InterContinental - Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

Hotels
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
9.1 (967 reviews)
801 Wharf Street SW , Washington , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great service
Clean and spacious rooms
Excellent location
Cons:
Long wait for breakfast
High amenity fee for minimal benefits

Categories

Cleanliness
9.15
Rooms spotless and clean environment reported in multiple reviews.
Service
9.65
Staff were very attentive and provided excellent customer service, with specific praises for Kitana and Errin.
Location
9.15
Great location on the Wharf with convenient access to shops and activities.
Room Quality
9.15
Nice spacious rooms and beautiful bathrooms with luxury products mentioned.
Amenities
8.65
Good amenities reported, though some complaints about the amenity fee.
Value for Money
8.85
Generally considered worth the price but some dissatisfaction with the elite program benefits.
Food and Beverage
8.85
Food quality was delicious, although there were mentions of wait times for breakfast.
Overall Experience
9.35
An exceptional experience highlighted in multiple reviews, with a high likelihood of returning.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-18 17:48

Property Description

Luxurious Waterfront Location
Situated along the mile-long pier of The Wharf, our hotel offers a unique experience with access to restaurants, retail, and fun activities on DC’s Potomac River.

Modern Room Amenities
Indulge in comfort with Nespresso machines®, 50-inch Smart TVs with Bluetooth, in-room safes, and a stocked mini bar in every guestroom.

Exceptional Facilities
Enjoy three dining and bar options, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a business center, and a rooftop pool overlooking the DC skyline during your stay.

Experience convenience being just minutes away from major airports and iconic DC landmarks. Book your stay now to elevate your visit to Washington, D.C.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DCA

Property Policies

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 65 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.1
Based on 967 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.15
Service: 9.65
Location: 9.15
Room Quality: 9.15
Amenities: 8.65
Value for Money: 8.85
Food and Beverage: 8.85
Overall Experience: 9.35
M
maxbP1549EV Couples Fort Myers, Florida
6
Average for the price
Pros:

Hotel looks nice. Now the food was OK only. There coffee was as bad as I have encounter. the guys at the front were not very helpful. But the room itself was good.

2026-07-31 via Tripadvisor
B
brandonlU6291QG Family
10
Outstanding experience and stay
Pros:

Me and my son had a best experience stay! surprised with a complimentary room upgrade, which made our trip even better, our room was exceptionally clean, and the entire hotel was cleanest and well-maintained. We were happy.

The view from our room was a million $ view, river, boats, city high-rise, Pentagon, bridge etc. Waking up and looking in the morning was absolutely beautiful. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and everything exceeded our expectations.

The willowsong restaurant on the first floor the service and staff were excellent, I want to thank Bryan and Jose A for giving us the best service.

We highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a clean, great location, comfortable stay with million-dollar views!

2026-07-30 via Tripadvisor
J
jimpQ8666IE Couples
10
Great Wharf Location and staff
Pros:

Great location in the heart of DC Wharf district. The hotel was clean and modern. Lots of staff around to make sure everything was taken care of and also made you feel safe.
Special shout out to TREY at the front desk for getting us in our room early.
Suite was spacious. Easy walking around the Wharf or quick rideshare to the Capitol or monuments. Would definitely return to The Intercontinental on a return trip.

2026-07-30 via Tripadvisor
G
Gents24 Couples Orlando, Florida
4
If Only The Service Matched The Location
Pros:

My wife and I stayed three nights at the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf. While the location is outstanding, the overall experience was inconsistent and disappointing.

The hotel’s location is the strongest part of the stay. It’s directly on the Wharf, surrounded by restaurants, sightseeing, and walkable areas. If location were the only factor, this property would be an easy repeat choice.

We booked through the Chase Edit program, which mirrors AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits, including daily breakfast for two. The property covers up to $80 per day. However, the breakfast menu includes a fine‑print rule stating that if you order both coffee and juice, only one beverage is included. Even if you stay well under the $80 allowance, you still pay out of pocket for the second beverage. It’s a petty policy and not something I expect from a hotel positioning itself as high‑end.

Turndown service was another issue. For two of the three nights, it simply didn’t happen. We had no privacy sign on the door, and the front desk apologized when I mentioned it. Ironically, on the final night they knocked to offer turndown, but we were already in for the evening. Small details matter at properties that claim luxury status, and these lapses add up.

Room service was equally frustrating. On the last night, I ordered tea, coffee, and dessert and received three separate calls to clarify the order before it arrived. Room service also shuts down at 10 p.m., which is unacceptable for a brand like InterContinental. At minimum, it should run later—especially on weekends. When I called the front desk after hours to request a simple bottle of water, I was told it wasn’t possible because the kitchen was closed. There’s also a rooftop bar with great views, but it closes at sundown. The property feels like it’s trying to be upscale without offering the services that justify the label.

At checkout, my final bill was incorrect. The Chase Edit program includes a $100 property credit. I exceeded it by $9.99, yet my bill showed a charge of about $65. I didn’t have time to dispute it before heading to the airport, so I called later. The agent acknowledged the mistake and quoted a 24–48 hour correction window. As of writing this review, it’s unclear whether it will actually be resolved.

The room itself was attractive and comfortable. Noise was an issue, but the hotel warned me ahead of time and provided items to help mitigate it. Lighting, outlets, and water pressure were all good. Staff interactions were generally pleasant. The problem is consistency—service simply didn’t match the level the hotel claims to operate at.

