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MGM National Harbor Fort Washington, Maryland
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Hotel comparison guide

MGM National Harbor vs The Watergate Hotel

MGM National Harbor is a five-star casino resort on the National Harbor waterfront with live entertainment, a large spa, and a seasonal rooftop pool — read this if you want lively casino energy, many dining choices, and big event spaces. The Watergate Hotel is a five-star historic Washington, DC hotel with iconic design, a full-service spa, indoor pool, and strong name recognition — read this if you want a central DC address, boutique luxury, and riverfront views.

Updated · about 7 km apart

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

MGM National Harbor

Casino resort · River views · Large spa & theater

Best for casino entertainment, multiple dining outlets, big-group events, and a full-scale resort experience near the National Harbor waterfront.

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The Watergate Hotel, Washington, District of Columbia

The Watergate Hotel

Historic landmark · River views · Boutique five-star

Best for a central Georgetown/Kennedy Center location, individually furnished rooms, and a quieter, design-forward five-star hotel experience in Washington, DC.

Quick Verdict: MGM National Harbor vs The Watergate Hotel

When MGM National Harbor wins: Choose MGM if you want casino action, dozens of dining options, a large spa complex, a seasonal rooftop pool with cabanas, or if you’re planning large meetings or events — it’s built for high-energy resort stays and big groups.

When The Watergate Hotel wins: Pick The Watergate Hotel for a centrally located DC stay within walking distance of the Kennedy Center and Georgetown waterfront, a five-star boutique feel, an indoor pool and full-service spa, and fewer on-property outlets so the experience feels more intimate.

Bottom line: Both are five-star properties that sit on the Potomac and offer river views and strong spas; pick MGM for resort-scale amenities, nightlife and gaming, and big-event capacity, and pick The Watergate Hotel for a compact, historic DC address and a quieter luxury hotel stay.

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MGM National Harbor vs The Watergate Hotel – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for MGM National Harbor and The Watergate Hotel
CategoryMGM National HarborThe Watergate Hotel
Overall vibeLarge casino resort; lively, adult-focused energy with family-friendly touchesHistoric five-star hotel with an iconic name and quieter, design-led atmosphere
LocationNational Harbor waterfront, Oxon Hill (Maryland) — minutes from outlets and waterfront attractions2650 Virginia Ave NW, central DC near Kennedy Center and Georgetown Waterfront Park
Size308 rooms, 74 suites; resort complex with theater and many venues336 individually furnished guestrooms
Age / characterOpened 2016; contemporary resort buildFamous historic hotel property with prominent name recognition
PoolsOne seasonal outdoor rooftop pool (river views; open seasonally)Indoor pool (number of pools: 1 indoor)
Restaurants & barsMore than 15 on-site venues (steakhouse, Italian, Asian, food hall, casual outlets)1 restaurant and 3 bars/lounges on-site
Spa & fitnessThe Spa & Salon (27,000 sq ft, 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, sauna/steam)Full-service spa with treatment rooms, sauna/steam and indoor pool access
Known forCasino gaming, 3,000-seat theater, destination dining, large meeting/wedding spacesHistoric name and design, central DC location near cultural sites (Kennedy Center, Georgetown)
Accessibility & family policyAll-ages resort; children allowed in rooms and pool; minimum check-in age 21All-ages hotel; not adults-only (children permitted)
Meeting & event spaceExtensive—roughly 50,000 sq ft total, 3,000-seat theater, multiple ballrooms and outdoor terracesConference center with ~12,000 sq ft and 8 meeting rooms

A Look Inside MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesMGM National Harbor: diningDiningMGM National Harbor: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: National Harbor energy vs central DC

MGM National Harbor – Location

MGM National Harbor sits on the Maryland side of the Potomac in the National Harbor complex with quick access to waterfront attractions.

  • Short walk to Tanger Outlets, Capital Wheel, and the National Harbor waterfront attractions.
  • Waterfront terraces and Potomac views; water taxi connections nearby to Georgetown/Alexandria.
  • About 8 miles to Reagan National Airport (DCA) by road; convenient for regional travel and drivers.

Choose MGM for a resort stay near National Harbor attractions and easier parking/drive access.

The Watergate Hotel – Location

The Watergate Hotel is centrally located in northwest Washington, steps from the Kennedy Center and Georgetown waterfront.

  • 0.6 km (0.4 mi) to Kennedy Center and within easy walking distance of Georgetown Waterfront Park.
  • Close to GWU, Lafayette Square and several DC museums and cultural sites; good base for sightseeing in the city.
  • Nearby transit and city streets make it convenient for museum, theater and restaurant outings.

Choose The Watergate Hotel for a compact DC base within walking distance of cultural sites.

Rooms: resort-standard rooms vs individually furnished guestrooms

MGM National Harbor – Rooms

MGM offers standardized resort room types across a 23-floor hotel tower with both king and double configurations.

  • Room types include Resort Room, Potomac Room, Capital Room, and Restore Capital Room (1 King or 2 Queen beds).
  • 308 total rooms, including 74 suites, designed to serve resort and group travelers.
  • Rooms include modern in-room amenities and free Wi‑Fi (resort fee applies).

