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Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Fort Washington, Maryland
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Hotel comparison guide

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a large, family-friendly resort and convention complex on the Potomac at National Harbor; read this if you want big meeting space, family amenities, and an indoor atrium environment. InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is a large upscale waterfront hotel at The Wharf in southwest D.C.; read this if you want a central D.C. waterfront base with a full-service spa and closer access to Mall-area sights.

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Night exterior of Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center reflected in the water

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Family-friendly · Massive convention space · Indoor atrium pool

Best for big conferences, large weddings, and families who want resort-scale public spaces and year-round indoor recreation.

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InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

Waterfront Wharf · Full-service spa · 11 meeting rooms

Best for travelers who want stay-in-the-city waterfront access, a compact luxury hotel footprint, and easy access to D.C. museums and Wharf nightlife.

Quick Verdict: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

When Gaylord National wins: choose Gaylord National if you need very large meeting or ballroom capacity (hundreds to thousands of attendees), want family-oriented amenities (kids’ splash pad, indoor pool, activities), or prefer a resort-style property with an expansive atrium and onsite entertainment options.

When InterContinental wins: pick InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf if you want a central D.C. waterfront location close to museums, walkable Wharf dining and bars, a smaller hotel footprint with a full-service spa, or quicker access into downtown D.C. attractions.

Bottom line: both hotels are waterfront and event-capable, but they serve different trip shapes — Gaylord National for resort-scale meetings and family stays at National Harbor; InterContinental The Wharf for upscale, walkable Washington, D.C. waterfront stays with spa and urban access.

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Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
CategoryGaylord National Resort & Convention CenterInterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf
Overall vibeResort-scale, family-friendly, conference-focusedUpscale urban waterfront hotel, city-focused
LocationNational Harbor / Fort Washington on the Potomac, next to promenade and marinaThe Wharf waterfront in southwest Washington, D.C., near museums and the National Mall
Size (rooms)About 2,000 guest rooms278 rooms
Event & meeting capacityExtensive — 500k+ sq ft meeting space, numerous ballrooms and exhibition hallsConference space ~17,000 sq ft with 11 meeting rooms
Pools & waterfront accessJunior Olympic indoor pool (24 m) with whirlpool; seasonal riverside sundeck and splash padOutdoor seasonal pool; marina on site and Wharf waterfront access
Restaurants & barsMultiple venues (seven+), from steakhouse to sports bar and rooftop lounge1 restaurant (Willowsong) and 3 bars/lounges
Spa & fitnessRelâche Spa (appointment required; 18+ for spa facilities), 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikesFull-service spa, fitness facilities; seasonal pool and spa services by appointment
Known forHuge atrium with indoor gardens, family programming, and large convention footprintWaterfront location at The Wharf with easy access to DC attractions and Wharf nightlife
Accessibility & family policyAll-ages resort; minimum check-in age 18; family and kid programmingAll-ages property (adultsOnly: false); family stays allowed

A Look Inside Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesGaylord National Resort & Convention Center: pools & beachPools & beachGaylord National Resort & Convention Center: diningDiningGaylord National Resort & Convention Center: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: National Harbor vs The Wharf

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Location

Gaylord National sits at National Harbor on the Potomac with immediate access to the promenade and marina.

  • About a 10-minute walk to the National Harbor promenade and marina.
  • Close drive to MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets; Potomac River attractions nearby.
  • Water taxi seasonally connects National Harbor with Alexandria and The Wharf (service varies).

Choose Gaylord if you want a resort set beside National Harbor amenities and a marina-oriented destination.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Location

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf is on The Wharf waterfront in SW D.C., within easy reach of Mall-area sights.

  • Address: 801 Wharf Street SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20024.
  • Within a short drive of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and many Smithsonian museums.
  • Walkable access to Wharf restaurants, bars, and venues; close to L'Enfant Plaza and The Anthem.

Choose InterContinental for a walkable Washington, D.C. waterfront base near museums and downtown attractions.

Rooms: capacity and character

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Rooms

Gaylord National is a very large resort with a range of rooms and suites built to host families and groups.

  • Room types include Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds) and multiple suite tiers (Executive Suite, Suite, Grand Suite).
  • Large inventory supports group blocks and family bookings; many rooms overlook the atrium or river.
  • In-room Wi‑Fi policies: complimentary only for Marriott Bonvoy members booking direct; fees may apply otherwise.

Expect roomy options geared to families, groups, and event blocks at Gaylord National.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Rooms

InterContinental The Wharf offers a smaller, upscale room inventory with a range of premium and river-view options.

  • Room types listed include Classic Room, Premium Room (many with Wharf or River views), Deluxe Room, and multiple suites including EXECUTIVE RIVERVIEW SUITE and Water Suite.
  • Some Premium Rooms offer Juliet balconies and high-floor Wharf views; mobility-accessible room types are listed.
  • Total room count is 278 rooms, supporting smaller-group events and individual travelers.

