Hotel Guide

Location: 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South (The Strip)

What makes it Special? The Skyline Terrace Suite of the MGM Grand includes a 786-square-foot outdoor patio. Ridiculous.

Entertainment Attraction: Sure there’s Cirque de Soleil and David Copperfield – big whoop.  We like more interactive entertainment such as Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp or CSI: The Experience.

Number of Rooms: 5,044

Overview:

Let’s begin by stating that this overview will make no mention (apart from now) of either The Signature or SKYLofts at MGM Grand, though they are pretty spectacular entities in their own right.

MGM Grand has 12 categories of suites, ranging from Petite King to Skyline Terrace Suite, all of which are exceptional in their own way. One standout-indulgent accommodation is the Stay Well suites. MGM was the first in the world to offer these Delos-designed rooms – here are a few of the amenities: wake-up light therapy, dawn simulator alarm clocks, Vitamin C shower infusion, a water filtration system and photo-catalytic coating. We don’t know what the last thing is, but it sure sounds like something that you would do in preparing a turducken.

MGM has divided their 20+ dining experiences into three categories: specialty dining, casual dining and quick bites. Some of the names you’ll find on the roster are Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Tom Colicchio.

We were originally going to gloss over the nightlife here – the variety is great and you expect that from a place like this. Then we saw the heading for the Wet Republic Ultra Pool. Was it the 53,000 square-footage? Or was it the 2,500 square-foot open-air lounge? Nah, it must have been the 95-foot marble bar. Either way, the venue looks great. But remember that pool parties are very much an acquired taste – just like Jack Daniels.

This is one of the Strip’s premier hotels, something that is reflected in the cost of your stay. Like all such hotels, we only have so much room to discuss their offerings, which are both plentiful and luxurious.

Hotel website: MGM Grand

*Key to Rates

$ – Up to $100

$$ – $101 to $130

$$$ – $131 to $190

$$$$ – $191 to $250

$$$$$ – Above $250

All rates based on a regular undiscounted room for the first weekend of October.