GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

The Gaylord is what it is - a gigantic convention hotel and tourist destination. If you go in expecting that, you'll be pleased with your stay. The room was very nice, almost Fairmont in the plushness of the linens. It took nearly 15 minutes to walk there from the front desk. I stayed here for a company conference, and the area the conference was held in was very well done. The outdoor areas are nicely kept, and the pool looked enticing. The amenities - various bars, rooftop decks, etc., are great for all ages. Just be prepared to pay out the nose for anything, including if you venture out of the hotel and into National Harbor - it's just a giant tourist trap. Overall, good property if your destination is the Harbor, but don't stay here if you are planning on doing anything in DC - it's just too much hassle to take a water taxi or bus to the subway to get anywhere.

I had never heard of National Harbor, MD, but was able to attend a Neurocritical Care Society conference here a couple of weeks ago. It was so beautiful!! So clean, just outside of DC - about 20 min from the airport. The downtown areas are perfect for strolling, shopping, spending time with family. The interior of this hotel has clearly been constructed with the consumer in mind. The decor, the service, food, concierge, the restaurants, the waterfalls, water fountains, the rooms...I can't say enough about the location and you never even have to go into DC!

I went to the Gaylord on business - I chose the hotel because it was hosting my conference and because I saw how beautiful the hotel was. The problems started even with the booking process - when I was booking I was treated very poorly as I was organizing my friends birthday I asked if I could purchase a small cake to send to the room. I was told flat out "NO" that I would have to do it upon arrival; when I explained it would ruin the secret I was told, "that's too bad". They were extremely rude and disgruntled over the phone. Upon arrival, at 11pm what I got was utter chaos. I was told that my reservation was broken up into two reservations and that it was impossible to put them together thus I would have to check in one night then check out and check in again the next day and would have to come to the front desk to do so. Then when I got to my room, the key didn't work - so I went back down to get a new key. They changed the room and gave me a new key and it still didn't work (keep in mind this hotel is HUGE so it took 10+ minutes each time just going up and down). When I got down a final time they said, "what was so bad about the first room that you needed to change'". I didn't request the change they just couldn't figure out how to work the key system. So when they gave me the last set of keys to the original room they came with me to make sure I was using the key system correctly (even though the problem was with the key card). The room thankfully was beautiful and very clean and the housekeepers in the hallway were always very nice and respectful. However, the next day when I went down to check out to check back in, I was once again greeted with disrespect. The clerk asked for my ID and I provided it (clearly she didn't appreciate my young age) because then she refused my debit card and had me pay with a credit card because it gives insurance the hotel will receive the money. Then she asked for my AAA card which I had (but unfortunately the expired one as I live out of country - which I explained, if she called the company she could prove I was still insured) and she scoffed at me and basically said in a condescending tone "for future reference you need the new one" as if I should be lucky she is re-checking me in after all. At the end of the discussion I didn't even get an "enjoy your stay" just a "here you go" as she handed me the card. Overall, my main complaint with this hotel is the extremely rude staff - especially in the reservations and the front office. But again, the hotel itself is very beautiful - the housekeeping staff does a fantastic job so it slightly makes up for the rudeness I experienced - but I hope the hotel trains its staff better!

Stayed for a convention at the Gaylord after I recently attended a convention at a competitor. Big difference! Room was OK but not great. Shower didn't have hot water unless it ran for 10 minutes (fixed by the second night). Exercise room was more like a steam room (note to management: warm, humid and smelly does not promote weight loss). Signage to the various convention rooms is so confusing and lacking in guidance you need an app to find things. Makes no logical sense, and no one to help. Breakfast is great if you don't mind paying $25 for an omelette. Tried to bring a few things to the managers attention but the website conveniently does not have a contact email or phone, so I went to the concierge who told me to go to the front desk, went to the front desk clerk who went into the room behind him and came back out to tell me he just spoke to the manager and I should email him! (How about you walk around the corner and speak with me, or if not take the initiative to contact me!) Overall a mediocre operation trying to be a grand resort. Beautiful area, fortunately several competing hotels in the same area for next time. Just under $200 to shuttle their van to the airport (nine riders) Never again.

Stayed at the Gaylord for 2 nights for a conference. Certainly convenient for the onsite conference, though on the pricey side it was probably worth the ability to go up and change shoes, take a nap, etc. Has an $18 additional resort fee which was not included in the booking price, but that gets you some amenities like the pool and the gym which are both very nice. It is a great location and walking distance to the local restaurants all down that street.