Getting around National Harbor and the resort
This guide explains practical ways to move around Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and National Harbor: on-site you’ll use the large glass atrium, elevators, and covered promenades to reach rooms, restaurants, the pool and event spaces; to leave the property, options include the National Harbor circulator shuttle, seasonal water taxi, rideshare/taxis, or your own car. Check the front desk or Marriott Bonvoy app for up-to-date hours, shuttle schedules, and paid services like parking and Wi‑Fi.
In this guide
Arriving at Gaylord National — where to drop off and park
The resort’s official address is 201 Waterfront Street, Fort Washington, MD. The front desk is open 24 hours, and the property became cashless in 2024 so plan to use a card or convert cash to a gift card at the desk if needed.
Parking is available but not complimentary: the resort offers both self-parking and valet parking for a surcharge. Rates and tiers vary and are listed on Marriott pages and property notices, so confirm fees with the front desk on arrival.
- Front desk: 24-hour staffed arrival point; government ID and card may be required at check-in
- Parking: self-park and valet only (fees apply; rates subject to change)
- Cashless policy: property accepts card payments and gift-card conversions
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Check-in desk | Open 24 hours; standard check-in 4:00 PM |
| Self-parking / Valet | Fees apply; confirm current rates at front desk |
| Payment | Property is cashless — credit/debit accepted |
Getting around the atrium and public spaces
Gaylord National centers on a 19-story glass atrium with indoor gardens and a long promenade; public areas are laid out across multiple levels and joined by elevators and staircases. The atrium provides direct access to several restaurants and the Marina Promenade.
If you have mobility needs, the resort lists accessible paths to elevators and a wheelchair-accessible registration desk; ask the front desk for directions or an accessible route.
- Use elevators to reach guest-room floors facing the atrium and river
- Atrium promenade connects to Potomac District Café & Market and other ground-level venues
- For meetings or ballrooms, follow signage or ask event staff for the quickest route
| Where | What you'll find / how to use it |
|---|---|
| Lower Atrium / Promenade | Shops, Potomac District Café & Market, access to Marina Promenade |
| Upper promenade levels | Guest-room corridors and view terraces |
| Elevator banks | Direct access to guest floors and meeting spaces |
Rooms, suites and moving luggage
Guest-room types include Room (, Room (, Tub), Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Suite, 1 Bedroom, and Grand Suite, with varying bed configurations and some suites offering living/dining areas. Elevators and service corridors connect the atrium promenade to guest-room wings.
Porter service is available; for large groups and events use the convention entrance or ask event staff for loading-dock directions.
- Room (, Tub) and Room (, Room) are listed among standard room types
- Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom; Suite, 1 Bedroom; and Grand Suite, with Sofa bed are the suite options
- Ask front desk about porter service and luggage assistance
| Room name (exact) | Typical feature to note |
|---|---|
| Room ( | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Room (, Tub) ( | 2 Queen Beds with tub |
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom ( | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Pools, spa and fitness — where they are and who can use them
The indoor Junior Olympic–sized recreation pool (24 meters) and whirlpool are for overnight registered guests. Pool hours appear in property listings (for example, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM on weekends, shorter weekday hours); confirm current hours at the front desk.
Relâche Spa requires appointments and limits facility use to guests 18 or older; the fitness center is open 24/7 to overnight guests and includes Peloton bikes and strength/cardio equipment.
- Indoor pool and fitness center: exclusive to registered overnight guests
- Relâche Spa: appointments required; minimum age 18 for spa facilities
- Poolside bar and seasonal riverside sundeck are available in warmer months
| Amenity | Access |
|---|---|
| Indoor recreation pool | Overnight registered guests only; hours vary — check front desk |
| Relâche Spa | Appointments required; 18+ for spa facilities |
| Fitness center | Open 24/7 for overnight guests; includes Peloton bikes |
Dining, bars and getting a table quickly
On-site dining spans casual to sit-down: Old Hickory (American steakhouse) serves breakfast through dinner, Potomac District Café & Market handles grab-and-go and coffee, and Harbor Social is a sports-bar option with games like duckpin bowling. Several bars (Belvedere Lobby Bar, The Whiskey Revolution, Lookout 18) cover cocktails and evening drinks.
Walk-ins work at quicker, casual venues; for Old Hickory and other busy dinner slots, the resort recommends reservations through the restaurant phone or concierge.
- Old Hickory: breakfast, lunch, dinner (phone listed on property pages)
- Potomac District Café & Market: coffee, light fare, and market items in the atrium
- Harbor Social: opens late afternoon for drinks, TVs, and bowling
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Old Hickory | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Potomac District Café & Market | Coffee & light fare (atrium) |
| Harbor Social | Drinks, TV, games — opens mid/late afternoon |
Getting off-property: National Harbor and nearby transport options
National Harbor’s waterfront promenade, shops and attractions sit immediately adjacent to the resort; the National Harbor circulator shuttle (Harbor Circulator) connects the Gaylord with MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets. A seasonal water taxi links National Harbor with Old Town Alexandria, The Wharf and Georgetown on a schedule that runs in spring–fall.
The resort does not provide airport shuttles. For airport transfers use rideshare, taxi, or prearranged car service; Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport at roughly 5–9 miles away depending on route.
- Local shuttle: Harbor Circulator connects to MGM and Tanger Outlets (check front desk for hours)
- Water taxi: seasonal service to Old Town Alexandria and The Wharf — schedules and last departures vary
- Airports: no hotel airport shuttle — use rideshare/taxi; DCA is the nearest
| Option | When to use it / note |
|---|---|
| Harbor Circulator (local shuttle) | Short runs to MGM and Tanger Outlets; check local schedule |
| Seasonal water taxi | Good for waterfront trips to Alexandria/The Wharf in spring–fall |
| Rideshare / Taxi | Best option for airport transfers (no hotel airport shuttle) |
