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The Watergate Hotel Washington, District of Columbia
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Hotel comparison guide

The Watergate Hotel vs MGM National Harbor

The Watergate Hotel is a five-star Washington, DC landmark hotel in Foggy Bottom with a restored indoor saltwater pool, Argentta Spa, and a seasonal rooftop bar; read this if you want a compact, riverfront city luxury stay near museums and the Kennedy Center. MGM National Harbor is a large five-star casino and entertainment resort in Fort Washington, Maryland; read this if you prefer a resort-style stay with gaming, large-scale dining and entertainment outside central DC.

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Bathroom floor mat, slippers and a robe in a guest bathroom at The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

City landmark · Potomac river views · Spa & rooftop

Best for a compact Washington, DC experience with spa access, an indoor heated saltwater pool, and rooftop skyline views.

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MGM National Harbor, Fort Washington, Maryland

MGM National Harbor

Casino resort · Large entertainment complex · Outdoor pool & spa

Best for casino gaming, large on-site entertainment and resort-scale dining options outside central DC.

Quick Verdict: The Watergate Hotel vs MGM National Harbor

When The Watergate Hotel wins: Choose The Watergate if you want direct access to central DC sights (Kennedy Center, National Mall), a restored indoor saltwater pool and a full-service urban spa in a historic property with river views and a seasonal rooftop bar.

When MGM National Harbor wins: Choose MGM National Harbor if you want a resort-style stay focused on casino gaming, larger-scale restaurants and entertainment programming, or if you prefer hotel amenities built around an on-site casino and outdoor pool facilities.

Bottom line: Both are five-star properties that serve different trip types — The Watergate is a compact, city-focused luxury hotel that suits sightseeing and theater evenings, while MGM National Harbor is a destination resort centered on gaming and large-scale entertainment outside the city center.

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The Watergate Hotel vs MGM National Harbor – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Watergate Hotel and MGM National Harbor
CategoryThe Watergate HotelMGM National Harbor
Overall vibeHistoric DC landmark; intimate five-star hotel with river views and rooftop loungeLarge casino and entertainment resort with multiple restaurants, bars and a casino floor
LocationFoggy Bottom, adjacent to the Kennedy Center and a short walk to the Potomac and National MallFort Washington, Maryland at National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill)
Size336 guest rooms and suites across 14 floorsNot published
Ages / check-in minimumAll ages welcome; registering guest must be 21+ (children may stay with adults)Registering guest minimum age: 18 years (per supplier listing); property open to all ages
PoolsOne restored indoor heated saltwater pool (three lap lanes); no hotel outdoor poolOutdoor swimming pool listed among amenities (plus spa facilities)
Spa & fitnessArgentta Spa (treatments, sauna, steam room, whirlpool) and 24-hour Technogym-equipped fitness centerOn-site spa, sauna, steamroom, massage and fitness center listed among amenities
Restaurants & barsKingbird (all-day dining/Italian steakhouse/modern American), The Next Whisky Bar, Top of the Gate rooftopMultiple restaurants, bars and 24-hour room service listed; several signature dining outlets and casual options
Casino & entertainmentNo casino; theater/performing arts access via nearby Kennedy CenterCasino and large-scale entertainment programming are central features
Event / meeting spaceAbout 27,000+ sq ft of meeting and event space including the Moretti Grand Ballroom (6,819 sq ft)Extensive meeting and entertainment venues typical of a large resort (listed among amenities)
Nearby highlightsKennedy Center, Georgetown Waterfront Park, National Mall, GWUNational Harbor waterfront, Tanger Outlets and Harborfront area listed among highlights

A Look Inside The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Watergate Hotel: diningDiningThe Watergate Hotel: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Foggy Bottom vs National Harbor

The Watergate Hotel – Location

The Watergate Hotel sits in Foggy Bottom, adjacent to the Kennedy Center and a short walk from the Potomac and National Mall.

  • Steps from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (around a 5–8 minute walk).
  • Walking distance to George Washington University, GW Hospital and Georgetown waterfront.
  • Easy access to DC museums and memorials; Metro and rideshares commonly used.

Better if you want to be inside the city near cultural landmarks and walkable sightseeing.

MGM National Harbor – Location

MGM National Harbor is located at 101 MGM National Ave in Fort Washington at the National Harbor complex.

  • Set in the National Harbor area with waterfront and outlet shopping nearby.
  • Positioned as a regional resort outside central DC; car or rideshare transfers usually required for downtown attractions.
  • Close to local National Harbor highlights and on-site entertainment venues.

Better if you prefer a resort outside downtown with on-site entertainment and easy access to National Harbor attractions.

Rooms: intimate city rooms vs resort accommodations

The Watergate Hotel – Rooms

The Watergate Hotel has 336 guest rooms and suites with marble baths and tech-forward amenities.

  • Room types include Superior Room, Deluxe Room (River View), Premier River View rooms and multiple named suites (Presidential, Scandal, Americana, etc.).
  • River-view and balcony room options are available for Potomac views.
  • Wi‑Fi in rooms and standard luxury in-room amenities; pet-friendly policy applies (fee).

Rooms are sized and appointed for an upscale, city-focused luxury stay with multiple suite choices.

MGM National Harbor – Rooms

MGM National Harbor offers a range of resort-style room types including Resort, Potomac and Capital room names.

