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A pool with beach chairs and fall trees next to it. Photo courtesy of Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf.

Inside Washington’s Latest Luxury Addition, Pendry Washington DC

February 20, 2023 @ 12:00pm |

The recently opened Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf places a contemporary end cap on The Wharf DC’s multi-year development as the burgeoning waterfront neighborhood completes its impressive ascension into Washington’s most exciting entertainment and lifestyle destination. 

Rolling in as the Pendry Hotels & Resorts’ seventh property in its portfolio, the 131-room Pendry Washington DC is more in line with the brand’s cozier locations, offering a European boutique feel compared to the larger resort-leaning experience of the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. It also means Washingtonians can experience the Pendry brand without a trip up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. 

Designed by ODA with interiors by DesignAgency, the property’s new luxury approach seeps through all of its subtle touches from a curated art collection to clean design lines with nods to mid-century modern details and iconic marble Washington buildings and monuments.

Located at the heart of the second phase of The Wharf DC, one of the hotel’s more admirable attributes is its location. With stunning water views over the Washington Channel and walkable access to everything this new waterfront neighborhood has to offer, it’s an ideal location for an upscale staycation, a deluxe crash pad after a show at The Anthem, or a home base for travelers looking for easy access to the National Mall and the capital’s favorite tourist destinations. 

There’s a lot to explore on property too. Starting on the rooftop, Moonraker launches itself onto the city’s ever-expanding bar-restaurant scene with a Japanese-inspired menu, DJ sets and sweeping penthouse views. From the swanky decor, sunset views and patio seating, there are few venues in town that can equal its mod attributes. 

FRAY TIP: If you’re looking for drinks to impress, request seats by the fire pit on the terrace during sunset. For noshing, try the Tuna Taki Roll and Japanese styled karaage fried chicken bites.

Speaking of food, Flora Flora is the property’s foodie highlight. Helmed by chef de cuisine Samuel Santos (formerly at D.C.’s Mission Group, Slipstream, and the Line DC Hotel) the restaurant dishes up a Peruvian-Mexican fusion menu with a California sensibility. The dishes are light, fresh, healthy and full of flavor. The Eastern Atlantic Seaboard forward all gluten-free menu notably features locally-sourced ingredients. We loved the Endive Chicory Salad and Grilled Orchard Point Oysters to start, the Ahi Tuna Causa as a first course, and Duck Confit Chaufa for the main. 

FRAY TIP: After dinner, saunter down to the ground level to soak in the velvety low lit cocktail vibes of Bar Pendry. This decidedly cosmopolitan nook is reminiscent of an intimate hard-to-get-into New York or Chicago speakeasy. It’s the perfect spot for a trendy night cap.

A warm weather staycation or visit to the Pendry Washington DC must include lounging at the elegant rooftop pool, complete with hot tub, cabanas and spa access. DC locals know our city has a lot to offer, but given its heat and humidity, it’s lacking in the posh poolside lounge department. The property ups that ante and will surely become one of Washington’s most coveted rooftop pools come springtime. 

Spa Pendry features five private treatment rooms, including a couple’s room, two eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, tranquil lounge, and a menu of beauty and body treatments featuring the latest in wellness and health techniques and technology. 

FRAY TIP: You don’t have to be a guest to lounge at the pool. Treatments at Spa Pendry include pool and fitness center access. Want to skip the treatments and dive straight in? Cabana rentals for non-guests are available.

FRAY TIP: Experience Pendry Washington DC with the Stay & Play offer, including a $75 daily resort credit ($150 for suites and $300 for specialty suites) to use towards any one of the hotel’s dining concepts or Spa Pendry.

As the Wharf continues to expand and fill in its retail and entertainment options, the Pendry provides a chic and elegant option to take in one of Washington’s most exciting destinations. See you by the pool in spring!

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf: 655 Water St. SW, DC; pendry.com/washington-dc // @pendrywharfdc

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