Mgm Grand Las Vegas is a historic hotel and massive casino located right on the famous Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. Developed by Kirk Kerkorian, the resort cost a staggering $1 billion to build. It opened to the public on December 18, 1993, following a massive VIP party. With more than 5,000 rooms, it was the largest hotel in the world when it first opened. Today, it offers an incredible mix of luxury hotel accommodations, high-stakes gambling, and world-class live entertainment.
As a seasoned gamble with a decade of casino experience, I find the gaming floor here exceptional. The 171,500 square foot casino was the world’s largest at the time of its unveiling. It originally opened with rare slots, including machines offering multimillion-dollar jackpots. Today, you will find modern slot machines, fast-paced table games, and exclusive high-limit VIP lounges.
Features Of The Resort
The resort covers 112 acres of prime real estate. Finding your way around can take time, but the amenities are well worth the walk. The property boasts a dedicated monorail station. This connects you to nine major resorts along a four-mile route. You can also use satellite hotel check-in at Harry Reid International Airport.
For gamers, the casino floor is packed with action. In 2002, this was the first Nevada casino to offer a private gaming salon. If you want a break from smoke, you can recharge at The Signature at Mgm Grand. That is a quiet, non-smoking, non-gaming hotel escape connected to the main resort.
Marina (1975–1990)
Before the giant green towers existed, this spot had a different name. The property was originally the site of the Tropicana Country Club and the Golf Club Motel. Later, it became the Marina Hotel.
The Marina was a 14-story building containing 714 rooms. It had a busy casino and an entertainment lounge. Kirk Kerkorian bought the Marina in 1990 for $80 million. He closed it to make way for his new billion-dollar project. Demolition and integration paved the way for the mega-resort we see today. Tupac Shakur even visited this famous location on the night of his murder in 1996.
Historical Timeline
| Year | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Kirk Kerkorian purchases the Marina Hotel. |
| 1993 | The resort officially opens to the public. |
| 1997 | Demolition begins on the original giant lion head entrance. |
| 1999 | An indoor lion habitat opens inside the resort. |
| 2012 | The indoor lion habitat closes permanently. |
Rooms & Rates
You have thousands of room options when booking your stay. Discounted rates are available throughout the year depending on standard travel dates. Recently, the hotel began a $300 million transformation of 4,212 main tower rooms.
The new mid-century modern design brings a retro desert feel. The rooms draw heavy inspiration from Palm Springs decor. Early check-in or late check-out may be available at an additional cost. Guests should know that daily resort fees apply, and standard parking costs extra.
MGM Resorts does offer free self-parking to active duty military and veterans. If you hate hidden hotel fees, look for all-inclusive travel bundle packages. These bundles often combine hotel rooms, dining, resort fees, and entertainment into a single price.
Live Entertainment
You cannot visit this property without seeing a show. The resort features numerous entertainment venues. The Grand Garden Arena hosts major concerts and sporting events. The live entertainment options here are truly spectacular.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
This is a must-see event for visitors. KÀ is a longtime resident show at the resort. It takes place in a massive custom-built theater seating nearly 2,000 people. KÀ delivers an epic tale through brilliant acrobatics and a giant floating stage.
Laugh All Night At Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
If you prefer comedy, you are in luck. Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club opened in March 2012. It features a cozy seating arrangement for 283 people. The venue hosts numerous touring comedians and local talent. Brad Garrett himself frequently makes surprise appearances.
Kid-Friendly Shows In Las Vegas Perfect For Families
Las Vegas is usually an adult playground, but families have great options here. Magician David Copperfield is a living legend. He has been a primary performer at the hotel since 2000. His magic show welcomes all ages. It is an ideal choice for a magical night out with children.
Restaurants And Nightlife
Dining at this resort is a major highlight. The property opened with eight original restaurants in 1993. Over time, the culinary scene here evolved dramatically. The hotel has featured brilliant venues by famous chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina.
- Craftsteak: Enjoy classic steakhouse dishes created by chef Tom Colicchio.
- Morimoto: Experience a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine and fresh sushi.
- Joël Robuchon: Delight in the highest standard of fine dining available on the Strip.
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: Watch skilled chefs craft your meal right in front of you.
If you want unique nightlife options, visit Whiskey Down. It is located near the gaming floor. The lounge offers a relaxed but upscale atmosphere. You can unwind with a broad selection of global whiskies. Other great spots include Level Up, which offers arcade games, virtual reality, and live music.
Why Food Halls Are Taking Over
The dining landscape in the city is changing fast. For decades, traditional buffets dominated the market. Now, casual food halls are taking over. Like the Famous Foods Street Eats over at Resorts World, modern travelers prefer fast, high-quality street food. Food halls offer more variety and better quality from recognized chefs.
Are There Still Buffets On The Las Vegas Strip?
Yes, but they are becoming rare. The famous Mgm Grand Buffet is closing its doors. Fans view this closure as the end of a classic Vegas era. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a hard blow to these large dining rooms. Operators realized they could make better profits with celebrity chef restaurants or food halls instead.
Enjoy The Massive Pool Complex
You need to see the pool complex here. It is one of the best spots to escape the desert heat. The massive outdoor area spans acres of water and lounging space. Active families will love spending the entire afternoon floating in the sun.
For adult partying, you must visit Wet Republic. This is a popular 54,000 square foot dayclub. It has operated at the pool area since 2008. Wet Republic boasts VIP cabanas, daybeds, and a giant central stage. World-renowned DJs keep the dance music pumping all day long.
Popular Hotels Nearby
You truly cannot get a better location than this center-strip spot. The present property sits near the busy Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection. While staying here, you can easily walk to other prime resorts.
Right across the street, you will find thrilling casinos and unique attractions. The monorail makes exploring nearby properties safe and fast. You can also quickly access top entertainment venues like Topgolf. Topgolf lets you hit tech-tracked golf balls while drinking and enjoying live music.
What Experts Say About Mgm Grand Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the hotel charge a daily resort fee?
Yes. Like most properties on the Las Vegas Strip, a daily resort fee is applied to your room rate. This fee covers internet access, phone calls, and use of the fitness center.
Are dogs allowed at the resort?
Yes. The property is pet-friendly. Up to two dogs are allowed per room for an additional nightly fee. Your furry friends will find special amenities waiting for them.
How much does it cost to park?
Standard parking now costs between $20 and $25 per day for hotel guests. Active duty military members and regular guests with certain VIP player tiers can park for free.
Is the famous lion habitat still open?
No. The indoor lion habitat closed permanently on January 31, 2012. The original giant exterior lion entrance was also demolished back in 1997.
What kind of games are on the casino floor?
The massive casino floor features thousands of slot machines. You will also find traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. High-limit private salons are available for VIP gamblers.
Is there a dress code for the nightclubs?
Yes. Nightclubs like Hakkasan strictly enforce an upscale dress code. You should wear collared shirts and dress shoes. Athletic wear, shorts, and sandals are not permitted inside the club.