Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is one of the largest hotel-connected meeting venues in the Washington, D.C. region. Located on the Potomac River at National Harbor, Maryland, it hosts trade shows, association conventions, corporate meetings, award programmes and large social events. The resort combines accommodation, exhibition halls, ballrooms, restaurants and leisure facilities in one property.
The convention complex has more than half a million square feet of event space, including Prince George’s Exhibition Hall, several major ballrooms and dozens of conference rooms. Because the property has different levels and event zones, visitors should confirm their assigned hall or meeting room before travelling.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
| Official name | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center |
| Address | 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 |
| Operator | Marriott International under the Gaylord Hotels brand |
| Total event space | Approximately 546,889 square feet |
| Event rooms | 94 |
| Maximum breakout rooms | 101 |
| Largest event capacity | Up to 10,000 people |
| Main exhibit hall | Prince George’s Exhibition Hall |
| Exhibit hall area | 178,787 square feet |
| Largest ballroom | Potomac Ballroom, 51,462 square feet |
| Closest airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 6.9 miles |
| Current self-parking | $25 for 0–1 hour, $44 for 1–3 hours, $50 for over 3 hours |
| Current valet parking | $48 for 0–2 hours and $75 for 2–24 hours |
Address and Location
The official address is 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745. The resort stands at the southern end of the National Harbor waterfront district in Prince George’s County, across the Potomac River from Alexandria and close to Washington, D.C.
The hotel entrance, convention arrival area and parking access are part of the same property, but walking distances can be considerable. Someone attending Prince George’s Exhibition Hall may follow a different internal route from a guest attending a ballroom session. Event emails and floor plans normally identify the correct level and entrance.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about 6.9 miles away. Washington Dulles International Airport is approximately 32 miles from the resort, while Baltimore/Washington International Airport is about 42 miles away.
Facilities at the Convention Center
Gaylord National provides approximately 546,889 square feet of event space, 94 event rooms and as many as 101 breakout-room arrangements. The facilities can handle small executive meetings, multi-track conferences and exhibitions with thousands of attendees.
The complex includes exhibition space, ballrooms, conference rooms, boardrooms, registration zones and large pre-function foyers. Event services may include audiovisual equipment, staging, rigging, lighting, high-speed connectivity and catering. An on-site FedEx Office Print & Ship Center offers printing, copying, signs, packing and shipping.
Resort amenities include restaurants, bars, an indoor pool, a fitness center, Relâche Spa, a business center and a 19-story glass atrium with indoor gardens and Potomac River views.
Hall Capacity and Layout
1. Prince George’s Exhibition Hall
Prince George’s Exhibition Hall is the main trade-show floor and the largest single event area. Located on the convention center’s lower level, it covers 178,787 square feet and can hold up to 10,000 people, depending on the approved layout.
The hall can support booths, product displays, dining functions and general sessions. Final capacity changes when a floor plan includes stages, lounges, food stations, production equipment or wider aisles. Organisers may also divide the hall into separate exhibition and presentation zones.
2. Potomac Ballroom
The Potomac Ballroom is the resort’s signature ballroom and covers 51,462 square feet. Published planning figures include about 5,520 theatre-style seats, 3,402 classroom seats, 5,146 reception guests and 3,080 banquet guests.
It also has a 4,300-square-foot theatrical stage, four dressing rooms and a green room. These features make it suitable for major presentations, entertainment, award ceremonies and high-production general sessions.
3. Maryland, Riverview and Other Ballrooms
The Maryland Ballroom offers 31,127 square feet of meeting space and 15,965 square feet of pre-function space. Its location near the Chesapeake conference rooms is useful for events that need a large main session and nearby breakouts.
The Riverview Ballroom provides about 16,000 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows, Potomac River views and two outdoor terraces. The Woodrow Wilson Ballroom covers 13,780 square feet and can accommodate about 1,400 people theatre-style or around 840 for a banquet. The Cherry Blossom Ballroom and additional boardrooms serve smaller programmes and private functions.
