The Only Review of the MGM Grand Casino Las Vegas You Will Ever Need
Nestled right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip is one of the most iconic
hotel and casino properties in the world. Created in 1993, the MGM Grand Las
Vegas is a sister property to the many other properties owned and run by MGM
Resorts International.
If you’ve ever seen a picture of the Vegas Strip, you most certainly have
seen the oddly shaped bright green building with the big golden lion statue out
front. That oddly shaped green building is the home of some of the best food,
gambling, entertainment, and more that Las Vegas has to offer.
In this review and guide, we’re going to break down every aspect of the MGM
Grand Casino. We’ll talk about every inch of the property, what they do and
don’t have, what you can and shouldn’t expect, and how they stack up to other
casinos in Sin City.
More importantly, we’re going to give you our insider tips, tricks, and
knowledge to ensure that if you decide to visit the MGM Grand Casino in Las
Vegas, you’ll do it like a pro.
The Casino – MGM Grand Las Vegas
The heart of any Vegas casino is, well, the casino. While there is plenty
else to keep you busy in the MGM Grand, it is no secret that the main attraction
is their 171,500 square foot gaming floor. The MGM Grand offers table games,
slots, a sportsbook, video poker style machines, and live poker action.
of our tables. From the seasoned veteran to the gaming newcomer, our casino’s
high-energy atmosphere and non-stop action are the epitome of what Las Vegas
gaming is all about.”
If you love to gamble and want the “full Vegas experience” at the tables, the
MGM Grand will be a great pick for you. Let’s take a look at what all they have
to offer.
Table Games
The MGM Grand offers extensive table games action at all different stakes.
Typically, the lowest stakes you will find on table games will be $5 during
mid-week, early morning and mid-day, and slower times of the year.
On peak nights and over the weekend, you will see the lowest limits
increased, and sometimes the smallest you’ll be able to find is a $25 betting
minimum.
This is especially true on major holidays or when there is a major sporting
event going on at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The casino, like all other Vegas properties, operates on the supply and
demand principle. They want to ensure that they always have table space open for
the biggest players, and the only way they can do that is by moving the minimum
betting limits.
If you’re a smaller player or new to the action, we highly recommend checking
things out earlier in the day or as far from peak hours as possible. You still
can sometimes find cheaper tables later into the evening, but the seats will
fill up fast.
The table games offered at the MGM Grand Casino Las Vegas are the following:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Crazy “4” Poker & Texas Hold’em
- Craps
- High Card Flush
- Pai Gow Poker
- Let It Ride Poker
- Roulette
- Single Zero Roulette
- Three Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
- Pai Gow Tiles
Slots
If you’re a lover of the one-armed bandits (old slang term for slots), you’re
going to love what the MGM Grand Las Vegas has to offer. When you walk in the
front door, as soon as you take your first left onto the gaming floor, you’re
going to see a sea of slot machines.
As you work your way back to where the table games are, you’ll continue to
see slot machines tucked into every nook and cranny of the casino floor. Because
of this, we highly recommend looking a little bit longer or asking for help if
you can’t find a particular game you like to play. Some can be hard to find.
Regarding space, the slots are packed in closely, but you do still have
adequate space to enjoy your game. If you have a lot of friends that want to
watch you play, it might be tight, especially on particular games as they would
need to stand in the walkway.
If you’re playing alone or with other people playing the machines next to
you, this shouldn’t be a problem at all.
The MGM Grand Casino Las Vegas has nearly every slot game under the sun with
denominations ranging from as low as a penny all the way up to $1,000. Remember,
that’s just the per credit denominations, so if you want to bet more, you can
always bet more credits per spin.
Contrary to popular belief, a penny slot machine is typically played for more
than a penny per spin. While you can play it for a penny, most people play those
for $1-$2 per spin. It’s all up to you and what you prefer.
The MGM Grand also has a ton of progressive jackpots linked throughout a lot
of their machines on property as well as with some of their machines at other
properties around the city. What this means for you is a ton of opportunities to
not just eke out a small win but walk out – excuse us, strut out – of the casino
a big winner!
Some of these progressive jackpots can get into the millions, so the
opportunity for life-changing money is certainly there if Lady Luck is on your
side.
When it comes to free drinks at the slots at the MGM Grand, we would probably
rate them as on par with the rest of the town. All slot players will get free
drinks, but depending on what stakes you are playing, you may get them faster or
slower than some other patrons. The rule of thumb is that the higher the stakes,
the more likely you are to see a waitress.
Here’s a pro tip, though. There are some lower-limit slots positioned by the
entrance to some of the bar areas. These are areas where you can post up and
rack up the drinks if that is what your goal is.
Just remember to tip your waitresses or waiters, and they will continue
coming to see you regularly.
When it comes to game selection for slots at the MGM Grand Casino in Las
Vegas, it’s out of this world. We’re not sure there is a single slot game out
there that they don’t have on their floor. This includes all of the newest,
latest, and greatest games as well as your classic favorites including:
The Sportsbook
If you’re already seeing the trend of the MGM Grand doing everything
perfectly, that’s going to continue when it comes to their sportsbook.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas sportsbook is a high-energy, action-packed place
where locals and tourists love to go to get their action in. If you like to
watch the lines move and then jump on opportunities, this is also going to be
somewhere you may want to post up.
Here’s a quick pro tip before we get into the details of the sportsbook. The
sportsbook at the MGM Grand is heavily trafficked by fans from southern
California. These fans tend to have a strong love of betting on California teams
or Mexican fighters.
What does this mean for you? It means that if you’re ever planning on betting
against a California team or against a Mexican fighter or boxer, you can usually
get incredible odds if you wait right up until the start of the game or fight
time.
The fans will come in and hammer their emotional favorite, and the MGM Grand
sportsbook will adjust the lines to balance their action. This means that
everyone waiting to bet on the other side of the contest could see some
incredible lines.
With that pro tip out of the way, let’s talk about the MGM Grand Casino Las
Vegas sportsbook. The sportsbook at the MGM Grand Las Vegas is free to enter,
and there are plenty of seating options for you to take advantage of if you just
want to watch sports on their 60+ TVs. Specifically, they have thirty-six
65-inch LCD screens, twenty-four 42-inch plasma TVs, seating for 104 guests, and
plenty of standing room.
The equipment at the MGM Grand is able to stream up to 53 different sporting
events at once, so there should be no problem getting the action on that you
want to watch.
There is no requirement that you bet or buy a drink to hang out in there, so
it’s a great spot even if you do not want to get into the action. The book is
completely non-smoking, which does include vape pens.
Specific sports that they regularly show on the TVs are baseball, basketball,
football, hockey, NASCAR, boxing, MMA, soccer, golf, tennis, and horse racing.
