MGM Grand Las Vegas Review 2025: Shocking Truth and Brutal Drawbacks

The MGM Grand stands as Vegas’s largest hotel property, offering a sprawling entertainment complex with numerous dining venues, a massive casino, and recently renovated rooms. While its size and amenities are impressive, several factors require careful consideration before booking.

Quick Facts

• Total Rooms: 6,852
• Location: South Strip
• Resort Fee: $45/day
• Parking Fee: $18 self-parking, $26 valet
• Room Types: West Wing, Grand Tower, Stay Well, SKYLOFTS
• Known For: Arena events, nightlife, convention facilities

Resort Overview and Atmosphere

Walking into the MGM Grand feels like entering a small city. The iconic emerald exterior gives way to a sprawling 171,500-square-foot casino floor that buzzes with energy 24/7. The property’s massive footprint can be both impressive and daunting – we tracked a 15-minute walk just from the parking garage to some guest rooms.

The resort’s atmosphere shifts dramatically depending on your location. The casino level maintains Vegas’s classic high-energy vibe, while the upper floors of the Grand Tower offer a surprisingly serene escape. During our recent stays, we’ve noticed significant improvements in the overall maintenance and cleanliness of public areas, though the sheer volume of guests can make some spaces feel cramped during peak times.

Rooms and Accommodations

Room Categories

1. West Wing Rooms

We’ll be honest – these are the rooms to avoid. While they’re typically the cheapest option, West Wing rooms sacrifice comfort for affordability. At 350 square feet, they’re notably smaller than standard Vegas rooms and lack bathtubs. The contemporary design feels efficient but cramped, especially if you’re sharing the space.

2. Grand Tower Rooms

Here’s where the MGM Grand truly shines. Recently renovated Grand Tower rooms offer 446 square feet of well-designed space. The modern decor features a calming color palette, premium bedding, and spacious bathrooms with marble accents. During our last stay, we particularly appreciated the improved soundproofing and updated climate control systems.

3. Stay Well Rooms

Our top recommendation for most travelers. Located in the Grand Tower, these rooms include all the recent renovations plus wellness-focused additions like:

• Advanced air purification systems
• Memory foam mattresses
• Dawn simulator alarm clocks
• Vitamin C-infused showers

The best part? They often price the same as standard Grand Tower rooms, making them an exceptional value upgrade.

4. SKYLOFTS

For those with luxury budgets, MGM Grand’s SKYLOFTS deliver a truly elevated experience. These two-story accommodations start at 1,400 square feet and include butler service. While impressive, the starting price of $700+ per night places them firmly in the special occasion category.

Dining Options: What to Book and What to Skip

Fine Dining Standouts

The crown jewel of MGM Grand’s dining scene is undoubtedly Joël Robuchon, holding multiple Michelin stars. But here’s the truth – while exceptional, dinner for two can easily exceed $1,000. Instead, we recommend L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, offering similar culinary excellence at half the price. The interactive counter seating provides a more engaging experience anyway.

Morimoto Las Vegas surprised us with its consistency. Unlike many celebrity chef restaurants that disappoint, Morimoto’s menu delivers, particularly the Duck Duck Goose and sushi selections. Pro tip: lunch offers nearly identical quality at significantly lower prices.

Casual Dining Reality Check

TAP Sports Bar gets packed during games, but food quality has declined since our 2024 visits. Better option? Walk five minutes to Avenue Café for better value and shorter waits. The extensive food court offers decent variety, though prices have crept up to nearly casual restaurant levels.

Pool Complex: The Good, Bad, and Overcrowded

Grand Pool Complex

The 6.5-acre pool complex looks stunning in photos, but let’s talk reality. During peak season (April-October), securing a chair after 10am is nearly impossible without renting a cabana ($200-500/day). The lazy river, while fun, often feels more like a crowded water highway.

Best Strategy:

• Visit pools before 9am for prime spots
• Consider weekday visits only
• South Pool typically less crowded
• Avoid holiday weekends entirely

Wet Republic Ultra Pool

The infamous Wet Republic delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Vegas dayclub – high-energy parties, celebrity DJs, and eye-watering drink prices. Cover charges range from $20-100+ depending on events. Unless pool parties are your priority, it’s skippable for most visitors.

