MGM
NATIONAL HARBOR
By Jayne Clark
MGM National Harbor
Photo credit : Stephen Wilkes
The Washington region ’ s newest resort hotel is unlike any other . For one thing , it has more slot machines ( 1,300 ) than guest rooms ( 308 ). It sports a 3,000-seat theater where big-name acts like Cher and Bruno Mars are on the bill . And it boasts seven restaurants , including three helmed by celebrity chefs .
It is towering ( 24 stories ) and sleek ( one side ends in a sharp point ) and shiny ( all glass and metal ). And perched outside to greet visitors is the giant , gold , trademark lion — leaving no question as to who is running this show .
Yes , there ’ s gaming . Yes , there ’ s glitz . But MGM National Harbor , which opened in December , isn ’ t exactly replicating a piece of the Las Vegas Strip on the shores of the Potomac River .
Unlike the majority of Vegas casino hotels , you don ’ t have to weave your way through the cacophony of the gaming area on the way to the front desk , shops or restaurants . Indeed , those amenities are separated from the casino , where security is poised to make sure no one under 21
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