You can also bet on all of these sports and a whole lot more even if they
aren’t showing them on the TVs in the room. The room itself can get quite busy,
so make sure that you plan accordingly if you are trying to squeeze in some
last-minute bets before a game, race, or fight. This is especially true on fight
nights if the event is going on at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
If you’re looking to ball out, there are several Skybox options that you can
take advantage of. The Skyboxes are on the second floor and can hold up to 10
and up to 20 guests (depending on which box) with your own dedicated beverage
server.
If you’re interested in using one of these areas, contact the concierge at
the hotel or speak to someone in the sportsbook. Typically, there will be a food
and beverage minimum on busy nights, but you can always ask what the requirement
is to get one for you and your friends.
We do recommend checking as far in advance as possible, but it never hurts to
ask last-minute in case something opened up.
Video Poker
All throughout the MGM Grand Casino, you’ll find various video poker
machines. The denominations on these machines go as low as $0.05 and go through
the roof for the big players out there. The machines are located on the main
casino floor as well as at many of the bars on property.
There are also high-limit video poker machines available in the high-limit
lounge for you to take advantage of if you’re a big-time player.
Remember that video poker machines typically have the options of switching
between different game variations without having to move machines. So, if a
video poker machine at the MGM Grand looks like it’s not the variation you’re
looking for, check out the main menu on the machine and see if you can switch to
the game you want.
Additionally, the stakes are typically adjustable as well, so you should be
able to play all stakes within a range from most machines.
Live Poker
The self-proclaimed “$1-$2 No Limit Capital of Las Vegas,” the poker room at
the MGM offers extensive No Limit Hold’em action 24 hours a day.
If you’re a mixed game player, you can typically find games on the weekend,
but do expect them to be packed with “regulars” and locals who at least to a
degree know what they are doing.
The $1-$2 games, on the other hand, are typically loaded with tourists who
often have little to no idea what they are doing. If you’re looking for soft
$1-$2 No Limit games, this is definitely somewhere you’ll want to check out.
If you’re easily distracted, though, it might not be a great fit for you. The
poker room is located in the heart of all the nightlife action, and the only
thing separating you from the hustle and bustle of the bar scene is a few velvet
ropes.
But this is probably a fair trade because the location of the room tends to
keep the bad players rolling in at all hours of the night, so we think this is a
win. If you need ultimate concentration when you play, though, either don’t play
here at night or find another poker room to check out.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas website does say that they spread several other
limits as well. When it comes to $2-$5, this is really only true later at night
and on the weekends. For $5-$10, these games do run, but it’s usually when the
casino is at its busiest like on a holiday or a fight night.
Regarding limit games, we have seen them run before, but most of the time,
the room is nothing but no limit. Typically, the only game being spread is No
Limit Texas Hold’em, but on some occasions, they will run mixed games (usually
Sunday nights) and will occasionally run Pot Limit Omaha if the interest level
is there.
The MGM Grand Las Vegas does also run four daily poker tournaments. They
claim the events have a guaranteed prize pool, but they don’t say on their
website what that guaranteed prize pool is, and we haven’t made it out for one
of these events recently.
So, expect there to be four daily tournaments, but we couldn’t tell you how
big the prize pool will be. Typically, in the past, these have been 2-4 table
type events, sometimes getting larger depending on how busy the casino is.
M Life – The Player’s Club
One of the two biggest and most well-known casino rewards programs in Las
Vegas is the M Life program. The program rewards gamblers and shoppers for their
loyalty to the MGM Grand as well as other MGM Resort International owned
properties.
In a nutshell, the more you spend and the more you gamble, the more perks and
rewards they are going to give you in return. As you gamble and spend more, you
move up along the different tiers and will see increased benefits the higher you
go.
The M Life Tiers
Sapphire Benefits
- Points Needed – No Points Needed (Entry Level)
- Earn Points and Express Comps Redeemable at all M life Rewards Destinations
- Exclusive Access to Mobile Check-In via MGM Resorts Mobile App
- Personalized Offers and Room Discounts on mlife.com
Pearl Benefits
- Points Needed – 25,000
- 10% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots AND Extended Expiration
- Dedicated Line at Participating Buffets
- Complimentary Self-Parking
Gold Benefits
- Points Needed – 75,000
- 20% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Priority Hotel Check-in Line at the Front Desk
- VIP Line Access to Select Nightclubs for You and a Guest in Las Vegas
Platinum Benefits
- Points Needed – 200,000
- 30% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Priority Access for Valet and Taxi Service
- Annual Complimentary Cruise for Qualifying Members on Royal Caribbean or
Celebrity Cruises
Noir Benefits
- Points Needed – Invite ONLY
- 40% Bonus on Points Earned Playing Slots
- Guaranteed Advance Hotel and Restaurant Reservations
- Complimentary Limousine Service to/from Nearest Airport with Hotel Stay
As you may already suspect, you get all of the benefits of the lower tiers as
you continue to move on up the ladder. The big one that we noted, especially for
those driving to Vegas, is the free self-parking. A while back, many Las
Vegas Strip properties started charging for parking, with only a few still
offering free parking.
Perferred Partners
The preferred partners of the M Life program are other outside companies that
offer deals and discounts to M Life members. Typically, these rewards are the
same across the board no matter what level you are, but there are some instances
where they vary.
If you want to take advantage of any of these programs, you’ll need to
navigate to the respective site through the M Life main website.
The current listed preferred partners are the following:
- Avis
- Cashman Photo
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cirque Du Soleil
- Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
- Reflection Bay Golf Club
- Royal Caribbean International
- Southwest Airlines
- The Quintess Collection
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort
M Life Moments
The last thing we want to discuss when it comes to the M Life rewards program
is the M Life Moments. M Life Moments are special unique experiences that
rewards members can take advantage of. You “pay” for these special experiences
either with your tier points or with express comps through the casino rewards
department.
The offerings change regularly, but we have seen some pretty awesome things
on there. Past examples include things like a private dinner for two with Julian
Serrano, swimming with the dolphins at the Mirage, and going to the MLB All-Star
weekend. You’ll need to earn some serious points to take advantage of these, but
it’s cool to know they are available if you’re a big-time player.
M Life for Military
If you’re in the military, the MGM Grand will give you a special M Life card
just for military members. This card automatically bumps you up to Pearl status
and allows you to take advantage of all of those benefits as well as the
Sapphire benefits. The card is available to “any active duty military, members
of the National Guard & Reserve, retired military, prior service and spouse of
eligible military personnel.”
To get the card, you’ll just need to go to the M Life desk and show some
proof of your service like a CACard, DD-214, or a license with the Veteran’s
distinction on it. There are also a whole host of other discounts and
benefits available to military members through M Life.
MGM Grand Hotel Rooms
- Normal Rooms (Main Hotel): 4,293
- Suites (Main Hotel): 751
- Skylofts (Main Hotel): 51
- Suites (The Signature): 1,728
- Mansion Villas: 29
As you can see from the stats above, there is no shortage of rooms at the MGM
Grand Casino in Las Vegas. In fact, the rooms are one of the coolest amenities
at the MGM. While some of the rooms are a little older than other properties on
the Strip, you’ll find many awesome options to choose from.
