MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

First opened in 1993, the MGM Grand Las Vegas truly is grand. Its 5,000-plus rooms make it one of the largest properties in the world -- but that's not the half of it. Rather, what makes the MGM Grand extraordinary is that virtually everything here is big and spectacular and over-the-top -- the casino is one of the biggest in town; the pool complex is vas and home to the party-hearty Wet Republic Ultra Pool; the entertainment options range from big-time boxing matches to arena concerts to Cirque du Soleil; and so many of the restaurants are headed by celebrity chefs that you practically need trading cards to keep track.
Rooms were the first area of the hotel to see renovations, which came in at $160 million, another grand touch for the mega-hotel. Service, however, is a different story. Given the enormity of the place, it's not surprising that you don't get much in the way of personalized attention. And long lines at the check-in desk are to be expected, but the staff isn't very efficient even when it comes to handling specific requests. But, again, those who demand a higher level of service can get that too at the MGM by staying at The Signature at MGM Grand, the resort's all-suites offshoot, or Skylofts at MGM Grand, the luxury duplex lofts tower.

MGM Grand is located at about the midpoint of the southern half of the three-and-a-half-mile-long stretch of hotel-casinos known as the Las Vegas Strip. Hotels near MGM Grand Las Vegas include New York, New York Hotel and Casino across the street and the Tropicana just to the south. Most Las Vegas visitors want to explore all of the big properties along the Strip. Taxis are easy to find at virtually any time of day or night, plus ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Las Vegas. A generally less expensive option is the Deuce, a double-decker bus that runs up and down the strip 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There's also a monorail system, which stops at MGM, Bally's/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Las Vegas Convention Center, the Westgate, and SLS Las Vegas. Virtually every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is a 10- to 15-minute cab ride from McCarran International Airport.

MGM Grand hotel rooms got a much-needed upgrade in 2012 (part of MGM's $160 million Grand Renovation) that took them from basic to vibrant. And at about 450 square feet, the standard rooms are also reasonably spacious, though by no means very large by Vegas standards. Note that West Tower rooms are smaller, at about 350 square feet, and are far from the action. MGM Grand Las Vegas suites start at 675 square feet and add perks such as living rooms, jetted bathtubs and separate showers, and dining tables.
All units are large and contemporary, outfitted with jewel-toned decor, flat-screen TVs, media hubs, and minibars. King beds with heavy duvets and Serta pillow-top mattresses plus blackout curtains equal an ideal environment for resting after those long Vegas nights. Carrera marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos (suites have jetted tubs and separate showers), hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and MGM brand toiletries. There are no in-room coffeemakers and acquiring an empty mini-fridge requires a hefty charge. In-room Wi-Fi is covered by the resort fee.
Stay Well rooms add wellness amenities such as aromatherapy diffusers, air purification systems, natural memory foam mattresses, and private lounge check-ins. Spa rooms add jetted tubs.

There are ample features at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, both for those seeking entertainment and relaxation. The Grand Spa features whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges, but these facilities, require a pass to enter. Passes are available for one-, three-, or five-day periods, and are only offered to hotel guests. The public is allowed to book treatments at the spa on certain days of the week. Salon services are offered. The spacious and well-equipped fitness center has rows of elliptical machines and treadmills, high ceilings, and natural light from large windows looking out over the expansive pool area. Personal trainers and group exercise classes are available. Access to the fitness center is covered by the pricey daily resort fee.
A variety of entertainment is available here, including popular shows such as KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, country singers, and dance groups.
As with all MGM resorts, guests have access to the private Shadow Creek Golf Course, about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. The greens are only open to resort guests, and MGM offers a personal limo from the Strip and caddie service.

Like almost everything else here, the MGM Grand hotel pool complex is huge: six-and-a-half-acres huge, to be exact. The area has five pools in total, one of which is a long winding river for inner tubes that puts the lazy-river pools at Mandalay and Monte Carlo to shame. Palm trees lend a tropical vibe. In addition to a smaller adults-only pool, there's another 54,500-square-foot party pool called Wet Republic, which is open to adults 21 and over and one of the wildest pool parties on the Strip. DJs help create a fun atmosphere here. There are also five bars and a poolside grill, plus cabanas and daybeds available to rent. Two warnings: The MGM pool complex can get seriously crowded in the afternoons (the pools at the MGM Signature are much mellower) and the entire pool complex closes during the winter months.

At 171,000 square feet, MGM Grand's casino is among the biggest in Las Vegas. It has all the options of the best Strip casinos: tons of table games, a race and sports book, thousands of slots, and particularly active craps tables.

There are roughly two dozen dining options at MGM Grand Las Vegas, spanning fast-food joints to fine-dining eateries run by celebrity chefs. Upscale restaurants include Chinese eatery Hakkasan Restaurant, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Morimoto Las Vegas for Japanese fare, and Joel Robuchon for gourmet French cuisine. More casual options consist of TAP Sports Bar, Ambra Italian Kitchen, MGM Grand Buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria. Starbucks, Subway, and 24-hour in-room dining are also available.