Verdict
Destinations
Hotel · Washington DC

The Watergate Hotel

A renovated mid-century-modern icon on the Foggy Bottom waterfront, leaning into its infamous name with retro style.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Worth the stay for…

Great for
  • If you've only got a day
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • Photographers
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • Families with kids
  • Anyone here to unwind
  • Night owls
  • History & culture buffs
Not for

Worth it for if you've only got a day, couples and solo travellers.

The location trade-off

What you're near — and what you're not

Walkable
  • The Potomac waterfront & Georgetown (walkable)
  • The Kennedy Center (next door)
  • Foggy Bottom Metro
Cut off from
  • The National Mall (a ride or longer walk)
  • Downtown dining (a ride away)
Rooms & rate

What you're paying for

Renovated rooms and suites in a restored mid-century building, many with river or city outlooks. The rooftop bar, Top of the Gate, and the spa are part of the draw; request a Potomac-facing room for the views.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The curved mid-century design and Potomac-side setting give it real architectural personality, with a rooftop bar to match.
Not independently verified — estimated
Foggy Bottom is well-connected but quiet, and you're a bit removed from the Mall and the main dining strips.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • Couples

    A stylish, slightly tongue-in-cheek stay with a rooftop sunset over the river.

  • With friends

    The design, the rooftop, and the Kennedy Center next door make for a fun, photogenic base.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
Upper-moderate to luxury rate / night
Last verified
2026-06-17
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →