No matter when or why you come to National Harbor, you will find a healthy variety of hotels, inns, resorts, and motels to choose from. Spend the morning shopping before browsing the monuments and museums of the capital, or plan an afternoon tour followed by dinner at one of the many local restaurants. When you aren't stuck in a meeting, take the time to explore. The area offers plenty of events and attractions to keep you entertained, from historical sites to pop concerts.
When to Visit National Harbor, MD
If you're planning a stay in National Harbor, you probably have at least one or two D.C. attractions on your itinerary, and one of the best times to visit D.C. is in the spring. Thanks to the Cherry Blossom Festival and the eponymous trees lining the city, late March and early April have become a popular season for tourism. Not only are the cherry blossoms gorgeous, but they are an iconic feature of the capital city — something you should see in person at least once in your life.
Another excellent choice is fall. During the months of September through November, fall foliage paints the area in vibrant colors, and the heat of summer gives way to cool breezes. Just keep in mind that the better the weather, the higher hotel prices will be. It's no secret that spring or fall is the ideal time to visit, so the city may be crowded.
You can find lower prices during winter, but you run the risk of getting snowed in. Summer, meanwhile, often brings sweltering heat. The weather may be of less concern, though, if you plan to spend most of your time indoors browsing the city's many museums.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in National Harbor, MD:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in National Harbor, MD. Analyze these charts to calculate the least expensive dates to book a room in National Harbor for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in National Harbor, MD
4 Star Average Prices: $178.14
The National Harbor area does boast several luxury hotels, including Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center. This resort has an on-site coffee house, three restaurants, a rooftop lounge, and a lobby bar. Breakfast is available for a fee; choose from a buffet, continental, hot, grab-n-go, or full American breakfast. Get in a workout at the pool or fitness center, then head to the resort's spa and salon to relax. Even the in-room bathrooms are impressive, with granite countertops, marble floors, and separate bathtubs and showers.
If only the best will do, remember that Washington, D.C., is home to several five-star hotels, most of which are only eight miles from National Harbor. There are two Ritz-Carlton hotels in the city, as well as a Four Seasons hotel and the Rosewood Washington, D.C. No matter which you choose, you will be surrounded by luxurious amenities such as full-service spas, world-class restaurants, and spacious rooms.
Affordable Hotel Options in National Harbor, MD
3 Star Average Prices: $142.58
Because National Harbor, Maryland, is located just south of Washington, D.C., its hotels fill with business and leisure travelers quickly. This drives prices up, making budget-friendly rates difficult to find. However, you will find a few affordable options in the area, especially if you are willing to stay a few miles away from National Harbor.
For instance, there is a Motel 6 in nearby Springfield, Virginia, with fair reviews and rates below $75 per night. This pet-friendly hotel offers laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and free self parking. Coffee and tea can be found in the common areas, and Wi-Fi is available for a surcharge. Past guests appreciated the location, friendly service, and overall cleanliness of this Motel 6.
The Colony South Hotel & Conference Center is a 3-star suburban hotel located in Clinton, Maryland. Its stand-out features are its proximity to the metro station and Joint Base Andrews, as well as the quality of its staff. Rates run between $70 and $100 per night. For that price, you get access to an impressive array of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, lounge, cafe, sauna, and fitness center. You can also enjoy the hotel's spa services, heated indoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free area shuttle.
In this area, the most affordable hotel rates often come at the expense of amenities or location. Both of the hotels mentioned above are within 10 miles of National Harbor, but if you are willing to stay 20 to 30 miles away, you might find even better prices. Alternatively, you can opt for a hotel that is closer and less expensive, but offers fewer amenities and more dated rooms.
