MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

Frommer's Review

Vegas goes back and forth on its position on whether size does matter, and the MGM Grand is a perfect example of that. When it first opened, the massive glaring green behemoth was the largest hotel in town, with a casino to match -- and its owners were mighty proud of it, boasting further of their family appropriateness, as typified by the theme park that was originally in the back. But times and emphasis change, and with everyone else in Vegas moving away from the pseudo-family-friendly direction to the whole luxury-resort persona, the MGM Grand had no choice but to follow. So if you book here thinking your kids are still the property's priority, you should think again. The amusement park in the back is gone, and so is the Wizard of Oz theme that originally gave the hotel its identity. Instead, there are striptease shows and a lounge called Tabú. That sort of thing certainly sends a message.

Consider also the place's size. The hotel management now downplays the once-touted "hugeness," trying to pretend that the really big casino is actually several medium-big casinos. Whatever. Despite plenty of signage, it is still a lengthy, confusing schlep from anywhere to anywhere. The 80 or so 42-inch TV monitors (apprising registering guests of hotel happenings) in the vast white-marble lobby only add to the chaotic confusion a guest might feel -- all the worse if you are toting kids. (At least the lobby is now immediately accessible from the outside world.)

Having said all of that, we've grown very fond of this hotel, and we have to admit that they've gone to some efforts to make the ridiculous size work to its -- and, thus, your -- advantage. Although the original standard rooms in the main tower with their 1930s-era Hollywood glam styling have been replaced by somewhat more blandly upscale decor (there are still black-and-white movie star photos and some deco-inspired curves to some of the furniture), there's nothing wrong, really, with blandly upscale. They are generously proportioned and equipped with pretty much everything you might need, and while they may not be as large or as opulent as some of the super-luxe hotels in town, they are also not as expensive (usually). A second section of the tower is now known as the West Wing, and it is here that you'll find the memorable accommodations. With a kicky contemporary style, these rooms are smaller (a rather tiny 350 sq. ft.) but full of the trendy touches we are complete suckers for. There is no counter space in the open bathroom plan, but frosted green glass doors preserve privacy. Rooms include DVD and CD players, TVs in the bathroom mirrors, and fluffy bedding, plus there's liberal use of electronic "gee whiz" moments such as lamps that turn on and off if you touch them, while all lights in the rooms are controlled by the insertion of your room key. Each has a king-size bed and shower-only bathroom. Overall, guests report that the staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful.

MGM houses a prestigious assemblage of dining rooms, among them Joël Robuchon's two new sterling entries, Shibuya, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, and Emeril's New Orleans Fish House.

As befits a behemoth of this size, there's an appropriately gigantic casino. The show is KÀ, a dazzling offering from Cirque du Soleil. Plus, there's MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris, a very adult topless show; a hot lounge, Tabú; nightclub Studio 54; a headliner showroom; and a larger events arena that hosts sporting events and bigger concerts.

The MGM Grand's Grand Spa is a Zen-Asian minimalist wonder, all natural stone and aged wood. The services offered are quite marvelous, with everything from standard massages to 2-hour "rituals" in a private room for over $300. The state-of-the-art health club is larger than most, with some serious machines, including ones equipped with fancy computer video monitors. (It'll cost you $25 to work up a sweat here most of the day, but you can use the gym facilities only, without the whirlpools and other amenities of the spa, for $15 after 6pm.)

The swimming pool area is a rousing success. The 6 1/2 acres of landscaped grounds feature five pools, including the longest lazy river in town (though we wish portions of it weren't closed off for nonsummer months).

Note that the MGM Grand has its own separate, non-casino, all-suite addition called The Signature. Prices are a bit high for what you get, but if money is not an issue, and a more grown-up atmosphere is, you might want to inquire.

Facilities:Casino; events arena; showroom; Lion Habitat, cabaret theater; 2 wedding chapels; 15 restaurants; nightclub; 5 outdoor pools w/lazy river; large health club & spa; Jacuzzi; video-game arcade; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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