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MGM National Harbor Fort Washington, Maryland
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Hotel comparison guide

MGM National Harbor vs Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

MGM National Harbor is a 5-star, casino-centric riverfront resort with gaming, a 3,000-seat theater, a seasonal rooftop pool and a large Clarins spa — best for adults and entertainment-focused stays. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a 4-star, family-friendly convention resort in National Harbor with a massive atrium, extensive meeting space and an indoor pool — best for meetings, large events, and families.

Updated · about 1.5 mi apart (≈2.5 km)

Spa relaxation lounge with reclining chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows at MGM National Harbor.

MGM National Harbor

casino-centric · entertainment-driven · riverfront resort

Best for nightlife, casino gaming, concerts and an adult-focused entertainment weekend.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Fort Washington, Maryland

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

convention-focused · family-friendly · atrium-scale

Best for conferences, large events, families looking for an indoor-pool resort, and scale for trade shows.

Quick Verdict: MGM National Harbor vs Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

When MGM National Harbor wins: choose MGM if you want a stay centered on casino action, late-night dining and live entertainment (theater and nightclub-style venues) plus a rooftop seasonal pool and a large Clarins spa designed as an adult retreat.

When Gaylord National wins: choose Gaylord if your priority is big-group meetings or conventions, year-round indoor-pool access, easy family amenities and a hotel-sized atrium environment with direct access to National Harbor attractions.

Bottom line: both anchor National Harbor but serve different needs — MGM for adults and entertainment, Gaylord for conventions, large groups and family-friendly, year-round resort offerings.

MGM National Harbor vs Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for MGM National Harbor and Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
CategoryMGM National HarborGaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Overall vibeCasino-forward, entertainment and dining firstConvention-scale resort with family-friendly public spaces
Location in National HarborRiverside, minutes from waterfront attractions and Tanger OutletsWaterfront at National Harbor, within walking distance of The Capital Wheel and marina
Size / rooms308 rooms, 74 suites across 23 floors1,996 guestrooms (supplier listing) across a large convention complex
Target audience / agesPrimarily adult-oriented (casino); children welcome in rooms and poolFamily-friendly; all ages welcome
PoolsOne seasonal outdoor rooftop pool (Memorial Day–Labor Day typical)Indoor pool (open year-round) and hot tub
Restaurants & bars12–15+ venues including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Tap/BetMGM lounges and food hallMultiple on-site restaurants (3 noted) plus bars; room service and coffee shop
Spa & fitnessThe Spa & Salon (27,000 sq ft, Clarins partnership, 11 treatment rooms); adult-only spa policyFull-service spa and health club; spa access and treatments available (reservations required)
Meeting & event spaceAbout 50,000 sq ft of meeting space, 3,000-seat theater and large ballroomsHuge convention center (546,889 sq ft of conference space) built for large trade shows and events
Parking & transportSelf and valet parking for a fee; water taxi and Circulator bus nearbySelf parking (surcharge), covered/secured parking and shuttle service (surcharge)
Family servicesSome family-friendly dining and pool access; spa restricted to 18+Family-oriented amenities, on-site arcade/game room and kid-friendly public spaces

Location: MGM National Harbor vs Gaylord National

MGM National Harbor – Location

MGM sits on the Potomac waterfront a short walk/drive from the National Harbor promenade and Tanger Outlets.

  • Address: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill/Fort Washington, MD 20745
  • Minutes from The Capital Wheel and walking distance to National Harbor restaurants and shops
  • Water taxi, Circulator bus and easy access to Reagan National Airport

Choose MGM for a central entertainment base with convenient access to the waterfront and outlets.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Location

Gaylord National is positioned on the National Harbor waterfront and sits within walking distance of Harbor attractions.

  • Address: 201 Waterfront Street, Fort Washington, MD 20745
  • Very close to The Capital Wheel and National Harbor Marina (short walk)
  • Shuttle service and extensive on-site parking for event attendees

Choose Gaylord for direct convention-hub access and immediate proximity to the waterfront promenade.

Rooms: MGM's tower rooms vs Gaylord's convention guestrooms

MGM National Harbor – Rooms

MGM has a 23-floor hotel tower with a mix of standard rooms and suites geared toward leisure and event guests.

  • 308 guestrooms total, including 74 suites
  • Room types include Resort Room, Potomac Room, Capital Room and Restore Capital Room (King or 2 Queen options)
  • Rooms include in-room Wi‑Fi, modern TVs and typical resort comforts

Rooms at MGM lean toward a polished, adult-focused stay with suite options for upgraded comfort.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Rooms

Gaylord National offers nearly 2,000 guestrooms in a property built to house large groups and families.

