What to pack for a stay at MGM National Harbor
Pack ID, a credit card for the required incidental authorization or refundable deposit, smart-casual clothes for dining, swimwear for the seasonal rooftop pool, and workout gear if you plan to use the fitness center or spa. Don’t bring pets (service animals only); the resort fee and deposit cover certain in-room amenities and fitness access.
In this guide
Must-have documents & payment items
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the card you’ll use at check-in. MGM National Harbor requires a credit card or authorization at check-in and may collect a refundable incidental deposit per stay.
The property accepts major credit cards for payment and does not accept cash or debit cards for payment in some listings; service animals are permitted without a fee or documentation.
If you need help before arrival, BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Government photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Credit card for incidentals / refundable deposit
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation
- Any membership cards (MGM Rewards, etc.)
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| ID | Required at check-in |
| Credit card | Incidental authorization/refundable deposit |
| Reservation confirmation | Speeds check-in |
Resort fee, deposit and check-in basics
Expect a mandatory nightly resort fee that covers fitness center access, in-room bottled water, in-room coffee, and internet access. A refundable deposit is commonly required at check-in — bring the card you’ll use to authorise it.
Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The resort enforces a minimum check-in age of 21 for primary guests; gambling on the casino floor also requires being 21 or older.
- Resort fee includes fitness access, bottled water, coffee, internet
- Refundable deposit commonly collected at check-in
- Check-in 3:00 PM • Check-out 11:00 AM
- Primary guest minimum age: 21
| Policy | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Card on file for incidentals |
| Refundable deposit | Same credit card used at booking |
| Age requirement | Photo ID showing age |
What to pack for dining and nightlife
MGM National Harbor has more than a dozen restaurants and several bars, with a range from casual to smart casual. For signature evenings — for example Voltaggio Brothers Steak House — plan smart-casual attire (no athletic wear).
Bring an outfit for casual meals or quick bites at places like Shake Shack and National Market, and at least one set of smarter clothes if you plan a special dinner or show at The Theater.
- Smart-casual outfit for Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and some restaurants
- Casual daytime clothes for National Market, Shake Shack, Bread + Butter
- Comfortable footwear for the waterfront and casino floor
| Venue type | Suggested attire |
|---|---|
| Fine dining (Voltaggio Brothers Steak House) | Smart casual (shirt/slacks) |
| Casual restaurants (Shake Shack, National Market) | Casual / comfortable |
| Nightlife (Diablo’s Cantina, BetMGM Sportsbook) | Casual with dressier option if you plan to sit in a signature lounge) |
Pool, spa and wellness packing
The resort has a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool (typically open Memorial Day–Labor Day) with lounge chairs, umbrellas and private day pod cabanas; bring swimwear, a cover-up and sunscreen if you expect to use the pool during the season. Children are allowed at the pool.
The Spa & Salon at MGM National Harbor is an adult-only facility (guests under 18 are not permitted). If you plan treatments, pack light loungewear and flip-flops; the spa includes locker rooms and a relaxation lounge. Photo: spa relaxation lounge.
The fitness center is included with the resort fee; many listings show the gym as available 24 hours. Pack workout clothes, trainers, and any small personal gear (headphones, lock for a locker if you prefer).
- Swimsuit, cover-up, water-resistant sunscreen
- Flip-flops or sandals for pool and spa
- Workout clothes, trainers, fitness tracker
- Light robe or comfortable clothes for post-treatment if you’ll visit the spa
| Amenity | Age note |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool | Open seasonally; children allowed |
| The Spa & Salon | Guests under 18 not permitted |
| Fitness center | Access included with resort fee; often listed 24-hour |
Tech, in-room and business essentials
Rooms include Wi‑Fi as an in-room amenity; the resort fee is said to include internet access. Bring chargers, an outlet adapter if needed, and a portable battery for long days exploring the waterfront or DC.
If you’re attending meetings or an event in the MGM Grand Ballroom, Salon A/B/C or The Theater, pack a laptop, presentation cables or adaptors, and printed materials. The hotel has extensive event space and meeting rooms for conferences and private events.
- Phone and laptop chargers (bring USB-C and USB-A cables as needed)
- Portable battery pack
- Any HDMI/VGA adaptors for presentations
- Printed copies of itineraries or tickets
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi | Included with resort fee per some listings |
| Chargers | Bring for camera, phone, laptop |
| Presentation adaptors | Check meeting-room AV needs in advance |
Family extras and disabled-access items
Although the resort is casino-centric and primarily geared toward adults, children are welcome to stay in guest rooms and use the outdoor pool; the resort provides family-friendly items such as in-room cribs and high chairs on request. If traveling with kids, pack familiar snacks, small toys and a swimsuit.
MGM National Harbor offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and mobility features. Guests who need accessibility equipment or specific room features should request them when booking and bring any personal mobility items they require.
- Pack an extra pair of clothes for children and any swim diapers
- Bring any prescription medications and mobility aids
- Request cribs or high chairs in advance through the reservation or front desk
| Family need | Suggested item |
|---|---|
| Young child sleeping | In-room crib (request ahead) |
| Pool use | Swimsuit, towel, child supervision |
| Accessibility | Personal mobility aids; request accessible room |
