
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Best for big conferences, large weddings, families and guests who want a Potomac waterfront resort with many on-site activities.
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Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a large waterfront resort and convention campus at National Harbor built for conferences, families and groups; read this if you need lots of meeting space, a riverside resort experience, or family-friendly activities. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is an established five-star luxury hotel near Georgetown; read this if you want a polished, central D.C. stay with Gold-level rooms and proximity to Embassy Row and the Potomac.
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Best for big conferences, large weddings, families and guests who want a Potomac waterfront resort with many on-site activities.

Best for travelers seeking a classic five-star D.C. hotel experience near Georgetown, Embassy Row and George Washington University.
When Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center wins: choose Gaylord National if your priority is event/meeting space, a large resort atrium and family-friendly pool and programming. It’s built for groups and guests who want on-site dining and activities without leaving the property.
When Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown wins: choose the Fairmont for a traditional five-star downtown Washington stay, shorter drives into central D.C. sites, and a polished hotel experience with signature room categories like Fairmont Gold and Capital Corner King suites.
Bottom line: pick Gaylord National for scale, waterfront resort amenities and meetings; pick the Fairmont for five-star service, a central D.C. address and a more compact, city-hotel feel.
| Category | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large waterfront resort and convention center with family programming and year-round atrium public spaces. | Established five-star city hotel with formal service and proximity to Georgetown and Embassy Row. |
| Location | National Harbor / Fort Washington on the Potomac waterfront, adjacent to the promenade and marina. | 2401 M Street NW, steps from George Washington University and a short walk to Georgetown Waterfront Park. |
| Size | Very large: thousands of rooms and extensive meeting space and ballrooms across the campus. | Mid-to-large urban hotel: 413 guestrooms (supplier listing). |
| Aimed at | Conferences, weddings, families and groups. | Business and leisure travelers wanting five-star accommodations near Georgetown. |
| Pools & waterfront | Junior Olympic indoor pool, whirlpool, seasonal riverside sundeck, poolside bar and seasonal splash pad. | Indoor pool available; waterfront access is nearby (Georgetown Waterfront Park) but no on-site beach. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Old Hickory steakhouse, Harbor Social sports bar, Potomac District Café & Market, several bars and a rooftop lounge). | Juniper Restaurant plus 2 bars/lounges and 24-hour room service (supplier listing). |
| Spa & wellness | Relâche Spa & Salon with appointment-based treatments, relaxation lounge, sauna/steam; 20,000 sq ft spa reported. | Health/beauty spa nearby and fitness facilities; spa described as available nearby in supplier listing. |
| Known for | Massive meeting capacity, 19-story atrium gardens and family programming. | Five-star luxury service, Fairmont Gold rooms and central D.C. location. |
| Parking & access | Paid self and valet parking; no included airport shuttle (arrange transport separately). | Valet parking available (surcharge); central D.C. location with easy access to local attractions. |
Gaylord National sits on the National Harbor promenade at the Potomac River — a short walk to shops, the marina and waterfront attractions but not in downtown D.C.
Gaylord National is for travelers who want a waterfront resort campus and don’t need to be inside downtown D.C.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is in central Washington on M Street NW, within easy walking distance of GWU and near Georgetown Waterfront Park.
The Fairmont is better if you want a downtown D.C. location and easy access to Georgetown and Embassy Row.
Gaylord National provides a range of rooms and suites sized for families and groups, including multiple-bedroom suites.
Choose Gaylord National for larger suite options and family-oriented room configurations.
Fairmont offers traditional five-star room categories including Fairmont Gold and spacious suites like Capital Corner King.
Choose the Fairmont for refined five-star room options, executive-level service and larger signature suites.
Gaylord National has many on-site dining outlets covering casual to steakhouse and multiple bars for groups.
Gaylord National’s multiple venues suit groups and families who want variety without leaving the property.
Fairmont’s on-site dining is smaller in scale but focused on upscale service and a central-city clientele.
Fairmont works well for guests who prefer downtown restaurants and a smaller, more formal hotel dining program.
Gaylord National’s signature public spaces are its 19-story glass atrium and family-friendly pool complex.
The atrium and resort pool complex are central to the Gaylord National experience — good for families and year-round events.
Fairmont provides a city-hotel indoor pool and fitness facilities suitable for leisure and business travelers.
Fairmont’s pool and fitness offerings fit a downtown hotel profile — compact and service-focused.
Gaylord National combines a full-service spa with resort nightlife and family entertainment.
Gaylord National blends day spa services with larger-scale nightlife and family entertainment offerings.
Fairmont focuses on classic hotel wellness and quieter evening options in a downtown setting.
Fairmont is a good pick for travelers wanting refined spa/fitness options and easy access to D.C. cultural nightlife.

Gaylord National — extensive meeting and ballroom capacity across dozens of event spaces.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown — closer walking access to GWU, Embassy Row and many downtown attractions.

Gaylord National — indoor atrium, kids' splash pad, bowling and seasonal waterfront activities.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown — Fairmont Gold and signature suites with executive-level amenities.
Gaylord National — it’s designed for large events and has substantially more meeting and ballroom space.
Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown — it’s in central D.C. near GWU, Dupont Circle and easier drives or walks to the National Mall.
Gaylord National — family programming, a kids' splash pad and larger on-site entertainment options make it the better pick for families.
Yes. Gaylord National has Relâche Spa with appointment-only services; Fairmont lists a health/beauty spa nearby and offers fitness and pool facilities.
Explore how Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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