Landover is a weird place for a massive stadium. If you’re headed to a Commanders game or a massive summer concert, you probably realized pretty quickly that the area surrounding the venue—formerly known as FedEx Field and now rebranded as Northwest Stadium—isn't exactly a bustling downtown hub. It’s suburban. It’s industrial in spots. And if you pick the wrong spot to stay, you’re going to spend three hours of your life stuck in a parking lot bottleneck that makes the Beltway look like an open salt flat.
Choosing a hotel near Northwest Stadium isn't just about finding a bed. It’s a tactical maneuver. You have to balance the proximity to the gates with the reality of Prince George’s County traffic. Honestly, if you stay too close, you’re trapped. If you stay too far, you’re paying $100 for an Uber that might not even show up because the surge pricing is so chaotic.
The Proximity Trap: Staying in Landover vs. Largo
Most people start their search by looking at the literal closest pins on the map. You’ll see options like the Courtyard by Marriott New Carrollton or various spots in Largo. Here’s the deal: Largo is generally the move for most fans. It’s just south of the stadium. You’ve got the Residence Inn Largo Medical Center and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Largo-Washington DC. These are solid, predictable hotels. They know exactly why you’re there.
But don't expect to walk. Even though these hotels are "near" the stadium, the walk from Largo involves crossing major intersections and navigating a landscape designed for cars, not humans. It’s about a 20-30 minute hike. On a crisp October afternoon? Great. In a humid August thunderstorm or a freezing December night game? Not so much.
The WoodSpring Suites Washington DC Northeast is another frequent flyer in search results. It’s budget-friendly. It’s functional. But it’s an extended-stay model, so if you’re looking for a lobby bar to celebrate a win or drown your sorrows after a loss, you’re going to be disappointed. You’re better off heading to Old Town Bowie or back toward the city for actual nightlife.
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Why Everyone Is Obsessed With New Carrollton
New Carrollton is the secret weapon for anyone visiting the stadium. The Metro Points Hotel is a massive landmark here. Why does it matter? It’s the transit hub. You have the Orange Line, the New Carrollton Amtrak station, and various bus routes.
If you stay here, you aren't just limited to the stadium. You can zip into D.C. for dinner and be back in twenty minutes. On game day, the stadium usually runs shuttles or you can take a relatively short ride to the Morgan Boulevard or Largo Town Center metro stations. Walking from the Blue/Silver line stations is the "pro" move. It’s a dedicated path. It’s crowded. It’s loud. It’s exactly what the game day experience should feel like.
The Hidden High-End Options
If you’ve got the budget and want to avoid the "office park" vibe of Landover, you have to look toward National Harbor or Greenbelt.
National Harbor is about 15-20 minutes away without traffic. With game day traffic? Give it 45. But you get the Gaylord National Resort and the MGM National Harbor. It feels like a vacation. You’ve got the casino, high-end steaks at Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, and a view of the Potomac. Is it a hotel near Northwest Stadium in the literal sense? No. But for people flying in from out of state who want a "trip" and not just a "game," it’s the only real choice.
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Greenbelt is more low-key. The Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC is a sneaky good option. It’s renovated, usually a bit cheaper than the Largo spots, and puts you close to the University of Maryland. If you’re a college football fan or just want better food options than a suburban Chili's, stay in College Park or Greenbelt.
The Logistics of the "Short Walk"
Let's talk about the Morgan Boulevard Metro station. This is the heartbeat of the stadium's pedestrian access.
If you find an Airbnb or a smaller boutique stay near this station, grab it immediately. The walk from Morgan Boulevard to Northwest Stadium is about a mile. It’s a straight shot down Garrett Morgan Boulevard. You’ll pass thousands of fans, tailgates in the "RedZone" lot, and vendors selling unlicensed t-shirts. This is the only way to guaranteed-avoid the post-game gridlock. While the cars are sitting in the lot for two hours, you’re already back at your hotel cracking a beer.
Safety and Expectation Management
Prince George’s County is diverse and sprawling. Like any major metropolitan area near a stadium, you need to keep your wits about you. Stick to the main pedestrian paths. The area around Northwest Stadium isn't really a "stroll around at 1 AM" kind of neighborhood. It’s a "get to the game, get to the hotel" kind of place.
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Also, check the parking fees. Some hotels near the stadium will try to charge $20-$40 for parking on game weekends even if you’re a guest. It’s a racket. Call ahead. Ask if the "stadium premium" is in effect. If they say yes, look a few miles further out in Bowie. The Hampton Inn Bowie is right off Route 50 and is often overlooked.
What Most People Get Wrong About Booking
They wait.
The Commanders schedule drops, or a big tour like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé gets announced, and the hotels within a 5-mile radius vanish in forty-eight hours. If you see a room at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Largo for under $250 on a home game weekend, you should probably book it with free cancellation just to hold the spot.
Breaking Down the Neighborhoods
- Largo: Best for being "in the thick of it." Lots of chain restaurants (Famous Dave's, LongHorn).
- New Carrollton: Best for travelers using Amtrak or wanting D.C. access.
- College Park: Best for a younger crowd and better food.
- Bowie: Best for families who want a quiet night and don't mind a 15-minute drive.
- National Harbor: Best for luxury and entertainment.
Actionable Strategy for Your Stay
- Prioritize the Blue/Silver Line: If you can’t stay within walking distance, stay anywhere along the Blue or Silver Metro lines. It drops you at Morgan Boulevard or Largo Town Center. This is faster than driving every single time.
- Check the "Event Rate": Before confirming a booking at a hotel near Northwest Stadium, read the fine print. Some hotels change their shuttle schedules or cancel "complimentary" breakfasts during high-occupancy stadium events.
- Food Prep: The area immediately around the stadium is a food desert of sorts. Unless you want fast food or stadium hot dogs, eat in Hyattsville or Washington D.C. before heading toward Landover. The Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville is a local staple and worth the short detour.
- Uber/Lyft Hack: Do not try to call a rideshare from the stadium gates. Walk at least 15 minutes away—toward the medical center or the metro stations—to get outside the "geo-fence" that jacks up prices and complicates pickups.
- Look at the "Sports" Packages: Some hotels like the Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown occasionally offer packages that include metro passes or "rally" kits. Even though it's in the city, the commute is often easier than fighting the local Landover traffic.
The reality is that Northwest Stadium is a destination venue. You go there for the event, not the neighborhood. By picking a hotel that offers a clear transit path—whether that’s the mile-long walk from Largo or the Metro ride from New Carrollton—you save yourself the one thing money can't buy back: time. Skip the closest budget motels that look sketchy and aim for the reliable hubs in Largo or the luxury of the Harbor. You’ll thank yourself when you’re watching the post-game highlights in your room while the rest of the crowd is still idling in Lot F.