The kiddos are back in class and work is heating up after a nonstop summer of family time. How to get back in the swing of things? Perhaps a staycation to refresh and prepare for the eventful months ahead.
While the DMV is blessed with a wealth of hotels designed to pamper and delight, the Pendry Washington DC stands out, thanks to its location at The Wharf. What could be more soothing than rooms overlooking the Washington Channel and the lush landscape of East Potomac Park? With restaurants and shops right outside the door, you can explore the mile-long boardwalk and even take in a show at Arena Stage or The Anthem.
Staycationers will discover that Pendry Washington DC feels a little like a Caribbean resort. “The proximity of the water is quite stunning,” says Pascal Forotti, general manager at the Pendry DC. “The heated pool is open all year long, with a jacuzzi, cabanas, and terrace bar.” Forotti’s team takes hospitality very personally. “When a guest comes in, we learn their names, and make sure their stay is curated. We want them to feel like a weight on their shoulders has lifted.”
Enter the hotel’s living room–like lobby, then stop by Bar Pendry for a drink. The Pendry is known for serving Dom Pérignon, if you want to kick off your visit with champagne. From the intimate salon, watch the action on the plaza and relax in a comfy banquette.
Pendry DC’s guest rooms come in different configurations, but the west-facing suites offer panoramic waterfront views.
A staycation would be incomplete without a visit to Spa Pendry, which has five treatment rooms, one for couples. “There’s a high demand for pairs these days,” says Maurtel Day, Pendry’s spa director. “The spa has a private entrance with two eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, and our technicians are very skilled and trained in Hydrafacial resurfacing and Vortex-Fusion treatments.”
In the evening, head to Moonraker, Pendry DC’s swanky rooftop bar, where you’ll have a helicopter view of the city. Yes, seeing helicopters flying by is a regular thing. The cocktail lounge serves Japanese-inspired light bites, alongside signature drinks with premium spirits. We love the Ōra King salmon sushi and pork belly fried rice paired with a Sunset Sour, made with Nikka Coffee Grain Whisky. Sit beside the fire pits and watch the sun sink over the horizon.
Next morning, wake up to a healthy breakfast at Flora Flora, the Pendry’s Latin-inspired restaurant. Try the sweet cortado with alfajores pancakes or the Wharf benedict, layers of poached eggs over crab cakes. The hotel is steps from the Municipal Fish Market, where chef de cuisine Samuel Santos sources his fresh catch of the day.
Grab one of the complimentary Scott e-bikes to tool around the city. You’re just one mile from the National Mall. Feeling refreshed and invigorated? Now you’re ready to kick off fall with a smile on your face. 655 Water St. SW, Washington, DC, pendry.com
Feature image courtesy Pendry DC
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