NATIONAL HARBOR HOTELS
Using the National Harbor area in Maryland — just 10 miles south of downtown
D.C. — as a home base means access to a diverse range of hotel experiences,
from huge four-star resorts to smaller hotels with familiar brand names. Add to
that, plenty of restaurants, bars, and a pirate ship cruise that kids will adore, not
to mention the 180-foot-high Capital Wheel, and it’s well worth booking a room in
the riverside neighborhood, starting at these favorite hotels:
BY JENNY PETERS
M GM NAT IO NA L HARBOR
At this massive modern resort and casino
that opened in 2016, MGM really thought
things through. Unlike most casino
hotels, the elegant destination doesn’t
force visitors to navigate the casino to
get to reception — or to the numerous
restaurants and shops, either. Instead,
guests are greeted by a dazzling, two-
story atrium with a seasonally changing
(and breathtaking) sculptural and floral
installation; it’s the first sign that this
isn’t your ordinary casino hotel. Add
in the comfortable rooms and suites
overlooking the Potomac, fabulous fine
dining choices — including Fish by José
Andrés and Voltaggio Brothers Steak
House — and a 27,000-foot spa (don’t
miss the Hydro Tub). If you love to
gamble, the casino is huge, with every
game imaginable.
mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com
The city’s fifth annual
Tulip Festival
springs up in April
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 58 WINTER 2019/20
AC by MARRIOT
Modern, minimalist, European-style
design makes the AC Hotel a streamlined,
comfortable place to call home in the
National Harbor. Book a room with a river
view, and you’ll be looking right at the
Capital Wheel, which is just a few steps
away from the hotel, as is the Carousel.
Close out the day’s fun with an evening
libation and tapas at Lounge, or take in
the sunset on the outdoor patio. A quick
workout is also always available at the
24-hour fitness center. marriott.com