In the trendy Wharf neighborhood of Washington, D.C. stands the trendy Pendry Washington, DC. This architectural marvel, designed as an inverted pyramid, rises 12 stories above the Potomac River, offering stunning views, luxury accommodations, and quality eats and drinks in the southwest of the city.
The 7th Pendry property to open its doors, the D.C. outpost keeps with the boutique brand’s signature embrace of modern design and timeless luxury. The experience starts the moment you enter the lobby, which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Wharf by a covered portico. A large art piece by Kenneth Emig, created specifically for the hotel, is meant to evoke a sense of calm and curiosity at once, the same experience the Pendry hopes to offer in its home away from home for guests.
Upon arrival, enjoy one of the Pendry’s signature complimentary welcome drinks, comprising a daily juice spiked with your choice of alcohol. While there’s relatively limited seating within the lobby proper (save for comfortable arm chairs for guests during the check-in process), the stunning Pendry Bar, located immediately to the left of the main entrance, is an ideal space for early arrivers or latecomers alike, what with its speakeasy style decor, extensive and rotating menu of seasonal craft cocktails, and elevated bar bites.
Guest rooms are spread throughout the 2nd through 11th floor, all of which offer sun-drenched rooms thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. And because of the unique design of the building, which extends further and further toward the water as the floors rise, the views from higher floors are just as beautiful as those closer to the water’s edge on lower floors.
Light wood floors in guestrooms are made to feel homier with the use of accent rugs, while elegant French doors separate spacious bathrooms from the main living quarters. We love the velvet and leather textiles used throughout living spaces for an extra dose of luxury, and those jewel tones serve as an excellent foil to the modern black and white design of the bathrooms. If you’re a fan of baths, be sure to request a room with one of the large soaking tubs.
Luckily, the Pendry is located in the heart of one of D.C.’s newest dining districts, which means that food and beverage options abound within walking distance. But really, all you need to do is take the elevator to the roof for one of the most spectacular experiences the Wharf has to offer. At Moonraker, the property’s beautiful rooftop bar, you’ll find breathtaking views of the Potomac, and peaks of the Tidal Basin. But just as importantly, you’ll find a mouth-watering menu of Japanese-inspired specialties. Don’t miss the Tokyo fried chicken, Chanan Pork Belly Fried Rice, and specialty sushi rolls. Beverage options highlight the unique selection of Japanese whisky, which are housed in the distinctive circular bar that is the centerpiece of the restaurant.
If you’re looking to work off the delight of the Pendry food and beverage options, head to the all-day fitness center, complete with Technogym fitness equipment, Peloton bikes, and even a few Theraguns. Alternatively, if you’d rather head outside for your workout, the Pendry’s concierge team has plenty of recommendations for walking, running, and biking routes, which can be experienced by way of complimentary in-house electric bikes.
Alternatively, for the ultimate in pampering, check out the Spa Pendry D.C., which offers five treatment rooms and custom beauty and body treatments. And once you’re done, head to the beautiful infinity pool (heated, by the way), which replaces chlorine with saline.
Suffice it to say that for savvy, luxury-seeking travelers, the Pendry D.C. is an obvious choice for your next trip to the capital.
Top Takeaways
Location: Washington, D.C.
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Contemporary chic luxury with water-centric amenities
Food + Drink: There are three dining options at the Pendry – check out Bar Pendry for a speakeasy vibe in the evening, or head to Moonraker for a luxurious rooftop experience. While at the pool, be sure to check out the all-day pool terrace menu.
Amenities: fitness center; spa; pool; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces; house bikes
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Bar Pendry’s is one of the most intimate hotel bars we’ve seen, and a must-visit for both guests and D.C. locals
5 Nearby Attractions: Wharf shopping/dining district, Washington Monument, Jefferson Monument, Tidal Basin, National Mall
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: During summer months, across the cobblestone streets of the Wharf and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the Potomac.
Rooms: 131 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $335/night
Closest Airport: Reagan National Airport
