
MGM National Harbor
Best for nightlife, casino gaming, a wide range of on-site restaurants and large-event needs.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
MGM National Harbor is a 5-star, casino-centric resort with gaming, a 3,000-seat theater, a large spa and a seasonal rooftop pool — best for travelers who want nightlife, dining and entertainment on site. The Westin Washington National Harbor is an upscale 4-star waterfront hotel in National Harbor that suits travelers after a quieter, business- or waterfront-oriented stay close to the harbor.
Updated · about 2.2 km apart

Best for nightlife, casino gaming, a wide range of on-site restaurants and large-event needs.

Best for a straightforward waterfront hotel stay with meeting space and a single on-site restaurant, close to National Harbor attractions.
When MGM National Harbor wins: Pick MGM if you want a resort experience built around a casino, many dining options (12–15+ venues), a large spa, a seasonal rooftop pool and a theater for concerts and shows.
When The Westin wins: Choose The Westin Washington National Harbor if you prefer an upscale, quieter waterfront hotel with meeting rooms, a single on-site restaurant (Sauciety), valet/covered parking options, and straightforward business-traveler amenities.
Bottom line: Both put you at National Harbor; MGM is a destination property for entertainment and large groups while The Westin is a compact, service-oriented waterfront hotel that’s easier if you want fewer on-site distractions and simpler logistics.
| Category | MGM National Harbor | The Westin Washington National Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, casino-centric resort with entertainment and high-energy nightlife | Upscale, service-focused waterfront hotel with a calmer atmosphere |
| Location | National Harbor / Oxon Hill waterfront (101 MGM National Ave) | National Harbor waterfront (171 Waterfront St) |
| Distance between properties | about 2.2 km / 1.4 mi from The Westin | |
| Size | 308 rooms, 74 suites; large meeting and ballroom footprint | 195 guestrooms (listing) and 3 meeting rooms (2212 sq ft) |
| Pools | Seasonal rooftop outdoor pool (river views, day pods) — typically open Memorial Day–Labor Day | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | 12–15+ venues including steakhouses, Asian, Italian, Mexican, food hall and bars | 1 restaurant (Sauciety) plus a bar/lounge and limited room service |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa & Salon — 27,000 sq ft, two levels, 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and Clarins partnership | Not published |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive: roughly 50,000 sq ft total, large ballrooms and a 3,000-seat theater | Conference space ~205 sq ft (2212 sq ft / 3 meeting rooms listed); suited to smaller meetings |
| Family / age notes | Casino-centric and primarily geared to adults; children are welcome in rooms and at pool; 21+ to check in/gamble | All-ages hotel (not adults-only); check-in minimum age 21 (supplier), pets in specific rooms only (fee) |
| Parking | Self and valet parking on-site (fees apply); height restrictions on some lots | Covered parking and valet available (surcharge) |
MGM sits on the National Harbor waterfront and markets immediate access to the harbor and Potomac views.
MGM places you at the center of National Harbor’s entertainment cluster and waterfront attractions.
The Westin is also on the harbor waterfront and positions itself as centrally located for the National Harbor area.
The Westin is a convenient, quieter base for exploring National Harbor on foot or by a short drive.
MGM offers multiple room lines across a large hotel tower and includes a substantial suite inventory.
MGM gives more room-type choices and suite options for families or groups.
The Westin’s inventory is smaller and oriented toward business and leisure travelers seeking consistent, upper-midscale rooms.
The Westin offers dependable, accessible rooms with a compact, consistent lineup.
MGM’s dining is broad and destination-focused, from high-end steakhouses to a food hall.
MGM is the pick if you want many on-site dining styles without leaving the resort.
The Westin keeps dining straightforward with one main restaurant and a bar/lounge.
The Westin works well if you want a single reliable on-site restaurant and easy access to harbor dining nearby.
MGM highlights a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with river views and private day pods.
MGM’s rooftop pool is a seasonal, social spot with river views — good for summer stays.
The Westin’s supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool; the property emphasizes waterfront location instead.
If you want to be next to the water rather than at a hotel pool, The Westin is the simpler waterfront option.
MGM focuses on a large Clarins-partnered spa, a 24-hour fitness center and casino-driven nightlife.
MGM is oriented to spa-goers and guests seeking evening entertainment without leaving the resort.
The Westin lists 24-hour fitness facilities, meeting space and service-oriented amenities rather than a large spa or nightlife venues.
The Westin is better suited to business-focused wellness and quiet evenings.

MGM — casino floor, sportsbook, late-night bars and a 3,000-seat theater.

The Westin — upscale rooms, waterfront setting and simpler on-site dining.

MGM — a 27,000 sq ft Clarins spa with hydrotherapy and multiple treatment rooms.

The Westin — 3 meeting rooms (2212 sq ft) and business-friendly amenities.
MGM National Harbor — it has a casino, bars, late-night venues and a 3,000-seat theater; the Westin is much quieter and has only a bar/lounge.
Yes. MGM is casino-centric and primarily geared to adults but welcomes children in rooms and at the pool; The Westin is all-ages and family-friendly in its room configurations.
Yes. MGM has a large Clarins-partnered Spa & Salon with hydrotherapy and many treatment rooms. The Westin’s supplier listing does not publish a comparable on-site spa.
They’re about 2.2 km (1.4 mi) apart — a short drive or quick taxi/ride-share across National Harbor.
Explore how MGM National Harbor stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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