{"id":4324,"date":"2017-04-14T04:19:51","date_gmt":"2017-04-14T04:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.diningtraveler.com\/?p=4324"},"modified":"2017-04-14T04:19:51","modified_gmt":"2017-04-14T04:19:51","slug":"weekend-guide-mgm-national-harbor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2017\/04\/weekend-guide-mgm-national-harbor.html","title":{"rendered":"Weekend Guide: MGM National Harbor"},"content":{"rendered":"
Having lived in California for several years, I have been to Las Vegas dozens of times . Las Vegas is wild, crazy and always a good time. I wrote about my most recent trip to Las Vegas on the Dining Traveler last year. You can read about it here<\/a> if you are thinking about going and need advice. If you don\u2019t have the time, energy, or money to get all the way to Vegas I have good news: Vegas has come to DC! The MGM National Harbor is now open and it is an experience you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n The hotel itself is absolutely stunning, with spacious rooms, a glorious entrance, an art collection that is awe-inspiring, a huge casino, and restaurants from world-famous chefs. I went and stayed at the facility and am here to give you all the juicy details.<\/p>\n Even the regular rooms are lovely, with plenty of space and pristine amenities, but if you are looking for something really special, consider a corner suite at the MGM National Harbor. It has a huge bathroom with double sinks, a seating area, and floor to ceiling windows. Plus, by booking a suite, you get access to the VIP lounge which includes VIP check-in and complimentary snacks, beverages, and wine.<\/p>\n The Casino:<\/strong><\/em> If you are staying at the MGM National Harbor for some rest and relaxation, I would start off with a drink in the VIP lounge or the lobby bar and then head to dinner. After dinner, check out the casino and try your hand at blackjack, poker, or Russian roulette!<\/p>\n The Theater:<\/strong><\/em> You may want to plan your trip around a show. Cher has some upcoming dates, as does Ricky Martin and The Temptations. See the website for info on booking a VIP box if you want the royal treatment. At some point during your stay at MGM National Harbor, you should walk around the hotel and appreciate the art collection. The works of art are scattered throughout the resort’s public spaces, featuring 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.<\/p>\n Shopping:<\/em><\/strong> try on Sarah Jessica Parker-designed shoes or purchase sunglasses from Specs. The hotel has a number of clothing and lifestyle stores. The Blossom Bar:<\/strong><\/em> The themed d\u00e9cor of this bar ranges from cherry blossom like lighting fixtures to cherry blossom floor to ceiling photographs, paying homage to DC\u2019s historic cherry blossom trees. The drinks are also cherry blossom-themed, which the Nelly Blossom being the most popular. Made with vodka, cherry blossom tea, pomegranate, lemon rose syrup and Champagne it is as tasty as it is lovely to look at.<\/p>\n Felt Bar & Lounge:<\/em><\/strong> This lounge offers the region’s first tableside mixology program, which, having experienced in Las Vegas, is fun and interactive.<\/p>\n When staying at the MGM, you will surely be indulging in some fine dining. The choices are plentiful!<\/p>\n GINGER:<\/strong><\/em> An upscale Asian restaurant is another fine dining option. MGM National Harbor is the ultimate staycation. Food, drinks, entertainment and a luxurious spa all in one location, just steps from your hotel room. Book that corner suite today!<\/p>\n<\/a>
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\nThe Rooms<\/h2>\n<\/a><\/h2>\n
The Entertainment<\/h2>\n
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\nThe Spa:<\/strong><\/em> The morning after wining and dining you are going to want to hit the hotel\u2019s premier spa. Aside from relaxing spa treatments there are also saunas, whirlpools, and a relaxation room. You can also use the gym.
\nThe Pool<\/strong><\/em>: Nothing says relaxation like pool-side lounging!<\/p>\n<\/a>
The Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Shopping and Drinking at\u00a0MGM National Harbor<\/h2>\n
\nThe Drinks:<\/strong><\/em> MGM has a number of watering holes, each one with its own theme. Both the Blossom Bar and The Felt Bar are located in the casino so you can take breaks in between gambling to have a drink. Or, if you aren\u2019t into gambling, you can just hang out, people watching, and sample some craft cocktails!
\nThe Lobby Bar:<\/strong> <\/em>This charming spot is a great place to kick off the night, or indulge in a nightcap.<\/p>\n<\/a>
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The Restaurants<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nFISH by Jose Andres:<\/strong><\/em> Although it\u2019s a seafood restaurant, there are choices for everyone. My friend and I indulged in a fresh, vibrant kale salad, Romanesco, hush puppies, and mushrooms served with a sweet potato puree.<\/p>\n<\/a>
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\nMARCUS by Marcus Samuelsson:<\/strong><\/em> Sample classic American fare like pasta, salads, sandwiches, fries, and more. This is a great spot for brunch, where you can indulge in omelets, pastries, and bottomless mimosas.<\/p>\n<\/a>
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\nBellagio P\u00e2tisserie:<\/strong><\/em> This is where you have to go for dessert. Truffles, macaroons, and other pastries are available, some of which are so beautiful you won\u2019t want to eat them!<\/p>\n<\/a>
The Verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n