The Watergate Hotel

I checked out last night (19 Nov 2025) after staying one night at the Watergate Hotel. The good: - Excellent location right by the Kennedy Center - Friendly and helpful staff. I couldn't get a late check out but fair enough; hotel was fully booked. - Clean and spacious room - I didn't use the gym and spa but I took a peek and they looked quite nice - Included breakfast was OK The bad: There was a surprise 'resort fee' of $48.98 that was charged to my credit card. When I asked about it I was told that is different from the booking fee in that I pay it at the hotel, not while booking. Apparently the papar I signed when I checked in included a reference to it. ... Which is completely ridiculous in my opinion. I've stayed in hotels all over the world and this is *not* standard practice. I can't help but feel like this is a form of extortion, and it surprises me that this kind of thing is legal. I wouldn't mind the extra cost if it were transparent and included in the original booking price which was covered by my company, but springing it on me after I check out strikes me as sketchy and disingenuous. I have no idea why an otherwise professional establishment would choose to do this kind of thing. It just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Anyway to sum all was great except for surprise fee.

Jacintah upfront at check in was incredible to work with amazing recommendations. The experience was great and she helped me find some cool places in the area. Great Customer service

A delightful and historic hotel. The staff were friendly and very pleasant. Our room was well appointed and had a view over the Potomac River. The Last Whisky Bar is also worth visiting for stylish cocktails.

Visited here for the weekend a couple weeks ago. Overall average experience. The loation is great but much like the rest of the United States it suffers from a serious issue of degradation. There was mold in the room, the curtains were barely hanging on, the night manager was an absolute pain to deal with when checking in, absolutely the opposite of Hospitable. Besides this manager, the entire staff from sky bar to valet was amazing. Just wish hotels would dial in the experience much more especially when asking for such insane amounts of money. The experience overall was surreal, the views and historical significance of the area probably saves this location. Overall a visit, hotel operations have tons of improvement to do so do not expect a luxurious experience.

I stayed for a conference and arrived early morning, had jet lagged, didn’t expect the room to be ready by that time and was willing to wait. The female receptionist was very kind and found a room that was available. (Didn’t get the name, but you are wonderful!) When I just arrived at the door, Azis at the door greeted me kindly and assisted with luggage and offered assistance to the room. He also helped me getting around the area. Truly an asset! Housekeeping service was excellent and fantastic. All my items were organized, fresh towels provided again. Asked for a toothpaste and it was delivered in timely manner. Food at the conference was delicious. All the banquet staff were incredible. Shout out to Moses-I think(Spanish speaking gentleman) who always smiles! Breakfast was great too! Sauna and Steam room were top notch as well as the pool and spa area. Definitely will come back and will recommend! The only issue was the phone in the room didn’t work, i reported to the front desk and the gentleman was very kind to offer me to fix it but I declined. Not a big deal! Additionally, maybe for guest’s items in the room should not be moved to different places. (organized is okay but not moved) - I don’t know if that is the procedure but thought to just throw an opinion. But overall, exceptional!!! I left as an extremely happy guest :)