Washington, D.C.
The Watergate Hotel
Historic Hideaway
What it is
Yes, that Watergate—now home to a 12,500-square-foot spa and one of the best rooftop bars in America.
What it isn't
Stuck in the Nixon era. Ingenious (and modern) recent events included flower crown and chocolate truffle making classes.
What we think
Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, you can book “The Room Where it Happened,” as the hotel calls it. A.k.a. Scandal Room 214, the site of the 1972 Watergate break in. The space was revamped in cinematic glory by Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo, and is tricked out with 70s era finds, from a manual typewriter to a reel-to-reel tape recorder. But there’s plenty more to love, even if you’re not a politico. Take the Argentta Spa, where you’ll find a turquoise indoor pool and inventive treatments (book the peppermint and seaweed sugar scrub). Don’t miss rubbing elbows with future presidents while sipping cocktails each evening on the rooftop bar, consistently ranked one of the best in the country, thanks to an eagle’s eye view of the Potomac.
You're here because
This is one of the few hotels in the capital that starts its day with a Presidential breakfast. In their painfully hip restaurant, Kingbird, that means kick-starting your morning with malted Belgian waffles and bourbon maple syrup, house cured gravlax, charcuterie and cheese...
The Moment
You love your whiskey. Which is why you were so surprised and delighted by The Next Whisky Bar, where walls are actually made from 2,500 lit whisky bottles. This being Watergate, you raise a glass to Woodward and Bernstein—then order another Smoking Gun cocktail, with I.W. Harper bourbon, tangerine cordial and angostura.
Restaurants & Bars
- Kingbird - Local flavor-driven modern American cuisine served in a simple, contemporary dining room with a lively vibe.
- The Next Whisky Bar - Features an outdoor terrace with cozy fire pit tables. In the winter months, visitors can reserve private Igloos with table service.
- Top of the Gate - Spectacular views of the Potomac River, Washington Monument and the DC skyline. It also features an exclusive rooftop skating rink from November to January.
Location
Washington’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, just a five minute drive (or 20 minute walk along the Potomac) to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and all those Smithsonians. A.k.a.: tourist mecca.