The Watergate Hotel

Washington DC, USA

Virgin rating

The hotel

The Watergate Hotel has been making headlines since its 1965 launch. Back then it was because of its trailblazing curving architecture, which mimicked the bordering Potomac River and riled the DC conservatives. Then it was for the legendary 1972 Watergate scandal – you can even tour the notorious Room 214 today (if it’s not occupied). But today it’s for its luxury, with musts like free WiFi and bike hire eclipsed by the Argentta Spa’s sleek pool; Kingbird’s fine American dining; The Next Whisky Bar’s amber nectar and matching décor; the summer rooftop bar’s 360 degree skyline views, and its Foggy Bottom location, 10 minutes’ stroll from Georgetown and 1.4 miles from The White House.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to City Centre

Where is it

Located in a prime location overlooking the Potomac River on one side, and the Kennedy Centre on the other. Short walk from Georgetown shops, bars and restaurants, and 1-mile from the Lincoln Memorial. Transfer time from Washington International Airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

336 rooms and suites, all with flat screen TV, plush bathrobes, La Bottega bath amenities, mini-bar*, iron and board, hairdryer, Nespresso™ coffee machine and safe. Superior Double Rooms are 275 sq ft, and have 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Deluxe Double with Balcony Rooms are 300–375 sq ft and feature a private furnished balcony, with 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Deluxe King with Balcony Rooms are as above, but have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Deluxe King with River View Rooms are located on higher floors with views of the Potomac River, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Premier Double with River View and Balcony Rooms are 375–450 sq ft, and feature views of the Potomac River from the furnished private balcony, with 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Premier King with River View and Balcony Rooms are as above, but have 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Kingbird (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). The Next Whiskey Bar. Top of the Gate (rooftop bar and lounge). Afternoon tea* (Saturdays and Sundays, between 2:00–4:00pm only). Room service*. Indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Spa*. Fitness centre. Valet parking $52 plus tax, per day (payable locally, subject to change). Complimentary WiFi.

This hotel has a resort fee of $33.34 plus tax per room, per night (payable locally, subject to change).

Resort fee includes use of the following amenities - Access to the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room - Access to the 24-hour fitness centre with bottled water and towel service - Complimentary bike rental (subject to availability) - Car service within 2 miles of the hotel (subject to availability) - Overnight shoe shine service - Local and long distance domestic phone calls - Morning coffee in the lobby - Daily newspapers - Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: children under the age of 16 years are not permitted to stay in a room with balcony.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1100)
  • Very good (242)
  • Average (112)
  • Poor (59)
  • Terrible (48)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best hotel!

Dec 6, 2023 G315SWsam

I had my best hotel stay ever from the customer service to the rooms to the cleanliness and everything in between was just great. I will definitely be going back and recommending it to everyone. Try it yourself and you will see what I am talking about.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Value All Around

Dec 4, 2023 Charles B Rancho Palos Verdes, California

This was our second stay at The Watergate Hotel. We will definitely return for more stays in the future. Everything is first class here. The customer service throughout the hotel is fantastic. Our room for both stays, was beautiful with a very comfortable bed. The hotel location is perfect, easy walking distance to Georgetown and to the Lincoln… Read more
This was our second stay at The Watergate Hotel. We will definitely return for more stays in the future. Everything is first class here. The customer service throughout the hotel is fantastic. Our room for both stays, was beautiful with a very comfortable bed. The hotel location is perfect, easy walking distance to Georgetown and to the Lincoln Memorial, African-American Museum, White House, etc. Breakfast was very good at the hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent Customer Service

Dec 4, 2023 NorthStar152163

If top-notch service is important to you then look no further than The Watergate Hotel. If every organization had customer service like what I received from Bernel Justice at the front desk….then the world would be a better place. Today’s reality is that customer service is not where it used to be. It’s refreshing and almost unbelievable to say… Read more
If top-notch service is important to you then look no further than The Watergate Hotel. If every organization had customer service like what I received from Bernel Justice at the front desk….then the world would be a better place. Today’s reality is that customer service is not where it used to be. It’s refreshing and almost unbelievable to say the least to be on the receiving end of such care, attention to detail, and kindness. Please acknowledge Bernel Justice! He certainly deserves recognition. Sincere thanks from Nebraska, Ann Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Soaking in the History, Luxuriating in Design

Dec 4, 2023 Margaret M Tallahassee, Florida

The staff is really who makes the stay so special. They make you feel like you’re the only one staying in the hotel! Bernel checked us in and was kind enough to upgrade our room to a higher floor. The sunrises and sunsets over Georgetown and Rosslyn were breathtaking. Yab helped us to our room and saw to it I was able to tour the Scandal Room… Read more
The staff is really who makes the stay so special. They make you feel like you’re the only one staying in the hotel! Bernel checked us in and was kind enough to upgrade our room to a higher floor. The sunrises and sunsets over Georgetown and Rosslyn were breathtaking. Yab helped us to our room and saw to it I was able to tour the Scandal Room which was the highlight for me who has studied the events of Watergate. Though he was busy, he allowed me time to reflect and ask questions and was gracious to let me geek out. Thanks Yab! Aziz was another staff member who was so kind and helpful. Shout outs to Josh and Mesfin too! The hotel is stunning and every detail of decor is enhanced by the keen sense of history interwoven with pop culture. The restaurant was also accommodating and cooked off the menu for my picky daughter. The location is ideal for walking along the river and the nearest metro station was just a few blocks away. The bathrooms are like private spas and I made sure to “soak it in.” We came for the holiday week to visit family, but this hotel begs for a romantic getaway and I will certainly be back to indulge with my husband sans children. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Happy then disappointed

Dec 4, 2023 dannielle t

I was going to give this hotel an outstanding review as the front desk and room service and bell captains are sensational and so helpful. The bad spot for me was that 2 nights in a row I was told the bar was open til midnight and in fact it wasn't. I had scheduled 2 nights to meet folks for food and beverage downstairs. Alas it was shut down like… Read more
I was going to give this hotel an outstanding review as the front desk and room service and bell captains are sensational and so helpful. The bad spot for me was that 2 nights in a row I was told the bar was open til midnight and in fact it wasn't. I had scheduled 2 nights to meet folks for food and beverage downstairs. Alas it was shut down like a ghost town in the middle of nowhere. This hotel is located in one of the international cities here in the states. People are coming from all over the world and in different time zones. We were told over and over again the bar was open til midnight and that was a lie. I travel tons on business and while I loved every other part of this hotel, this lack of attention to be honest and stay open for folks hungry and wanting to treat someone to a drink is inexcusable.I did love the front desk folks who were super helpful but couldn't fix the problem. They are: Bernel, Judith and Donald . Next time give them help. Read less