WASHINGTON- The iconic Watergate Hotel is re-opening this summer after $225 million in renovations done over the last seven years.
The hotel’s co-owner Jacques Cohen of real estate developer, Euro Capital Properties said at a topping off ceremony inside the hotel today, “The Watergate was once the finest address in Washington, and we’re restoring it to be the finest address in Washington.”
The hotel, which co-owner Rakel Cohen said was once the most luxurious and glamorous in history, boasts 340 rooms with rates starting at $400 a night, casual and fine dining restaurants, a whisky bar, a rooftop bar and a spa. Hotel staff will wear retro-inspired uniforms by Mad Med costume designer Janie Bryant.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke at today’s ceremony as construction crews worked in a room behind her.
“We know that they’re [the Cohens] not only opening another world-class hotel here in the District of Columbia, but they’re also creating opportunities for D.C. residents,” Bowser said noting the renovations created 350 construction jobs, and, once open, the hotel will create more jobs in hospitality industry.
When the former hotel closed more than a decade ago, the building’s fate was uncertain with talk of it possibly being turned into condos. Ward 2 D.C. Councilman Jack Evans said he’s glad the building will remain a hotel with all the grandeur it once had. He added it it will be a destination point for tourists coming to the city.
In 1972 the Democratic National Committee headquarters inside the hotel was burglarized. President Richard Nixon resigned after it was revealed that officials in his administration orchestrated the break-in and subsequent cover up.
Source: WMAL.com.