3.5 STARS
What makes MGM Grand so GRAND?!?!
Is it because the building and all it's splendor is emerald green?
Is it because the gold gigantic lion out front can be spotted a mile away?
Is it because there is some connection to the Wizard of Oz?
Is it because they hold boxing matches here?
Is it because they are the head company that pretty much owns a couple other casinos down the Las Vegas Strip?!
I remember staying at the MGM when I was younger and had some fam bam trips to Vegas. The rooms were decent and filled with your typical amenities of a hotel room. I think the rooms are much better in quality compared to Luxor & Excalibur. When I stayed at the MGM, the Skylofts & The Signature (luxury boutique hotel rooms) were not built yet. But nonetheless, a decent stay at the regular rooms.
RESTAURANTS
[SUPER SWANKY]
* Joel Robuchon (French - 3 Michelin Stars)
* L' atelier de Joel Robuchon (4 Michelin Stars)
* Tom Colicchio's craft steak (For all you carniwhores & Top Chef fans!)
[SWANKY]
* Diego Mexican Cuisine
* Emeril's New Orleans Fish House
* Fiamma Trattoria & Bar
* Nob Hill Tavern (Michael Mina)
* Pearl (Chinese)
* Sea Blue (Michael Mina; currently renovating and will open 2013)
* Shibuya (Japanese)
* Wolfgang Puck
* MGM Grand Buffet
* 'Wichcraft (Tom Colicchio's Sammie shop; not as swanky as the others)
PARTY ROCKERS & PRE-PARTY HOT SPOTS
* Hakkasan Nightclub(debut 2013)
* Tabu Nightclub
* Wet Republic Ultra Pool
* Centrifuge (crafty cocktails)
* Rouge Bar
* Zuri Bar
* West Wing Bar
ENTERTAINMENT
* Brad Garrett's Comedy Club
* Hollywood Theater
* David Copperfield
* Ka Cirque Du Soleil
* Boxing matches at MGM Grand
* Concerts at MGM Grand Garden Arena
* Conference Center and Ballrooms (on the other side of the casino)
Given this laundry list of items, you can imagine how large this casino would be! It took me a good 30 minutes to get to the conference center as it is located on the opposite side of the casino! The food catered at the conference center was quite upscale and top notch! Consider it 100x better than what the Holiday Inn would serve you in a banquet! I wouldn't mind coming back to the MGM for a conference nor staying at the hotel. It's pretty decent if you're looking for something in the middle of the strip.