Big changes are happening at the W Hotel Washington DC. In addition to a new southern European restaurant, Pinea, the rooftop P.O.V. Lounge is getting a revamp. The scenic bar closed on Saturday for an extensive renovation, and will debut along with the restaurant in September with an entirely new vibe.
The outdoor lounge already provides views of top Washington landmarks—including your best chance to gaze into the White House’s windows—but the redesign will incorporate more elements of the cityscape and its history. A 50-foot, glowing “red tape” wall is très bureaucratic Washington, while the city’s classical design is reflected in a rounded dome bar in the “White House corner.” Street artist Aiko has also been commissioned to design the walls to reflect DC architecture.
In addition to the public al fresco space, you’ll find a new VIP seating area with space for up to 50 in the “Washington Monument corner.” Those less interested in spotting current celebs can hang at the indoor bar off the terrace, flanked by a brass mural of historical A-listers such as Benjamin Franklin and John F. Kennedy.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
