MGM National Harbor

In the parlance of the casino realm, the MGM National Harbor doubles down on first impressions.

Visitors arriving at the lavish, six-month-old casino-hotel complex in Oxon Hill, Md. are greeted by a phalanx of valet parking attendants, security personnel and bellhops who seemingly fall over each other to offer assistance (this behavior is duplicated by the indoor staff, from housekeepers to spa workers to casino-floor personnel).

And once through the doors of the sprawling pleasure dome that sits along the Potomac River in sight of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, guests immediately encounter The Conservatory, an impressive, multi-story space featuring a gently arching, curved glass ceiling that allows the natural light to illuminate the vivid artwork (changed according to season) that serves as the atrium’s visual focal points.

Beyond the reception area, the property hews to the same upscale blueprint. In addition to the 125,000-square-foot casino (not counting a separate, 85-table poker parlor), amenities include sleek, state-of-the-art guest rooms and suites (whose many features include bathroom mirrors with lighting controls), an opulent, 27,000-square-foot spa offering top-shelf facilities and services and a convenience-focused performance venue called The Theater at MGM National Harbor that holds 3,000-to-4,000 people, depending on seating configurations.

Much like the Event Center at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa (a corporate sibling of MGM National Harbor), the auditorium offers guests the chance to see arena-level attractions in a far more intimate setting (past headliners have included Cher, Sting and Bruno Mars).

Not surprisingly, dining is a key component of the National Harbor formula. Options range from fast-food outlets including Shake Shack and Pappas Crabcake (a regional favorite) to such celebrity-chef-headlined spots as all-day dining room Marcus (Marcus Samuelsson) and Voltaggio Brothers Steak House (“Top Chef” champs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio).

Another high-end eatery is uber-chef Jose Andres’ Fish, whose creative, seafood-centric menu is complimented by a dramatic, glass-ringed space that looks out over Potomac Plaza, one of the most exciting outdoor spaces boasted by any casino anywhere.

And, of course, there is a shopping element. “The District” is an eight-shop cluster whose centerpiece is the first “bricks-and-mortal” outlet of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, the popular actress’ high-end women’s accessories retailer. And if that’s not enough commerce for visitors, a quick walk to the neighboring Tanger Outlets at National Harbor provides more than 85 retailers.