How MGM Grand Las Vegas Surprised Me: A Quick, Honest Review

^{The author stayed as an invited guest of MGM Resorts. All opinions are the author’s own, and neither the MGM Grand nor its parent company had input in any part of this review.}

Ever wondered just how mammoth a Las Vegas resort can get? The MGM Grand Las Vegas — the world’s largest hotel when it debuted in 1993 — now features over 5,000 rooms, a sprawling 171,500 square feet of casino space, and a 17,000-seat arena that has hosted everything from championship fights to headline residencies.

Located at the iconic corner of Tropicana Avenue and South Las Vegas Boulevard, it offers unbeatable Strip access and is a quick ride from the airport. As a dynamic megaresort, MGM Grand delivers everything from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious rooms with matching price tags.

The MGM Grand also offers guests dozens of dining and nightlife options. Its ongoing renovation project, costing $300 million, has already brought updated rooms back into circulation. With its blend of history, scale, and modern amenities under one roof, it’s a perfect example of all Las Vegas offers.

Here are 6 things that surprised me about the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

1. The Location Is Great

The MGM Grand sits at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and South Las Vegas Boulevard, the famous Las Vegas Strip. Getting to the hotel from the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) takes less than 10 minutes by taxi or rideshare vehicle.

The hotel is also connected to the Las Vegas Monorail, which you can use to reach locations in downtown, the convention center, or along the Strip — but not the airport, unfortunately.

From the MGM Grand and its numerous entrances, you can easily reach other casinos, resorts, and tourist attractions using public transportation, your own vehicle, or a hired vehicle.

2. Costs Vary Across Room Types and Dates

MGM Grand sells a lot of room flavors. You’ll find everything from a standard Grand King or 2 Queen room with 446 square feet at the low end to Premier City View Suites offering 1,250 square feet for guests. There are also 2-story Terrace and Skyline suites and the premium SKYLOFTS that offer 1- to 3-bedroom lofts.

Standard rooms average around $200 per night, though promotions can offer rooms as low as $100 or cost nearly $1,000, depending on the room type, date, time of year, and what events are happening while you’re in town.

Stays on weeknights tend to be cheaper than weekends, and rooms with more space and better views will increase the price. Suites, on the other hand, can be found for $600 or $700 during promotions and low-demand dates, though you can easily spend $2,000 on a 2-bedroom suite many nights of the year.

MGM’s partnership with Marriott, unveiled in 2024, allows Marriott Bonvoy members to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points on their stays. Standard award nights for upcoming months start at 28,800 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Looking for a deal? Check out our guide to the cheapest hotels in Las Vegas.

3. The MGM Grand Has a Fascinating History

The MGM Grand opened in December 1993 on the site of the former Marina Hotel and Tropicana Country Club, debuting as the largest hotel in the world with over 5,000 rooms. Its early theme was rooted in classic Hollywood, complete with an emerald-green exterior and a Wizard of Oz–inspired entrance featuring a massive lion’s head. The resort even launched with its own amusement park, aiming to draw families with rides and attractions — though that concept was phased out by the late 1990s as Las Vegas moved away from family-oriented tourism.

However, that early theme isn’t 100% gone. It’s still apparent in the resort’s emerald green color.

Over time, the property reinvented itself into a true megaresort, swapping kitschy theming for sleek luxury and emphasizing nightlife, world-class dining from celebrity chefs, and major entertainment residencies like David Copperfield, Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, and headline boxing matches at the Grand Garden Arena. Today, the MGM Grand is still one of the Strip’s defining landmarks and remains a centerpiece of MGM Resorts International’s portfolio, embodying the city’s evolution from themed spectacle to high-end entertainment hub.

4. The Refurbished Rooms Are Competitively Modern

MGM Resorts announced a $300 million renovation of rooms and suites in January 2025. The renovated rooms started welcoming guests as of March 2025, though the full set of 4,200+ rooms and suites in the main tower will be completed by December 2025.

