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The Watergate Hotel Washington, District of Columbia
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Hotel comparison guide

The Watergate Hotel vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

The Watergate Hotel is a five-star, historic Foggy Bottom landmark with Potomac views, an indoor saltwater pool, and several signature dining and rooftop venues; read this if you want classic D.C. style, a strong spa program, or easy access to the Kennedy Center. InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is an upscale five-star waterfront hotel in The Wharf district; read this if you want polished, full-service waterfront lodging close to National Mall attractions and a busy Wharf scene.

Updated · about 2.0 km apart

Bathroom floor mat, slippers and a robe in a guest bathroom at The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

Historic landmark · Potomac riverfront · Spa-forward

Best for travelers who value history, a restored indoor saltwater pool and a strong on-site dining/drink scene steps from the Kennedy Center.

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InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

Waterfront Wharf district · Large meeting space · Full-service spa & pool

Best for travelers who want a polished, brand-level waterfront stay with larger conference space, multiple bars/lounges and easy access to Wharf attractions.

Quick Verdict: The Watergate Hotel vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

When The Watergate Hotel wins: choose The Watergate for the hotel's history and setting in Foggy Bottom, its restored indoor heated saltwater pool and Argentta Spa, and the rooftop and intimate bars (Top of the Gate, The Next Whisky Bar) for skyline and Potomac views.

When InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf wins: pick the InterContinental for a modern waterfront location inside The Wharf district, a large inventory of room types including many river-view and balcony options, multiple bars/lounges, and extensive meeting and event facilities.

Bottom line: Both are five-star waterside choices in D.C.; pick The Watergate for character, spa/pool amenities and proximity to the Kennedy Center/Georgetown, and pick the InterContinental for Wharf access, more river-view room variations and larger conference resources.

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The Watergate Hotel vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Watergate Hotel and InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
CategoryThe Watergate HotelInterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
Overall vibeHistoric, design-forward five-star hotel with a restored 1960s aesthetic and theatrical bars/rooftop.Contemporary, upscale international-brand hotel focused on polished waterfront service in The Wharf district.
LocationFoggy Bottom on the Potomac, adjacent to the Kennedy Center and a short walk to Georgetown Waterfront Park.The Wharf waterfront district (801 Wharf Street SW), close to National Mall sites and Wharf venues.
Size (rooms)336 guest rooms and suites across 14 floors.278 air-conditioned rooms (supplier listing).
PoolsOne restored indoor heated saltwater pool (three lap lanes); no hotel outdoor pool.Outdoor seasonal pool (seasonal) plus poolside bar (wheelchair-accessible pool listed).
Spa & wellnessArgentta Spa — full-service spa with treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and 24-hour fitness center.Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials; fitness center on-site.
Restaurants & barsKingbird (signature restaurant), The Next Whisky Bar, Top of the Gate rooftop — dining + 3 bars/lounges total.
Meetings & eventsExtensive event space (more than 27,000 sq ft) including the 6,819 sq ft Moretti Grand Ballroom and rooftop venues.About 17,000 sq ft of conference space with 11 meeting rooms and ballroom capacity; limo/town car service available.
Family policy / age limitsAll-ages property; registering guest must be 21 but children may stay with a parent/guardian.All-ages property (supplier listing notes up to 2 children 17 and younger stay free when occupying parent/guardian room); registering-guest minimum age not published.
Parking & transportValet parking (paid); near Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro and ride-share access; water-taxi options nearby.Self parking and valet options (surcharge noted); complimentary area shuttle within 2.00 mi; near Wharf transit and attractions.
Known forWatergate history, rooftop views, Argentta Spa and the restored indoor saltwater pool.Polished waterfront location in The Wharf, river-view rooms and multiple public bars/lounges.

A Look Inside The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Watergate Hotel: diningDiningThe Watergate Hotel: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Foggy Bottom vs The Wharf

The Watergate Hotel – Location

The Watergate sits in Foggy Bottom adjacent to the Kennedy Center and a short walk to Georgetown waterfront.

  • Address: 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC; steps from the Kennedy Center.
  • Short walk (about 5–10 minutes) to George Washington University and Georgetown Waterfront Park.
  • National Mall and many museums are walkable (~10–15 minutes to the Mall per hotel materials).

Choose The Watergate if you want Kennedy Center proximity, quieter Foggy Bottom streets and easy Georgetown access.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Location

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is located in The Wharf district on the Southwest waterfront, near Wharf attractions.

  • Address: 801 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC in the heart of The Wharf district.
  • Close driving distance to National Mall monuments and museums (hotel highlights distances to Mall sites).
  • Right by Wharf restaurants, music venues and water-based transit such as water taxi connections.

Choose the InterContinental for being inside the active Wharf neighborhood and quick access to Wharf dining and water transport.

Rooms: Character suites vs many river-view options

The Watergate Hotel – Rooms

The Watergate offers 336 rooms and suites with a range of named suites and some river- or balcony-view options.

  • Room types include Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Premier rooms with balconies and many suites (Presidential, Diplomat, Scandal, Americana, etc.).
  • Emphasis on marble baths, premium amenities, mini-bars and restored-period design details.
  • Suites and select rooms offer Potomac or river views and balcony options.

Book The Watergate for signature, design-led rooms and a wide suite selection tied to the hotel's historic identity.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Rooms

InterContinental lists 278 air-conditioned rooms with many Wharf- and river-view and balcony options.

  • RoomTypes include Classic Room, Premium Room (Wharf View, River View), many balcony and high-floor configurations, and multiple suite types (Compass, Knot, Anchor, Constellation, Water Suite).
  • Several accessible room options are included in the public room-type list.
  • Room inventory emphasizes river views and balcony choices for waterfront-facing guests.

Pick the InterContinental for modern rooms with many dedicated river-view and balcony options across a well-defined set of room types.

Dining & drinks: Kingbird and rooftop vs Wharf restaurants

The Watergate Hotel – Dining & drinks

The Watergate centers dining on Kingbird plus several bars including a whisky bar and a seasonal rooftop lounge.

  • Kingbird serves breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and afternoon tea with an Italian-steakhouse/modern American leaning.
  • The Next Whisky Bar focuses on whiskies, cigar service and seasonal cocktails; Top of the Gate rooftop offers 360-degree river and skyline views (seasonal).
  • Reservations recommended for Kingbird; valet parking validation available for diners.

The Watergate is best if you want strong, hotel-focused dining and late-evening bars with skyline/Potomac views.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Dining & drinks

InterContinental provides Willowsong as its signature restaurant plus room service and three bars/lounges, including a poolside bar.

  • Willowsong specializes in American cuisine; full breakfasts are available daily (surcharge).
  • Three bars/lounges and a poolside bar give multiple on-site drink options for Wharf guests.
  • Room service is offered during limited hours; multilingual staff and concierge services assist with Wharf reservations.

Choose the InterContinental for reliable brand-level restaurant service and easy access to a variety of Wharf dining options outside the hotel.

Pools & signature amenity: Indoor saltwater pool vs seasonal outdoor pool

The Watergate Hotel – Pools & signature amenity

The Watergate's signature wellness feature is its restored indoor heated saltwater pool within Argentta Spa.

  • Indoor saltwater pool: restored 1960s design, about 50 feet long with three lap lanes and dedicated aerobic area.
  • Pool and spa facility access (sauna, steam room, whirlpool) included for hotel guests; spa treatments are paid.
  • No hotel outdoor pool; rooftop lounge serves as the main outdoor public space.

The Watergate is the choice for year-round swimming inside a historic, restored indoor pool environment.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Pools & signature amenity

InterContinental lists an outdoor seasonal pool and poolside bar as part of its amenities.

  • Outdoor seasonal pool with pool sun loungers and a poolside bar (pool open seasonally; supplier listing notes seasonal pool).
  • Pool and lounge areas are wheelchair-accessible per listing; check hotel for seasonal dates.
  • Hotel offers concierge for local activities and a complimentary area shuttle within 2.00 mi.

InterContinental is the better pick if you prefer an outdoor seasonal pool and poolside lounge during warmer months.

Wellness & nightlife: Spa focus vs Wharf activity

The Watergate Hotel – Wellness & nightlife

The Watergate emphasizes its Argentta Spa and intimate nightlife bars tied to the hotel's character.

  • Argentta Spa (12,500 sq ft / multiple treatment rooms) offers signature massages, HydraFacials and body treatments; spa treatments Thu–Mon 10am–6pm per hotel compendium.
  • 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment.
  • Nightlife is concentrated in The Next Whisky Bar and the seasonal Top of the Gate rooftop (seasonal hours); Afternoon tea and brunch at Kingbird add daytime options.

The Watergate suits travelers who prioritize comprehensive spa services and hotel-led evening venues.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Wellness & nightlife

InterContinental offers a full-service spa and positions guests inside the Wharf nightlife and live-music scene.

  • Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials (reservations required for some services).
  • Fitness facilities and poolside bar complement on-site wellness.
  • Being in The Wharf places guests steps from music venues, restaurants, and waterfront nightlife.

Pick InterContinental when you want hotel spa services plus immediate access to the Wharf's external nightlife and entertainment.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for spa and indoor swimming
The Watergate Hotel lobby concierge desk with curved gold-toned counters and seating

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate — Argentta Spa and a restored indoor heated saltwater pool make it the stronger choice for year-round wellness.

Best for waterfront Wharf access
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf — located inside The Wharf district for immediate access to Wharf dining, venues and water-taxi options.

Best for historic character and rooftop views
Desk vignette with vintage typewriter and stationery in a The Watergate Hotel room

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate — the hotel's history, design details and Top of the Gate rooftop give it distinctive character and skyline views.

Best for meetings & groups
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf — sizable conference footprint (11 meeting rooms, ~17,000 sq ft) and event support for larger group needs.

Frequently asked questions

The Watergate Hotel vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf: FAQs

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Which hotel is better for a family with kids?

Both accept families. The Watergate highlights kid-friendly activities and an indoor pool; InterContinental allows up to 2 children 17 and under to stay free when occupying a parent/guardian room.

Which hotel is better for a theater night at the Kennedy Center?

The Watergate is adjacent to the Kennedy Center (about a 5–8 minute walk) and is convenient for pre- or post-show dining at Kingbird or the rooftop.

Do either hotel have a year-round outdoor pool?

No — The Watergate has a restored indoor heated saltwater pool (no hotel outdoor pool). InterContinental lists an outdoor seasonal pool (open seasonally).

Are both hotels pet-friendly?

The Watergate is pet-friendly with a published per-stay pet fee and in-room pet amenities; InterContinental’s supplier listing notes 'food and water bowls' and a pet fee (USD 75 per accommodation, per stay) in its policies.

More The Watergate Hotel Comparison Guides

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Indoor lap pool with steps and lounge seating at The Watergate Hotel
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