Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

“Practically perfect hotel stay”

I'll start with the caveat that I stayed here for a conference that was taking place at National Harbor. I am not sure I would have enjoyed this location for a general visit to DC. It's not easy to get to the city center from here, but National Harbor is its own pleasant small neighborhood to spend… more

I'll start with the caveat that I stayed here for a conference that was taking place at National Harbor. I am not sure I would have enjoyed this location for a general visit to DC. It's not easy to get to the city center from here, but National Harbor is its own pleasant small neighborhood to spend time—walkable with a variety of restaurants to choose from. Alexandria, Virginia is also easy to get to from here. The location along the river is beautiful, and many of the rooms have a river view. The resort itself is beautiful, with an atrium open air mall area that feels like you're outside and fun historical themes in the decor. There's an indoor pool and a big lawn in the back where you can watch the sunset. My room was sparkling clean, and housekeeping struck a good balance of cleaning while not disturbing my belongings. I always find it weird when a hotel housekeeper moves stuff around to organize it. Food trash left outside the door was collected quickly. The hotel was extremely busy at times, with long lines at reception to check in or if you needed anything during your stay. I arrived on a Saturday and could hear several room parties while walking down the hall, but somehow the noise didn't carry. The rooms must have good soundproofing, and the white noise from the HVAC was the perfect level to block out background noise without being too noisy itself. My bed was comfortable and the room was easy to maintain at a comfortable temperature. I got excellent sleep here! The bathroom was also large and beautiful, with a double sink and a stone tile shower with a big ledge to sit down or place products—lots of room to spread out. I didn't try any of the bars or full-service restaurants, but the cafe in the atrium level has a wide variety of hot and cold food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. They seem to really make an effort to please an international crowd, and I noticed several vegetarian items for sale. The food selections were fun and exciting, which I'm not sure I've ever been able to say about another hotel deli! I'm not sure I would stay here for a general visit to DC, but if coming for a conference at National Harbor, this would be my top choice!

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“Breathtaking”

Although the hotel was slightly dated, the setting and the atrium with small village houses in it was pretty impressive. Staff was also lovely

“Gaylord National”

Great hotel but the food options on site were limited and very expensive.

“Highs and lows”

Highs and Lows. The location and atrium is impressive. Check in was quick and though I was early, my room was ready. I was on 19th floor. Elevator needs room key and I found it tricky to work, sometimes going down instead of up. The corridors are long and confusing. Plenty of exit signs but no dire… more

Highs and Lows. The location and atrium is impressive. Check in was quick and though I was early, my room was ready. I was on 19th floor. Elevator needs room key and I found it tricky to work, sometimes going down instead of up. The corridors are long and confusing. Plenty of exit signs but no directions to elevators. The room was fine though the cofee/tea machine was poor. Coffee possible but when I made tea, it was barely lukewarm. I couldn't figure out the setting for the shower. I rang housekeeping who had never been in a room and couldn't help. I eventually figured out to pull the knob on the faucet up (it was stiff). Maybe this is normal in the US but not where I'm from. I used the pool and gym. This is where the "lows" come in. The gym is small -reasonably well equipped but no space for mat work /warm ups. The pool area is strange. One shower in a separate restroom. Small towels only available inside the pool on entry with room key. The one shower surely will get very busy, and the shower was a hand-held one. All very odd. The whirlpool wasn't working and no one knew why. A fellow guest fixed it!. There's an outside area that was messy, with 2 filthy plunge pools. As I was leaving the next day I saw an outdoor restroom-maybe that has better facilities but no one pointed it out and I had to ask the attendants where the shower was-it was they that pointed me to the small one inside. Overall, not a nice experience for the price of the stay. It was not busy and I can see why. Access to the pool is down a long corridor through the slot-machine arcade-a parent's nightmare! It's a long way from the airport. $70-120 dollar Uber ride (45 mins) or Public transport 1.5hrs.

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