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MGM National Harbor Fort Washington, Maryland
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Hotel comparison guide

MGM National Harbor vs Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

MGM National Harbor is a 5-star riverfront resort-casino with a large spa, rooftop seasonal pool, a 3,000-seat theater and more than a dozen dining venues — read this if you want an active, entertainment- and dining-forward stay near DC. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is a landmark five-star luxury hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. — read this if you want a central, classic luxury hotel close to the National Mall and museums.

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

MGM National Harbor

Casino · Riverfront · Large spa

Best for gaming, big-ticket entertainment, and a wide, casual-to-upscale dining lineup on a Potomac waterfront resort campus.

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Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Washington, District of Columbia

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Downtown · Landmark luxury · Spa

Best for classic downtown luxury, a quiet centrally located base for museums and monuments, and formal single-restaurateur dining.

Quick Verdict: MGM National Harbor vs Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

When MGM National Harbor wins: choose MGM if you want a resort centered on casino gaming, concerts and nightlife, a seasonal rooftop pool with river views, and many on-site restaurants and casual food options.

When Waldorf Astoria Washington DC wins: pick the Waldorf if your priority is a landmark five-star hotel in downtown DC within walking distance of museums, theaters and CityCenterDC, with a refined, quieter hotel atmosphere and a single signature restaurant (Sushi Nakazawa on-site).

Bottom line: both are five-star properties serving different trip goals — MGM is a resort destination for entertainment and dining on the water; the Waldorf is a downtown luxury hotel for museum-and-business-focused stays.

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MGM National Harbor vs Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for MGM National Harbor and Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
CategoryMGM National HarborWaldorf Astoria Washington DC
Overall vibeResort-casino energy with live entertainment, gaming and casual-to-upscale restaurantsLandmark five-star hotel with a formal downtown luxury tone
LocationNational Harbor / Oxon Hill (Potomac waterfront, near Tanger Outlets and the Capital Wheel)Downtown Washington, within a 10-minute walk of Ford's Theater and CityCenterDC; 0.6 mi (0.8 km) from the National Mall
Size (rooms)308 guest rooms (including 74 suites)263 individually decorated guestrooms
Meeting & event spaceExtensive: roughly 50,000 sq ft total, large ballrooms and a 3,000-seat theaterLarge conference footprint: about 38,942 sq ft including a ballroom
PoolsOne seasonal outdoor rooftop pool overlooking the river (Memorial Day–Labor Day; kids allowed)Not published
Restaurants & bars12–15+ venues including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Osteria Costa, Ginger, food hall and casual outletsOne main restaurant (Sushi Nakazawa), plus a coffee shop/cafe, bar/lounge and 24-hour room service
Spa & fitnessThe Spa & Salon: 27,000 sq ft, two levels, 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, Vichy and adult-only spa access; advanced fitness centerFull-service spa and fitness facilities; spa treatments and a spa treatment room(s) are available
Known forCasino gaming, large-scale entertainment, dining variety and riverfront resort amenitiesClassic Beaux-Arts luxury, central walkability to DC cultural sites, Sushi Nakazawa dining option
Family / age policyAll-ages resort property; 21+ required to check in and to gamble; spa typically for 18+All-ages property; check-in minimum age 21 (supplier listing notes check-in min age 21)
Parking & accessOn-site self and valet parking (fees), water taxi service nearby and close to Reagan National by short driveValet parking (surcharge) and covered/secured parking available

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 waterfront vs Downtown DC

MGM National Harbor – Location

MGM National Harbor sits on the Potomac waterfront in National Harbor, a short drive from DC with waterfront attractions nearby.

  • Walkable to the Capital Wheel, Tanger Outlets and waterfront restaurants
  • Water taxi and Circulator connections from the waterfront to Alexandria and Georgetown
  • Short drive to Reagan National Airport and easy access to Old Town Alexandria

Choose MGM if you want waterfront activity and easy outlet-shopping or short excursions to nearby towns.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Location

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is in the heart of downtown, close to theaters, museums and CityCenterDC.

  • Within a 10-minute walk of Ford's Theater and CityCenterDC
  • About 0.6 mi (0.8 km) from the National Mall and within walking distance of multiple Smithsonian museums
  • Central location suits sightseeing, business districts and evening theater options

Choose the Waldorf for maximum walkability to DC's cultural and civic core.

Rooms: resort rooms & river views vs individually decorated downtown rooms

MGM National Harbor – Rooms

MGM has 308 rooms across 23 floors with multiple named room categories and river-view options.

