One of the most elite and storied properties in the nation’s capital is not a monument or museum. It is the Watergate Hotel, once the scene of clandestine affairs, scandal, political upheaval and 1970s glamor.
Alas, the infamous but stylish rendezvous with spectacular views of the Potomac River lurched toward bankruptcy and closed a dozen years ago, complete with a sale of its contents.
But things change.
Voila! Following a $125 million renovation, the new Watergate Hotel is set to reopen this summer, with management fully intent on embracing the past, advising in a promotional video: “We’ve never been a stranger to slander.” A couple lingers and embraces in the black-and-white footage, there is intrigue.
Indeed. The glitzy retro appeal of the old Watergate and “mid-century esthetic” has been preserved, says Jacques Cohen, principal at Euro Capital Properties, a development company.
Employees will be clad in uniforms crafted by Janie Bryant, who designed all the snappy power wardrobes for the AMC network’s iconic 1960s drama “Mad Men.”
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Yes, the new hotel features all the meetings rooms, ballrooms and other fixtures typical of an urban retreat. Mr. Cohen and company are anticipating 2016, when the presidential election cranks the city into high gear, and a hotel can become center stage.
There’s also a rooftop lounge, a whisky bar, a cigar lounge, a quartet of outdoor terraces, plus 340 sleek, sumptuous guest rooms turned out in white, pewter and bronze tones to be had for $400 a night.
The ceremonial “topping off” event for construction was conducted Thursday, drawing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, local officials and creative teams.
Hopes are high.
“It’s going to take back its place as one of the best iconic properties. It’s going to come back as a true power spot in Washington,” Mr. Cohen said.
And for those trying to remember: The break-in at the sixth-floor Democratic National Committee offices in the Watergate complex that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation took place on June 17, 1972. The five “burglars” had rented Rooms 214 and 314 in the hotel — the old one, of course.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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