The Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf: Making a Statement

Kurt Jacobson

The Pendry hotel brand is rapidly gaining accolades with its properties across the U.S. and points south. When the Pendry Washington DC- The Wharf opened on October 26, 2022, luxury lodging expanded in the nation’s capital. With a prime location on the banks of the Potomac River, this new luxury hotel offers convenience, views, and a spa.

Upon arrival, a bellman will greet you and show you to the reception area where two front desk staff are waiting to get you situated. At the front desk, Nick is knowledgeable about many area highlights like the Titanic Memorial on the nearby Anacostia River Trail and dining options. We appreciated the local tips like the Praline Bakery, jogging/walking trails, and restaurant recommendations.

The design of the hotel is striking and efficient. We stayed in a riverfront king room and noticed the thoughtful design incorporated an extended roof so the sun didn’t shine into the room too much. The 180-degree view of the Potomac River was breathtaking, and there was so much to see out the large windows. Medium-sized pleasure craft and a billionaire’s-sized yacht were moored near the hotel during our stay. The vibrant crowd of D.C. Wharf visitors provided prime people watching during our stay on a sunny spring day.

The Pendry Washington DC-The Wharf gives guests views of the Pentagon, Arlington, Alexandria, the Jefferson Memorial, the pool area, Moonraker Restaurant, and some guest rooms. For those who want a quieter room or suite, the city end of the hotel is the place to stay. Dogs are welcomed for a fee of $150 that includes a dog bed, bowl, RunGo walking map, and their signature Bone Appetit menu.

With 131 rooms and 38 suites, it’s easy to find the perfect lodging choice you desire. Accessible offerings include partial river view king rooms, queen rooms, or one-bedroom suites with roll-in showers and handrails in the bathrooms. The Pendry Suite is the largest and finest on offer. This two-bedroom suite has a dining table for up to six persons, two full marble bathrooms with a tub in each, and a panoramic view of The Wharf and Potomac River.

Dining and Drinking Options

The Bar Pendry on the ground floor is the first of two bars and a restaurant. With its 1920s speakeasy vibe, the bar is classy but not stuffy. Bar seats feature leather-padded, curved back support comfort, or choose a fireplace armchair with café tables.

The Velvet Room, located in the back, is a secluded space for up to 14 with curtains that can be closed for privacy. Guests requesting the Velvet Room can have the staff create a custom food and beverage experience.

The bar’s Bites menu offers oysters on the half shell, Petrossian caviar, a cheese board, a charcuterie board, salads, burgers, or a 10-ounce grilled New York steak for a hearty meal. The extensive mixed drinks menu includes several seasonal cocktails, classic cocktails, and three mocktails. Wine from the US, Spain, France, and Italy will appeal to wine lovers.

Tequila fans will find around 20 types, including Clase Azul Ultra, at a noticeable $300 per pour. Four whiskey flights, other spirits, and cordials, too numerous to mention, complete the bar’s drinks list.

Boozy Tea is a spin on high tea. Depending on the number of reservations, it is held in the Bar Pendry or Flora Flora event space. Reserve your spot early, as it might sell out.

Moonraker is the place for Asian cuisine, drinks, views, and vibe. We wondered if the mainly small plates menu would be enough food for dinner and were surprised at how good the menu items were and how filling. We had the edamame with truffle shichimi, which was the best ever! The pan-fired shrimp dumplings were hot and tasty and the Tokyo fired chicken was the largest of the small plates and a winner. The Hamachi was super fresh and the spicy tuna and king salmon maki on crispy rice were to die for!

While the beverages and food are the star of a Moonraker experience, the outdoor dining terrace provides stunning views of the area. Moonraker is the place to be for a moonlight dinner. Social Hour is a relatively new happy hour, Monday-Thursday, 4-6 pm, in either the Bar Pendry or Moonraker.

Amenities

The Pendry DC has a wealth of luxury amenities and activities for its guests. Below is a snapshot of the activities amenities.

The Pool Terrace provides guests a place to swim, soak in the hot tub, and sunbathe. Chaise lounge chairs and cabanas are available to hotel and spa guests.

The UPPAbaby stroller program offers a lightweight Ridge stroller so parents, nannies, or family members can take baby for a ride around The Wharf or Anacostia River Trail.

Taylor guitars are available upon request to use during your stay.

Scott e-bikes are a good way to cruise the Tidal Basin area and see the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Memorial, and other famous sites nearby.

Ride & Drive Cadillac is a self-drive option to drive to Arlington, Alexandria, and other places in the DC region.

Spa Pendry is located on the second floor, conveniently near the pool, fitness center, and hot tub. Choose from massage treatments like The Athlete, Heated Stone, Couple’s Shared Moment in Time, and other tempting massage or facial options.

Over 7,500 feet of event space provide indoor or outdoor areas for your desired meeting, wedding, etc.

Pendry on the Potomac features excursions on an Aviara boat. Choose from the Potomac excursion & dolphins, the sunset spectacular, and several others, or customize your experience to include the sites you want to see and for how long. For those who like speed, once beyond the slow boating zone, the captain can let the three Ferrari outboard motors roar while you hang on to your hat, enjoying the ride.

The DC Pendry is making waves in the nation’s capital and is ready to show you a luxurious good time.