
MGM National Harbor
Best for adults who want casino action, big-event spaces, and many on-site dining and entertainment options.
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MGM National Harbor is a 5-star, casino-centric resort on the Maryland side of the Potomac with large-event spaces, a rooftop seasonal pool, and a big spa—good for travelers who want gaming, nightlife, and resort amenities near DC. InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is a 5-star upscale waterfront hotel at The Wharf in SW Washington, D.C., suited to travelers who prefer a quieter, upscale riverfront base with close access to DC museums and waterfront dining.
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Best for adults who want casino action, big-event spaces, and many on-site dining and entertainment options.

Best for travelers who want a polished waterfront stay with easy access to DC museums, Wharf restaurants, and a full-service hotel spa.
When MGM National Harbor wins: Choose MGM if you want an all-in-one resort with gaming, many restaurants and bars, a large spa, a rooftop pool with river views, and big meeting or event facilities.
When InterContinental wins: Choose InterContinental The Wharf if you want an upscale, downtown waterfront hotel close to the National Mall and DC museums, plus a quieter hotel experience and Wharf dining within walking distance.
Bottom line: Both are 5-star waterfront properties serving different needs—MGM is a resort-entertainment hub across the river in National Harbor; InterContinental is a downtown, Wharf-front hotel for sightseeing and waterfront dining. Pick based on whether you want resort gaming/entertainment (MGM) or a more traditional upscale city-hotel waterfront location (InterContinental).
| Category | MGM National Harbor | InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Casino-driven resort with entertainment, nightlife and large-event spaces. | Upscale waterfront hotel focused on polished service and Wharf access. |
| Location | National Harbor / Oxon Hill, MD—Potomac waterfront, near Tanger Outlets and Capital Wheel. | The Wharf, SW Washington, D.C.—on the Potomac waterfront within easy reach of DC museums. |
| Size (rooms) | 308 guest rooms including 74 suites across 23 floors. | 278 air-conditioned rooms (supplier listing). |
| Pools | Seasonal rooftop outdoor pool (river views, cabanas); children allowed. | Outdoor seasonal pool; supplier listing shows one seasonal outdoor pool. |
| Restaurants & bars | 12–15+ on-site venues (steakhouse, Asian, Italian, Mexican, food hall, casual options). | 1 restaurant and 3 bars/lounges listed; room service available (limited hours). |
| Spa & fitness | The Spa & Salon — 27,000 sq ft, 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, adults-only spa access; advanced fitness center. | Full-service spa, fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool; spa treatments and reservations required. |
| Event / meeting space | Extensive event space including a 3,000-seat theater and multiple ballrooms (tens of thousands sq ft). | About 17,000 sq ft of conference space and 11 meeting rooms (supplier listing). |
| Family & age policy | All ages welcome to stay, but gaming is 21+ and the spa is 18+; property skews adult-focused. | Not adults-only; children allowed (supplier listing indicates up to 2 children 17 and younger stay free in some rates). |
| Parking | Self parking and valet available for a fee; height restrictions may apply. | Self parking (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge) listed on supplier listing. |
| Nearby highlights | Capital Wheel, Tanger Outlets, National Harbor attractions and waterfront activities. | National Mall, Jefferson Memorial, Museum of the Bible and Wharf dining/entertainment. |
MGM National Harbor sits on the Maryland side of the Potomac in National Harbor, minutes from waterfront attractions and outlet shopping.
MGM is best if you want a resort atmosphere and easy access to National Harbor attractions rather than downtown DC on foot.
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is located on the SW waterfront, giving quick access to Wharf dining and many DC museums within a short drive or walk.
InterContinental works well when you want to base yourself on the DC side of the river with waterfront dining and museum access nearby.
MGM offers 308 rooms across a tower with multiple room categories geared toward both leisure and groups.
Choose MGM for variety of room categories and suite inventory suited to groups or longer resort stays.
InterContinental’s room list includes Classic, Premium and multiple suite types, several with river or Wharf views and balcony options.
InterContinental is the better pick if you want a downtown room with Wharf or river views and balcony options.
MGM’s dining is broad, with 12–15+ venues covering steakhouse, Asian, Italian, Mexican, a food hall and casual stands.
Pick MGM when you want many on-site dining choices and nighttime energy without leaving the resort.
InterContinental has a smaller on-site dining footprint but sits amid The Wharf’s restaurants and bars.
Choose InterContinental if you want refined hotel dining plus immediate access to Wharf restaurants and waterfront options.
MGM features a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with river views, cabanas and service—family-friendly pool access.
MGM’s rooftop pool is a resort-style amenity with river views and cabanas—good for sun-and-swim days while staying on property.
InterContinental lists a seasonal outdoor pool and direct Wharf waterfront location for walking the piers and promenades.
InterContinental gives hotel pool access plus immediate Wharf waterfront walking and dining—better for sightseeing and strolling the piers.
MGM combines a large Clarins-partnered spa with active nightlife and casino gaming on-site.
MGM is the pick for guests who want a big spa plus casino-driven nightlife and entertainment on the same property.
InterContinental offers a full-service spa and quieter, hotel-style evening options tied to Wharf restaurants and bars.
InterContinental is better for a traditional hotel-spa stay and quieter waterfront evenings rather than on-site gaming or late-night club energy.

MGM National Harbor — full casino floor, sportsbook lounge, multiple bars and a 3,000-seat theater.

InterContinental The Wharf — on the SW waterfront with easy access to National Mall museums and Wharf dining.

MGM National Harbor — extensive meeting and ballroom inventory including a 3,000-seat theater and multiple large ballrooms.

InterContinental The Wharf — refined hotel service, river-view rooms and Wharf location for dining and walks.
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf—it's on the SW waterfront with short trips to the National Mall and many museums.
MGM National Harbor—expect a broader lineup (12–15+ venues) including a food hall, steakhouse and casual outlets.
Yes—MGM allows children to stay in rooms and to use the seasonal rooftop pool, though the property overall is casino-focused.
MGM’s Spa & Salon does not permit guests under 18; InterContinental’s supplier listing requires reservations for spa services but does not publish an age restriction in the supplied facts.
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