InterContinental Washington D.C.

For organizers moving a large group for the March for Life, The Wharf location offers a modern, high-capacity logistics environment. This property is built for volume, but its waterfront location requires a specific plan for getting into the heart of the District for the rally.

Group Logistics and Arrival Flow

The arrival experience at The Wharf is significantly easier for motor coaches than at hotels in the older parts of the city. The hotel is located on Water Street SW, which features a modern layout with wider lanes and a dedicated pull-in area for the hotel entrance. This allows multiple 56-passenger coaches to unload without blocking the main thoroughfare. While the hotel garage has a height limit of 8′ 2″ (prohibiting buses and oversized vans), the dedicated loading zone is efficient for quick drops.

Because the hotel is about 1.5 miles from the National Mall, your group’s commute is a key logistics point. You will not be walking to the rally. Instead, you have three primary options:

1. Chartered Shuttles: Since you have a dedicated loading zone, your own buses can drop you at the Mall in about 8 minutes.

2. The L’Enfant Plaza Metro: A 12-minute walk (0.6 miles) takes you to L’Enfant Plaza, one of the city’s largest hubs. From there, it is a single stop to the Smithsonian station, placing you directly on the Mall.

3. The Neighborhood Shuttle: The Wharf operates a free Southwest Shuttle that runs every 10 minutes to L’Enfant Plaza and the National Mall, which is an excellent backup for smaller groups or staggered schedules.

Food Logistics for Religious Groups

Unlike the more isolated parts of the city, The Wharf is a self-contained “city within a city.” Within 500 yards of the hotel lobby, there are over 20 dining options ranging from quick-service (District Doughnut, Shake Shack) to high-capacity sit-down venues (Fogo de Chão, Mi Vida). For groups, Fogo de Chão is particularly useful because it is designed for high-speed, high-volume dining. This allows a group of 50 or more to eat a full meal in under 90 minutes if necessary.

The Stay Experience

The property itself is a new-build, meaning the infrastructure is superior for shared itineraries. The guest rooms are designed with 21st-century travel in mind: every room has a massive array of USB and power outlets. For attendees sharing rooms, the “Double Queen” rooms are a primary asset, offering more space and modern bathroom configurations (separate rainfall showers and water closets) that allow multiple people to get ready simultaneously in the morning.

Group Logistics

• Dedicated Coach Zone: Large loading area on Water Street SW for easy bus drop-off and pick-up.

• L’Enfant Plaza Hub: Access to Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow Metro lines within 0.6 miles.

• Southwest Shuttle: Free neighborhood shuttle provides direct transit to the Mall and Metro for smaller group segments.

• Wharf Garages: Three underground parking structures nearby for attendees driving personal vehicles (max height 8′ 2″).

• Meeting Space: 17,000 square feet of flexible event space, including the 5,300 square foot Waterside Ballroom for group prayer or assemblies.

Room and Suite Features

• Double Queen Inventory: Modern, spacious rooms specifically configured for multi-person occupancy.

• Nespresso Machines: Standard in all rooms for early morning departures.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Exceptional views of the Potomac River or the D.C. skyline.

• Technology Hubs: Integrated touch-panel controls for lighting and climate, plus high-density Wi-Fi.

• Agraria Amenities: Premium bath products and plush robes in every room.

Hotel Amenities

• Rooftop Pool and Bar: WAVES provides a scenic overlook of the city for evening downtime.

• The Spa at The Wharf: Full-service wellness center for staff or attendees after the March.

• 24/7 Fitness Center: State-of-the-art equipment available around the clock.

• In-Room Dining: Efficient service for organizers who need to work through meal times.

• Business Center: On-site facilities for printing updated itineraries or emergency signage.

Nearby Places Within 2 to 3 Miles

• The National Mall (Rally Site): 1.5 miles; reachable via the free SW Shuttle or a 5-minute bus ride.

• Museum of the Bible: 1.0 mile; an easy trip for religious groups on the way back from the Mall.

• Saint Dominic Church: 0.4 miles; the closest Catholic parish for morning Mass.

• United States Capitol: 1.8 miles; the endpoint of the March for Life.

• International Spy Museum: 0.6 miles; located at L’Enfant Plaza.

Planning Notes for Organizers

• Bus Staging: While the hotel allows for loading, buses must stage off-site (usually at Buzzard Point or Union Station) once the group is unloaded.

• Room Blocks: Using a platform like Engine helps you track your room block in real-time and ensures you get the double-queen inventory your group needs.

• Mass Coordination: Coordinate with the Concierge if you need to reserve a small meeting room for a private group prayer or service before heading to the Mall.

• Elevator Timing: The hotel uses high-speed elevators, but with 278 rooms, organizers should stagger departure times by 15 minutes to avoid lobby congestion.