The famous Watergate Hotel, better known for its role in the biggest political scandal in U.S. history, reopened for the first time since closing in 2007 after a $125 million renovation. Originally opened in 1965, the hotel’s guest rooms and other interior spaces have been completely revamped by London-based Ron Arad Architects.
“I have a confession to make: our initial attraction to this project was actually the Watergate scandal,” Arad said in a press release. “It is fantastic that this starting point led us to work on a project that also has such a great architectural legacy. Working within such a significant period piece, you can’t ignore the context, but at the same time you don’t want to mimic it.”
The hotel will consist of 343 guestrooms, 95 percent of which will feature views of the Potomac River, and there will be a rooftop bar with a 360 degree view of the city.
Guests are free to take the pens inscribed with “Stolen from The Watergate Hotel” and key cards that read “no need to break in.”
Emmy Award–winning Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant was in charge of the staff uniforms.
For more information visit www.thewatergatehotel.com.
