The panoramic Potomac River views are the first and lasting impression to note about the Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf. The “little sister” hotel brand to Montage Hotels and Resorts can be found right in the middle of Washington, D.C.’s newer neighborhoods, ones that boomed post-pandemic for their mixed use of work and play.
To date, I’ve stayed in three Pendry hotels in the United States Northeast, and each one exudes contemporary luxury, but none quite match Washington DC - The Wharf’s full-frontal water views, inducing an “anchors away” feeling only found here.
Why stay at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
If you’re enticed by hotel pools, the Pendry has one facing the river perched above the Wharf’s pier walk. Curved design lines and soft corners carry through to furniture choices, communal hallways, and even the glass facade undulates in motion mimicking the nearby marina’s waves.
Stay here for the replenishing water views, and you’ll still have decent accessibility to the National Mall and the monuments (a 10 minute drive or 30 minute walk).
What are the rooms like at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
With 131 rooms including 38 suites, selection mostly hinders on how much of a river view you would like. There’s a trio to choose from with partial, deluxe, and corner rooms. If you’re trying to save a bit of your money then opt for a regular king room.
I stayed in a deluxe king river view and perched from my bed looking through the gleaming windows, I snacked on the sea salted dark chocolate candy provided at turndown service and had fun watching the planes take off every few minutes over the Potomac at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Soft wood tones are accented with velvet blackout curtains and floral patterns on the plush rug. In contrast to the soft colors and materials, the black and white marble bathroom takes it up a notch for a luxe look and feel. Mini bars are sensor-activated so touch and pick-up with extra care, and if you’re willing to pay the convenience price, then you have your selection of premium alcohol like Sipsmith London dry gin or a locally brewed pale ale with Pendry branded boxed snacks of butter caramel popcorn and Asiago cheese crackers. Other Pendry kits are also available for purchase if in a bind, like the smartphone charger with a multi-device cord or the ‘romance kit’.
Which are the best things to eat and drink at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
Moonraker takes you to the top of the hotel for more sweeping views and both indoor-outdoor seating. Several fire pits on the balcony make for cozy nighttime nooks for groups, and the central indoor bar creates a sophisticated late-night vibe. Moonraker serves up a Japanese influenced menu of the popular Maryland crab fried rice and Tokyo fried chicken, both of which can be noshed on while sipping a cocktail or mocktail, garnished with an impressive Pendry branded ice cube. Additional decor elements like the delicate hanging strands of white origami cranes augment the Japanese motif.
Bar Pendry invites locals and guests at lobby-level to order signature cocktails like Where There’s Smoke, an orange juice and ginger based drink with Casamigos Reposado and mezcal. There’s also flights of whiskey and bourbon with high proofs to kick-off or bookend the night.
The weekly Boozy Tea (available on Saturdays) beckons with a prix fixe price that includes three tea-based cocktails served up hot from the pot and in delicate Turkish tea glasses, alongside a savory and sweet pastry tier with chicken mooncakes and candied ginger cranberry scones (my personal favorite). It’s a rowdy yet refined affair that easily makes for an amusing happy hour.
What is the service like at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
It’s somewhat hands-off but not in a forgetful way, more of a “you do you” kind of way (so as not to be overbearing). I needed to change my Friday night dinner reservation at Moonraker at the last minute, and the front desk moved it to my exact desired time without any negotiation on my part. Feel free to skip ride shares if you’re making trips in relative close proximity to the hotel because they partner with Cadillac and offer complimentary comfortable rides.
What is the spa and gym like at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
The 24-hour gym feels sleek and smells brand-new—no stale scents here. Among the other cutting-edge equipment, there’s a handful of Theraguns for the taking to work out that stiff muscle that might bog you down.
The spa lounge looks out toward the terrace pool and with five treatment rooms sitting behind it, but the rolling footage unfortunately creates a conflict of noise while having a treatment.
Treatments span the massage and facial gamut with the opportunity for add-ons like hot stones or CBD products. The mellow CBD body products are available to purchase in the spa store as well as Vuori athleisure wear, or even a swimsuit should you have forgotten to pack one.
What’s the area like around Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
Depending on the season, it’s a wee bit windy along the marina and the wharf, but that shouldn’t stop you from walking the mile-long promenade filled with restaurants like Gordon Ramsey Fish & Chips. For an even fresher plate that isn’t fried, the Fish Market has operated as a neighborhood mainstay since 1805 as the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the U.S..
The hotel is surrounded by newly built condos and equally fresh businesses pandering to the condo life, like a sleek bakery, an independent bookstore, and a Whole Foods grocery. Right across the street sits the Arena Theater where you can catch a show that spans musicals to dance performances, like Step Afrika!. If tempted to visit a proper national monument, the closest one is Jefferson Memorial, a 25 minute walk away.
Why should you book a stay at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf?
If you get excited by sophisticated modern interiors, a lively pool terrace scene with served drinks, and a rooftop bar, then the hotel checks off all three. You’ll be hard pressed to find another stay in the middle of The Wharf with views as memorable as this, and the service certainly tops off a proper luxury feel.
DETAILS
Address: 655 Water St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Price per night: Rooms start at $450 per night
Closest transport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is approximately a 10-minute drive away / Amtrak Union Station is approximately a 15-minute drive away from the hotel
Book now: via Booking.com
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