More than 50 years on, The Watergate Hotel is reliving the night that changed American history and politics around the world.
On June 17th, the 54th anniversary of the break-in that changed American history, The Watergate Hotel will host "Unlock Your Secret Message," a one-day activation stemming from the event that made room 214 infamous.
The original operation was a mission to control words. This 'break-in day', guests are invited to choose a word from history and put it on the record.
From 4 to 6 p.m., visitors to The Watergate Hotel lobby will find a newsroom-inspired installation complete with a vintage typewriter, rotary phone, and 1970s-era details. A poet stationed at the desk will offer the opportunity for guests to select a single word tied to the Watergate story, "secret," "investigate," "tapes," "scandal," among others, and compose an original poem on the spot. Each poem is sealed in a "Top Secret" envelope and given as a keepsake.
Coinciding with the activation, Kingbird will feature speciality cocktails like The Smoking Gun, a Scotch-forward cocktail developed for the occasion. A smoky twist on a timeless drink, this high-proof, smoked bourbon cocktail delivers a blend of warmth and spicy bitters and a citrus garnish.
The complete experience is a nod to the characters, conversations, and controversies that defined the era.
"Those who operated out of this building spent two years trying to keep words off the record," said Daniel Pimentel, Managing Director at The Watergate Hotel.
"This activation invites guests to become part of that conversation through creativity, self-expression, and storytelling."
The activation is one of many references to the hotel's place in American history, including a listed phone number that encodes the break-in date and room keys that read 'No Need to Break In.'
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