Waterfront dining, the Capital Wheel, MGM, Gaylord’s ICE! experience, and a free Water Taxi to DC — National Harbor is its own destination.
National Harbor sits on the Potomac River in Maryland, about 10 miles south of downtown DC. It’s a purpose-built waterfront destination — hotels, restaurants, retail, entertainment, and a casino all concentrated around a marina. The Gaylord National Resort is the anchor and one of the DC area’s most popular family destinations, especially during the holidays for ICE! and Enchant Christmas. The DC Water Taxi connects National Harbor to The Wharf in DC. Here’s where to stay and what to know.
National Harbor Hotels
Our top picks for every type of traveler — ready to book.
Gaylord National Resort
The anchor property — 19-story atrium, Potomac views, ICE! in winter, full spa. The National Harbor experience.
Check RatesMGM National Harbor
Luxury casino resort with world-class restaurants, entertainment venue, and Potomac River views from every room.
Check RatesWestin Washington National Harbor
Full-service Westin on the waterfront. The best balance of price and quality at National Harbor.
Check RatesAC Hotel National Harbor
Sleek, modern Marriott AC property. Good rates, solid design, walkable to everything at National Harbor.
Check RatesBest Hotels at National Harbor
National Harbor has a compact but well-curated hotel lineup. The Gaylord and MGM are the two marquee properties — resort-scale experiences with everything on-site. The Westin and AC Hotel are the best mid-range plays. All four are walkable to the waterfront, restaurants, and the Capital Wheel.
Resort & Luxury
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
The signature National Harbor property — a 19-story glass atrium enclosing an indoor garden, Potomac River views, full spa, multiple restaurants, and one of the DC area’s best pools. In winter it hosts ICE! — the two-million-pound hand-carved ice sculpture experience that is one of the most popular holiday events in the region. If you’re coming for ICE! or Enchant Christmas, staying here is the move. Book well in advance for holiday weekends — it sells out.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comMGM National Harbor Resort & Casino
Luxury casino hotel with Potomac River views from every room, a premier gaming floor, world-class restaurants from celebrated chefs, and a major entertainment venue. The MGM is the most consistently luxurious hotel at National Harbor — rooms are large, views are exceptional, and the dining options are the best in the immediate area. The right call for casino travelers and anyone who wants resort-level luxury with entertainment on-site.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comMid-Range & Value
Westin Washington National Harbor
Full-service Westin on the waterfront with the brand’s signature Heavenly Bed, fitness center, and good on-site dining. The best balance of price, quality, and amenities at National Harbor — consistently well-reviewed and priced below the Gaylord and MGM while delivering a genuinely good experience.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comAC Hotel by Marriott National Harbor
Sleek, modern Marriott AC property with a design-forward aesthetic and competitive rates. Walkable to everything at National Harbor — the waterfront, restaurants, the Capital Wheel, and both the Gaylord and MGM. A smart value play for Marriott loyalty members who want National Harbor proximity without the resort price tag.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comResidence Inn National Harbor
Suite-style rooms with full kitchens and free breakfast. Good for families and longer stays — the kitchen and breakfast cover real money over a multi-night visit, and the location puts you in the heart of National Harbor.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comHampton Inn & Suites National Harbor
The most budget-friendly option at National Harbor — free breakfast, reliable Hampton Inn quality, and a location that puts you within walking distance of the waterfront. The right call when you want National Harbor proximity at the lowest price point.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comGetting to DC from National Harbor
Water Taxi to DC: Seasonal service from National Harbor to The Wharf in DC — the most scenic and stress-free way to get into the city. See our DC Water Taxi guide for schedules and stops.
Driving to DC: About 20–30 minutes without traffic via I-295 or I-495. Parking in DC is expensive — see our DC parking guide before you go.
Rideshare: Available throughout National Harbor — surge pricing applies during peak times and major events.
Airport: Reagan National (DCA) is about 10 miles — see our Reagan National tips and DC airports guide.
Note: National Harbor does not have direct Metro access — factor this in if you plan to use Metro extensively.
No Metro at National Harbor. This is the biggest logistical consideration — unlike Old Town Alexandria and Arlington, National Harbor has no Metro station. You’re dependent on the Water Taxi, rideshare, or driving to get into DC. If Metro access is important to your trip, consider basing yourself in Old Town Alexandria or Arlington instead and day-tripping to National Harbor.
Why Stay at National Harbor
National Harbor makes the most sense as a base when your trip centers on the destination itself — the Gaylord ICE! experience, Enchant Christmas, MGM entertainment, waterfront dining, or the Capital Wheel. It’s a self-contained destination where you don’t necessarily need to go into DC every day. Families in particular find that National Harbor has enough on-site to keep everyone happy without the logistics of navigating DC.
Holiday weekends book out fast at the Gaylord. ICE! and Enchant Christmas run November through early January — the Gaylord sells out weeks in advance for December weekends. If you’re planning a holiday trip to National Harbor, book the hotel before you book anything else.
Search All National Harbor Hotels
Rates at National Harbor vary significantly by season — holiday weekends command premium rates, especially at the Gaylord. Compare across platforms before you book.
Quick Reference: National Harbor Hotels
| If You Want | Book This |
|---|---|
| Full resort experience / ICE! | Gaylord National Resort — book early for holidays |
| Casino + luxury dining | MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino |
| Best mid-range waterfront | Westin Washington National Harbor |
| Best value / Marriott points | AC Hotel National Harbor |
| Families / extended stay | Residence Inn National Harbor |
| Lowest price point | Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor |
| Getting to DC | Water Taxi to The Wharf — seasonal, most scenic option |
| Metro access? | No Metro at National Harbor — plan accordingly |
National Harbor is worth the trip whether you’re staying here or just visiting for a day or evening. The waterfront is genuinely attractive, the Gaylord is a spectacular hotel, and MGM brings a level of dining and entertainment that the immediate DC area doesn’t match. Just go in knowing there’s no Metro — plan your transportation before you arrive.
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