I use it on occasion as a staycation hotel. The hotel is still in very good condition and the staff tends to be both competent and very friendly. The hotel is right on the Potomac River, best rooms (IMHO) are on higher floors on the river side.

I wouldn't expect much of an upgrade, if you're staying during the week. National Harbor has become quite the convention destination and the hotels are nearly 100% full during the week.

No real public transit to the hotel. There is one MetroBus to the National harbor complex, but it leaves from a Metro Station that is in a really sketchy part of town, especially at night.

The complex does have a complimentary shuttle bus from the Westin to the King Street Station, but it isn't designed for getting to your hotel upon arrival, or getting back to the airport/train station when you leave. It's a mini-bus that stops at the Westin and two other hotels (within National Harbor) and then the King Street Metro in Old Town Alexandria (tons of wonderful restaurants). You show your hotel room key to board.

If you do drive, don't do Valet Parking. National Harbor has a number of garages, the best one for the Westin is the "Mariner Garage," which is located right across the street from the Westin. No in and out though.

0-1 hour: $3
1-2 hours: $5
2-4 hours: $9
4-12 hours: $11
8pm to 3am Flat Rate: $11
24 hour Flat Rate: $13(12-24hours)

Personally, I'd take a taxi to and from the resort, as there are plenty of restaurants on site, and you can use the free shuttle to get to Alexandria if you want something different. (There's also an overpriced -IMHO- water taxi to Alexandria.) If you're planning on being a tourist in D.C. at all, either take the shuttle to King Street and Metro from there, or the MetroBus isn't too bad during daylight hours.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Found some links:

http://nationalharbor.com/national-h...rtesy-shuttle/

http://nationalharbor.com/getting-here/