WASHINGTON, D.C.—It’s June 17, 1972. Five burglars have just been arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. A day later, the libelous break-in breaks headlines when The Washington Post runs a front-page story on what later became known as the Watergate Scandal.
Ensuing details link the crime to President Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign, and the public discovers that the scandal was centered on the Nixon administration’s attempts to cover up its involvement in the felony, which included tapping phones at the Oval Office. After facing impeachment for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress, Nixon resigns.
It's now nearly June 17, 2022, the 50th anniversary of these events, and the Watergate Scandal is still famed for its role in evolving American politics and provoking citizens to think more critically about the U.S. government and its presidency.
A metal desk reminiscent of the times is fittingly outfitted with binoculars, a manual typewriter, a reel-to-reel tape recorder, retro lamp, and curated book selection.Photo: Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel
To commemorate, The Watergate Hotel—a fixture in the Watergate Complex and, 50 years ago, located in binocular view to the DNC—has revealed what's arguably the world's most scandalous guest room. Room 214 transports guests back to 1972, where Watergate break-in leaders E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon stationed themselves while communicating with the burglars via radio.
Dubbed the “Scandal Suite,” The Watergate Hotel tapped Lynn Paolo, the costume designer of the ABC political drama Scandal, to think up the space, which boasts decor characteristic of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The entrance hall is a gallery of notable documents from the event, including breaking news of Nixon’s resignation, quotes from the disgraced president throughout the investigation, and a movie poster of All The President’s Men, a biographical tale of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein (The Post journalists investigating the Watergate Scandal).
Beyond brightly colored leather seating, expect a metal desk reminiscent of the times, fittingly situated in front of the room’s expansive window and complete with binoculars, a manual typewriter, a reel-to-reel tape recorder, retro lamp, and curated book selection. Giving private tours of the space are the plainclothes officers who responded to the burglary call, John Barrett and Paul Leeper.
The Scandal Suite accompanies The Watergate Hotel’s themed package, playfully named “Make Sure the Recorder is Off.” Manuel Martinez, the managing director of The Watergate Hotel, said that Barrett and Leeper, as the “last living members involved in the scandal itself, … are imperative to the historical experience.”
Rates start at $1,972, and the Cover Up stay is bookable through June 30.Photo: Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel
Also part of the commemoration are special overnight packages, 50th anniversary-themed amenities, curated cocktails, and dining deals at the on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Kingbird. 
At the hotel's Next Whisky Bar, a menu of curated cocktails nods to Gaslit, a miniseries on Starz—which follows the lesser-known story of the then-U.S. Attorney General’s wife Martha Mitchell as the Watergate Scandal unfolds. (See more: Inside a '70s-Inspired Night at The Met for the Premiere of Julia Roberts' Gaslit)Photo: Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel
Looking for a more immersive experience? Book the “Cover Up” package, and stay in the Scandal Suite to get a taste of what Hunt and Liddy encountered as they communicated with criminals on two-way radios and used binoculars to peer onto the sixth floor of the Watergate Office Building as private campaign documents were photographed and telephones were wiretapped.
Book one of these stays and receive a Nixon playing card, which serves as a drink ticket for two cocktails curated in tandem with the finale of Gaslit, a miniseries on Starz—following the lesser-known story of the then-U.S. Attorney General’s wife Martha Mitchell as the Watergate Scandal unfolds—which is set to air its final episode on June 12. (See inside Gaslit’s premiere event here.)
Drink tickets are eligible at the on-site Next Whisky Bar, notable for its undulating wall of 2,500 whisky bottles illuminated by alluring amber underlighting. Consider the fittingly named “Whistleblower,” a blend of spicy chili pepper tequila, peppercorn agave, Rinomato Scuro, and lime juice, garnished with a chili powder rim and an actual toy whistle. As a nod to the newspaper that broke the story, the “Post Worthy” mixes Woodinville whisky, ginger cordial, lemon juice, basil, and rosewater. And made to represent the uncovering of the truth, the “Smoke & Mirror” cocktail is made with KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin, yuzu, and vermouth—and is served with smoke emanating from a glass cloche.
Martinez told BizBash that while the 50th anniversary offerings at the property are all very exciting (he cited the Gaslit-inspired cocktails as a stand-out), it’s not about “capitalizing on a historic event, but both educating and welcoming interested guests who are visiting D.C. [in June].” The experience is all about being one that is as “luxurious as it is historical.”
Want in on the action? Book your stay at The Watergate Hotel, or inquire about hosting an event in the Scandal Suite for up to 10 guests here.
The room was designed by Lynn Paolo, the costume designer of the ABC political drama Scandal, who put thought in every small detail.Photo: Courtesy of The Watergate Hotel
