Harborside Hotel

If you’re mostly going to the casino and just need a place to sleep and change, this is a handy option. It’s about a mile from MGM/National Harbor, and the rates are lower than MGM’s. The room was quiet apart from a couple of drunk people singing in the hall around 3 a.m. The beds were very comfortable, and the rooms look recently renovated, though the bathroom still has an old tub and shower curtain setup that touches your cheeks. There’s plenty of parking behind the hotel, a security vehicle in the lot when I came back late, USB and power outlets built into the nightstands, plus a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Bring your own K Cups, though. Most of the ones provided were decaf and not good. The room was hot when we checked in because they switch off the AC when it’s unoccupied. We only got two thin bath towels and two hand towels for a king room, with no washcloths. There’s no breakfast or lobby coffee. At $300+ a night, it didn’t feel worth it to me. I’d put it closer to $180.

I’ve stayed at several hotels, and this one changed my view that an affordable stay has to mean poor standards. The rooms were immaculate, the service was friendly, and the price was reasonable. They were also offering free shuttle service when I visited. I’ll definitely stay here again.

The noon checkout was a lovely bonus, and the complimentary shuttle goes to MGM casino and a nearby shopping center. They also had a small breakfast to go from 7 to 11 a.m. The location is convenient, about 15 minutes from the airport. I’d been a little unsure after seeing some recent three star reviews and noticing the year the hotel was built, but this was just a one-night stay for a nearby concert, so I gave it a chance. I was glad I did. The staff, including the breakfast attendant and shuttle drivers, were welcoming, and the grounds were clean and well kept. My room had much more space than I expected. The floors and bathroom were immaculate, and I checked under the bed too. The tub, toilet, shower, towels, and curtains were all very clean; furniture was dust free. There was a microwave, mini fridge, iron and ironing board, and updated USB and phone chargers that all worked as they should. It felt like the management has a good team looking after the place. Finding a comfortable, clean hotel away from home matters a lot to me, and this one delivered.

At the end of a coworker’s private 60th birthday event on November 27, 2025, I asked hospitality staff for a paper plate and foil or a takeout container so I could bring home a small piece of cake. I was told there were no containers, but I could take a small plate. I put cake on it and covered it with two napkins. Then, as I left the banquet hall, manager Suelyne stopped me and said I couldn’t take the plate. The event planner said she had brought foil for guests, so I went back, wrapped the cake and cupcakes in it, and returned the plate. As I was leaving again, Suelyne stopped me a second time. She questioned my honesty and felt the foil to make sure I’d returned the plate, crushing the cake and cupcakes in the process. A coworker saw it happen, and I felt humiliated. I take my integrity seriously as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen with a Top Secret clearance. This felt degrading and completely at odds with basic hospitality. Suelyne then watched and scrutinized other guests leaving, even though she said she “didn’t want to do that.” It made the atmosphere uncomfortable for everyone, including the guest of honor, and put a damper on what should have been a happy celebration. She also appeared unprofessionally groomed. The cash bar was another letdown. My coworker and I each bought two drinks and left a $10 tip, but the drinks were poor and the selection fell short of what I’d expect at a professional venue. Suelyne was also handling the bar payments, which added to my impression of the service. The hotel should provide basic items like foil, paper plates, or takeout containers, either free or for sale. That simple courtesy could help avoid situations like this and show respect for guests. I left feeling embarrassed, disrespected, and deeply disappointed. I had been seriously considering Harborside Hotel for my family reunion next year, but now I’ll look for another banquet hall. This showed a serious failure in customer service, staff training, and management. I urge the hotel to address it so other guests don’t have a similar experience.