Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So I’ve stayed at the Gaylord National a handful of times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that surprises you every time you walk into that massive atrium. I mean, we’re talking about a glass ceiling that’s basically the size of a football field – the whole place feels like you’re inside this weird, wonderful terrarium. The first time I brought my kids here, they spent twenty minutes just staring up at it, which actually gave me a chance to grab coffee without anyone asking for snacks.

The thing about this place is the location – you’re right on the Potomac, and if you snag a water-view room (totally worth the upgrade), you’ll wake up to riverfront views that make you forget you’re technically still in the DC metro area. National Harbor itself has become this whole entertainment district over the past decade, so you can walk to the MGM casino if that’s your thing, or just wander around the waterfront boardwalk. There’s a giant Ferris wheel that the kids love, though I’ll warn you – it gets pretty crowded on weekends, especially when the weather’s nice. Parking can be a bit of a headache during peak times, but the hotel’s valet team is actually pretty efficient… just budget for it because nothing around here is cheap.

What I really appreciate is how they’ve managed to make such a huge resort feel somewhat intimate. Sure, it’s enormous – you’ll definitely get your steps in walking from the lobby to some of the rooms – but the different sections have their own personality. The restaurant situation is solid too; I’m partial to the Old Hickory Steakhouse when I’m feeling fancy, though honestly, you’ve got plenty of options right outside if you want to explore National Harbor’s dining scene. One thing to note: if you’re here during convention season (which seems to be most of the time), the elevators can get pretty packed, and the lobby tends to buzz with that particular energy of people in business casual carrying canvas tote bags. It’s not necessarily bad, just… you know, convention-y. But hey, that’s literally what this place was built for, and they do it well.