The Watergate Hotel has leaned hard into its association with the Watergate scandal, creating a unique, quirky experience. I appreciated the subtle references to break-ins and theft, as well as the retro typewriter font used throughout the facility -- room keys, pens, even on the depth markers at the edges of the pool.
The decor is luxuriously sleek, with highly polished black marble bathroom flooring and countertops and gleaming chrome accents. Our room was well-appointed with plush bathrobes, spacious shower, and thick bath towels. We also had a large balcony overlooking the gardens, and could see the river around the end.
The spa area has a sizable indoor pool, spacious spa, and a large teak sauna. The tall chrome faucets beside the spa and pool create generate waterfall-like white noise that effectively drowns out other guests' conversations and further enhances the relaxing atmosphere.
Now some of the downsides:
The location is inconvenient if you wish to sightsee without a car. There is very little to see within a reasonable walking distance, and the Metro station is not nearby.
Despite the ice buckets in the rooms, there are no ice makers for guests. If you want ice, you have to call, then wait for someone to bring it. Not great when you want to leave the room quickly and take a cold beverage with you.
The credenza is too big for the room, and the minibar door it contained could not be fully opened because it hit the corner of the bed. It was impossible to roll a carryon suitcase through that same space. Oddly, there was a large empty area at the end opposite the bathroom, yet only a single chair provided, despite ample space for a second.
Some lights cannot be controlled independently. Wall plates control a few, others have incorporated switches, but a few, like the wall sconce and those over the window, could only be controlled via a digital panel, and then only in conjunction with several other lights. The TV system felt dated and didn't provide for casting from your own device. Music streaming was available only for a fee, which was particularly annoying having just left a hotel where I could cast movies and Spotify from my streaming services.
Overall, our stay was enjoyable, and we would probably return, but a few minor improvements would make a stay at The Watergate Hotel far more pleasant.