Entertainment and Nightlife: Worth Your Time?

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil

The most underrated Cirque show in Vegas. While “O” at Bellagio gets more attention, KÀ’s rotating stage and vertical combat scenes offer uniquely spectacular moments. Ticket tip: book directly through MGM Rewards desk for better prices than third-party sellers.

Hakkasan Nightclub

Five stories of sensory overload, but that’s not always a good thing. The club’s layout can feel maze-like, and drink service outside VIP areas is frustratingly slow. If you’re into electronic music, it’s worth experiencing once, but L.A. transplants might find it underwhelming.

Other Entertainment Options

• Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club consistently delivers solid laughs
• Virtual Reality at Zero Latency (pricey but unique experience)
• Top Golf provides surprisingly good entertainment, even for non-golfers
• Grand Garden Arena events vary wildly in quality depending on promoter

The Real Cost Breakdown: Hidden Fees and Expenses

Daily Fees You Can’t Avoid

Let’s talk money – your room rate is just the beginning. Here’s what you’re really paying:

• Resort Fee: $45/day (includes basic WiFi and fitness center access)
• Parking: $18 self-parking or $26 valet per day
• Premium WiFi Upgrade: $14.99/day (necessary for streaming)
• Resort King Room Average: $129-299/night depending on season

A “$129” room quickly becomes $200+ per night with fees. During major events or peak weekends, expect rates to double or triple.

Saving Money at MGM Grand

Our tested strategies for maximum value:

1. Book Sunday through Thursday for lowest rates
2. Join MGM Rewards before booking (instant tier credits)
3. Check myVEGAS app for free reward nights
4. Consider package deals that include resort fees
5. Decline daily housekeeping for food/beverage credits

Transportation and Location

Getting Around

The MGM Grand’s South Strip location presents some challenges:

• 10-minute walk to nearest monorail station
• Limited rideshare pickup locations
• 20-minute walk to Bellagio fountains
• Heavy foot traffic during arena events

Tip: Request a room in the North Tower for shortest walking distances to Strip attractions.

Final Verdict: Who Should Book (And Who Should Skip)

Book MGM Grand If You:

1. Value entertainment access over luxury amenities
2. Plan to attend events at T-Mobile Arena or Grand Garden
3. Don’t mind walking through casinos
4. Want solid value in renovated rooms
5. Enjoy pool scene and daylife/nightlife options

Skip MGM Grand If You:

1. Prefer boutique hotel experiences
2. Want quick access to mid-Strip attractions
3. Have mobility issues
4. Seek ultra-luxury accommodations
5. Travel with very young children

Tips from a Vegas Pro

After dozens of stays, here’s what we’ve learned:

1. Mobile check-in is essential during peak times
2. Room requests are honored about 70% of the time
3. Weekday breakfast at Avenue Café beats weekend buffet
4. South Pool offers more shade than main pool
5. MGM Grand isn’t actually “grand” anymore – it’s efficient

Booking Through Us: Exclusive Benefits

Join our Facebook Group, “Casinos to Castles” and message us to book your stay at MGM Grand Las Vegas. Our members receive:

• Discounted rates up to 25% off
• Early check-in when available
• Resort fee waiver opportunities
• Room upgrade priority
• Special event access

*Review updated: February 2025 based on multiple stays throughout 2024-2025. Prices and amenities subject to change.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

The MGM Grand remains a solid choice on the Strip, particularly if you’re strategic about room selection and timing. While it’s lost some of its luxury luster over the years, the recent room renovations, diverse entertainment options, and central location make it a reliable choice for most Vegas visitors. The property excels at delivering a classic Vegas experience with modern amenities, even if it occasionally feels more functional than luxurious.

For the best experience in 2025, book a Stay Well room in the Grand Tower, join MGM Rewards before booking, and plan your stay around major convention dates. While the resort’s massive size and growing fees are notable drawbacks, the overall value proposition remains strong for entertainment-focused travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking.