The Watergate Hotel
"A 4.4-rated historic Watergate icon on the Potomac with rooftop bar, pool and bookable "Hunt and Liddy" room."
About The Hotel
A 4.4-rated (2,037 reviews) 4-star The Watergate Hotel at 2650 Virginia Avenue NW in Foggy Bottom on the Potomac — the iconic 1960s Watergate complex hotel. Subratings 4.1-4.6 with cleanliness 4.6, location 4.6, service 4.5, sleep quality 4.4, rooms 4.3 and value 4.1. Amenities include valet parking, free WiFi, fitness center, pool, bar/lounge (Top of the Gate rooftop), bicycle rental, patio and kids TV. Legacy Hot Tub Hotels frontmatter markets in-room jacuzzi suites; TripAdvisor amenity listings do not confirm in-room whirlpools — verify at booking. Recent 5-star reviews focus on the Watergate history (“the actual room used by Hunt and Liddy to aid in their robbery of the DNC” is bookable), junior suites (“Watergate Upper Tier Rooms Are Amazing… The junior suites is what I ever typically [book]”), and Potomac water views (“Amazingly located hotel, fantastic water views, great food and amenities and exceptional staff. I stayed at three different hotels during my month-long summer break in DC. Watergate was the last stay”). A candid 4-star: “Excellent hotel. Poor service for requests to the room and roof top bar. We waited for service at the roof bar for over 20 minutes and left.” Best for history-oriented DC travelers, Kennedy-Center-adjacent stays, and rooftop-bar-oriented Potomac-view weekends.
What Guests Are Saying
“The Watergate is a historic property for obvious reasons. And there is, of course, the opportunity to book the actual room used by Hunt and Liddy to aid in their robbery of the DNC. The junior suites is what I’ve typically stayed in, but this time I upgraded to the Ambassador Suite. For what this room offers, it is reasonably priced. I have a toddler, and the extra space and SAFE panoramic view balcony were amazing. The room was 5-star quality right down to the newest version TODO toilet and perfect water pressure in the shower. The view and fully contrllable drapery makes you feel like you’re in Vegas. But there’s a difference. The Watergate staff is personal, warm, and friendly. They know my toddler daughter by name and she recognizes them by this point. The front desk, the bell staff, and reservations are all top-notch individuals who treat you with dignity and respect, even in frayed or stressful situations. I have stayed at many luxury properties in the District. If you’re looking for a unique 5-star Washington stay, then get one of the upper level suites at the Watergate, You won’t regret it. Also great for parties or fun” — SanClementeLover, 5 stars
“Every time I travel to D.C., I look forward to staying at the Watergate. After spending two months living there last year, I returned this summer for a quick overnight trip—and it was just as memorable. My room was incredibly spacious, with beautiful views overlooking the river. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, from the gym, equipped with the latest Technogym machines, to the rooftop bar, where I enjoyed a drink at sunset while Shazaming nearly every song playing over the speakers. When it was time for bed, I used the automated system to close the blinds and dim the lights, popped in the earplugs provided by the hotel, and settled in for a full eight hours of sleep—the highest Sleep Score I’ve ever recorded. It was, once again, the perfect stay.” — aleter826, 5 stars
“My stay at The Watergate Hotel was exceptional. The property is beautiful, but what truly sets it apart is the level of service. A special thank you to Director of Rooms, Sheriyar, who personally ensured everything throughout my stay was perfect. His professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests were evident and made a lasting impression. The front desk, housekeeping, and valet teams were consistently warm, efficient, and welcoming. Every interaction felt sincere, and it was clear that guest satisfaction is a top priority. I highly recommend The Watergate Hotel to anyone visiting Washington, D.C., and I look forward to returning.” — Grant B., 5 stars
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 4.4 rating (2,037 reviews) with 4.6 cleanliness + 4.6 location
- Iconic 1960s Watergate complex hotel with bookable historic rooms
- Top of the Gate rooftop bar with Potomac views
- Pool + bicycle rental + patio + Kennedy-Center-adjacent walkability
- Junior suites with Potomac water views
Cons:
- CANDID: 4-star “Poor service for requests to the room and roof top bar… waited for service at the roof bar for over 20 minutes and left”
- Rooms 4.3 softer than location 4.6
- Value 4.1 softest subrating
- Legacy Jacuzzi in Room frontmatter not confirmed by TripAdvisor amenities — verify at booking
- Not directly Metro-served — walk 10 min to Foggy Bottom-GWU
The Location
At 2650 Virginia Avenue NW in Foggy Bottom on the Potomac — adjacent to the Kennedy Center. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.
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Other suites we've checked
Guest reviews
What guests are saying about The Watergate Hotel.
"I came to the Watergate Hotel expecting history… and left feeling like I’d uncovered one of DC’s best-kept secrets. Turns out the only thing being covered up now is how ridiculously good this place is. From the moment you check in, you realize this hotel is on the right side of history. The rooms are so nice they deserve their own investigation, and the views of the Potomac are truly presidential. I tried to find something to complain about, but every detail was so well executed that I had to drop the case. The staff? Absolutely top-tier. Friendly, professional, and always one step ahead — they definitely don’t need a tape recorder to remember great service. The rooftop bar is a real power move, with cocktails strong enough to make you feel like you just won an election. If this place were still making headlines, it would be for luxury, comfort, and five-star treatment. The only thing shady about the Watergate now is the perfect sunset over the river. In short: no leaks, no scandals, no cover-ups — just an outstanding stay. I’d absolutely return for a second term. 🇺🇸🍸🏨"
— Johnny Burtnett
View on Google"My wife and I had a wonderful stay at the Watergate. Most notable to us was the attention to detail and thoroughness of the housekeeping staff. In general, all the staff were very kind and welcoming. We felt we were able to easily access much of the westside of DC by walking. The rooms are nice, quiet, and appear relatively recently renovated."
— Rehan Milarachi
View on Google"Some say that customer service is a lost art - not at the Watergate. My two day stay here was impeccable. The receptionists were polite and easily catered to my needs. The room was cool and stylish. And the views and location - second to none in DC. If you're not staying here as a guest, The Next Whiskey Bar is one of the most underrated bars in the city. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly endorse a stay at the Watergate."
— Brett B
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