Let’s take a look at the numerous options you have for lodging if you decide
to stay at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas. If you find something you like, go ahead and click on the green button to book now!
West Wing King Room
- $84.50 Avg/Night
- 350 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- One Bathroom
- One Television
- In-Room Wi-Fi
Grand King Room
- $129.50 Avg/Night
- 446 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- One Bathroom
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Grand Queen Room
- $139.50 Avg/Night
- 446 Square Feet
- Two Queen-Size Beds
- One Bathroom
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Grand King Strip View Room
- $309.00 Avg/Night
- 446 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- One Bathroom
- One Television
- Excellent View of the Las Vegas Strip
Grand Queen Strip View Room
- $129.00 Avg/Night
- 446 Square Feet
- Two Queen-Size Beds
- One Bathroom
- One Television
- In-Room Wi-FI
Stay Well Grand Queen Room
- $134.00 Avg/Night
- 446 Square Feet
- Two Queen-Size Beds
- Special Registration and/or Entrance
- Wellness Rooms
- Personalized Concierge
Executive King Suite
- $159.00 Avg/Night
- 675 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Living Room
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Executive Queen Suite
- $189.00 Avg/Night
- 675 Square Feet
- Two Queen-Size Beds
- One Bathroom
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Stay Well Executive King Suite
- $209.50 Avg/Night
- 675 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Living Room
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Tower Spa Suite
- $251.50 Avg/Night
- 694 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Living Room
- Special Registration and/or Entrance
- Personalized Concierge
Stay Well Executive Queen Suite
- $204.00 Avg/Night
- 675 Square Feet
- Two Queen-Size Beds
- Living Room
- In-Room Wi-Fi
- Fully Stocked Minibar
Tower One-Bedroom Suite
- $189.00 Avg/Night
- 775 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Two Bathrooms
- Two Televisions
- Living Room
Stay Well Tower Spa Suite
- $214.00 Avg/Night
- 694 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Living Room
- Special Registration and/or Entrance
- Fully Stocked Minibar
City View Suite
- $300.00 Avg/Night
- 950 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Spectacular City Views
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Fully Stocked Minibar and Wet Bar
Penthouse City View Suite
- $350.00 Avg/Night
- 1250 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- Two Bathrooms and Two Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Wellness Rooms
2 Bedroom Marquee Suite
- $524.00 Avg/Night
- 1500 Square Feet
- Two King-Size Beds
- Two Bathrooms and Four Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Fully Stocked Minibar and Wet Bar
2 Bedroom Stay Well Marquee Suite
- $604.00 Avg/Night
- 1500 Square Feet
- Two King-Size Beds
- Two Bathrooms and Four Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Fully Stocked Minibar and Wet Bar
Stay Well Patio Suite
- $679.00 Avg/Night
- 1300 Square Feet
- Two King-Size Beds
- Two Bathrooms and Four Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Private Terrace/Balcony
Skyline Terrace Suite
- $800.00 Avg/Night
- 1300 Square Feet
- Two King-Size Beds
- Two Bathrooms and Four Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Private Terrace/Balcony
SKYLOFTS One Bedroom Loft
- $990.00 Avg/Night
- 1400 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed
- One Bathroom
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Special Registration and/or Entrance
SKYLOFTS Two Bedroom Loft
- $1340.00 Avg/Night
- 3000 Square Feet
- One King-Size Bed and Two Queen-Size Beds
- Three Bathrooms and Three Televisions
- Living Room and Dining Room
- Fully Stocked Minibar and Wet Bar
SKYLOFTS Three Bedroom Loft
- Call for Pricing Options
- 6000 Square Feet
- Two King-Size Bed and Two Queen-Size Beds
- AAA 5-Diamond Award Winner
- Personal Butler and In-Loft Massages
- SKYLOBBY/TopGolf Lounge Access
Other SKYLOFTS Amenities
We wouldn’t be doing this review justice if we didn’t take a little bit of
time to talk about the famous SKYLOFTS. The SKYLOFTS (apparently you have to
write the name in all caps because it’s that cool) is a hotel experience rivaled
by few. The SKYLOFTS come in three different size options – the one-bedroom at
1,400 square feet, the two-bedroom at 3,000 square feet, and the three-bedroom
at a whopping 6,000 square feet.
Now, as you might imagine, the SKYLOFTS are not just a room. Tons of
amenities also come with the room. Let’s take a look at a few of the most
exciting.
Some of the SKYLOFTS have a plunge pool available that you can take advantage
of while enjoying the incredible views of the city.
You can put in requests to have your bar set up exactly the way that you want
it. Don’t feel like making drinks yourself? Your butler will be there to help
make drinks for you and your guests for the ultimate experience in luxury.
If you stay at the SKYLOFTS, you won’t be taking an Uber or a taxi around
town. You’ll be swept around the city in a Rolls Royce provided by the MGM
Grand. If that is not the coolest thing in the world, we don’t know what is.
The ultimate in bathing comfort awaits you at the SKYLOFTS. Forgive us for
getting silly excited about the TVs in the bathrooms, but we think that is just
awesome.
You have a 24/7 Ambassador standing by to handle your every need.
Additionally, you’ll have your own dedicated staff to help meet and exceed your
every need during your stay. On top of that, you’ll have your own private butler
who will do whatever you require, including helping you unpack, pressing your
clothes, and getting you whatever your heart desires.
All of this does not come cheap, though.
Remember, you can have up to nine guests in the three-bedroom option, so that
can really help bring the cost way down to a more affordable wild evening.
Hotel Room Rates
The room rates at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas vary greatly depending on
a lot of things. The two biggest factors are what room you want and what day you
choose to book. Obviously, the bigger and fancier the room that you select, the
more expensive it’s going to be.
Regarding the day you choose, weekends will be more expensive, seasons when
the weather is cooler will be more expensive, and nights where there are events
like fights going on will be the most expensive.
If you are looking to book a room at the MGM Grand on a fight night, be ready
to spend some cash and book out way in advance.
On the flip side, though, if you’re cool with booking mid-week or coming when
the weather is hotter (pool season), you can save a lot of money. The best
advice we can give you is to book as far in advance as possible if you are
looking to stay at the MGM Grand. You don’t have to stay there to play there,
but it certainly makes things a lot more convenient.
MGM Grand Restaurants, Buffets, and Dining Options
When it comes to food at the MGM Grand, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Long gone are the days of free buffets, though, so you do need to be prepared to
spend a few bucks if you want to get a nice meal. That being said, there are
still some affordable options for guests staying at and visiting the MGM Grand
in Las Vegas.
Let’s take a brief look at the restaurants at the MGM Grand and what you can
expect from each. We’ve conveniently gone ahead and sorted them by price range
starting at the top and working our way down.
Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Cost: $$$$
- Dress Code: Business Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
This is your standard Vegas, top-of-the-line steakhouse. The menu boasts the
use of ingredients from “small family farms, artisanal producers, and day-boat
fisherman” to create a unique steak experience. If you’re looking for a classy
steak night at the MGM Grand that is designed to impress, Tom Colicchio’s
Craftsteak would be your go-to. Make sure you do reach out to make reservations,
though, especially on the weekends and holiday and event nights.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
- Cuisine: French
- Cost: $$$$
- Dress Code: Business Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Joel Robuchon is known in many circles as the chef of the century. This is
the “more casual” version of the main Joel Robuchon restaurant where you can get
the same experience without having to throw on the formal attire. The restaurant
is known for being interactive with all the food being prepared right before
your eyes. If you aren’t a fan of foods that you can’t pronounce, this won’t be the
restaurant for you. But if you like unique foods that you can’t get anywhere
else in town, definitely give L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon a try.
Joel Robuchon
- Cuisine: French
- Cost: $$$$
- Dress Code: Formal
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
If you’re looking to say that you ate at the fanciest restaurant in Las
Vegas, Joel Robuchon is what you’re looking for. You won’t need to make any
selections as the restaurant operates on a tasting menu, which means you get
what the chef decides to prepare for you that night. The food follows the same
trend as L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – hard to pronounce but very unique. Again,
if you’re a standard steak and fries kind of person, this is going to be an
awful fit for you.
Additionally, make sure you pay attention to that formal dress code as it is
enforced, and you will be turned away if you don’t meet it. Also, make sure you
get a reservation as this place can book up several months in advance. This
place wasn’t really our cup of tea, but if you like the fanciest of fancy, then
give Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand a go. This is by far the fanciest restaurant in
town outside of maybe Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at the Waldorf Astoria.
Hakkasan Restaurant
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Cost: $$$$
- Dress Code: Smart Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 6:00 PM – Midnight
- Sun: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Wait a second, isn’t this a nightclub? Yes, yes it is. But there is a trend
in Las Vegas of nightclubs operating as restaurants earlier in the night and
then transitioning into nightclubs as the night wears on. Cheers for the most
efficient use of space possible.
Regarding cuisine, the website for the MGM Grand lists it as Chinese, but the
more correct answer is Cantonese cuisine. One of the big perks of Hakkasan
Restaurant is also their drink menu where you’ll get to experience some unique
and delicious adult beverages.
For those of you wondering what smart casual is, just dress like you are
going out to the club or dress business casual. As long as you aren’t showing up
in shorts, bathing suits, or just a raggedy old t-shirt, you should be good to
go.
Morimoto Las Vegas
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Cost: $$$
- Dress Code: Not listed on the website; smart casual is our recommendation
-
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
If you drive around Las Vegas, you’re going to see billboards advertising
Morimoto Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Why? Because everyone wants to eat food
from the Iron Chef. Yes, this is the Chef from the popular TV show Iron Chef. At
this restaurant, you’ll run into a lot of sushi-style dishes and some incredible
steaks and entrees. The Angry Chicken is extremely popular, and you cannot go
wrong with the Braised Black Cod.
Make sure you experience some of their unique drinks as well. Wine drinkers,
you’ll love to see that some of their less-expensive wines by the glass are
actually really good. By less expensive, we still mean like $15 a glass, but for
Vegas at a fancy restaurant, that is a huge win. The dress code is not listed on
the website for this restaurant, but you can get away with smart casual,
avoiding the bathing suits and shorts again. We have been seated here before
with shorts on, but we wouldn’t recommend risking it unless you really like to
live dangerously.
China Tang
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Cost: $$$
- Dress Code: Business Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Tues: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Mmmmm, yes, this place is good. If you’re looking for some awesome and
authentic Chinese food, we highly recommend checking out China Tang. That is, of
course, unless it is a Wednesday or Thursday. The restaurant is closed on those
days. If you’re looking to try a classic, give the sweet and sour pork a try. If
you’re feeling fancy, give the black pepper stir-fried Japanese F1 Wagyu beef a
go. There’s also usually a chef’s tasting menu if you want to get a little taste
of a lot of things, which might be a good move if you’re indecisive or if it’s
your first time at the restaurant.
The dress code here is business casual, but we’ve definitely seen some
patrons push the boundaries of what casual means and still get served. Again, we
don’t recommend living on the wild side, but it’s up to you. Might as well just
pack a pair of pants even if it’s 120 degrees outside during the summer. They
blast the AC inside, and you’ll guarantee no issues getting fed.
Crush
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $$
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Chef William DeMarco provides a wide-reaching menu for those of you that like
a lot of traditional “American” cuisine. We put that in quotes because a lot of
the dishes actually aren’t American, but they’re favorites of people that live
in America. These are things like Ricotta Gnocchi and Chicken Parmesan (Italian
and sort of Italian) and French onion soup (French) for a few examples. They
also have a few pizzas to choose from and some really nice light salad options.
If you have a picky group where everyone likes something different, you’re
not looking to break the bank, and you still want to eat somewhere unique in the
MGM Grand, Crush would be a great option. Also, the resort casual attire is a
win for those of you that aren’t looking to get completely dolled up before
dining out, although you can if you want to.
Pro tip, save some room for dessert because they have some pretty awesome
choices on the menu like the Nutella Squeeze and the Cheeky Cheesecake.
Greek Sneek
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cost: $$
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Opa! That’s the extent of the Greek we know, but we do know that this is a
fantastic option for those of you looking for Mediterranean cuisine while
staying at or visiting the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. If you’re feeling like a big
meal, definitely give the rack of lamb or the feta-stuffed half chicken a try.
But what we really recommend you try are the Gyros, which are the centerpiece of
this affordable yet delicious restaurant.
You’ll notice the same chef as Crush, William DeMarco, running the show here
as well, which is certainly not a bad thing. The dress code at Greek Sneek is
casual, so if you’re looking to have a relaxing dinner, this will be a good
option. Additionally, you should be able to slip in here most evenings without a
reservation, but we still recommend getting one at any restaurant you go to when
possible, especially if you have a larger group.
Hecho En Vegas Mexican Grill and Cantina
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Cost: $$
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Tues- Sat: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
La comida es muy bien! Again, that’s the full extent of our foreign language
skills, but the statement is true – the food here is good. While we’re focusing
on food here, we have to start by talking about the 100 different tequilas you
have to choose from at Hecho En Vegas. Enjoy your margarita or shots inside the
beautifully decorated cantina-style restaurant or sit out on the open patio and
enjoy some incredible Vegas-style people watching.
When it comes to the food, you can certainly expect to get some good Mexican
food here that will even hold up to the staunchest of critics. Our personal
favorites are the burritos, fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas. Whoops, we pretty
much just named the entire menu. You can’t really go wrong here. Just keep in
mind that they are not open on Sunday or Monday.
Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $$
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Tues: 11:30 AM – Midnight
- Wed – Fri: 11:30 AM – 6:00 AM
- Sat – Sun: 11:00 AM – 6:00 AM
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab lunch, dinner, or an after-the-club
type meal that comes fully equipped with awesome people watching, this could be
your go-to option. You’ll notice that on Wednesday through Sunday they are open
all night until 6:00 AM. The restaurant is located in a major walkway area and
is quite open, almost like an indoor patio-style restaurant. This means that the
people-watching is incredible.
Regarding the food, it is what you would expect from any Wolfgang Puck
restaurant. You can get your “normal” foods like burgers, fish, steak, or
salads. It’s nothing crazy special, but you’ll get a nice meal, and they have
plenty of options for those that might be a little more on the indecisive side
of things. For those of you that are drinking, don’t let the pineapple mojito
slip by you if that is something that sounds good to you.
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House
- Cuisine: Creole
- Cost: $$
- Dress Code: Business Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Looking to kick your dining experience up a notch? What better place to do
that than at Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House? You’ve got a ton of great options
with a creole flair. Some of our favorites are the Wagyu and White Cheddar
Cheeseburger, the Gumbo, and the Fish House Loco Moco. You really can’t go wrong
with anything on the menu, though, so let your adventurous side run free and try
something new.
Keep in mind that the lunch and dinner menu are significantly different here
with a lot more options on the dinner side of things. A few things to keep an
eye out for on the dinner menu are the Fried Florida Frog Legs, the Lobster Pot
Pie, and of course the 18 oz. ribeye if you’re feeling steaky.
Michael Mina PUB 1842
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon, Thurs – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
For those of you wondering, 1842 was the year the pilsner beer was invented,
so as you might expect, there are a ton of unique craft beer options at this MGM
Grand pub. You can also get several unique featured cocktails like their
house-made fireball, the Dorsey, or the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned.
Regarding dining, Michael Mina PUB 1842 serves your standard pub food (but
really good). You can get things like burgers, BBQ, fish and chips, salads, or
appetizers. The place is super casual, but an awesome spot to have a meal and a
few cocktails.
TAP Sports Bar
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 11:00 AM – Midnight
Looking for a sports bar to catch a game, eat some food, and drink some
brews? TAP Sports Bar might be a great option for you and your friends. To be
honest, we think this may be some of the best bar food on the whole property.
Their wings are incredible, the burgers are amazing (try the Captain’s Burger),
and did we mention the great selection of beer?
Okay, beer isn’t food, but that could be argued when you head into a sports
bar. Their beer selection is much more “classic” with things like Bud Light, but
they also have things like Deschutes, Fat Tire, Newcastle, Ballast Point, and
Goose Island, to name a few. They do also house some beers from Tenaya Creek, a
local Las Vegas brewery, that is actually really awesome.
Avenue Café
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Only serving breakfast and lunch, Avenue Café is a great spot for a quick and
casual meal with friends (or by yourself). If you’re nursing a hangover, they do
have a great Bloody Mary to try and help knock the edge off.
Regarding food, it’s exactly what you would expect from a café. You can get
things like sandwiches, wraps, salads, or burgers for lunch, and you can get all
the classics for breakfast. Additionally, they do have several Asian choices for
lunch that might interest you. This is pretty in line with the fact that the MGM
Grand caters mainly to Asian guests.
MGM Grand Buffet
- Cuisine: American Buffet
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sun: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
You don’t need a reservation for the buffet at the MGM Grand, but we do
recommend getting there a little early around primetime, especially if you’re on
a time crunch. The buffet at the MGM Grand is pretty solid with a ton of
different options for you to choose from. Brunch usually runs until about 3:00
PM every day, and then the buffet transfers over to their dinner fare for the
rest of the time they are open. They do also have an early-bird breakfast from
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Monday through Thursday in case you want to save a few bucks
by getting there early.
MGM Grand Buffet also has endless beer and wine with their Prime Rib and Crab
dinner, so you’ll be very well socially lubricated by the time you finish your
meal. They also do have champagne with the brunch, so you’ll want to take
advantage of that as well. You can also upgrade the breakfast brunch to include
Bloody Marys for around $10, and you can upgrade dinner to include a selection
of liquor drinks for around $15.
Regarding prices, they change from time to time and are all dependent on the
day of the week and which meal you are eating. Prices typically range from about
$18 for the early bird breakfast to around $40 for the weekend dinner.
Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria
- Cuisine: Italian
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thurs – Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Bonanno’s is a fantastic spot to grab a quick slice if you’re in a hurry or
just don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle craziness of some of the
other restaurants. There are two locations in the MGM Grand Las Vegas, so you
shouldn’t have a problem locating one and getting what you want. They do also
carry more than pizza with other Italian choices like Stromboli and pasta, and
they also serve beer and gelato for those looking to live it up a little.
The Dapper Doughnut
- Cuisine: Donuts
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat: 8:00 AM – Midnight
The Dapper Doughnut is a great place for you to grab some hot mini doughnuts.
They’re a little smaller than normal doughnuts, which makes them easier to share
and lets you have a few more if you’re worried about that waistline.
Doughnuts come in quantities of 6, 12, 24, or 48, and there are 13 different
flavors to choose from. Expect to see some classic favorites like cinnamon sugar
and chocolate sprinkle, but also expect to see some more unique options like
Nutella Dream, blueberry lemon, and PB and J. Do expect to wait a few minutes
because unlike Dunkin Donuts, the doughnuts are all made to order. We think the
short wait is worth the quality boost.
Sports Deli
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Everyday: 24 Hours
Looking for a great sandwich or maybe a Nathan’s Hot Dog? Sports Deli is your
spot. For breakfast, they have some great options to choose from like the
Belgian waffle, the bacon egg and cheese sandwich, and the bagel and lox. For
lunch and dinner, they have a ton of great New York-style sandwiches to choose
from, soup (mainly just chicken noodle soup), salads, and Nathan’s Famous
Hotdogs all the way from Coney Island, New York. If you want to grab something
quick that’s still good, this is your go-to.
MGM Grand Food Court
- Cuisine: Multiple
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Everyday: 24 Hours
If you’re looking for somewhere you can eat while still in a swimsuit, this
is what you want. The food court in the MGM Grand has some great really quick
food options as well as some incredible people-watching. If you end up here
around the time the pool parties are letting out, expect to see some
entertainment.
The food court is certainly the best option for those of you looking to save
a few bucks on your dining budget. They won’t be the healthiest of options, but
you will eat cheap and feel good here. The lineup of restaurants does change,
but the current lineup is the following:
- Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria
- Haagen-Dazs
- Johnny Rockets
- Tacos N ‘Ritas
- Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs
- Original Chicken Tender
- Pan Asian Express
Keep in mind that not all of these restaurants are open 24 hours a day. If
you want an up-to-date list of the restaurants in the food court and their
hours, check out
MGM Grand’s food court site. Johnny Rockets is usually open 24 hours a day,
though, if you need something at a strange hour. Also, if you’re a fan of frozen
margaritas, you’ll want to make a pit stop at Tacos N ‘Ritas because they have
some incredible frozen margaritas for those over the age of 21.