Despite the unbeatable location, I’m not sure I would return. The property feels like it wants to be a luxury hotel but doesn’t deliver the service required to earn that status. If location is your priority and service isn’t, this hotel will work for you. If you expect reliable, high‑end service, temper your expectations.

2026-07-28 via Tripadvisor
W
wc989 Couples
10
Great experience!
Pros:

The concierge team exceeded our expectations with the beautiful birthday room setup for my wife. Every detail was perfect and made our celebration feel truly special—we couldn’t have asked for a better experience

2026-07-26 via Tripadvisor
S
S5525HZpaulo Family
10
Don't Miss This Special Hotel
Pros:

This hotel is marvelous, just steps from everything on the Wharf, and the service was spectacular. All the associates at the hotel were courteous, very helpful and very pleasant. Of special note, Shujaat Khan, the Chef Concierge, could not have been more helpful in getting our rooms arranged correctly and in recommending some wonderful restaurants. Also, Erin got us checked in promptly and always asked us if we needed anything when we passed him in the lobby. The restaurant and bar were second to none as Steve, Jeremiah and the other staffers all provided prompt and friendly service, especially the chef, who created a stellar and varied menu that was beautifully executed with every meal. Not to be missed is the rooftop pool. Fabulous views along with fun drinks. Don't miss this special hotel.

2026-07-23 via Tripadvisor
L
Louisa family_with_children de
9
Angenehm und komfortabel
Pros:

Sehr schön am
Wasser gelegen, elegantes Ambiente. Betten bequem.

Cons:

Als wir ankamen, hing noch Toilettenpapier an der Klobrille. Das Frühstück hat uns allen nicht geschmeckt. Die Preisgestaltung beim Frühstück war intransparent. Wir haben an einem Morgen eine Rechnung über 142 Dollar unterschrieben. Letztlich wurde das Geld nicht in Rechnung gestellt, aber es war erst einmal schockierend für das schlechte Frühstück. Es fehlen Haken im Badezimmer für die Handtücher. Insgesamt dennoch ein sehr gutes Hotel.

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
K
kendricc2020 Solo travel
10
Willowsong Bar Experience
Pros:

Melissa at the Willingsong Resturant was amazing. Great food, drinks, and vibes!!!

2026-07-19 via Tripadvisor
S
Stefan family_with_children ch
9
2026-07-15 via Nuitee
R
R1546HNdanielav Family
10
Family Trip in Style
Pros:

My family of 4 and I went on a 3-day trip to D.C., and we decided to have our stay at the Intercontinental Wharf. We had a very pleasant and exceptional experience at the property. We arrived tired and stressed from our Amtrak train with 2 boys under 5 in tow, and the front desk (I think his name is Erinn) checked us in early and honored our room upgrade. It felt like our heavy stress blanket was pulled away. He was awesome and very professional. Because of him, we are definitely coming back when we visit D.C. Not only that, the room was clean and modern. Concierge was on-point with everything that we requested (traveling with toddlers can be a challenge), and the location is perfect for a wonderful trip to experience all that D.C. and has to offer. The rooftop pool and breakfast were also great additions to our experience at Intercontinental Wharf D.C. Thank you for having us! We will come back again.

2026-07-14 via Tripadvisor
L
lkbrcm solo_traveller us
10
Wonderful hotel!
Pros:

We loved the location, the restaurants nearby, the staff & the room itself was large. The restaurant inside was very good for each meal that we had there also.

Cons:

There was nothing we did not like.

2026-07-13 via Nuitee
M
Michelle couple us
8
It was fine.
Pros:

Location and very clean

Cons:

Seemed pricey for a double queen with no view

2026-07-12 via Nuitee
T
Tina couple us
10
2026-07-10 via Nuitee
K
kcN6273OW Family
10
Wharf and river view outstanding
Pros:

The view from my room was wonderful river view overlooking the Wharf. The staff were attentive and very helpful. The dining onsite was excellent. I can’t wait to return. The rooftop pool had great views.

2026-07-09 via Tripadvisor
E
Ellen couple us
10
2026-07-09 via Nuitee
J
Journey63531477645 Family
10
Great service
Pros:

Great and prompt service
Friendly staff

2026-07-07 via Tripadvisor
C
Chris couple us
7
Nice staff and location … felt I was overcharged for 1 night
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Expensive… $1000/ for 1 night that our flight was cancelled

2026-07-06 via Nuitee
M
mediadance Family Simi Valley, California
10
Amazing Staff. Amazing location.
Pros:

The staff at this hotel is outstanding. I have to thank Aiden for his amazing service. Apple Maps sent us down every wrong street at the wharf. After calling the hotel, Aiden ran to our car and directed us to the hotel by foot. He exemplifies the service here. Everything and everyone has been so lovely. I’d stay here a thousand times.

2026-07-04 via Tripadvisor
A
AlejosCO solo_traveller co
10
Buen lugar para hospedarse, comer, con buena vista y piscina
Pros:

La atención del personal y el lugar en general.

Cons:

El balance costo beneficio, se me hizo costoso.
No hay atención en la piscina (bebidas, comida)

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
T
TheConciergeWasHere Friends getaway Boston, Massachusetts
10
Friendly staff and perfect location
Pros:

Intercontinental The Wharf is a perfect location for any visit to DC. The Wharf is clearly the area everyone wants to be. The restaurants are incredible and being on the water creates a Mediterranean feel. Shujaat at the Concierge Desk made my stay memorable and he gives me a reason to want to come back so I can benefit from all his great recommendations. Too much to do in just one trip! Thank you Shujaat and the team at The Wharf for an incredible stay!

2026-07-01 via Tripadvisor