
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Best for large meetings, multiday conferences, and family stays with on-site activities and waterfront access.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a large, modern Potomac-riverfront resort built for families, conferences, and waterfront stays; read this if you want big meeting space, an indoor atrium, and family amenities. Willard InterContinental Washington is a historic five-star grand hotel steps from the White House; read this if you prefer classic luxury, a central D.C. location, and old‑world hotel service.
Updated · about 12 km apart

Best for large meetings, multiday conferences, and family stays with on-site activities and waterfront access.

Best for a downtown D.C. stay when proximity to the White House, theaters, and museums matters and historic hotel character is a priority.
When Gaylord National wins: choose Gaylord National if you need huge meeting and event capacity, want family-focused amenities (indoor recreation pool, splash pad, bowling), or prefer a modern waterfront resort outside central D.C.
When Willard InterContinental Washington wins: pick the Willard for a classic five‑star experience in the heart of the city — walkable to the White House, museums, and theaters — or when historic hotel prestige and downtown location are key.
Bottom line: Gaylord National and the Willard serve very different needs — Gaylord for scale, events, and family waterfront stays; the Willard for central luxury and historic atmosphere. Your choice depends on whether location or meeting/family infrastructure matters more.
| Category | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | Willard InterContinental Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary, large-scale resort with a 19-story glass atrium and family attractions | Beaux-Arts historic grand hotel with classic luxury and formal service |
| Location | National Harbor / Fort Washington on the Potomac River, adjacent to the promenade | Downtown Washington, steps from the White House and museums |
| Size (rooms) | About 2,000 rooms (major resort and convention footprint) | 335 guestrooms |
| Meeting & event space | Very large — hundreds of thousands sq ft, multiple ballrooms and exhibition halls | Conference space about 22,000 sq ft and 19 meeting rooms |
| Pools / water features | Junior Olympic–sized indoor recreation pool, whirlpool, seasonal riverside sundeck and splash pad | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues including Old Hickory (steakhouse), Harbor Social (sports bar), Potomac District Café & Market and several bars | Cafe du Parc (French) plus a bar/lounge and coffee shop/cafe; room service (limited hours) |
| Spa & wellness | Relâche Spa (on-site), 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, spa treatments by appointment | Full-service spa, steam room, 24-hour fitness facilities and spa treatment rooms |
| Family friendliness | Built for families — kids' splash pad, bowling, family programming | All ages welcome; no adults-only policy (luxury urban hotel catering mostly to adults and business travelers) |
| Nearby highlights | National Harbor promenade, Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor, waterfront attractions | White House, National Mall, Ford's Theatre, National Portrait Gallery |
| Typical guest | Conferences, families, and leisure travelers wanting resort amenities outside downtown | Business travelers, cultural tourists, and guests wanting downtown luxury and easy sightseeing access |
Gaylord National sits on the Potomac River beside National Harbor’s promenade and marina.
Choose Gaylord for a waterfront resort experience outside central D.C., with easy access to National Harbor attractions.
Willard InterContinental Washington is a historic hotel a short walk from the White House and downtown museums.
Choose the Willard when you want to be in the center of D.C. and close to the city’s main landmarks.
Gaylord National offers a wide range of rooms and suites designed for families and groups.
Gaylord provides large-capacity room choices and family‑friendly layouts for groups and longer stays.
Willard InterContinental features classic guest rooms and a range of suites and view options.
Willard focuses on refined room types and historic-suite options suited to luxury downtown stays.
Gaylord National has numerous casual and upscale dining outlets to serve large crowds.
Gaylord’s multiple venues make it easy for groups and families to find something without leaving the property.
Willard’s dining centers on Cafe du Parc and a bar/lounge with a more formal downtown offering.
Willard’s dining suits classic downtown hotel dining and nearby restaurant choices in D.C.
Gaylord National’s signature public spaces include a 19‑story glass atrium and a large indoor pool area.
Gaylord’s atrium and pool areas are central draws for families and groups year-round.
Willard emphasizes historic public spaces, restaurant and bar service, and downtown proximity.
Willard’s appeal is its downtown setting and historic interiors rather than resort-style pool facilities.
Gaylord National balances family entertainment with adult nightlife and a full spa.
Gaylord caters to both families and adults, with separate spaces for nightlife and family fun.
Willard provides classic hotel nightlife and full-service spa offerings for adults and business guests.
Willard suits travelers who want upscale spa treatments and easy access to D.C.'s evening cultural scene.

Gaylord National — far larger exhibition and ballroom capacity and dedicated convention infrastructure.

Willard InterContinental Washington — steps from the White House, museums, and downtown walking routes.

Gaylord National — indoor pool, splash pad, bowling, and year-round atrium attractions.

Willard InterContinental Washington — historic Beaux‑Arts setting and traditional five‑star service.
Willard InterContinental Washington is in downtown D.C., within a short walk of the White House and National Mall; Gaylord National is across the river at National Harbor.
Gaylord National is better suited for families with an indoor recreation pool, seasonal splash pad, bowling, and family programming.
Yes. Gaylord National has Relâche Spa; Willard InterContinental lists a full-service spa with treatment rooms and steam facilities.
Gaylord National — it offers far more total meeting and exhibition space and multiple large ballrooms; Willard has sizable but much smaller conference facilities.
Explore how Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·