D.C.’s Watergate Hotel tries for a new kind of intrigue

With the midterms just around the corner, all eyes will be on Washington D.C. to see where the political winds blow. In 1972 all eyes were on Room 214 at The Watergate Hotel. That’s where E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, who helmed The Watergate break-in team, stationed themselves while communicating with everyone involved in the burglary of the Democratic National Committee in the adjoining Watergate Complex. A Watergate security guard named Frank Wills noticed suspicious activity, which prompted him to call the police and ultimately led to the discovery of the scandal.

Originally designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti, the hotel made waves with its groundbreaking contemporary style and quickly came to epitomize the fabulous lifestyle and sophistication of its time. Fifty years since it first opened, the hotel received a $200 million renovation and introduced new vibrant spaces such as The Next Whisky Bar, Kingbird, Top of the Gate and Argentta Spa.

Guests who want to truly experience a piece of the hotel’s historical roots can book Scandal Room 214. The room was conceptualized, curated and designed by Lyn Paolo, the costume designer of the hit series Scandal, and Rakel Cohen, co-owner of the hotel, to create a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.

Among the subtle nods to The Watergate break-in throughout the property, guests will find room keys that read “No Need to Break-In,” the main phone number alluding to the break-in date (844-617-1972), Nixon speeches instead of hold music, in-room pencils engraved with “I Stole This from the Watergate Hotel” and more.

The Watergate Hotel is located within walking distance to both the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Georgetown neighborhood, should you need to make a quick escape.

For more visit thewatergatehotel.com.