The Watergate Hotel reopens after nine-year, $169m renovation

The iconic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. re-opens this week following an extensive tip-to-tail overhaul that has kept the property closed since 2007 and cost its owners upwards of A$169 million.

Synonymous with the Nixon-era Watergate scandal in the nearby office complex of the same name, the hotel enjoys a pristine location on the banks of the Potomac River with half of the 336 modern guestrooms each featuring private balconies…

… and all offering floor-to-ceiling Zebrano marble bathrooms with solid granite vanities:

Also not forgotten are 24 Premier Suites, six Diplomat Suites and two Presidential Suites, scented with the hotel’s signature Red Flower Oakwood fragrance.

Guests and visitors can dine at Kingbird, a contemporary restaurant mixed with a riverfront bar, while the hotel lobby features The Next Whisky Bar offering an extensive spirit and cigar list, and the rooftop a new venue in Top of the Gate, opening later this year with 360-degree views.

As you’d expect, there’s also a gymnasium, a restoration of the original 13m indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and a day spa with eight treatment suites, sauna and steam rooms and a relaxation area.

Also read: First glimpse: The Peninsula Beijing's $182 million revamp

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.