National Harbor Hotel & Casino

The National Harbor Hotel & Casino, officially known as MGM National Harbor, is a grand resort complex located on the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland, in close proximity to Washington, D.C. This modern entertainment hub in the USA brings together a luxury hotel, a spacious casino, a world-class concert hall, fine dining restaurants, and retail galleries under one roof.

Spanning 23 acres, the complex is one of the largest entertainment centers in the region. Its architecture is inspired by the monumental style of the American capital, blending modern design solutions with eco-friendly technologies. It's no coincidence that the building received the prestigious LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

MGM National Harbor offers guests more than just gambling and accommodations. It's a place where you can enjoy performances by global stars, taste dishes from celebrity chefs, shop in boutiques, and simply relax in an atmosphere of luxury. Due to its prime location and variety of entertainment, the resort has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or get more information, you can contact the MGM National Harbor resort representatives. Current contact details, including a general inquiry phone number and address, are provided below.

Visitors to the National Harbor Hotel & Casino can expect a wide range of entertainment for every taste. The centerpiece is the spacious casino, open 24/7. Gambling enthusiasts can try their luck at over 3,600 slot machines and 140 tables for various games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. The gaming area spans a space larger than the White House, offering a dynamic atmosphere at any time of day or night.

Gastronomic experiences are another highlight of the resort. The complex features more than 15 restaurants, bars, and cafes capable of satisfying diverse culinary preferences. Guests can enjoy exquisite dishes at establishments by world-renowned chefs, such as Fish by José Andrés or Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse. Additionally, there are many other options, from Asian and Italian cuisine to classic American sports bars and the National Market food court with a variety of quick bites.

For connoisseurs of cultural leisure, the complex houses a modern 3,000-seat theater. This venue regularly hosts concerts by world stars, Broadway shows, stand-up comedy performances, and other major events. Those wishing to relax and pamper themselves can visit the luxurious 27,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, or the outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy the retail promenade with premium boutiques offering designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

Getting to the National Harbor Hotel & Casino is quite easy thanks to its convenient location just 15 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. and 10 minutes from major transport hubs. The most direct way is by car or taxi. For guests arriving in their own vehicles, there are convenient parking areas on the complex grounds, as well as valet services to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

For those who prefer public transportation, there are also convenient options. While the resort doesn't have direct metro access, the nearest station is about 7 miles (around 11 km) away. City buses run regularly from there to National Harbor, making it easy to reach your destination. For instance, bus routes NH1 and NH2 connect the complex to the King St-Old Town and Southern Ave metro stations.

Additionally, transfers from nearby airports can be arranged for travelers arriving from other cities or countries. For those looking for a more scenic route, there is a unique option—water transport. Water taxis operate on the Potomac River, connecting National Harbor with other iconic points in the region, such as Alexandria and The Wharf district in D.C., turning a routine trip into an enjoyable boat ride.

The history of the National Harbor Hotel & Casino began with a major competitive struggle for construction rights. In December 2013, MGM Resorts International secured the license, beating out several major rivals. The project's initial budget was $925 million, but it grew to an impressive $1.4 billion during development, highlighting the scale and ambition of the vision. This grand complex was conceived as a landmark for the entire capital region.

Construction began in April 2014, and in less than three years, a modern entertainment center rose on the banks of the Potomac River. The grand opening took place on December 8, 2016, becoming one of the region's most notable events and attracting significant attention from both locals and tourists. Thanks to its location near Washington, D.C., the resort immediately secured a key spot on the East Coast entertainment map of the USA.

Ownership facts are also of interest. In 2017, MGM Growth Properties purchased the land and buildings from MGM Resorts International for $1.2 billion in a leaseback deal. Later, in 2022, Vici Properties became the resort's owner. Despite the change in real estate ownership, MGM Resorts International continues to manage the complex, ensuring the highest standards of quality and service that guests from around the world have come to expect.

When planning a visit to the National Harbor Hotel & Casino, it's worth considering that the duration of your stay depends entirely on your interests. For a quick overview of this massive complex located near Washington, D.C., a few hours may suffice. During this time, you can appreciate the impressive interior, stroll through the retail promenade, check out the casino, and see the famous seasonal decor in the conservatory.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the resort's atmosphere, it's recommended to set aside half a day to a full day. This will be enough time to not only look around but also try your luck at the casino, shop at the boutiques, and enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the restaurants or the food court. This format provides a better sense of the variety of entertainment offered by this famous USA resort.

For those who want the maximum experience, the optimal choice would be a visit of 1–2 days, perhaps with an overnight stay at the hotel. This allows you to enjoy a dinner at a restaurant by a famous chef without rushing, attend a concert or show at the local theater, and relax at the spa or by the pool. A full weekend at MGM National Harbor is an opportunity to completely disconnect from daily worries and dive into a world of luxury and entertainment.

The National Harbor Hotel & Casino is happy to welcome guests at any time. The main areas of the complex, including the casino itself, are open 24/7, allowing guests to enjoy the gambling and resort atmosphere whenever they wish. However, it's worth noting that other venues on-site, such as restaurants, boutiques, and the spa, may have their own operating hours. The complex is open year-round, offering entertainment in every season.

To ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible, it is recommended to check the hours of the specific places you're interested in on the official MGM National Harbor website. This is especially important if you plan to attend a show at the theater, dine at one of the fine restaurants, or book a spa treatment—reservations are often required for such activities.

Visiting the National Harbor Hotel & Casino is an exciting event in itself, but its prime location opens up many additional opportunities for exploration. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the region's culture and history, complementing your luxury resort experience with visits to iconic sites located just a few minutes' drive away.

Its proximity to Washington, D.C. makes the resort an ideal starting point for exploring the landmarks of the USA capital. Just a short trip away, you'll find yourself surrounded by world-famous museums, monuments, and parks. Below is a list of interesting sites near the complex that are easy to include in your itinerary.