  • Supplier listing: 1,996 guestrooms (variety of room and suite types available)
  • Accessible and mobility-friendly room options listed (roll-in showers, hearing-accessible variants)
  • Guestrooms include refrigerators and Smart TVs; wireless internet access noted (surcharge in some listings)

Gaylord provides scale and a wide range of room types for conference attendees and families.

Dining & drinks: signature restaurants and casual options

MGM National Harbor – Dining & drinks

MGM emphasizes destination dining across 12–15+ venues that span steakhouse to casual food hall.

  • Standout: Voltaggio Brothers Steak House (Bryan & Michael Voltaggio) with set hours and smart-casual dress code
  • Casual options include Bread + Butter (breakfast), Shake Shack and National Market food hall
  • Multiple bars and lounges for sports viewing and nightlife (BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge, TAP Sports Bar)

Pick MGM if you want late-night dining, celebrity-chef options and many on-site casual choices.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Dining & drinks

Gaylord provides several on-site dining venues and grab-and-go options geared to convention traffic and families.

  • Three restaurants mentioned in supplier listing plus a coffee shop/cafe and room service (limited hours)
  • Poolside bar and 3 bars/lounges noted for drinks and casual meals
  • To-go breakfasts available daily (fee applies)

Gaylord covers standard resort dining needs with family-friendly and convention-oriented meal service.

Pools & signature amenity: rooftop seasonal pool vs indoor atrium and pool

MGM National Harbor – Pools & signature amenity

MGM's signature water amenity is a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with river views and private day cabanas.

  • Seasonal outdoor pool on second-floor rooftop deck with lounge chairs, umbrellas and day pod cabanas
  • Typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day (seasonal hours subject to change)
  • Pool is family-accessible — children may use the pool

MGM offers a summer-focused rooftop pool experience with views — not a year-round swim option.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Pools & signature amenity

Gaylord provides indoor pool access year-round as part of its family- and convention-friendly offerings.

  • Supplier listing notes 1 indoor pool and 1 hot tub; pool is wheelchair-accessible
  • Pool and poolside bar support year-round stays and families
  • Pool access hours and reservation policies should be confirmed directly with the resort

Gaylord's indoor pool is better for off-season travel and family stays.

Wellness & nightlife: spa, fitness and evening entertainment

MGM National Harbor – Wellness & nightlife

MGM blends a large Clarins spa and advanced fitness center with casino-driven nightlife and a 3,000-seat theater.

  • The Spa & Salon (27,000 sq ft, 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, Vichy room); spa is for adults (under 18 not permitted)
  • Advanced fitness center included with resort fee (some listings show 24-hour access)
  • Nightlife includes casino gaming, late-night bars, live performances in a 3,000-seat theater and nightclub-style venues

MGM is for guests wanting a strong mix of spa services during the day and active nightlife after dark.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Wellness & nightlife

Gaylord combines a full-service spa and fitness options with quieter family-friendly evening programming.

  • Full-service spa and health club available (reservations required for spa treatments)
  • Family-focused evening activities and resort-scale public spaces rather than casino nightlife
  • Large meeting halls and ballrooms occasionally host concerts and special events

Gaylord is the quieter alternative for wellness and family evenings, with meeting-driven event programming.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for casino & nightlife
Aerial view of MGM National Harbor resort tower and waterfront at dusk

MGM National Harbor

MGM — choose it for gaming, late-night bars, a 3,000-seat theater and entertainment-focused dining.

Best for conventions & big events
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Fort Washington, Maryland

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord — the property has an extensive convention center (hundreds of thousands sq ft) built for large trade shows and meetings.

Best for year-round family swimming
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Fort Washington, Maryland

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord — indoor pool and family-oriented public spaces make it a better year-round pick for kids.

Best for a high-end spa day
Grand hotel lobby with glass atrium and contemporary sculpture at MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor

MGM — the 27,000 sq ft Clarins-partnered Spa & Salon with hydrotherapy and Vichy treatments is focused on adult spa experiences.

Frequently asked questions

MGM National Harbor vs Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better for a conference with hundreds of attendees?

Gaylord National — it has a very large convention center and more total conference space than MGM, which is better suited to mid-size meetings and entertainment events.

Which property is more kid-friendly?

Gaylord is more explicitly family-friendly with an indoor pool and game/arcade spaces; MGM welcomes children in rooms and at the pool but centers on casino and adult entertainment.

Can I swim year-round at both hotels?

No — Gaylord has an indoor pool open year-round; MGM's pool is seasonal (typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Which hotel has the better spa?

If you want a dedicated adult-focused, large spa facility, MGM's Clarins-partnered Spa & Salon (27,000 sq ft) is the stronger choice; Gaylord also offers full-service spa treatments.

Outdoor rooftop terrace seating overlooking the water at MGM National Harbor
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