The Watergate Hotel
Iconic riverfront hotel with contemporary rooms & suites, plus a rooftop bar, fine dining & a spa.
The Watergate Hotel is rated 4.3 / 5 from 3,189 Google reviews and sits about 3.7 km (46 min walk) from Clarendon station.
General overview
About The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel is a luxury historic hotel on the Potomac River in Washington, DC, best known for its connection to the 1972 Watergate scandal, modern design, rooftop views, dining, and wellness facilities. Hotel guests and visitors may be able to access restaurants, bars, and selected amenities, while some facilities may require reservations or hotel access.
- Historic Watergate complex associated with the 1972 political scandal
- Potomac River and Georgetown-area location
- Rooftop lounge with Washington views
- Arguably one of Washington’s most recognizable mid-century modern hotels
- On-site dining, cocktails, and spa services
Things to do here
Watergate Hotel stay
Stay in a luxury hotel in the historic Watergate complex, with rooms and suites overlooking the Potomac River, Georgetown, or Washington, DC.
Rooftop lounge
Visit the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, widely known for panoramic city and river views. Access, opening days, and dress requirements may vary.
Argonaut Spa
Book massages, facials, and other wellness treatments at the hotel spa. Advance reservations are generally advisable.
On-site dining and cocktails
Enjoy hotel dining and drinks, including the property’s signature bar and restaurant offerings. Menus and venue names may change over time.
Watergate history and architecture
Explore the building’s distinctive 1960s modernist architecture and its place in American political history. The hotel is not generally operated as a dedicated Watergate-scandal museum.
Allow extra time for Washington traffic and hotel security or valet procedures. The hotel is near Foggy Bottom and Georgetown; Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro station is the nearest major Metrorail stop, though a walk or short taxi/rideshare connection may be needed.
Reserve rooms, spa treatments, restaurants, and rooftop seating in advance. Confirm whether non-hotel guests are being accepted for the venue you plan to visit.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
The Watergate Hotel is about 3.7 km (~46 min walk) from Clarendon station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Hyatt Centric Arlington
Hotels · 27 min walk
★ 4.3
US Marine Corps War Memorial
Places to visit · 28 min walk
★ 4.9
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Places to visit · 29 min walk
★ 4.9
Filomena Ristorante
Restaurants · 43 min walk
★ 4.6
maman
Restaurants · 45 min walk
★ 4.8
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Hotels · 47 min walk
★ 4.7
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to The Watergate Hotel from Clarendon station?
The Watergate Hotel is about 3693 m (roughly 46 min walk) from Clarendon station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is The Watergate Hotel rated?
The Watergate Hotel has a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 3,189 reviews.
What's near The Watergate Hotel?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Hyatt Centric Arlington, US Marine Corps War Memorial, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Is The Watergate Hotel wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for The Watergate Hotel: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking.
Is The Watergate Hotel good for children?
Yes — Google lists The Watergate Hotel as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at The Watergate Hotel?
Yes — Google lists The Watergate Hotel as dog-friendly.
Can I visit The Watergate Hotel without staying overnight?
Usually, non-hotel guests can visit operating restaurants, bars, and other public venues, but access may depend on capacity, reservations, private events, and current hotel policy.
Is there a Watergate scandal museum inside the hotel?
The hotel is historically associated with the Watergate scandal, but it is not generally a dedicated museum. Visitors can see the building and learn about its history through external resources or occasional hotel programming.
Do I need a ticket to enter?
There is normally no general admission ticket for the hotel. You pay separately for accommodation, food and drinks, spa treatments, parking, or special events.
Can I go to the rooftop just for a view?
Possibly, subject to rooftop operating hours, weather, capacity, reservations, and any access or minimum-spend policies. Confirm before traveling.
Is parking available?
Valet parking is generally offered, but it may be expensive and availability can vary. Rideshare or public transportation may be more convenient.
How close is the hotel to Georgetown and the National Mall?
The hotel is close to Georgetown and the Foggy Bottom area. The National Mall is reachable by taxi, rideshare, Metro, or a longer walk, depending on the destination.
Are spa treatments available to people who are not hotel guests?
Spa access for non-guests may be available by appointment, but policies can change. Contact the spa or hotel before booking.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.