MGM National Harbor Announces Opening Date

ALEXANDRIA, VA — MGM National Harbor will open its doors at a grand opening Thursday, Dec. 8 at National Harbor, Maryland, the company announced Monday.

The resort will begin taking reservations Monday. The first night available to book a room is Saturday, Dec. 10. A "Capital View King" room averages $839 per night, according to the hotel website; there is an additional $24.99 daily resort fee. (The company clarified Monday that rates start at $399 on average but will fluctuate based on demand and occupancy.)

The $1.4 billion, 23-acre resort casino is much anticipated in Northern Virginia as well, with local businesses hoping to capitalize on visitors and tourists spending time in Alexandria and Fairfax County.

"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," said Lorenzo Creighton, president of MGM National Harbor, in a news release about the opening. "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."

Bill Boasberg, the resort's general manager, said, "On December 8, MGM National Harbor will introduce something unprecedented to one of the country's most popular travel destinations. 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."

When guests arrive at the resort, they'll see Potomac Plaza, featuring a fountain and reflecting pool alongside sweeping vistas overlooking the harbor, Potomac River and the nation's capital.

The resort will mark its grand opening with the unveiling of a picturesque two-story floral attraction, envisioned by event and interior designer Ed Libby. The 15,000-square-foot Conservatory will use botanical creations to "captivate the imagination with sights and colors of winter, spring, summer and fall - along with a special display in celebration of Chinese New Year," the resort recently announced.

Here’s a look at the casino resort, by the numbers:

• Casino size: 125,000 square feet
• More than 3,300 slot machines
• Hotel rooms: 234
• Suites: 74
• Retail space: 12,000 square feet
• Restaurants: 12
• Executive chefs: 3
• Jobs when completed: 3,600 (about 80 percent full-time)
• Construction workers on site: More than 1,000
• Parking spaces: 5,000

When the resort opens, the dozen restaurants will include eateries by bold-name chefs Marcus Samuelson, Jose Andres and Voltaggio Brothers.

• The chef-driven food and beverage program at MGM National Harbor will capture flavors of the Capital Region in both upscale and casual dining options. Acclaimed chefs José Andrés, Marcus Samuelsson, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio each will introduce exclusive concepts to the resort. Delivering the vibe of a gourmet food festival,National Market will boast 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.
• Bellagio Pâtisserie, a European-inspired pastry shop reminiscent of its namesake in Las Vegas, will feature a 26-foot-tall chocolate fountain - one of the world's largest - circulating nearly two tons of sumptuous melted chocolate.
• Clique Hospitality, trendsetting experts who have defined Las Vegas' nightlife industry for more than a decade, is creating two distinct venues for sophisticated socializing and inventive cocktails. Felt Bar & Lounge is an indoor/outdoor lounge featuring the region's first table-side mixology program; and Blossom Cocktail Lounge, inspired by Washington, D.C.'s famed cherry blossoms, will be at the center of all the action.

JLL is handling the leasing of the 12,000 square feet of retail space. Retail Senior Vice President Greg Ferrante and Retail Vice President Andy Corno are leading the JLL team.

Also read: MGM National Harbor Unveils Celebrity Chef Lineup

Entertainment will be a big part of the resort. MGM National Harbor has partnered with entertainment giant Live Nation for entertainment programming at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, an intimate 3,000-seat venue slated to host the entertainment industry's biggest acts and events. Complete with VIP suites and reconfigurable seating arrangements, the venue will welcome A-list concerts, comedy shows, UFC fights, boxing matches and other special events.

A 27,000-square-foot spa and salon will create a relaxing experience for guests looking to indulge in a brief respite or an all-day escape. Situated on the corner of the resort, wrap-around windows will feature views of its beautiful natural surroundings. Also capitalizing on the views, a spacious fitness center located adjacent to the salon will feature a wide variety of cardio machines and free weights, all overlooking the resort's outdoor pool.

The resort's outdoor, heated, infinity-edge pool will open in the spring with lush seating, private cabanas and poolside cocktail service.

“MGM National Harbor will offer tourists and locals a dynamic experience featuring entertainment, fine dining and outstanding amenities including a luxury spa and destination retail offerings,” Ferrante said. “We are eager to create an unmatched retail experience in the market, and expect national and international retailer interest in the available space in the retail promenade.”

“Anyone who has ever visited an MGM Resorts International property understands the uniqueness of the offering, and MGM National Harbor will be no different,” added Corno. “The retail component of the resort adds another layer of experience for resort-goers, and will complement the restaurant and entertainment venues.”

“MGM National Harbor will offer tourists and locals a dynamic experience featuring entertainment, fine dining and outstanding amenities including a luxury spa and destination retail offerings,” said Ferrante. “We are eager to create an unmatched retail experience in the market, and expect national and international retailer interest in the available space in the retail promenade.”

“Anyone who has ever visited an MGM Resorts International property understands the uniqueness of the offering, and MGM National Harbor will be no different,” added Corno. “The retail component of the resort adds another layer of experience for resort-goers, and will complement the restaurant and entertainment venues.”

PHOTO: Rendering courtesy of MGM National Harbor