Kid Trips Family Travel: Virginia, DC and Beyond
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press

Discover The Gaylord Resort Hotel At The National Harbor

6/24/2013

2 Comments

 

by Claudine

Picture
I was recently given an opportunity to enjoy a weekend at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.  I am beyond excited to share the details of my stay at this gorgeous property.  Full disclosure, from the first time I noticed this striking structure of glass and steel as I crossed the Potomac, I was smitten.  During my first trip to the National Harbor in 2009, it was evident that the star of the show was the Gaylord National Resort.  Now 2013, I was elated to return to the Gaylord National Resort as a hotel guest. 
Picture
Our room on the 14th floor had sweeping views of the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria and the National Harbor.  Even my toddler stood motionless and simply pressed her face to the glass to soak in her new surroundings.  We were officially on vacation! As a side note, I was offered the option of an upgraded room with a small balcony that overlooked the gorgeous lobby and 18-story glass atrium.  I declined, if you have little ones I suspect you would very nervous with a balcony just off your room that sits high above the lobby.

As we unpacked, room service arrived with a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  This is customary with the Gaylord Resort Romance Package.   With that kind of welcome we were off to a lovey start to our weekend!

Before heading to the harbor we took some time to discover the Gaylord Resort. The hotel lobby is open to the general public and bustling with guests and visitors.  As we walked through the Gaylord we gazed at the incredible atrium views, the shops, restaurants, and the stunning nightly fountain show. From there we headed out to soak up all of the fun and excitement that the National Harbor offered on a summer evening. 

Picture
We stopped at Fiorella Trattoria & Pizzeria for an early dinner and then watched the National Harbor concert series Friday Night Live!  After dinner, music and even some dancing we let the girls play at the Awakening sculpture.  Locals will remember that Awakening was moved to the National Harbor in 2008 from Hains Point.  The sculpture is now surrounded by sand and serves as a wonderful play area for children of all ages.  Bonus, set on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset while the band was playing in the distance.  We rounded out the night with a trip to Ben & Jerry’s followed by a dip in the Gaylord Hotel pool.  My daughter begged and I gave in…the indoor pool is open until 11pm.

Picture
Early Saturday morning we set out in search of more adventures.  We made our way through the Gaylord Resort’s pristine walking trails that even accommodated my large stroller.  We walked the piers and looked out over the Potomac River.  We followed the path back to the main harbor area and stopped by the farmer’s market.  Then it was back to the Gaylord Resort’s gorgeous pool and patio.  Even on a busy summer day, there was ample space for guests.  They even had small fountains for younger children.  My toddler adored the patio area.  We walked by a large gym and a small arcade area for children.  

After some afternoon down time, we headed back out to the new  National Harbor Carousel, then onto an early dinner and finally back to the hotel to watch the summer Saturday fireworks show.  After a long and wonderful weekend one of the sweetest parts was the short ride home.  This was the perfect staycation! 
Picture
The Gaylord National Resort offers a multitude of hotel packages for guests.  You can also earn and redeem Marriott Reward Points when booking your room.  For my family, the resort was an absolute homerun. Despite the close proximity to Northern Virginia, we felt as though we were transported far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Within minutes of arriving at the hotel we settled in and enjoyed a mini-vacation.

Even if you do not stay at the Gaylord National Resort, I would highly recommend making the trip to the National Harbor.  Take some time to visit the Gaylord National Resort.  I bet you will change your mind about that stay. 

Please note the concert series and Saturday firework shows are seasonal events.

Picture

So many thanks to our amazing friends at Washington FAMILY Magazine for giving me the opportunity to visit the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center. 


You can find Washington FAMILY Magazine at local stores in the DC Metro area or you can view the June 2013 edition online by visiting this link.



Picture

Fireworks @ The Gaylord National Resort




Image Credit:
National Harbor.com
Washington FAMILY Magazine
Marriott.com
Panoramio
Big Night DC


2 Comments
hotel frankfurt link
9/4/2013 01:01:45 am

Wow, amazingly different and very fascinating. I would like to plan a trip there.

Reply
Tempe Fan Repairs link
9/25/2022 10:32:22 pm

Grreat reading your post

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Sponsored Ads  
    Picture

    Visit Kid Trips 's profile on Pinterest.

    Our Book

    Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition

    Buy New $12.59
    Picture
    Amazon Button

    About The Blog

    Kid Trips' blogs profile fun events and cool family-friendly venues. We focus on regional and national family travel articles. 


    Blogs Via Email

    Blogs Via Email:


    RSS Feed

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    December 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    July 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    August 2009


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Links We Love

    Real Housewives of NoVA
    NoVA Outdoors
    Our-Kids DC
    Tiny Steps Mommy
    Kid Friendly DC
    Richmond Mom
    PWC Moms 

Contact Us | Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Press I Newsletter Archive

Kid Trips LLC © 2013-2020

Photos from Eddie Yip, schopie1, Mr.TinDC, bryansblog, NatalieMaynor, Aero Icarus, cam_rich345, cam_rich345, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, smilygrl, Jim, the Photographer, howcheng, cam_rich345, angela n., BarnImages.com, Numinosity (Gary J Wood), kirichkov, konradherrman, deek ay, gfpeck, Pink Sherbet Photography, USACE Europe District, 401(K) 2013, brownpau, dprevite, geopungo, Michael Bentley, thisgeekredes, Michael Bentley, jasonawhite, LizMarie_AK, C_osett, benagain_photos, freshtopia.net, Lars Plougmann, Aurimas Adomavicius, geopungo, Henning Grap, geopungo, karendotcom127, Adrian R. Tan, angela n., Alex1961, Ray Bouknight, PapaPiper (Travelling), patrickkuhl, epSos.de, edenpictures, karendotcom127, My Lil' Rotten, daniel.baker, Mr.TinDC, Pictures by Ann, bob194156, Rubbermaid Products, Rob Shenk, *_*, Mark Sadowski, mrpbps, ShardsOfBlue, pelican, TruffShuff, naql, karendotcom127, Bob P. B., TruffShuff, karendotcom127, archivesfoundation, Purple Sherbet Photography, Laurel_Kate, TownePost Network, gamene, hinebaugh.erin, bob194156, Michael Bentley, g-l-o-w, bengrey, D.L., Jim Larrison, jjandames, R'lyeh Imaging, Poetprince, HarshLight, Payton Chung, Sydney Treasures Photography, @cdharrison, Rictor Norton & David Allen, Tambako the Jaguar, campdarby, DBerry2006, brownpau, sidewalk flying, PetroleumJelliffe, Angelo González, wjarrettc, SPakhrin, Port of San Diego, Loren Javier, Trishhhh, sponselli, Steffy B., Vancouver Laser & Skincare Centre, D.B. Blas, jeri gloege, Last Hero, Los Amigos Del Fuego, jasonb42882, Fachstelle für Öffentliche Bibliotheken NRW
  • Our Blog
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Family Destinations >
      • California
      • Canada
      • Caribbean & Bahamas
      • Connecticut
      • Europe
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Japan
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • New Hampshire
      • New York
      • Pennsylvania
      • Vermont
      • Virginia
      • Washington DC
      • West Virginia
    • Family Travel Tips
    • Family Lifestyle
  • About Us
    • Connect
  • The Book
  • Press