
The Watergate Hotel
Best for travelers who want a historic, design-forward hotel beside the Potomac and easy walking access to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Watergate Hotel is a restored five-star landmark on the Potomac in Foggy Bottom, mixing midcentury history with refined dining and an indoor saltwater pool; this guide is for travelers who want landmark character and easy Kennedy Center access. Pendry Washington DC The Wharf is a contemporary five-star waterfront hotel at The Wharf—read this if you want newer design, a lively Wharf scene, and rooftop/pool amenities.
Updated

Best for travelers who want a historic, design-forward hotel beside the Potomac and easy walking access to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.

Best for guests who prefer a newer, fashion-forward hotel on The Wharf with poolside programming and modern Japanese-influenced dining.
When The Watergate Hotel wins: choose Watergate if you value a restored midcentury landmark, direct adjacency to the Kennedy Center, a notable indoor heated saltwater pool at Argentta Spa, and a sense of history tied to the Watergate Complex.
When Pendry Washington DC The Wharf wins: pick Pendry if you want a newer, scene-focused five-star on The Wharf with an outdoor seasonal pool, contemporary rooms with river views, and easier access to Wharf dining, waterfront walks and nightlife.
Bottom line: both are five-star waterfront hotels in DC but in different neighborhoods — Watergate leans historic and Potomac/performing-arts–oriented; Pendry is newer, more nightlife- and Wharf–centric. Your choice comes down to neighborhood and the style of stay you prefer.
| Category | The Watergate Hotel | Pendry Washington DC The Wharf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Restored 1960s landmark with refined, midcentury-inspired design | Stylish, contemporary luxury with scene-driven public spaces |
| Location | Foggy Bottom, beside the Kennedy Center and Potomac River | The Wharf waterfront in Southwest DC, near museums and the National Mall |
| Size (rooms) | 336 rooms and suites | 131 rooms and suites |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; registering guest must be 21+ | |
| Pools | Indoor heated saltwater pool (Argentta Spa); no outdoor hotel pool | Seasonal outdoor pool plus hot tub and poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Kingbird plus The Next Whisky Bar and seasonal rooftop Top of the Gate (1 restaurant, 3 bars/lounges) | Moonraker (Japanese) plus 2 bars/lounges and poolside dining (1 restaurant, 2 bars/lounges) |
| Spa & wellness | Argentta Spa with treatments, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and 24-hour fitness | Full-service spa, 24-hour fitness, hot tub and seasonal outdoor pool |
| Known for | Historic Watergate complex location, Kennedy Center proximity, indoor restored pool and rooftop views | Wharf waterfront location, modern design, poolside scene and Japanese-influenced Moonraker |
| Event / wedding spaces | Large meeting and wedding spaces including the Moretti Grand Ballroom and rooftop venue | Event space for weddings and meetings (specific capacities vary; see supplier listing) |
| Parking & access | Valet parking (surcharge); easy car/taxi access to central DC landmarks | Valet parking available (surcharge) and convenient Wharf docks/walkways |
The Watergate sits in Foggy Bottom beside the Kennedy Center and the Potomac River.
Pick Watergate for proximity to performing arts, Georgetown walks and a quieter Potomac-side neighborhood.
Pendry Washington DC The Wharf is on the active Southwest Wharf waterfront, near museums and Wharf venues.
Choose Pendry for immediate Wharf nightlife, waterfront promenades and easy access to Wharf attractions.
The Watergate offers a large room inventory with many river-view and balcony options.
Watergate is better if you want more room-type variety and larger-suite options tied to a landmark property.
Pendry has 131 contemporary rooms and suites, several with partial river views and multi-bedroom suites.
Pendry suits travelers who prefer a newer, design-focused room inventory with an intimate footprint.
The Watergate centers its food and drink around Kingbird plus distinct cocktail destinations.
Watergate is a strong pick for pre-theater dinners and classic hotel bars with river views.
Pendry offers modern dining with Moonraker as its signature restaurant and poolside beverage options.
Pendry works well if you want contemporary Japanese-leaning dining and active poolside social hours on the Wharf.
Argentta Spa includes the Watergate’s restored indoor heated saltwater pool — a distinctive historic feature.
If an indoor restored pool and full spa facilities matter, The Watergate is the choice.
Pendry features a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub as part of its waterfront leisure offering.
Pendry is better for travelers who prioritize an outdoor, social pool experience at the Wharf.
The Watergate’s Argentta Spa is a large, full-service spa with indoor pool amenities and a 24-hour gym.
Watergate pairs a comprehensive spa program with classic hotel bars and a seasonal rooftop.
Pendry combines a full-service spa with a nightlife- and Wharf-oriented public program.
Pendry emphasizes social, waterfront nightlife and a modern spa/pool mix for a younger, scene-oriented crowd.

The Watergate Hotel — steps from the Kennedy Center and easy for pre-theater dinners.

Pendry Washington DC The Wharf — located on The Wharf with immediate access to waterfront dining and bars.

The Watergate Hotel — Argentta Spa includes the restored indoor heated saltwater pool and steam/sauna facilities.

Pendry Washington DC The Wharf — seasonal outdoor pool, poolside bar and cabana options.
The Watergate Hotel is adjacent to the Kennedy Center (about a 5–8 minute walk).
Pendry Washington DC The Wharf has a seasonal outdoor pool; The Watergate has an indoor heated saltwater pool at Argentta Spa.
Both properties accept children as hotel guests; the registering guest is subject to minimum-age policies (Watergate requires the registering guest to be 21).
The Watergate Hotel has 336 rooms and suites versus Pendry’s 131 rooms and suites.
Explore how The Watergate Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·