  • Room type names listed: Resort King, Resort Queen, Potomac Queen, Potomac King, Capital King, Capital Queen, Restore Capital Queen, Restore Capital King.
  • In-room amenities per supplier listing include free Wi‑Fi, alarm clock telephone ringers and assistive listening devices for meetings.
  • Accessibility options and roll-in showers are available in all rooms per the listing.

Rooms are presented as resort-style accommodations with multiple configurations and accessibility features.

Dining & drinks: small roster and rooftop vs many on-site options

The Watergate Hotel – Dining & drinks

The Watergate concentrates dining around Kingbird, The Next Whisky Bar and the seasonal Top of the Gate rooftop.

  • Kingbird serves breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and afternoon tea with Potomac views; reservations recommended.
  • The Next Whisky Bar focuses on whiskies, cigars and small plates with evening hours.
  • Top of the Gate is seasonal (April–mid-October) and provides rooftop cocktails and skyline views.

Choose The Watergate for focused, upscale on-site dining with theatrical and riverfront dining options.

MGM National Harbor – Dining & drinks

MGM National Harbor lists multiple restaurants, bars and 24-hour room service among its amenities.

  • On-site dining spans casual and signature restaurant concepts (multiple venues listed in supplier amenities).
  • Bars and nightlife are part of the resort offering, supporting late-night entertainment after gaming or shows.
  • Contactless and 24-hour room service options are available per the property listing.

Choose MGM for a wider variety of on-site dining and late-night options tied to the resort and casino experience.

Pools & signature amenity: indoor heated saltwater pool vs resort pool & casino

The Watergate Hotel – Pools & signature amenity

The Watergate’s signature wellness amenity is the restored indoor heated saltwater pool at Argentta Spa.

  • Indoor pool is restored from the 1960s design, roughly 50 feet long with three lap lanes and an aerobic area.
  • Pool access (and sauna/steam/whirlpool) is included for hotel guests; spa treatments are extra.
  • No outdoor hotel pool — outdoor pool images sometimes belong to nearby residential buildings, not the hotel.

The Watergate is focused on an architecturally significant indoor pool and spa experience inside the city.

MGM National Harbor – Pools & signature amenity

MGM National Harbor lists outdoor swimming pool(s) and an on-site spa among core resort amenities.

  • Outdoor pool is listed in the supplier amenities and is part of the resort’s leisure offerings.
  • Casino gaming and large-scale entertainment are primary on-site attractions.
  • Spa and wellness services (massage, sauna, steamroom) are available per the supplier listing.

MGM prioritizes typical resort amenities — an outdoor pool experience plus a casino and entertainment lineup.

Wellness & nightlife: spa focus vs casino-led entertainment

The Watergate Hotel – Wellness & nightlife

The Watergate emphasizes Argentta Spa, an indoor pool and a small set of bars including a whisky bar and rooftop lounge.

  • Argentta Spa (treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, whirlpool) with 24-hour fitness center.
  • Nightlife is concentrated and upscale: Top of the Gate (seasonal rooftop) and The Next Whisky Bar.
  • Spa hours and pool hours are published; pool typically open daily 6–9am to 9pm (hotel compendium varies 6–9am or 7–9am).

Better for travelers who want a quieter, spa-forward evening and refined hotel bars close to cultural venues.

MGM National Harbor – Wellness & nightlife

MGM National Harbor centers nightlife around its casino, multiple bars and on-site entertainment program.

  • Casino floor and scheduled entertainment drive much of the evening activity.
  • Multiple bars and late-night dining options support post-show and gaming crowds.
  • Spa and fitness options are available but the resort’s social life is casino- and event-driven.

Better for guests seeking lively nightlife, gaming and large-scale entertainment on-site.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for DC sightseeing & theater
The Watergate Hotel lobby concierge desk with curved gold-toned counters and seating

The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate’s Foggy Bottom location puts the Kennedy Center and the National Mall within easy reach.

Best for casino gaming & resort entertainment
MGM National Harbor, Fort Washington, Maryland

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor’s casino and large entertainment calendar make it the obvious choice for gaming-focused nights.

Best for spa and indoor pool
Desk vignette with vintage typewriter and stationery in a The Watergate Hotel room

The Watergate Hotel

Argentta Spa and the restored indoor heated saltwater pool are central to The Watergate Hotel experience.

Best for resort-scale dining variety
MGM National Harbor, Fort Washington, Maryland

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor lists many restaurants, bars and 24-hour room service for varied resort dining.

Frequently asked questions

The Watergate Hotel vs MGM National Harbor: FAQs

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Which property is closer to DC museums and monuments?

The Watergate Hotel — it’s in Foggy Bottom within walking distance of the Kennedy Center and an easy trip to the National Mall.

Can children use the spa and pool at The Watergate Hotel?

Children may use the indoor pool; spa area access requires an accompanying adult for guests under 18.

Does MGM National Harbor have a casino?

Yes — the supplier listing and public information identify MGM National Harbor as a casino and entertainment resort.

Are both hotels family-friendly?

Both properties accommodate families, but The Watergate requires the registering guest to be 21+ while MGM’s listing shows a minimum registering age of 18.

More The Watergate Hotel Comparison Guides

Explore how The Watergate Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Indoor lap pool with steps and lounge seating at The Watergate Hotel
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