Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Review of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD
Let me start by saying that this hotel is definitely a very nice hotel to stay in.  The lobby, atrium and all public areas are exquisite.  The rooms are very clean and the staff is very friendly and cordial.

However, for the price that they charge (a little under $300/night), you aren't getting anything special.  The room size is pretty standard and can be found at other hotels in the area for less than half the price.  The location does offer a beautiful view of the harbor.  However, you are a 20 minute ride from D.C. (with no traffic), so it isn't very convenient.  The area you can walk to is quite nice, but still being developed, so there isn't much to do.  Also, they charge you $19/night for parking on top of their already high prices.

If you can somehow find a deal on this hotel, then it may be worth it.  However, their sky-high prices and distance from D.C. make it a poor travel destination.

The Pagoda

Have any interest in Japanese architecture but don't have the funds to pay for the trip to Tokyo?  Well, a short trip to Reading will at least let you see a sample of this.  The Pagoda was built in 1908 and is probably the most iconic building in the city of Reading.  A trip to the top gives you a nice panoramic view of the city and only costs $1 a person.  If you're in the area and looking for something to do, this is worth the trip.

Megabus Mega-Discount!

Megabus is running a promotion right now where it is giving away 10,000 free tickets on trips from Philly (30th Street Station) to 10 different destinations:

• Atlantic City
  
• Baltimore
  
• Boston
  
• Buffalo
  
• Harrisburg
  
• Pittsburgh
  
• State College
  
• Syracuse
  
• Toronto
  
• Washington, D.C.
  

To get these free tickets, go to megabus.com and use promotion code LUVPHL. Be aware that for some of these routes they may charge $1 or $2, but still it is a great deal to travel this summer. We've already booked a trip to Pittsburgh and State College.