History

• The MGM Grand Las Vegas officially opened its doors on February 23, 1993. In the beginning, management embraced the family-friendly theme to a greater extent and decorated the interior with a "Wizard of Oz" theme. A yellow brick road guided visitors through the casino, which was decked out to resemble Oz's Emerald City. When the clientele did not fully embrace the theme, management made the decision to maintain the Hollywood aspect, but to gear the interior design and amenities to a more upscale and mature clientele.
  
  

Features

• The current MGM Grand Las Vegas celebrates the golden age of cinema with vintage Art Deco reproductions and design features. Management has branded the MGM Grand as "Maximum Vegas" in reference to its current spectacles and offerings. Among the amenities are a spa, health club, swimming pool complex, salon and the requisite Las Vegas wedding chapel. The property also contains boutiques, bars, clubs, lounges and a casino.
  
  

Considerations

• At the MGM Grand Las Vegas, dancing showgirls are passe. Guests can choose from special effects spectaculars staged by "Cirque du Soleil" or a multimedia Parisian dance show "Crazy Horse Paris." The MGM Grand complex also houses two major venues for concerts and sporting events, the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the 740-seat Hollywood Theater. The other main attraction is the indoor lion habitat, MGM Grand's nod to the lion icon that roars at the opening of every MGM film.
  
  

Time Frame

• The best way to experience the MGM Grand Las Vegas on a budget is to visit at an off-peak time. For example, room rates for most of autumn hover around $70. At Christmas and New Year's, those rates skyrocket to around $200 and $300. The MGM Grand website (see Resources) lists various package deals it offers, such as staying two nights and receiving the third night free, or staying in a luxury suite and getting good seats for a major concert at the hotel.
  
  

Types

• Guests can choose from a range of accommodations at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Rated 5 diamonds by AAA, the Skyloft Penthouse Suites have private elevators, a personal concierge, a menu of pillow options, a Skyspa with bath oils, candles, aromatherapy, mood lighting and soothing music. The suite is also equipped with an HDTV entertainment system, spa tub, an extra television inside the bathroom mirror, a steam shower and an espresso and coffee machine. More affordable accommodations can be had in the Grand Tower, the Hollywood Suites, the Glamour Suites and the Celebrity Spa Suites, among others.