The MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel Review is part of the Vegas Hotel Reviews section which covers most of the hotels in Vegas.
Getting There: Take the bridge on the second floor above the baggage claim to the parking garage. From there, take the elevator to 2M and wait for your Uber driver. Directions in pics available here.
Overrated! Overrated!
That’s the familiar chant as guests march out of the MGM Grand. This mega hotel which is the third largest in the world has 6,852 rooms. That’s a remarkable amount of soaps and mini bars to stock. The logistics of operating such a hotel are beyond my comprehension.
With such volume of rooms and guests, it is not a surprise that the service was underwhelming. The line to check-in stretches for miles. It’s so long that guests are graciously provided free refreshments while they wait. As an M Life Platinum, I went to the VIP room where I was told that I could check-in but not use the services. There’s a difference between Platinums that actually gamble and those that sneak in with their Hyatt Diamond status.
The Standard Room
Initially I was given a standard room. The TV didn’t work, the Wi-Fi wouldn’t connect, and housekeeping came in without knocking. Disappointed, I asked if I could change rooms. With little hesitation, the woman at the front desk offered me the spa suite. It was definitely a step up from the standard room.
The Spa Suite
The Catch
When I checked-out, I received my folio and was surprised that I was charged $80 for the upgrade. That explains why I was given an upgrade with no push back. Since I didn’t agree to the up charge and didn’t sign anything to validate the charge, I went back to the front desk to voice my concern. The front desk confirmed the miscommunication and credited me back the charge.
The Pool
The pool experience is one of two extremes: very peaceful or out of control. Wet Republic is MGM’s pool party and it’s too much for my taste. The lazy river and other MGM pools were good enough for relaxing but not as upbeat as the pool at the Encore.
The Hotel Itself
The regal lion in the MMA ring that greets guests as they enter the lobby is iconic. The one that sits right on the intersection of the Strip is majestic. Other than that, there isn’t anything grand about this property which justifies the $200+ daily rate. With so many other choices at that price point, I recommend staying elsewhere.
We ate at the buffet which also had long lines similar to checkin. It wasn’t horrible, just nothing special or memorable (and it certainly wasn’t cheap). Rain Forest was also just average. Would simply eat at other casinos next time. Our overall experience at the Mirage was far superior. And a much better location.
Mirage is solid.
in 2000 i went to pearl jam’s 10th anniversary of their first live performance at mgm grand. and that night, i drove a few miles into the desert and slept in my 1989 buick lesabre. 37,466,912 star accommodations (but an admittedly crooked neck the next morning (i’m 6’2″)).
Rock on! I like the star joke
I really liked the rooms at the MGM Grand. Very similar to the Mirage, but a little bigger. (Mine looked nothing like yours.) However, I would never stay there again because of the endless nickel and diming.
Did you checkout the room service prices? EG – steak and eggs is $16 at NYNY, $24 at Mandalay Bay. What is it at the MGM? $50. I was so disgusted I left the hotel and ate down the street.
Haa! Yeah the room was nice but you are right about the prices.