InterContinental is better if you prefer a boutique-large hotel scale with river-view premium rooms and suites.

Dining & drinks: options on site

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Dining & drinks

Gaylord National has multiple dining venues to support families, groups, and late-night crowds.

  • Old Hickory (American steakhouse) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Harbor Social is an American sports bar with duckpin bowling and TVs; several bars include Belvedere Lobby Bar and The Whiskey Revolution.
  • Pienza Marketplace and casual outlets serve buffet and café-style meals for families and groups.

Gaylord suits guests who want many onsite dining styles without leaving the resort.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Dining & drinks

InterContinental offers fewer onsite restaurants but a focused upscale dining and bar program.

  • Willowsong is the on-property restaurant specializing in American cuisine; room service is available during limited hours.
  • The hotel lists 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar for drinks.
  • Breakfast is available for a fee; concierge can arrange Wharf dining reservations and neighborhood options.

InterContinental works for travelers who prioritize nearby Wharf dining but still want a hotel restaurant and multiple bars.

Pools, waterfront access & signature amenity

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Pools, waterfront access & signature amenity

Gaylord National mixes year-round indoor recreation with seasonal riverside activities.

  • Junior Olympic-sized indoor recreation pool (24 m) with whirlpool; pool access exclusive to registered overnight guests.
  • Seasonal riverside sundeck, poolside bar, and a kids' splash pad in warmer months.
  • On-site marina and easy access to National Harbor promenade and seasonal water taxi service.

Pick Gaylord for reliable indoor pool options plus seasonal outdoor waterfront features for families.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Pools, waterfront access & signature amenity

InterContinental The Wharf focuses on urban waterfront amenities and a seasonal outdoor pool.

  • Outdoor seasonal pool and a poolside bar (pool is wheelchair-accessible).
  • Marina on site and direct Wharf waterfront access for walking to bars, restaurants, and venues.
  • Complimentary area shuttle within 2.00 mi is noted; concierge assists with local transport and tours.

Choose InterContinental if you want Washington D.C. waterfront access with a seasonal outdoor pool and marina convenience.

Wellness & nightlife

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – Wellness & nightlife

Gaylord National combines a full-service spa with family-friendly nightlife and an adult-only rooftop/lounge schedule.

  • Relâche Spa & Salon overlooks the Potomac; spa amenities and appointment-based services require guests to be 18+.
  • Pose Rooftop Lounge (Pose/Replay) and other bars offer late-night options; some venues restrict access by age after 9 PM.
  • Fitness center is open 24/7 with Peloton bikes; spa has received Forbes Travel Guide recognition.

Gaylord fits guests who want a full-service spa plus family activities by day and separate adult nightlife by night.

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf – Wellness & nightlife

InterContinental provides a full-service spa and proximity to Wharf nightlife without an on-property nightclub scale.

  • Full-service spa with appointment-based treatments and a seasonal pool; reservations are required for spa services.
  • Three bars/lounges and nearby Wharf venues supply evening options across the waterfront.
  • Fitness facilities are available; concierge can help arrange Wharf nightlife and ticketing.

InterContinental is a stronger pick if you want a hotel spa plus easy access to the Wharf’s restaurants and bars rather than resort-scale nightlife.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for large conventions & trade shows
Bright, contemporary hotel lobby reception area at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National — enormous meeting footprint and multiple ballrooms for very large events.

Best for a D.C. waterfront city stay
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

InterContinental The Wharf — central Wharf location and easy walking access to downtown D.C. attractions.

Best for families and indoor recreation
Spacious atrium lobby walkway with columns and planters at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord National — indoor Junior Olympic pool, kids’ splash pad, and family programming.

Best for a compact luxury stay with a spa
InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, Washington, District of Columbia

InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf

InterContinental The Wharf — smaller hotel scale with a full-service spa and river-view premium rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center vs InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf: FAQs

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Which hotel is better for a big conference?

Gaylord National — it has far larger meeting and ballroom capacity, built to host very large conferences and trade shows.

Which hotel is closer to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums?

InterContinental The Wharf — it’s in southwest D.C. with easier access to the Mall and many Smithsonian sites.

Are either of these hotels adults-only?

No — both properties allow families and all ages. Note Gaylord’s spa facilities require guests to be 18 or older; InterContinental is not adults-only.

Which property has more on-site dining and entertainment options?

Gaylord National — multiple restaurants, bars, a bowling/activity venue, and a rooftop lounge; InterContinental has a focused restaurant plus several bars.

More Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Comparison Guides

Explore how Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Indoor hotel swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
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