MGM is geared to travelers who want consistent, modern rooms with suite upgrade options for groups.

The Watergate Hotel – Rooms

The Watergate Hotel provides 336 individually furnished guestrooms with a range of room designations and many with river views or balconies.

  • Room type examples include Deluxe Room, Premier River View King, Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, and Grand River View King with Balcony.
  • Many rooms emphasize designer touches; some room names indicate river views and balcony options.
  • Complimentary Wi‑Fi; minibars and premium bedding are listed on the supplier listing.

The Watergate suits travelers who prefer individually styled rooms and several river-view choices.

Dining & drinks: many venues vs limited on-site choices

MGM National Harbor – Dining & drinks

MGM National Harbor has an extensive, varied dining roster across casual and signature restaurants.

  • More than 15 venues including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Ginger, Osteria Costa, Diablo's Cantina, and a full food hall (National Market).
  • Options range from casual grab-and-go to higher-end steakhouses and a sports lounge.
  • Good for groups and varied dining preferences without leaving the property.

MGM is best if you want many on-site dining styles and late-night or high-energy food/drink options.

The Watergate Hotel – Dining & drinks

The Watergate Hotel lists one on-site restaurant and three bars/lounges, favoring a smaller, more focused F&B footprint.

  • Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge; the property highlights afternoon tea and a rooftop terrace.
  • Three bars/lounges provide multiple drink settings even though restaurant count is lower.
  • The hotel’s smaller F&B lineup encourages exploring nearby DC restaurants and neighborhoods.

The Watergate works well if you prefer intimate dining options and want to eat out into the city.

Pools & signature amenity: seasonal rooftop pool vs indoor pool

MGM National Harbor – Pools & signature amenity

MGM’s signature pool is a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with river views and private day pod cabanas.

  • Pool is seasonal (typically open Memorial Day–Labor Day) and located on a second-floor rooftop deck.
  • Features lounge chairs, umbrellas and private day pod cabanas with food and beverage service.
  • The pool is family-friendly — children are permitted during the season.

Pick MGM for a summer rooftop pool scene with cabanas and river vistas.

The Watergate Hotel – Pools & signature amenity

The Watergate Hotel provides an indoor pool as part of its wellness and recreation offerings.

  • Supplier listing shows one indoor pool and spa amenities accessible to guests.
  • Indoor pool availability avoids seasonality and works year-round for swimmers.
  • Pool access times are listed in the supplier policies (pool access available 6:00 AM–9:00 PM per know-before-you-go notes).

Pick The Watergate Hotel if you prefer a year-round indoor pool at a central-DC hotel.

Wellness & nightlife: big spa and gaming vs boutique spa and quieter bars

MGM National Harbor – Wellness & nightlife

MGM combines a large Clarins-partnered spa with a casino, nightlife venues and a 3,000-seat theater.

  • The Spa & Salon is 27,000 sq ft with 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and a Vichy room; spa access restricted to guests 18+.
  • On-site casino floor and nightlife venues (sports lounges, bars, live DJ venues) create late-night energy.
  • The Theater hosts concerts and comedy and can be rented for private events.

MGM is for guests who want a big spa plus casino and evening entertainment on site.

The Watergate Hotel – Wellness & nightlife

The Watergate Hotel offers a full-service spa, sauna/steam facilities and multiple bar/lounge settings without the casino hubbub.

  • Full-service spa treatments, sauna/steam and indoor pool are listed among property highlights.
  • Three bars/lounges serve different moods; the hotel’s on-site nightlife is smaller-scale than a casino resort.
  • Multilingual staff, concierge services and quieter evening options fit cultural or theater-centered stays.

The Watergate is for travelers seeking spa services and quieter, city-centered evenings.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

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

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor — casino floor, several bars, live DJs, and a 3,000-seat theater.

Best for central DC sightseeing
The Watergate Hotel, Washington, District of Columbia

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel — short walk to Kennedy Center, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and close to DC cultural sites.

Best for year-round swimming
The Watergate Hotel, Washington, District of Columbia

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel — indoor pool available regardless of season.

Best for variety of on-site dining
Grand hotel lobby with glass atrium and contemporary sculpture at MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor — more than 15 restaurants and a multi-vendor food hall.

Frequently asked questions

MGM National Harbor vs The Watergate Hotel: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which property is better for families with kids?

Both accept families, but MGM’s seasonal outdoor pool and casual dining options may suit families better; The Watergate is more oriented to quieter, adult-centered city stays.

Is one hotel closer to DC landmarks?

The Watergate Hotel sits in northwest DC within walking distance of the Kennedy Center and Georgetown waterfront; MGM is on the Maryland side at National Harbor and requires a short drive or water taxi to reach central DC landmarks.

Which hotel has on-site gaming?

MGM National Harbor has a casino floor; The Watergate Hotel does not list casino gaming on its supplier listing.

Which hotel’s pool can I use year-round?

The Watergate Hotel’s indoor pool is available year-round; MGM’s rooftop pool is seasonal and typically open Memorial Day–Labor Day.

More MGM National Harbor Comparison Guides

Explore how MGM National Harbor stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Outdoor rooftop terrace seating overlooking the water at MGM National Harbor
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