MGM Grand’s main tower remodel blends the hotel’s past eras with modern style through bold artwork, upgraded finishes, and functional layouts that offer perks travelers want.

The project also adds 111 new suites — bringing the total to 753 — showcasing refined wood finishes, reconfigured layouts for privacy and entertainment, and upgraded bathrooms with illuminated mirrors and quartz accents.

Even the Executive King — which is more comparable to the standard rooms than the luxurious suites — is spacious, modern, and well-appointed across 675 square feet.

Along with back-lit mirrors above dual sinks and ample counter space, visitors will find massive walk-in showers that rival the size of New York City apartments.

Rooms also come with useful amenities like closets, digital safes, a minibar, and ample storage.

One of my chief complaints about standard hotel rooms is the lack of space to sit or hang out — unless you want to sit on the bed all day. Leisure space is thoughtfully present in the renovated rooms, with comfortable furniture giving guests a place to sit that isn’t the edge of the bed.

The resort has dozens of room types, and views range from the Strip to the center of the property or overlooking the pool.

Touches of technology are present in standard, deluxe, and suite offerings, though the MGM Grand’s most luxurious suites have a completely different color palette to really set them apart.

Hot Tip:

Room renovations aren’t the only news at MGM Grand this year. MGM Rewards revealed a new premium credit card, the MGM Rewards™ Iconic World Elite Mastercard^®, and launched new perks that even include cruise benefits.

5. Amenities Are Numerous and Excellent

You’ll need a few hours to read about every amenity available at the MGM Grand, and you’ll need to stay here for several days to visit all of them. The list is impressive, to be blunt.

On top of multiple pools and a day club with poolside parties, there’s a lazy river for guests.

The pool complex is massive, covering 6.5 acres with 4 pools, 3 whirlpools, waterfalls, and more.

But you don’t have to get wet to find fun amenities. There’s Topgolf nearby, which includes not just golf but also arcade games and fun for the whole family.

There’s also shopping for everyone, spread across the resort in multiple areas and offering finds for both the budget-conscious and the big spender.

Of course, no Las Vegas resort would be complete without entertainment. Options range from the Grand Garden Arena’s rotating list of events to comedy, immersive experiences, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, the Jabbawockeez, and illusionist David Copperfield.

There’s also a salon and spa, offering a range of services, from hair and nails to massages and facials.

Additionally, the resort has a dedicated rideshare pickup zone on the lower level of the parking garage, mitigating congestion at the front entrance.

6. Dining Options Range From Ultra-Luxe to Budget-Friendly

What type of food are you looking for? It’s here. The resort boasts over a dozen dining options, running the full gamut of tastes and prices.

Prices at the acclaimed Joël Robuchon restaurant aren’t for the faint of heart. A couple will likely spend $1,000 on the degustation menu and wine pairings after accounting for tax and tip.

Those looking for prices with fewer digits have numerous options, including NETFLIX BITES, which opened in February 2025. The restaurant boasts thematic elements from shows like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game,” “Bridgerton,” and more.

Menu options evoke various Netflix shows, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare for families.

Guests will also find a large sports bar with ample dining options, an ice cream shop, a Starbucks, and a food court offering quick-serve hot dogs, sandwiches, and stir-fries.

There are ample options for drinking, as well. The property boasts a dozen bars, ranging from the poolside bar to a lobby bar, a country music-themed bar, nightclubs, whiskey bars, and bars with digital games available at your seat.

Final Thoughts

MGM Grand remains one of Las Vegas’ most iconic resorts, blending history, entertainment, and modern luxury in a prime Strip location just minutes from the airport. With recently renovated rooms and suites, a vast range of dining and nightlife options, and a pool complex that rivals any in the city, it delivers something for every type of traveler.

Guests can choose from budget-friendly rooms to lavish SKYLOFTS while enjoying world-class shows, gaming, shopping, and amenities all under one roof. Altogether, MGM Grand continues to embody the energy and evolution of Las Vegas as a true megaresort — though you can enjoy many aspects of it without feeling like you’re walking miles and miles between amenities.