The Watergate Hotel
Best for travelers who want a landmark property with Potomac views, a restored 1960s design and an on-site boutique spa and rooftop bar.
Hotel comparison guide
The Watergate Hotel vs Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
The Watergate Hotel is a restored five-star landmark in Foggy Bottom with a riverfront position, a restored indoor saltwater pool and a compact, design-forward luxury feel. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is a large, established five-star hotel on M Street that suits travelers who want full-service city-hotel amenities and lots of meeting space.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Best for guests who need larger meeting space, a broad set of full-service hotel amenities and a central Georgetown/M Street address.
Quick Verdict: The Watergate Hotel vs Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
When The Watergate Hotel wins: pick The Watergate if you want a smaller, design-forward stay with strong river views, a restored indoor saltwater pool and signature venues like Kingbird, The Next Whisky Bar and Top of the Gate.
When Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown wins: choose the Fairmont if you need a larger hotel footprint, extensive conference/banquet space, more meeting rooms and easy access to George Washington University and M Street shopping.
Bottom line: both are five-star, family-friendly Washington hotels near Georgetown; The Watergate is the choice for riverfront landmark character and boutique-style luxury, while the Fairmont is the practical pick for bigger groups, events and more on-site meeting amenities.
The Watergate Hotel vs Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – At a Glance
| Category | The Watergate Hotel | Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic Watergate landmark with design-led rooms and river-facing public spaces | Large, classic city hotel offering broad full-service amenities |
| Location (neighborhood) | Foggy Bottom / Watergate complex, steps from Kennedy Center and Potomac | Near Georgetown on M Street NW; short walk to George Washington University |
| Distance between hotels | about 1.2 km from Fairmont | |
| Size (guest rooms) | 336 rooms and suites | Not published |
| Pools | One restored indoor heated saltwater pool (hotel guests) — three lap lanes | Indoor pool with pool hoist on site (supplier listing) |
| Restaurants & bars | Kingbird (signature restaurant), The Next Whisky Bar, seasonal rooftop Top of the Gate | Juniper Restaurant (1 main restaurant) and 2 bars/lounges |
| Spa & wellness | Argentta Spa with treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and 24-hour fitness center | Fitness classes, sauna and on-site health club listed; spa/beauty services nearby |
| Meetings & events | Moretti Grand Ballroom and roughly 27,000+ sq ft of event space across multiple venues | Large conference footprint: 29,000 sq ft and 21 meeting rooms |
| Known for | Watergate architecture, scandal-era history, rooftop views and Argentta Spa | Large-scale full-service hotel near Georgetown and George Washington University |
| Family & age policy | Family-friendly — children welcome; registering guest must be 21+ | Family-friendly; all ages welcome |
Location: Foggy Bottom vs M Street/Georgetown
The Watergate Hotel – Location
The Watergate sits in the Watergate complex adjacent to the Kennedy Center and along the Potomac.
- Steps from the Kennedy Center and Potomac waterfront; short walk to Georgetown Waterfront Park.
- Close walking distance to museums on the National Mall and many memorials.
- Rideshares and walking are convenient for most local sightseeing.
Choose The Watergate if you want immediate riverfront access and proximity to the Kennedy Center.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – Location
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is centrally located on M Street NW within easy reach of GWU and Georgetown shopping.
- About a 5-minute walk to George Washington University and a short drive to the National Mall.
- Close to Georgetown’s restaurants, shops and the Georgetown Waterfront.
- Preferred airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Pick the Fairmont for a stay focused on Georgetown, campus access and street-level shopping.
Rooms: intimate landmark design vs larger-scale city rooms
The Watergate Hotel – Rooms
The Watergate offers 336 rooms and suites across 14 floors with several river-view and balcony options.
- Room types include river-view, balcony and multiple named suites (Presidential, Scandal, Americana, Rose, Ambassador).
- Rooms emphasize design details and marble baths; minibars and in-room safes are standard.
- Wi‑Fi is available in guest rooms; check-in begins at 4:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM.
The Watergate is for travelers who value landmark character and curated room categories.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – Rooms
Fairmont markets itself as a large, upscale five-star hotel with full-service guest conveniences.
- Supplier listing does not publish a room count on the provided listing.
- Guestrooms include standard in-room conveniences, minibars and LCD TVs; free Wi‑Fi is noted.
- The hotel provides accessible features such as elevator access and wheelchair-accessible paths.
The Fairmont is more of a conventional, full-service city hotel — exact room mix not published here.
Dining & drinks: signature local menus vs full-service city options
The Watergate Hotel – Dining & drinks
The Watergate keeps dining focused and destination-driven with Kingbird and several bars.
