Honeymoon stays at Gaylord National: planning and tips
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Potomac River is a family-friendly large resort with rooms and suites suitable for honeymooners; choose a Suite, Executive Suite, Grand Suite, or a Room with a water or atrium view for more privacy and space. Plan spa treatments at Relâche Spa, book dinner at Old Hickory or a waterfront table nearby, and expect a nightly resort fee and paid parking.
In this guide
Arrival, check-in, and getting there
Gaylord National's address is 201 Waterfront Street, Fort Washington (National Harbor), MD. The front desk is open 24 hours and standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM with check-out before 11:00 AM.
There is no hotel airport shuttle; guests generally use rideshare, taxis, or arrange private transfers from Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD) or BWI. The property is within walking distance of the National Harbor promenade and waterfront attractions.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM. Check-out: before 11:00 AM.
- Minimum check-in age: 18; a photo ID and card or deposit may be required at check-in.
- The resort went fully cashless (guests pay by card; cash can be converted to gift cards).
| From | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan National (DCA) | About 5–9 miles; 15–30 minute drive depending on traffic |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | Roughly 35 miles; longer drive time |
| BWI | Roughly 38 miles; longer drive time |
Choosing the right room or suite for a honeymoon
Room types at Gaylord National include Room, Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom; Suite, 1 Bedroom; Grand Suite, with Sofa bed; and Room (Tub). For a honeymoon, consider one of the suite options (Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom; Suite, 1 Bedroom; or Grand Suite, with Sofa bed) for separate living space and more privacy.
If you prefer a simpler stay, a Room with a water/atrium view or Room (Tub) gives a comfortable guest room layout; confirm the specific view and bed configuration when booking.
- Room (choices: 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds) — standard guest room options.
- Room (Tub) (2 Queen Beds) — useful if you want an in-room tub.
- Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed) — added living space and workspace.
- Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed) and Grand Suite, with Sofa bed (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed) — larger living/dining areas.
| Room name | Why honeymooners choose it |
|---|---|
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom | Separate living area and sofa bed for lounging or visitors |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom | More spacious living/dining layout for private meals in-room |
| Grand Suite, with Sofa bed | Largest suite option listed; best for extra space |
Dining and romantic meal options
On-site dining ranges from the signature steakhouse Old Hickory to more casual options like Potomac District Café & Market and Harbor Social. Old Hickory serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the resort's main sit-down option for a special dinner.
For a waterfront experience, you can eat at hotel venues or walk to the National Harbor promenade where additional restaurants and outdoor seating are available; reservations are recommended for popular dinner times.
- Old Hickory — American steakhouse serving breakfast, lunch, dinner (daily hours listed by the hotel).
- Potomac District Café & Market — atrium café and market with coffee and light fare.
- Belvedere Lobby Bar, The Whiskey Revolution, Lookout 18, Harbor Social — bars and casual dining options on property.
| Venue | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Hickory | Formal or celebratory dinners |
| Potomac District Café & Market | Coffee, casual breakfasts, light daytime meals |
| Harbor Social | Laid-back evenings, games and casual food |
Spa, pools, and couple-focused amenities
Relâche Spa is the on-site full-service spa overlooking the Potomac; spa amenities include a river-view relaxation lounge, saunas and steam rooms, and Relâche requires appointments with a minimum age of 18 to use spa facilities.
The resort has a Junior Olympic-sized indoor pool (24-meter) with a whirlpool and a seasonal riverside sundeck and splash pad in warmer months. Pool and fitness facilities are for registered overnight guests.
- Relâche Spa: appointments required; spa facilities reserved for guests 18+.
- Indoor pool: Junior Olympic-sized, includes whirlpool; hours vary by day.
- Fitness center: open 24/7 with cardio, strength equipment and Peloton bikes (access for overnight guests).
| Amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Relâche Spa | Appointments required; spa treatment menus and hours vary |
| Indoor recreation pool | 24-meter pool; guest-only access; whirlpool included |
| Riverside sundeck (seasonal) | Open in warmer months; includes pool bar and splash pad |
Activities nearby and day-trip ideas
The hotel sits beside the National Harbor promenade. Nearby activities include the Capital Wheel, the National Harbor marina, shops, seasonal water taxi service to Old Town Alexandria and The Wharf, and MGM National Harbor a short drive away.
For typical honeymoon day trips, guests often visit Washington, D.C. museums and monuments, Old Town Alexandria, or Mount Vernon. The water taxi provides a scenic option when it operates seasonally.
- Capital Wheel — observation wheel near the waterfront (short drive or walk depending on where you are in National Harbor).
- Potomac water taxi — seasonal service linking National Harbor with Alexandria, The Wharf, and Georgetown.
- MGM National Harbor — casino and entertainment complex about a 5–7 minute drive.
| Local spot | Typical travel time from the resort |
|---|---|
| National Harbor promenade (shops & dining) | Within walking distance |
| MGM National Harbor | About a 5–7 minute drive |
| Old Town Alexandria (via water taxi) | About 20 minutes by water taxi (seasonal service) |
Practical money and booking tips for honeymooners
Gaylord National charges a nightly resort fee that covers fitness center access, some fitness classes, in-room bottled water, phone calls, and pool access; parking and Wi‑Fi for non-Marriott Bonvoy members are separate charges. Confirm current fees before you travel since rates change.
The resort is cashless; parking and valet are charged, and in-room Wi‑Fi is complimentary only for Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct. Consider joining Marriott Bonvoy or booking direct if you want included Wi‑Fi and member benefits.
- Resort fee covers specific amenities; check current amount before booking.
- Parking is paid (self-parking and valet options); verify current rates and whether your rate includes parking.
- Wi‑Fi: complimentary for eligible Marriott Bonvoy direct-booking members; otherwise a daily fee may apply.
| Common extra | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Covers fitness, pool access, in-room bottled water, select services |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge |
| Wi‑Fi | Included for some direct-booked Marriott Bonvoy members; otherwise a fee |