Pieology
- Cuisine: Italian (Pizza)
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
If you’ve never been to a Pieology before, it’s like the Chipotle of pizzas.
Basically, you choose your crust, choose your sauce, and then you walk down the
line choosing your toppings, and they cook the pizza in their brick oven right
in front of you. It’s delicious, affordable, and ensures you get exactly what
you want.
Cabana Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Poolside dining is one of the coolest things you can do in Las Vegas, and at
the MGM Grand, you can take care of this at the Cabana Grill. They do also have
an indoor seating option in case you need a break from the rays. The Cabana
Grill is open for breakfast and lunch with some classic options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a suggestion, we recommend checking out the breakfast
burrito, the fish tacos, or the nachos. Everything else is good; these are just
our personal favs.
Starbucks
- Cuisine: Coffee
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Everyday: 24 Hours
You will not believe this Las Vegas Starbucks! Just kidding, this is a pretty
normal Starbucks. There are three of them on the MGM Grand property, and they
offer the exact same things that you would see at other Starbucks around the
world. If you need your caffeine fix from a known source, this is your go-to.
Blizz Frozen Yogurt and Desserts
- Cuisine: Yogurt
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fri – Sat: 8:00 AM – Midnight
Blizz is a self-serve frozen yogurt spot where you get your own bowl and walk
around to the different dispensers and get what you want. They do have some
additional options like smoothies and crepes if you’re looking for a sweet tooth
fix but don’t want yogurt.
Subway
- Cuisine: Sandwiches
- Cost: $
- Dress Code: Casual
-
Hours:
- Everyday: 24 Hours
This is your good ol’, tried and true Subway. Nothing Vegas special about it
– just the classic sandwiches you’re used to at your home Subway. Great spot for
a quick bite, though, as there usually is not a long line. If you want to have
it your way in Vegas, check out the Subway at the MGM Grand.
In-Room Dining
Don’t feel like putting on pants? Got a hangover that has you stuck in bed?
Looking for a relaxing night away from the hustle and bustle of the MGM Grand
and Las Vegas? There is an infinite number of reasons that you might be
interested in ordering food straight to your room.
Regarding food choices, you can order just about anything, and they will
bring it right to your room. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes
to room service.
- If you’re ordering breakfast, you can order it the night
before and have it delivered at a scheduled time. - When it comes to tipping, make sure you check to see if gratuity is
already added to the ticket. Oftentimes it is, and you may end up tipping way
more than you intend to if you’re not paying attention. - You can order alcoholic beverages if you want as well, so don’t let
the party stop just because you’re staying in for the night!
The restaurants in the MGM Grand (or any Vegas casino)
change frequently. We do our best to keep this list as up to date as possible,
but be aware that some of these restaurants may move onto greener pastures, and
new options may move in.
Additionally, hours of operation can change as well, so be aware of that. If
you want the most up-to-date listings of restaurants, you can check out the food
section of the MGM Grand website. They don’t have the cool tips we have for you,
though.
Shows, Events, Nightlife, and Entertainment at MGM Grand Casino
The MGM Grand Garden Arena
With over 17,000 seats, the MGM Grand Garden Arena is one of the premier
spots in all of Las Vegas for concerts, shows, and fight sports. The venue
regularly holds championship boxing fights and concerts from some of the biggest
names in the world, as well as being the home for the Academy of Country Music
Awards and the Latin Grammy Awards.
If you’re looking to see a big show or a major fight in Las Vegas, chances
are it’s going to be at the MGM Grand if it’s not at T-Mobile Arena.
KA by Cirque du Soleil
If you’ve never seen a Cirque show before, we highly recommend it. KA is one
of our personal favorites and one that we recommend you see, especially if
you’re a fan of martial arts. The show runs Saturday through Wednesday with an
early show at 7:00 PM and a late show at 9:30 PM. Don’t expect to be able to
walk up and purchase a ticket, though. If you want to get tickets, you will need
to purchase them in advance.
There is also KA 360, which is a complimentary look behind the scenes where
you can see how all the production comes together for the show. This is
available on Tuesdays at 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM and Saturdays at 12:00 PM and
12:30 PM. This is not available if the show is dark on that day, so make sure
you check the schedule before planning on attending. No reservation is required.
David Copperfield
Is there a more iconic name in magic? We certainly don’t think so. Hailed as
the greatest illusionist of all time, the David Copperfield show at MGM Grand is
a must-see if you’re a fan of magic. The show runs Sunday through Saturday with
shows at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM as well as a Saturday matinee performance at 4:00
PM.
We’d list off the list of accolades this show has won, but we would be here
all day. Take our word for this; if you want to see an amazing magic show, this
is one you’ll want to check out. You should be able to get tickets a little
easier and last-minute than with KA, but if you want great seats and to ensure
you make it in, book as far in advance as possible.
Top Golf
Technically not located right on the property but just down a side street,
Top Golf is one of the newest entertainment complexes to enter the Vegas market.
With four floors of golf fun, you can enjoy Top Golf even if you’ve never swung
a club before. Additionally, Top Golf Las Vegas offers concerts, shows, and a
whole lot more. Did we mention they also have pools on property on some of the
levels?
If you’re looking for somewhere fun to get away with some friends or you’re
looking to plan an event for a bachelor party or business event, this is a
must-do. Even if you’ve done Top Golf in other cities, there is nothing that
compares to overlooking Las Vegas and experiencing this incredible complex.
Yeah, we’re guilty of being fanboys and fangirls of Top Golf.
Hours of operation are Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Level Up
Looking for some fun entertainment that still hasn’t lost its chill? This is
Level Up. It’s an interactive gaming lounge with a ton of skill-based games for
you to enjoy. They have pool tables, arcade games, virtual reality gaming, and
more. Additionally, they have karaoke on Monday nights and live bands and DJs
Thursday through Sunday.
If you like virtual reality stuff, you have GOT TO check out the Zero Latency
virtual reality games. It’s a 2,000 square foot arena where you are fully
immersed in virtual reality combat. Below is a video trailer of one of the games offered at Level Up.
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
If there is one thing Vegas has plenty of, it is comedy clubs. One of the
best in town is Brad Garrett’s comedy club. If you’ve ever seen the show
Everybody Loves Raymond, you’ll remember Brad as Ray Romano’s brother. The
comedy club runs nightly shows at 8:00 PM, and you can almost always find seats
during the week and on the weekends as long as you look at least a week or so
ahead of time.