- Kingbird serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and afternoon tea with a seasonal, locally sourced menu.
- The Next Whisky Bar focuses on whisky, cigars and evening drinks; Top of the Gate is seasonal rooftop bar.
- Valet parking is validated for Kingbird diners for up to 3 hours (fee applies).
The Watergate is ideal when you want signature DC dining and rooftop river views on-site.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – Dining & drinks
Fairmont offers on-site dining at Juniper Restaurant and two bars/lounges.
- Juniper specializes in American cuisine and provides breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
- Two bars/lounges allow for evening drinks without leaving the property.
- 24-hour room service is available for guests who prefer in-room dining.
Fairmont suits guests seeking a broader set of hotel dining and convenient room service.
Pools & signature amenity
The Watergate Hotel – Pools & signature amenity
The Watergate’s restored indoor heated saltwater pool is a distinctive, historic on-site amenity.
- Indoor saltwater pool restored from the 1960s design with silver-flecked tiles and three lap lanes.
- Pool access and spa facility areas (sauna, steam room, whirlpool) are included for hotel guests.
- The pool is part of Argentta Spa; public hours are published in the hotel compendium.
The Watergate’s indoor pool is a standout historic feature for wellness-minded guests.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – Pools & signature amenity
Fairmont lists an indoor pool and pool hoist among its accessible amenities.
- Supplier listing notes an indoor pool and pool hoist on site (accessibility support).
- Fitness classes and a health club are also available on the property.
- Exact pool details (size, temperature) are not published in the supplier listing.
Fairmont is a solid full-service option with pool access and accessibility features, though specifics are limited in the listing.
Wellness & nightlife
The Watergate Hotel – Wellness & nightlife
The Watergate combines Argentta Spa services with late-evening bars and a seasonal rooftop lounge.
- Argentta Spa offers massages, body treatments and HydraFacials; spa treatments are paid add-ons.
- 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment is open to guests.
- Nightlife on-site includes The Next Whisky Bar and seasonal rooftop Top of the Gate.
Choose The Watergate for a compact wellness program plus hotel bars and rooftop evenings.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – Wellness & nightlife
Fairmont’s on-site wellness features include fitness and class programming; nightlife is quieter by comparison.
- Fitness classes (yoga, Pilates) are offered on site and a health club/sauna is available.
- Fairmont lists 2 bars/lounges for evening drinks but does not emphasize a rooftop nightlife venue.
- Spa or extensive treatment-room details are not published on the supplied listing; a nearby health/beauty spa is noted.
Fairmont is suited to guests who want fitness classes and a conventional hotel-bar setup rather than a rooftop scene.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel — riverfront rooms, rooftop bar and Potomac-facing public spaces.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown — 29,000 sq ft of conference space and 21 meeting rooms.
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel — design-led rooms, landmark architecture and an intimate spa.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown — larger property scale and family-friendly on-site services.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →The Watergate Hotel vs Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown: FAQs
Which hotel is closer to Georgetown University?
Fairmont is a short walk to George Washington University; The Watergate is roughly 1.1–1.6 miles from Georgetown University depending on the route.
Which hotel has a better rooftop bar/view?
The Watergate has Top of the Gate, a seasonal rooftop bar with 360-degree Potomac and skyline views; Fairmont’s listing does not highlight a rooftop venue.
Are both hotels family-friendly?
Yes. Both properties welcome families; The Watergate requires the registering guest to be at least 21 but children may stay when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Which property is better for meetings and events?
Fairmont lists 29,000 sq ft of conference space and 21 meeting rooms, making it the stronger choice for larger meetings; The Watergate also offers extensive event space including the Moretti Grand Ballroom.
More The Watergate Hotel Comparison Guides
Explore how The Watergate Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
- The Watergate Hotel vs Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
- The Watergate Hotel vs Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- The Watergate Hotel vs Willard InterContinental Washington
- The Watergate Hotel vs The Hay-Adams
- The Watergate Hotel vs The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
- The Watergate Hotel vs The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
- The Watergate Hotel vs Park Hyatt Washington
- The Watergate Hotel vs Rosewood Washington, D.C.
- The Watergate Hotel vs The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
- The Watergate Hotel vs Conrad Washington, DC
- The Watergate Hotel vs JW Marriott Washington DC
- The Watergate Hotel vs Pendry Washington DC The Wharf
- The Watergate Hotel vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
- The Watergate Hotel vs MGM National Harbor
- The Watergate Hotel vs Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
- The Watergate Hotel vs Hotel Washington
- The Watergate Hotel vs Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
- The Watergate Hotel vs The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
- All The Watergate Hotel comparisons
Book your stay
Rooftop Views & Potomac Access
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge