Ben B.
Yelp
Long overdue review of this fabulous hotel that I've been fortunate enough to stay at several times. First, a little background - I was unfamiliar with the Wharf area in DC and was given the hotel as recommendation from a friend (who had been to Moonraker, their outstanding rooftop bar) - so glad I did. The hotel is new, boutique, and very luxurious. After about 10 minutes there I was in love; it's a 5 star hotel in all the best ways: beautifully appointed rooms, swanky cool sexy restaurants and bars, luxurious common areas and amenities, and staff that just make you feel so comfortable and welcomed (more on that in a minute).
I made a reservation at Moonraker for drinks/dinner in the evening but checked-in early and made full use of the hotel. Briana in guest services was so helpful she was a total rock star getting me sorted with everything and kicking things off to a great start. I spent the afternoon at the spa & pool which were outstanding - the perfect way to unwind and settle in. The spa there is excellent; my ritual is relaxing in the eucalyptus steam room then lounging around drinking the cucumber water until I feel like a human again. I walked up and down the Wharf to kill time, it's centrally located with just about everything nearby and the views are just beautiful anywhere you go. Before my dinner rez I posted up at the Pendry Bar in the lobby, fell totally in love with that bar and had one of the best Old Fashioneds I've ever had from Shanika (and then Thomas, the next day) - if either of them are at the helm you're in very good hands. Order the caviar deviled eggs too they were again, best I've ever had. Aisha Siraj the Banquet Chef was kind enough to ask me how they were and then pass along the recipe to me, and--as you can see (trend developing here)--she was awesome too.
When it was time for dinner I took the elevator up the Moonraker, was promptly greeted by the staff and showed to the bar. That bar is unreal beautiful. The panoramic views, the décor, the ambiance, the intimacy of it. I've been to a handful of rooftop bars in the DC area and I can say with confidence you are doing yourself a serious disservice by not putting Moonraker at the top of your list. I had bite of sushi which was excellent and the gin drink on the menu that was outstanding. When my date arrived we decided to stay at the bar and forgo a table. The food and beverage director, Chris Alvear, anticipated the change (almost before we did!) and carved out a perfect spot for us at the corner of the bar - it made our night and we had the best time. Chris and I also had the opportunity to chat at the bar down at Clara Clara (their 2nd floor restaurant) the following day, the Pendry is extremely lucky to have him, he's the best. These guys really know what they're doing and I can't say enough about how thorough, knowledgeable, professional and just plain cool everyone is there. I feel like I want to work there (laughing). Mike, the bartender at Clara Clara makes one of the best Sangrias you'll ever have. I realize I keep describing everything as "the best" "amazing" but seriously--they marinate their sangria in terracotta pots overnight to accentuate the depth of flavor ... who does that? As a drink and food aficionado and just general lover of luxurious and well executed things this I feel nicely encapsulates the level of quality and thought that goes into everything at the Pendry--they treat every aspect of the hotel with a level of care and attention that you just don't find elsewhere and go above and beyond in ways that really make a difference.
Anyways, I'm completely hooked. I'll be there again in May. I wouldn't even consider staying elsewhere. You guys are the best!