The $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor, the Capital Region's first luxury gaming resort, opens on Thursday, December 8, just minutes from Washington D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River.
"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," says Lorenzo Creighton, president of MGM National Harbor. "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."
Among the features of the gaming resort are 3,600 slot machines; 140 gaming tables; a 308-suite hotel; a 3,000-seat theater, which can be used for events as well as dinners and meetings; and three high-end restaurants by José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
"On December 8, MGM National Harbor will introduce something unprecedented to one of the country's most popular travel destinations," says Bill Boasberg, the resort's general manager. "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."
Delivering the vibe of a gourmet food festival, National Market will include nine distinct venues inspired by local and global flavors. Pan-Asian restaurant Ginger will serve authentic cuisine from regions throughout Asia, while TAP Sports Bar will offer regionally inspired comfort food to be enjoyed while watching the latest sporting events.
A 26-foot-tall chocolate fountain is the centerpiece of Bellagio Pâtisserie, a European-inspired pastry shop reminiscent of its namesake in Las Vegas. One of the world's largest, the fountain will circulate nearly two tons of melted chocolate.
Entering the hotel, a two-story conservatory will feature design elements and floral combinations by famed designer Ed Libby.
With 50,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, MGM National Harbor Conference Center will include two boardrooms, a 16,200-square-foot grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a 6,000-square-foot terrace. Other event spaces include the flexible 3,000-seat Theater at MGM National Harbor with VIP suites and scalable chair and table designs and the outdoor Potomac Plaza, which boasts views of the nation's capital.