Parking at Gaylord National Resort
The resort has on-site self-parking and valet parking. Current self-parking charges are $25 for up to one hour, $44 for one to three hours and $50 for more than three hours. Valet parking currently costs $48 for up to two hours and $75 for two to 24 hours. Rates may change, especially during major events.
National Harbor also has public garages within walking distance. Fleet, Mariner and St. George garages currently charge up to $25 for a 24-hour period, although event-day prices may differ. Off-site parking may save money, but visitors should check the walking route to their convention entrance.
Reaching the Resort and Convention Center
Taxis and rideshare vehicles can use the main resort arrival area, although large events may introduce temporary pickup points. The hotel does not provide a regular airport shuttle, so travellers should arrange a taxi, rideshare, private transfer or rental car.
National Harbor does not have its own Metrorail station. Public-transport users normally combine rail with a bus, taxi or rideshare connection. Seasonal water-taxi services may operate from the waterfront, subject to schedules and weather.
Popular Hotels Near Gaylord National
Many attendees stay at the Gaylord because its rooms connect directly with the convention facilities. When the resort is full or a different budget is preferred, these nearby hotels may be useful:
The Westin Washington National Harbor: A waterfront hotel near National Plaza and a practical smaller full-service alternative.
AC Hotel National Harbor Washington, DC Area: A modern hotel near the waterfront, shops and restaurants.
Hyatt Place National Harbor: A contemporary Potomac-side property outside the main convention complex.
Residence Inn National Harbor Washington, DC Area: An extended-stay choice with kitchen-equipped rooms for longer visits.
MGM National Harbor: A luxury resort and casino a short drive away, with additional dining and entertainment.
Hotel rates often rise during major conventions and holiday events. Compare the room price, parking charge and walking distance before booking.
Dining at and Near the Resort
Gaylord National has several on-property dining options. Old Hickory serves American dishes, steaks and Maryland seafood. Potomac District Café & Market offers meals, snacks and Starbucks coffee, while Harbor Social combines casual food with televisions and duckpin bowling.
Belvedere Lobby Bar provides drinks and light bites overlooking the atrium. The Capital Confectionery sells cakes, chocolates and gelato, while Lookout 18 and The Whiskey Revolution offer evening drinks. More restaurants are available along Waterfront Street and American Way. Reservations are sensible during large conventions because popular dining rooms may fill quickly.
Accessibility
The property provides accessible and van-accessible parking, elevators and accessible routes from the main entrance. Meeting spaces, restaurants, the pool, business center, fitness center and spa have accessible approaches.
Mobility- and hearing-accessible rooms are available with features such as roll-in showers, grab rails, lowered fittings, closed-caption televisions and hearing kits. Guests needing a specific room feature or event accommodation should contact the hotel and organiser in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the convention center separate from the hotel?
A: No. The meeting facilities are connected to the resort, allowing hotel guests to reach most event spaces without leaving the property.
Q: Can someone attend an event without booking a room?
A: Yes. A hotel reservation is not normally required, but visitors must follow the organiser’s ticket, registration and credential rules.
Q: Does the venue offer coat check or luggage storage?
A: Services vary by event. Hotel guests may ask bell services about luggage, while day attendees should check whether their organiser has arranged a coat or bag check.
Q: Can exhibitors ship materials directly to the resort?
A: Yes. The on-site FedEx Office handles printing and shipping, but handling fees, deadlines and event-specific labelling instructions may apply.
A: Age rules are set by each organiser. Public events may welcome families, while professional exhibitions may restrict minors.
Q: Can convention attendees use the pool and spa?
A: The pool is mainly a hotel amenity, and spa services require a separate booking and payment. An event badge alone may not provide recreational access.
Q: Is the property smoke-free?
A: Yes. Gaylord National is a smoke-free property. Guests should follow hotel signs regarding any permitted outdoor smoking area.