What to pack for a stay at Gaylord National
Pack basics for a family-friendly stay at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: day-to-day clothing plus swimwear and a cover-up for the indoor Junior Olympic pool and seasonal sundeck, toiletries and any medication, charger and travel adapters, and a credit/debit card (the property is cashless). Bring business essentials if you’re attending meetings — a laptop, charger, and any printed materials.
In this guide
What to bring for your room and comfort
Rooms and suites at Gaylord National include standard amenities but you should pack personal comfort items. Bring chargers, headphones, and any preferred pillow or small travel blanket if you’re picky about sleep.
If someone in your party needs specific bedding or equipment, note the room types when booking — options include Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds), Room (2 Queen Beds, Tub), Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed), 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). A photo of a typical guest room is helpful.
- Phone/tablet/laptop chargers and power bank
- Prescription meds and a small first-aid kit
- Sleep essentials (eye mask, earplugs, favorite pillow)
- Reusable water bottle — in-room bottled water may be provided but check reservation details
| Room type | Typical sleeping setup |
|---|---|
| Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Grand Suite, with Sofa bed | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Swimwear, fitness and spa items
The resort has a Junior Olympic-sized indoor recreation pool and a whirlpool reserved for overnight guests, plus a seasonal riverside sundeck and splash pad in warmer months. Pack swimwear, flip-flops, a quick-dry towel if you prefer your own, and a swimsuit cover-up for walking through public spaces.
Relâche Spa requires appointments and guests must be 18 or older to use spa facilities. If you plan a treatment, bring any required ID and consider packing comfortable clothes for after appointments.
- Swimsuit and pool shoes
- Workout clothes and sneakers (fitness center open 24/7; Peloton bikes available)
- Light robe or sweater for cooler atrium areas
- ID if you’ll use the spa (spa access is age-restricted)
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor pool | Overnight guests only; whirlpool on site |
| Relâche Spa | Appointments required; 18+ for spa facilities |
| Fitness center | Open 24/7 with cardio, strength equipment and Peloton bikes |
Packing for dining and bars
Gaylord National offers multiple on-site dining and bar options including Old Hickory, Harbor Social, Potomac District Café & Market, Belvedere Lobby Bar, The Whiskey Revolution, and Lookout 18. Pack casual evening wear and a slightly dressier outfit if you plan to dine at Old Hickory (a steakhouse with breakfast, lunch and dinner service).
The property is not all-inclusive; meals and drinks are additional. Carry the credit/debit card you’ll use for charges and check whether you’ll need Marriott Bonvoy credentials if you expect in-room Wi‑Fi to be complimentary.
- Casual clothes for daytime atrium and promenade walks
- Business-casual or smart-casual for dinner at Old Hickory
- ID for any 21+ bar access after hours (some venues restrict entry after 9 PM)
| Venue | Service |
|---|---|
| Old Hickory | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (steakhouse offerings) |
| Harbor Social | American sports bar with games and TVs |
| Potomac District Café & Market | Cafe with light fare and Starbucks coffee |
Business, meetings and events — what to bring
If you’re attending or hosting meetings at Gaylord National’s extensive event spaces, pack business essentials: laptop, power adapters, presentation clicker, and printed handouts. The property offers large ballrooms and smaller boardrooms for events.
Mobile check-in and in-room Wi‑Fi policies vary — Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct may get complimentary in-room Wi‑Fi; others may incur a fee. Confirm connectivity and bring your own portable hotspot if reliable internet is critical.
- Laptop, power cables, HDMI adapter and presentation materials
- Portable battery and travel router/hotspot if you need guaranteed connectivity
- Business cards and any required passes or badges for convention events
| Meeting facility | Purpose / size note |
|---|---|
| Potomac Ballroom | Largest ballroom used for large conferences and events |
| Maryland Ballroom | Large meeting space with pre-function area |
| Fort Washington Boardroom | Small executive boardroom for intimate meetings |
Getting to Gaylord National and local essentials
The resort address is 201 Waterfront Street, Fort Washington, Maryland 20745. The property does not provide airport shuttle service — arrange rideshare, taxi, or private transfer from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or other airports. The nearest airport (DCA) is typically 5–9 miles away.
Parking at the resort is available for a surcharge (self-parking and valet). The resort became cashless in 2024, so bring a credit or debit card; service animals are welcome but pets are not permitted.
- Printed or digital copy of reservation and ID (minimum check-in age is 18)
- Credit/debit card for cashless payments and parking fees
- Confirm local transport options (rideshare apps, water taxi schedules in season)
| Practical item | Why |
|---|---|
| Government ID | Required at check-in; check-in minimum age is 18 |
| Credit/debit card | Property is cashless; used for charges and parking |
| Printed directions or rideshare app | No airport shuttle; arrange transport to/from airports |
Seasonal and family items
Gaylord National is family-friendly with a seasonal kids' splash pad, on-site bowling, and atrium gardens. For summer visits pack sandals, sun protection, and light clothing; for winter visits pack warm layers because winters can be cold and occasionally snowy.
If you’re visiting for holiday events like ICE! or other seasonal programming, bring layers for indoor atrium strolls (the atrium is climate-controlled) and a small bag for souvenirs or shopping along the National Harbor promenade.
- Kids’ swim gear and beach toys for the seasonal splash pad
- Layered clothing for spring/fall or warm coats for winter visits
- Comfortable walking shoes for the National Harbor waterfront and nearby attractions
| Season | Packing highlights |
|---|---|
| Summer | Swimwear, light clothes, sunscreen |
| Spring/Fall | Layers, comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Warm coat, hat, gloves |
