortable and plush and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. I'd like to give a special shout out to Yab, the doorman. He was our first contact at the Watergate, the face of the Watergate, if you will. However, all of the staff were first class and we had a great time during our stay in D.C. If/ when we return, we will definitely book there again, Sue and Bill from Orlando, FL.