Jabbawockeez
The winners of America’s Best Dance Crew season 1, Jabbawockeez, have a new
show at the MGM Grand. If you like high-energy dance routines, this will be a
good fit for you. The show is great for all ages and families as they’ve been
voted Best All-Ages Show and Best Family Show in town for three years running.
The show runs Thursday through Monday with showtimes at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
in their own private Jabbawockeez Theater.
Rotating Exhibits
The MGM Grand does have some unique exhibits that come and go from time to
time within the hotel. These are great for people of all ages and don’t require
a reservation. You can pick tickets up beforehand (usually at a discount) or
wait until you get there and pick them up at the window. While these aren’t
Vegas-esque exhibits, they still are really cool, especially if you’re a fan of
interactive experiences.
- The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
- CSI: The Experience
Nightlife
Hakkasan Nightclub
This five-story, 80,000 square foot nightclub is home to some of the hottest
DJs and wildest parties Vegas has to offer. As definitely one of the top-tier
nightclubs not just in the city but in the world, Hakkasan is a must-visit for
serious club-goers and those looking for the ultimate Vegas experience. The club
is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 PM until 4:00 AM.
As you move throughout the club and the different levels and rooms, you’ll
run into wildly different experiences, making Hakkasan feel almost like multiple
clubs in one. The club holds upwards of 7,500 people, and on most weekend
nights, you can expect it to be packed to the brim.
The dress code is listed as smart casual, but we highly recommend you wear
your best to get in. If you even get within a mile of the club with tennis shoes
on or baggy pants, you’ll set off bells and whistles with the door staff.
If you’re planning on attending Hakkasan, plan ahead. If you’re going to get
bottle service, make sure you take care of that well ahead of time and that
you’re utilizing a reputable host.
If you’re just looking to attend, purchase your tickets early and make sure
that you fully understand how the line system works there. Just because you have
a ticket does not mean you walk right into the club. You will need to wait in
one of many different lines that could take you a while to get in.
Plan on getting their early and be ready to head in as soon as they move you
through the line.
Whiskey Down
This is a fantastic casual bar open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the
heart of the casino. The bar has several gaming tables in case you’re looking
for a little action off the main floor. As you might expect, they also have a
pretty awesome whiskey selection with over 50 different types of rare and fine
American, Canadian, Irish, and Scottish whiskeys. Additionally, they have
signature cocktails and a full bar in case you want to try something else.
Losers Bar
Good news! You don’t have to lose at the tables in order to be granted entry
into this bar. All you have to do is show up with some casual attire and be
ready to have a good time. The Losers Bar is a super chill bar that typically
has some sort of live music playing throughout the day. They have great
signature cocktails to choose from as well as a full bar in case you want
something else. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a quick drink while you
wait for friends or just to relax at, the Losers Bar could be a good fit.
Centrifuge
Centrifuge is a real neat circular bar with hand-crafted cocktails, a full
bar, and some jamming music all built around a centerpiece that constantly spins
in front of patrons. The dress code for Centrifuge is casual, but you will often
see people in here dressed up for their night having a few pre-game drinks. The
bar is open Mondays through Sundays from 4:00 PM until 4:00 AM.
Lobby Bar
If you’re looking for a super casual spot to grab a drink or two, the lobby
bar is perfect. Located where you might guess (in the lobby), the bar is
centrally located, which makes it a great spot for people watching as well as
meeting up with people who might not be fully acquainted with the property yet.
You’ll often see bachelor and bachelorette parties starting their nights here
with the reasonably priced drinks and easy-to-find location. The lobby bar at
the MGM Grand is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pools, The Spa, and Other MGM Grand Amenities
The Pools
The Grand Pool Complex
6.5 acres is an unheard-of size for a pool complex! The MGM Grand Pool
Complex boasts four swimming pools, three whirlpools, a lazy river you can float
down on a tube, and a ton of options for lounging around the pool. There are
daybeds available, or if you really want to spice things up, cabanas are
available to rent. Typically, the cabanas can be rented with a food and beverage
minimum, which just means that you will spend a certain amount of money on food
and drinks while you are there.
The pool complex is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the lazy river is
open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The overall atmosphere of the pool depends on
where you choose to post up at. There are some areas where it’s a very relaxing
and quiet environment perfect for those looking to unwind and get away from it
all for a while. There are also some areas perfect for families in case you have
the kiddos with you and they want to have some fun in the sun.
Throughout the entire complex, you’ll find drink servers taking your orders
and massage therapists for service. The massages are not going to be cheap, but
if you want to experience the ultimate in luxury, splurge a little and have some
fun.
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, you may want to scroll down to the
next section and check out what Wet Republic has to offer at the MGM Grand Las
Vegas.
Wet Republic
Take a swimming pool, a nightclub, and daytime and jam them all together with
a top DJ, and you have Wet Republic. It’s a 54,500 square foot venue with pools,
daybeds, cabanas, and some crazy tricked-out bungalows. The party runs all
summer long with some of the top DJs in the world spinning at the pool. It’s
effectively a nightclub but during the day and at a pool in your swimsuit. If
you want to see the beautiful people of Las Vegas and show off that summer bod,
this is where you want to be. Regular DJs you’ll see here are the likes of Calvin Harris, Tiesto, Martin Garrix, and Zedd.
The Spa and Fitness Center
For some people, getting pampered and staying in shape are important
regardless of whether or not you are on vacation. At the MGM Grand, they have a
world-class spa and fitness center set up to help you keep up with your goals.
The Grand Spa and Fitness Center are open Monday through Thursday from 7:00
AM to 8:00 PM and Friday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you just
want to access the spa and fitness area and not get any services, you can do
this. Typically, it’s about $30 a day with a lower price if you purchase for
multiple days.
There are A TON of cool amenities you get with this pass. First, you get
access to the fitness equipment in the spa area with cardio machines and weight
training equipment. Second, you get access to the steam rooms, saunas,
whirlpools, and the relaxation lounge. This stuff is AWESOME. They have tons of
different types of saunas, rooms that simulate rain, and even an outdoor
relaxation area that overlooks Wet Republic so you can watch all the craziness
from the security of your elevated position.
You’ll also get towels, robes, and sandals to feel like a king or queen as
you relax inside the spa. This is available to MGM Grand hotel guests seven days
a week and non-hotel guests on Monday through Thursday. You must also be at
least 18 years of age to use these areas.
The Grand Spa itself does offer a bunch of services if you are looking to
relax or have something you need to get done. They have a ton of different types
of massages, world treatments, body therapies, facials, and more. Additionally,
they do have fitness classes and personal training if you’re looking to get in a
great workout while you’re in town. Again, none of this is going to be super
cheap, but the quality will live up to what you expect it to be.
Other Amenities
The Golf Courses
While there are no golf courses actually on the main MGM Grand property,
there are three courses that the hotel works with directly. These are absolutely
beautiful courses that the hotel can arrange tee times and transportation for.
The three courses they work with are listed below.
