MGM Grand Las Vegas Refresh Leans Modern, With a Touch of Nostalgia

With a long, distinguished history as a Strip touchstone – and once the world’s largest hotel – the MGM Grand opened in 1993 under founding CEO and Las Vegas hotel legend Kirk Kerkorian. And although the massive casino-hotel anchoring the northeast corner of Tropicana and the Strip has gone through multiple iterations (including a Wizard of Oz-themed casino), in recent years it has settled into a reliable midmarket niche with a focus on dining and entertainment.

Now, after a year-long $300 million renovation, Mike Neubecker, President and COO, notes that the MGM Grand remodel “marks an ambitious step forward in the resort’s evolution.”  

New, Sophisticated Room Product Features Modern Conveniences 

The project, which completely refreshed 3,969 rooms and suites in the main tower, resulted in a clean, sophisticated design with convenient features throughout. MGM Two Queen rooms boast light gray and blue palettes, while the MGM King features rich walnut finishes and vertical sconces.  Meanwhile, a disco- themed, wall-mounted art piece provides a playful pop of ’70s flair. The single-sink bathroom is nicely sized, with abundant counter space and storage underneath. Lighting here, however, could be better, but the extra-large, backlit mirror is a luxe touch. And although the spa-like, walk-in shower is expansive, it lacks a bench or ledge. The bright porcelain finishes, however, give off upscale vibes, while another thoughtful design feature – a half wall between the vanity and the toilet – provides a modicum of privacy. 

Convenient in-room highlights include under-bed illumination that serves as a nightlight; padded headboards that lend a rich feel; and a long credenza with multiple deep drawers that sits beneath the wall mounted, flat panel TV. USB A and C ports, along with AC charging outlets, are beside the bed and credenza. And the thoughtful, new minibar design includes an adjacent refrigerator for guest use. Meanwhile, ropes and slippers, delivered on request for free, are plush and luxurious.  

The illuminated closet is well proportioned, with a full size, wall-mounted ironing board and iron. And the clever closet design also provides space-saving functionality via mirrored doors that open flush to the wall. 

Attractive hallway treatments feature a dark neutral color palette with LED installations for a modern aesthetic, along with wall-mounted, ’70s disco-inspired metallic accent pieces. Ultimately, the main tower’s extreme makeover resulted in a comfortable, functional and attractive room product that now outperforms the competition in Vegas’ midmarket segment. 

Morimoto Refresh Introduces New Dishes, Artwork and Cocktails 

TV Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s eponymous restaurant has reopened with a new look and feel, a refreshed menu and cocktails to match. Guests arriving through a glowing, neon portal with playful Japanese text immediately face a new, backlit mural – featuring images of Tokyo’s famous nocturnal scenes – that spans the entire wall behind the massive sushi bar. And thankfully, recently-introduced menu items reliably match the electricity produced by the redesigned aesthetic. 

Most notable is the Land & Ocean Roll, a novel combination of sweet shrimp, crab and tobiko wrapped in Wagyu beef, presented in a smoke box at the table. The dish, along with other menu items, is emblematic of chef Morimoto’s unique, theatrical style. And diners can’t go wrong with the Pork Sticky Ribs, featuring fall-of-the-bone tender meat coated with just the right amount of sweet chili hoisin sauce.  

Of the new mains, the Japanese A5 Wagyu presentation – cooked on a hot stone at the table – makes the biggest splash, while the Atlantic Salmon with a Yuzu bearnaise and fried capers is an excellent East-meets-West take on a classic dish. And the Bento Box dessert, featuring tofu mousse, black sesame chocolate, sake gelee and lemon curd, makes a stunning entrance on a bed of dry ice. Washing it all down with That’s The Tea, a new cocktail combining Haku vodka, matcha, lemon juice and mint, provides the perfect complement.  

Spa and Fitness Center  

Although the spa is nicely appointed, the adjoining fitness center – untouched by the remodel – is tired-looking, undersized, and under-equipped for the 4,000 room-plus property,  

New Hakkasan Promotions Spotlight Value on Gourmet Items 

Combination Cantonese fine-dining restaurant & nightclub Hakkasan has recently introduced two attractive value-oriented promotions.  During the venue’s Social Hour (Mon. – Wed., 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.) guests enjoy 10 different items priced at $10 each, including appetizers, dim sum favorites and specialty cocktails. Meanwhile, the new Endless Dim Sum Brunch (Sat. & Sun. from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) offers diners unlimited dim sum (including the signature Hakka Basket), appetizers (the restaurant’s famous Crispy Duck Salad is a highlight), rice and noodle dishes, wok-fried mains and dessert – all for $58 per person.  

New Dayclub and “Casino in a Bubble” Attract Attention 

Operating seasonally, the new Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand replaces the former Wet Republic space with a ground-level stage, salt water pool, 12 bungalows and 10 cabanas, along with daybeds and chaise lounges that accommodate more than 3,000 guests in a total footprint of about 60,000 square feet.   

Meanwhile, as a fascinating, can’t-miss spectacle in the middle of the main casino floor, the “Live From MGM Studio at MGM Grand” is a dedicated, live-broadcast TV studio – enclosed within soundproof glass – that streams Blackjack, roulette and other games to international online players. But due to state-specific gambling regulations, the games are unavailable to U.S. players, making the “casino in a bubble” a spectator-only curiosity for in-person visitors.