Watergate Hotel to Reopen

Empty for seven years, the Watergate, a building inextricably tied to the downfall of President Richard Nixon, is reopening as a luxury hotel, according to The New York Times.

Purchased by Euro Capital Properties in 2010, the $125 million makeover has begun with a complete gutting operation. “The original Watergate Hotel, even though it was successful in the 1970s and ’80s, wasn’t taking complete advantage of the full potential of the property and its great location on the Potomac River,” said Jacques Cohen, a principal of Euro Capital.

The owners of the complex intend to change that. Capacity will be increased by 100 rooms, and there will be an addition of 17,000 square feet of meeting space, plus a grand ballroom. A craft whisky bar, four community terraces, rooftop bar and lounge and much more private balcony space round out the improvements for future guests, in addition to the amenities and luxury of the individual rooms.

The exterior will be largely preserved, intended to appear as a boat on the Potomac by architect Luigi Moretti when he designed the building in the early ‘60s. His curved motifs are moving indoors as well. “All of our furniture and public spaces are curved, there’s not a straight line in sight,” Cohen said.

It’s a new beginning for the site, but a little advice for the security staff: Keep an eye out for taped door latches.

Source: Travel Pulse