Shadow Creek
- Distance From MGM Grand: 14 Miles
- Course Type: Forested
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Number of Holes: 18
- Caddies: Mandatory
- Pro Onsite: Mark Brenneman and Monte Montgomery
Reflection Bay
- Distance From MGM Grand: 22 Miles
- Course Type: Public Course
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Number of Holes: 18
- Caddies: N/A
- Pro Onsite: N/A
DragonRidge
- Distance From MGM Grand: 13 Miles
- Course Type: Private Course
- Designer: Jay Morrish and David Druzisky
- Number of Holes: 18
- Caddies: N/A
- Pro Onsite: N/A
Your concierge or front desk agent can help you get set up with a tee time,
club rentals, transportation, and literally anything else that you might need to
make the experience a great one. If you’re not a serious golfer but still want
to swing a club around, don’t forget that Top Golf is just around the corner and
is fun for golfers of all skill levels, including those who have never swung a
club.
The Barbershop
Ever wanted to experience an old-school barbershop? Well at The MGM Grand
Barbershop, you can do just that with a haircut, a place to hang out, and the
classic straight razor shave. The waiting area is jazzed up as well with
flat-screen TVs and an XBOX to utilize while you wait. Additionally, you can get
massages, nail treatments, beard services, and foot repair services. The
Barbershop is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The Grand Salon
Looking to get fancy and turn heads while you’re in Vegas? Well, the Grand
Salon at the MGM Grand can certainly help. The services are probably not going
to be as cheap as you’re used to back home, but if you’ve ever wanted to
experience true professional service, it might be worth splurging. The Salon is
open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and is located on MGM Grand
property just before the entrances to The Signature.
There is a wide array of hair, nail care, and makeup services available. You
can even get some champagne with a lot of your treatments! As we mentioned, you
will pay for the level of service you get, but it may totally be worth it for
you.
The MGM Grand Salon also does run seasonal specials often, so you’ll
definitely want to keep an eye out for that.
Parking at The MGM Grand Casino
Long gone are the days of free parking in Las Vegas. There are reports that a
lot of properties may be moving back to free parking, but nothing has been put
out in stone yet. If you are a guest at the MGM Grand, you get free parking,
right? Nope. You’ll still need to pay for self or valet parking at the MGM
Grand. There are a few workarounds that we’ll mention here after we cover the
standard rates.
Self-Parking Rates
- 0-1 Hour: No Charge (1st Day Only)
- 1-2 Hours: $9
- 2-4 Hours: $12
- 4-24 Hours: $15
- Over 24 Hours: $15 per day
Valet Parking Rates
- 0-2 Hours: $16
- 1-4 Hours: $18
- 4-24 Hours: $24
- Over 24 Hours: $24 per day
Make sure that if you are staying at the MGM Grand, you activate your hotel
key as your parking pass. That way, you will have in and out privileges all day
at the MGM Grand as well as all other MGM properties in town.
In order to do this, you’ll need to take your parking ticket you get upon
entry to the front desk, and they should be able to take care of it for you at
check-in or whenever you need it done.
The parking lot at the MGM Grand is huge and is almost always adequate for
the number of guests there. That being said, if you are ever going there on a
fight night or even a weekend night, expect to wait to get in and out. If a
fight or a show just ended, you could be sitting there for upwards of an hour or
more to get out of the garage, so plan accordingly or take a taxi or Uber.
Ways to Get Free Parking
So, there are a few ways that you can get free parking at the MGM, although
they aren’t going to apply to everyone. Some of you may just have to bite the
bullet and pay or just plan on taking taxis and Ubers around (which is what we
recommend if you’re visiting via air and are not planning on doing a lot of
driving).
The first way you can get free parking is to be a member of the MGM M Life
and have a tier level of Pearl or above. You’ll need to earn 25,000 tier credits
to be here as outlined in our M Life section.
If you’re in the military or are a veteran, you can also get automatically
upgraded to Pearl status without spending a cent as a thank you. If that’s you,
head to the M Life desk when you get inside, and then your parking is going to
be comped.
The last way that you can get free parking is by getting an M Life Rewards
Mastercard. If you get the credit card, you will automatically be upgraded to
Pearl status, which means free parking for you at all MGM properties.
Ultimately, our pro tip is not to drive unless you have to while on vacation
in Vegas. Unless you are planning long trips out to the Hoover Dam or Grand
Canyon and aren’t taking a shuttle, there really isn’t that much need for a car.
An Uber from the airport is only going to be $10-$20 to the MGM Grand, and then
you can walk most places or catch another Uber or taxi.
But if you do need to park, at least you know what the rates are going to be
ahead of time and if you are eligible to get free parking.
And lastly, for the love of everything holy, please don’t plan to leave the
MGM Grand right after a fight, concert, or major show lets out. You will be
stuck in the garage for days and days and days.
Pro Tips: Experience The MGM Grand the Right Way
If you’ve read through our massive MGM Grand Casino Las Vegas review, you’ve
seen we’ve dropped a ton of little tips and tricks for you along the way. Our
goal is to try and enhance the quality of your stay as much as humanly possible.
What we wanted to do before we sent you on your way is talk about some of
those tips and add in a few more. Ideally, we want you to do the MGM Grand like
a professional, ensuring that you get the absolute most possible out of your
stay.
- Rooms at the MGM Grand are cheaper on weeknights, during the summer, and
when there are no events going on at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. If you’re
looking to save on rooms, be strategic when you book and don’t even think
about booking there on a fight night. - If you’re military or decide to apply for the M Life Rewards Mastercard,
you can get free parking. Otherwise, you’re looking at needing to pay. If
you do have to pay, make sure you go to the front desk and link your room
key to the parking so that you have in and out privileges at all MGM
properties for the duration of your stay. - Book as many reservations as possible ahead of time. This is especially
true when it comes to the nightclubs, shows, and the fancier dining
experiences. You’ll find that the prime locations and times will be booked
out months ahead of time, so the quicker you get on it, the better chance
you have of getting what you want. - If you’re a slots player, remember that there are slot machines
everywhere on the MGM Grand Casino property. If you can’t immediately find
the game you are looking for, chances are it is hidden behind a corner or
something like that. Ask someone who works there for help, and they will
gladly show you where your game of choice is. - Make sure you join M Life Rewards. Even if you are a smaller-limit
player, you can rack up rewards and get some cool freebies. - For those of you planning on using spa services, make sure you check to
see what their current seasonal specials are. They don’t always have
something running, but oftentimes, you can find some good discounts on
services you might be interested in. - Want to watch the action at Wet Republic but don’t want to go in? You
can actually see Wet Republic from the balcony of the spa area. - Arrive early if you’re planning on going to Hakkasan even if you’ve
already purchased tickets. You will still have to wait in some sort of a
line no matter what. If you haven’t purchased tickets, don’t plan on trying
to attend because you most likely will not get in.