  • Room types include Resort Room, Potomac Room, Capital Room and Restore Capital Room
  • 308 total guest rooms with 74 suites available
  • Rooms include standard modern in-room amenities and river-view options may be available

Pick MGM for a wider selection of room types and suites, including river-facing options.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Rooms

Waldorf Astoria offers 263 individually decorated guestrooms with luxury bedding and deep soaking tubs.

  • Rooms feature pillowtop beds, down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Private bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries
  • Complimentary WiFi in guestrooms (supplier listing)

Choose the Waldorf for individually styled rooms and classic luxury bedding and bath features.

Dining & drinks: many on-site venues vs a focused luxury restaurant

MGM National Harbor – Dining & drinks

MGM’s strength is variety — a dozen-plus restaurants and bars range from casual to high-end.

  • Signature and chef-driven options include Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and Osteria Costa
  • Casual outlets and a food hall (National Market) cover quick, family-friendly and late-night needs
  • Multiple sports bars and lounges for game-day atmospheres

MGM fits groups and varied tastes with many on-site options and different price points.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Dining & drinks

Waldorf emphasizes a single high-profile dining option plus a cafe and bar.

  • Sushi Nakazawa serves sushi for lunch and dinner on-site
  • Coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge are available; 24-hour room service is offered
  • Dining options lean toward refined, formal service rather than a broad casual lineup

Pick the Waldorf if you want downtown fine dining and a quieter dining footprint.

Pools & outdoor spaces: seasonal rooftop pool vs downtown hotel amenities

MGM National Harbor – Pools & outdoor spaces

MGM offers a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with river views and private day pod cabanas.

  • Pool is seasonal (typically Memorial Day–Labor Day) with lounge chairs and umbrellas
  • Children are allowed at the pool; it's not restricted to adults only
  • Poolside food and beverage service and private cabanas are available

MGM is the choice for a summer poolside scene with river views.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Pools & outdoor spaces

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC's supplier listing does not publish on-site pool details.

  • Listing confirms fitness facilities and a full-service spa
  • Outdoor and rooftop pool details are not published in the supplier listing
  • For pool access or nearby public pools, contact the hotel directly

If a hotel pool is a must, confirm availability with the Waldorf before booking.

Wellness & nightlife: big spa and casino nightlife vs boutique spa and downtown evenings

MGM National Harbor – Wellness & nightlife

MGM is built around a large Clarins partnership spa and a full casino-and-entertainment nightlife program.

  • The Spa & Salon spans 27,000 sq ft with 11 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and a Vichy room (18+ only)
  • Gaming floor and nightlife venues (clubs, sportsbook, live-theater shows) operate into late hours
  • Fitness center access is included with the resort fee

MGM is best if you want a big wellness facility plus late-night entertainment all on property.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Wellness & nightlife

Waldorf offers a full-service spa and quiet downtown evening options near theaters and restaurants.

  • Full-service spa treatment room(s) are available (supplier listing)
  • Close to Warner Theatre, National Theatre and many downtown evening dining choices
  • Hotel concierge can assist with theater tickets and local reservations

Choose the Waldorf for spa treatments plus walkable, theater-focused nights out in DC.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

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

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor — large gaming floor, sportsbook, multiple bars and a 3,000-seat theater.

Best for downtown sightseeing
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Washington, District of Columbia

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC — steps from museums, theaters and CityCenterDC.

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

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor — 12–15+ venues from casual to chef-driven fine dining.

Best for classic luxury and individually decorated rooms
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Washington, District of Columbia

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC — landmark Beaux-Arts hotel with individually decorated guestrooms.

Frequently asked questions

MGM National Harbor vs Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: FAQs

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Which hotel is better for families with kids?

Both accept children, but MGM is more family-accommodating for casual dining and a seasonal pool that admits kids; the overall resort atmosphere is adult-focused due to gaming.

Which hotel is best located for museums and the National Mall?

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC — it's in downtown DC within walking distance of many museums and the National Mall.

Are spa facilities available at both properties?

Yes. MGM has a large Clarins-partnered spa (27,000 sq ft) with 11 treatment rooms; the Waldorf lists a full-service spa and spa treatment room(s) in its supplier listing.

Do either of these hotels include breakfast or have many dining options?

Breakfast is typically a surcharge at both; MGM offers 12–15+ dining venues while the Waldorf lists one main restaurant plus a cafe and bar.

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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