Washington's infamous Watergate Hotel reopens after restoration
The Watergate Hotel in Washington DC, which was at the centre of the infamous political scandal that ended Nixon’s presidency, has reopened after an extensive restoration.
The building, which was home to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, was burgled and wire-tapped in 1972. A subsequent investigation revealed the direct involvement of the Nixon administration, leading to the president’s resignation in 1974. The revamped hotel is embracing its controversial history, with key cards that read "no need to break in” and pens inscribed with "Stolen from The Watergate Hotel.”
Closed since 2007, the hotel, which is situated on the banks of the Potomac River, has undergone a US$125 million renovation project. It relaunched this week with a series of new features, including a 1,100m² Argentta Spa; a rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of the Potomac River, Capitol and Washington Monument; and a new 650m² ballroom.
While the renovation retained and restored some of the hotel’s original features, such as the staircase and mosaic-tiled indoor pool, a new riverside restaurant and whisky bar have been installed. The hotel’s 336 rooms, which includes 6 exquisite Diplomat Suites, 24 premier suites and 2 stately Presidential Suites, have all been updated, along with its function space and public areas. “The Watergate is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous and illustrious hotels in the world,” said Rakel Cohen of the hotel’s owners, Euro Capital Properties.
“We paid meticulous attention to every detail in its renovation and we’re excited to bring our vision to life. Its intrigue is driven by evocative design, from the deep-rooted retro feel to the mystique that lies behind every curve of the hotel’s architecture.”
