The iconic Watergate Hotel made its renaissance debut in June 2016 after a $200 million renovation of the Luigi Moretti original, which dates from the 1960s. Moretti designed the complex with a vision of a “ship on the Potomac,” with curved lines that nod to the marine inspiration. The newly created hotel interior replicates his curvilinear architecture throughout, with spiral stairs, twisted columns made from mirror-polished, stainless-steel tubes and spiral steel shelving in the opulent Next Whiskey Bar in the lobby. Distinctive, softly rounded lobby furnishings by Ron Arad for Moroso include an abstract, red-felt sectional couch, playfully named “The Misfit Sofa,” as well as a custom-designed rug weaving black and gray threads into an elaborate pattern. Kingbird, a new double-height restaurant with eight large, specially designed spiral chandeliers under a black polished plaster ceiling, was also designed by Ron Arad Architects.
Sunset on the Potomac River and Watergate Building, Washington, D.C. Photo: Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
Curvaceous walls continue on a lower floor, where the Argentta Spa’s reception desk fronts an extraordinary curved wall with magical mosaics patterned with ready-to-bloom silver flowers. The new 12,500-square-foot complex includes a spacious gym with the newest high-tech equipment from TechnoGym, steam rooms, showers, a co-ed sauna, six individually-sized treatment rooms and a relaxation lounge. Luxury details are obvious in the Gharieni “heated treatment tables” and a lift in the whirlpool. What children of all ages love best is the original, 15-yard, indoor swimming pool, totally refurbished and flooded with natural light coming from high windows.
On upper floors, there are more than 300 upscale, stylish guestrooms designed for comfort and sophistication, with a soothing color palette; my room was one of 175 that feature a remarkable view of the Potomac River. Family-sized suites are beyond luxurious and also fit for diplomats and business tycoons. The retro 1960s style in the bedrooms boasts an abundance of curved lines, even on the desk and end tables.
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to delight in Top of the Gate, the rooftop bar area which offers outstanding 360-degree views of the Potomac, the Pentagon and city landmarks.
A take-home doll bed and Grand Hotel set are amenities included in The American Girl package, which takes place in The Rose Suite, a two-room suite with a pink décor. The package also includes a selection of dolls and clothes to enjoy during the stay. (The suite is also available for customized celebrations, including bridal showers.)
Every parent who wants to introduce their children to all D.C. has to offer will appreciate the hotel, its location near the Kennedy Center and its recreational amenities.
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Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
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United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
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Sep 21, 20236 Tirana, Albania, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tirana, Albania, with us.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 20234 Reasons to Head to Franklin, Tennessee, This Fall and Winter
The next two seasons see Franklin, Tennessee, come alive with festive events, fun pop-ups and colorful lights. Family travelers planning a trip to Tennessee this fall or winter must make time for Franklin, a city just south of Nashville with plenty of history and festivities awaiting.
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Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 20, 2023Where Can You Find Both Bioluminescence and Rockets in Florida?
Mysterious glowing seas? Yes, actually! Through October, Florida’s Space Coast waters within Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon glow with blue-green bioluminescence — a phenomenon resulting from the presence of comb jellies and dinoflagellates (tiny, single-celled marine plankton that exist in some freshwater locations).
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