Supplier News

US – MGM opens National Harbour as a first in the US

By Phil - 9 December 2016

Prominently situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac, MGM National Harbor has now opened its doors, introducing the first luxury gaming resort to the Capital Region.

The debut marks an entirely new generation of entertainment and hospitality projects in the US: a fully integrated resort in the heart of a major metropolitan area.

Built as a resort for the world but with a strong rooting in its community, MGM National Harbor is a destination distinct to its setting with monumental architecture inspired by the historical region. It is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland just south of Washington, D.C. Stunning views of the Washington Monument, National Mall, US Capitol, Potomac River, National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria are complemented by the lush woodlands and rolling riverscape of Prince George’s County, where the resort is located.

MGM is Maryland’s sixth casino but operates with a degree of exclusivity. Located close to Washington, which as with Virginia, has no casinos, its nearest competitor is Maryland Live at Arundel Mills mall in Hanover. MGM National Harbor will serve casino players in Virginia and Washington as well as tourists to the and D.C. region.

The 125,000-square-foot casino features an Asian gaming pit with 16 Macau-style Baccarat tables; more than 3,300 premium slot machines, including many first-to-market technology products; 126 table games; 39-table poker room; a luxury high-limit gaming room; and semi-private salons.

Delivering a new experience to the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic, the $1.4bn MGM National Harbor is more than simply a casino or hotel – it is an entertainment destination offering an unrivalled collection of attractions.

There are exclusive restaurants by celebrated chefs José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and Michael and Bryan Voltaggio complementing an array of specialty and quick casual dining with 15 concepts in all.
It also boasts an intimate 3,000-seat entertainment venue delivering A-list performers normally reserved for arena-sized settings, including Bruno Mars, Cher, Ricky Martin, Sting, Lionel Richie, Duran Duran and many others.

Thoughtfully curated art program integrated throughout the resort featuring more than 70 local and national artists including Alice Aycock and John Safer, in addition to asculpted iron archway designed by legendary folk artist Bob Dylan – his first permanent display of public art.

The Conservatory at MGM National Harbor is a spectacular 15,000-square-foot floral attraction created by acclaimed designer Ed Libby that changes seasonally. The first exhibit, “Holiday Reflections,” features more than 150,000 flowers.

There are two original nightlife concepts from Clique Hospitality, pioneers of the Vegas nightlife scene, introducing the region’s first tableside mixology program.

There’s a two-level 27,000-square-foot Spa & Salon with 11 treatment rooms, a full service salon, rustic barber shop, couples’ suites, hydrotherapy, a Vichy room, an exclusive wellness program by Clarins and more.

MGM National Harbor also has an eclectic retail district with multiple offerings ranging from Fink’s Rolex, Stitched and Ella Rue to the first standalone boutique for SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
Boutique hotel with 308 well-appointed rooms, including 74 suites ranging in size from 400 to 3,210 square feet and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with magnificent views of the surrounding region

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, said: “This level of private investment is unprecedented in the region, and so is what we’ve built. MGM Resorts has long promoted global trade and travel – and MGM National Harbor will be a significant driver of both, strengthening Washington, D.C. as a tourist magnet.“

Lorenzo Creighton, President of MGM National Harbor added: “MGM Resorts is bringing the same high standards for hospitality, service and quality to Maryland that we are recognized for in our hotels in Las Vegas and around the world. Furthermore, the resort’s proximity to the nation’s capital provides us with a rich, diverse community that has enabled us to build a dynamic workforce that reflects our commitment to inclusion.”