MGM National Harbor opens
MGM National Harbor has opened on the banks of the Potomac River, Washington D.C, marking the first luxury gaming resort in the Capital region.
The $1.4 billion, 308-key MGM National Harbor is surrounded by the woodland and riverscape of Prince George’s County, and offers sweeping views of the capital’s iconic monument. The hotel however, is distinct from its setting thanks to its contemporary, bold architecture and design inspired by the region.
Designed by HKS Hospitality Group, the hotel features clean lines, wood millwork accents and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guestrooms complement the resort’s modern elegance and the scheme draws from the forest and water elements native to Maryland.
The chef-driven F&B programme at MGM National Harbor seeks to capture flavours of the Capital Region in both upscale and casual dining options and Chefs José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio will each introduce exclusive concepts to the resort. The hotel’s National Market will boast nine venues inspired by local and global flavours whilst pan-Asian restaurant Ginger will serve authentic cuisine from regions throughout Asia, and TAP Sports Bar will offer regionally inspired comfort food.
Elsewhere, Bellagio Pâtisserie, a European-inspired pastry shop reminiscent of its namesake in Las Vegas, will feature a 26-foot-tall chocolate fountain – one of the world’s largest – circulating nearly two tons of melted chocolate.
Bill Boasberg, the resort‘s general manager, said, “On December 8, MGM National Harbor will introduce something unprecedented to one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. Under one roof, guests will enjoy a sophisticated hotel experience, high-energy casino, celebrity-chef restaurants, world-class entertainment, nightlife, destination spa, upscale retail and curated art, complemented by incredible panoramas of D.C., Maryland and Virginia.”
MGM National Harbor has partnered with entertainment giant Live Nation for programming at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, an 3,000-seat venue. Complete with VIP suites and reconfigurable seating arrangements, the venue will welcome A-list concerts, comedy shows, UFC fights, boxing matches and other special events. Meanwhile, the hotel’s art features commissioned and procured artwork by renowned local and international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists including Bob Dylan, Margaret Boozer, Alice Aycock, Ron Beverly, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Sam Gilliam, John Dreyfuss, John Safer, Liao Yibai and Chul Hyun Ahn, among others.
Additional facilities include the 50,000ft² MGM National Harbor Conference Centre, the 16,200ft² MGM Grand Ballroom, an outdoor plaza and fountain pool, a 27,000ft² spa and salon, infinity pool and private cabanas, more than 125,000ft² of dynamic casino space, and a two-storey conservatory featuring intricate design elements and vibrant floral combinations interwoven by designer Ed Libby.
Lorenzo Creighton, president of MGM National Harbor, comments: “After years of planning, designing and developing, we are thrilled that the moment is almost upon us to share this very special resort with the community and visitors from around the world. We are grateful to Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland and all of the local designers, artisans and businesses that have collaborated with us to deliver this international resort with very local roots.”
