Disclosure: My family and I were treated to a media night at the Gaylord National. All opinions are real.
The Gaylord National is one of the finest conference centers you can find, but it’s not all about business. The resort is set up for family stays—and that includes all family. From the wheelchair accessible paths outside to the lift to get into the pool, the resort caters to families with special needs and will take the pressure off, making your stay as “normal” as living in their own home.
You Don’t Have to Leave the Resort
Gaylord National is truly a full-service resort that has everything you need, including accessible options so your whole family can enjoy. In addition to having everything you need from food to shopping to sports and fun, the Gaylord National has seasonal themes. The #SummerFest (from the end of May to the beginning of September) has tons of activities and entertainment.
Fun for the Kids…
Want activities for the kids? You and your family can enjoy the Aquafina Summer Movie Matinee–a “dive-in” kid-themed movie right in the Olympic sized pool. Or you can slip outside so the kids can enjoy the water fountain while you enjoy the resort-styled pool bar. The kids can also enjoy the Playzone Arcade, on the same level as the pool. The arcade has a wide variety of video games and even a pool table.
…and for the Parents
And there are “adult” activities too. The resort has a fully equipped gym if you need to keep up your exercise schedule. Or if you’re so inclined, you can also check out the Relâche Spa. You have an extensive menu of choices, from a relaxing spa massage, to a rejuvenating facial treatment or just a simple man-pedi. They even have some #SummerFest specials!
Entertainment
Check out the #AtriumView after dark. From the comfort of your balcony, you can enjoy watching the indoor fountain’s 37 jets shoot water up to 60 feet, accompanied by a #LaserLightShow and music. It’s the perfect way to end the evening before putting the kids to bed. And for the older kids (and adults), the resort’s #SummerFest has a “silent disco,” where you can each enjoy your own channel with specially supplied headphones.
Shopping
The Harbor area has over 160 different retailers catering to any of your needs within a short walk of the hotel. Want more? A hotel shuttle will take you to the Tanger Outlets where you can find your favorite retailers including Samsonite, The Gap, Brooks Brothers, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, Coach, J. Crew and many more.
The Capital Wheel and National Harbor
There’s really no better way to see the sites then the Capital Wheel. Just a short walk from the Gaylord National, you can rise over 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront. In the comfort of your own enclosed gondola, complete with air conditioning, you can enjoy the spectacular views and see if you can spy all the sites. In addition to enjoying the full splendor of the hotel and the atrium, you can see across the Potomac to the Washington Monument, and enjoy the surrounding lush parklands.
So whether you decide to stay in and enjoy the resort, or venture out to enjoy the National Harbor, even if you don’t make it to Washington D.C. and the Capital region, you can be sure family will be entertained at the Gaylord National Resort.
