VisitMaryland -- Trip Advisor Reviews

Meh

May 17, 2013 by: Amy D from Parkersburg, West Virginia

My family and I stayed here because it was the most affordable option for visiting D.C. museums and monuments. We didn't really experience too much traffic commuting back and forth, usually about 15-20 minutes each way, not including time spent parking, which was the real hassle, but in all fairness completely expected. The hotel is located right near the harbor. The kids really enjoyed playing in the sand and we took many pictures of the The Awakening sculpture. My husband and I enjoyed walking on the pier. I felt that the hotel was making a desperate attempt at "cool" and felt kind of out of place with my husband and children. There were a couple of pool tables in the lobby, which was kinda fun. Staff were friendly. The pool was TINY and usually didn't open when it was supposed to. I got a little claustrophobic in the double room, as it was quite small. The area did feel very safe and is very pretty in the evenings. Next time I will splurge to stay in DC in order to avoid parking fees, but overall a good experience.

Great potential; poor experience

May 11, 2013 by: JLB_miles_to_go from Richmond, Virginia

I've stayed at other Aloft properties and had very positive experiences. I'd also been in the lobby of this hotel on a previous visit to National Harbor and thought it would be a good place to stay. Unfortunately, this hotel did not deliver. At check in the staff had an extended conversation with each other while I stood there, ignored, waiting to check in. Then they kept complaining to each other while one of them checked me in. Very unprofessional. The room was decorated in a sleek euro-style. However, there were big, unsightly stains on the carpet right by the door. The bed was almost like a futon -- not comfortable at all. The room was supposed to have a harbor view. I could see the harbor if I leaned over and bent my neck out of joint. Not worth it. Parking was difficult. There was a tiny drop off space that stayed filled up with taxis. I ended up lugging my luggage from the parking deck across the street when I checked in and out. The bottom line is that there are other much better options in National Harbor. Look elsewhere. Let me know if this review is helpful.

Cold and Impersonal

May 10, 2013 by: paul_davies_57 from Colorado Springs, Colorado

I have stayed here twice now and both times found it not very relaxing - maybe it is the starkly modern design and it has no close parking or restaurant even for breakfast - at those prices? The last stay the bartender was very much running it for his convenience. First I had to ask him to turn off the really bad loud music he was playing. Then he cranked up the TV to watch a talent show, ignoring everyone at the bar. Bad news when you have to raise your voice to ask for a drink!

Did Not Meet Expectations

May 05, 2013 by: 2cent_4u from Lanham, Maryland

I made reservation for a one night stay as a birthday gift for my son. As such, I wanted it to be extra special so I reserved a suite. I went early to see the suite and to decorate. I was so disappointed to find that the carpet throughout the suite had stains throughout and so did the couch. The living room area furniture was also worn and cheap looking. I had to call twice before receiving a call back from housekeeping. I asked if they could shampoo it and initially was told that they could do it tomorrow. I explained that I would not be staying tomorrow. I explained that I was about to run errands and that someone could clean during that time. I returned almost 2 hours later and found no one had done anything to the carpet. I called and was told they would send someone up to spot clean it. (That would be quite a bit of cleaning...frankly) All of this took away from time and attention needed to give in preparation for the dinner party I planned; therefore, I was late and did not have a chance to perform some tasks I had planned for the event. I was also offered membership points for a future stay etc. I would rather have had my bill adjusted. I finally decided to wipe things down myself and sprayed lysol throughout the suite. Could have been a really very nice hotel experience. I loved the lobby area but the rest was not at all what I had hoped for.

We are not sure about this hotel

Apr 25, 2013 by: RIROTravelaholics from Prince Frederick, Maryland

My wife and I stayed here just to get away for a night. Aloft has a great location at national harbor. If you are into ultra modern less is more then this hotel may be for you. My wife and I have stayed in other properties by aloft and have been very pleased. On this stay in national Gabor not do much.... The bed was very very uncomfortable, when the air conditioner turned on it sounded like an airplane was coming through the room. So with the horrible bed and the Ac noise I barely slept at all. So, I would not recommend this property, but I know that at least a few of their other properties are up to par.