The hype
Travelers love the pool and the 'everything in one place' convenience but consistently complain about the sheer distance required to walk anywhere.
MGM Grand Las Vegas
$100-300/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'mega-resort' experience where you never have to leave the building for a pool party, Michelin-star meal, or nightclub.
Why People Love It
- The 6.5-acre pool complex with a lazy river is arguably the best on the Strip
- Direct Monorail connection makes exploring the rest of the Strip sweat-free
- Massive variety of dining from cheap food court bites to Joel Robuchon
Quick Take: It is a chaotic, sprawling city-within-a-city where you will walk miles just to find your elevator, but the energy is undeniable.
Reviewed by @tdibob: I stayed in this suite at the MGM Grand and was blown away by the size. The living area is huge with a wrap-around couch, and the bathroom feels like a private spa. It made my Vegas trip feel so much more luxurious having room to spread out.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'West Wing King' is frequently cited as a regret due to its claustrophobic size and distance from the main action.
- You want a high-energy pool scene with a lazy river
- You are traveling with a group that needs varied budget options for food
- You plan to use the Monorail to get around
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, but 'surface level' cleaning is a frequent complaint (dust on lamps, missed corners).
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms in Grand Tower are decent but can show age (grout issues). West Wing bathrooms are tiny and often criticized for ventilation.
- Maintenance: Wear and tear is visible in hallways and older rooms (scuffed furniture, worn carpet).
- Linens & towels: Sheets are usually crisp, but reports of 'stained' or 'worn' linens appear in recent reviews.
- Odors & scents: Casino area is smoky; hallways usually masked with signature scent but can smell musty in older wings.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Connecting doors allowing neighbor noise to bleed through
- Hallway noise from late-night revelers
- Thin walls in the West Wing
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort fee is now ~$50/night plus tax
- You can walk to the Signature towers via an indoor moving walkway to access quieter pools
- The Monorail station is at the very back of the property, a long walk from the Strip entrance
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will clock miles inside the hotel)
- Earplugs (essential for thin walls)
- Refillable water bottle (expensive to buy water on property)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Tower King (recently renovated, standard size)
- Stay Well rooms (air purification, better lighting)
- Tower Spa Suite (whirlpool tub, extra space)
Rooms to avoid
- West Wing King (tiny, old, often bad views)
- Rooms near the elevator banks (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would like to request a room in the Grand Tower, ideally away from the elevators. Please avoid the West Wing if at all possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the lazy river open year-round?
No, it typically closes for the winter season (approx. November to February/March). Pools remain open but the river shuts down.
Can I check in early?
Yes, but it usually costs extra (often ~$30-50) and is subject to availability. Mobile check-in sometimes offers this option.
Is there free parking?
No. Self-parking is ~$20-25/day and valet is ~$40/day. It is free for Pearl status MGM Rewards members and above.
Are the West Wing rooms really that bad?
Yes. They are significantly smaller (approx. 350 sq ft vs 446 sq ft for Grand Tower) and are repurposed from an older hotel.
Does the hotel allow pets?
Yes, it is dog-friendly. The fee is ~$100/night for rooms and ~$150/night for suites, max 2 dogs.
Is there a fridge in the room?
Most standard rooms have a minibar (sensors, do not touch) but no personal fridge. You can request one for a fee (~$35/night) or for medical needs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
There is a 'secret' speakeasy called Chez Bippy hidden behind the Luchini Slice Shop.
- ✨
Use the 'underground' entrance from the parking garage to skip the main lobby chaos if you already have your digital key.
- ✨
The walk to the Signature towers offers a quiet escape and a separate, often less crowded Starbucks.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'West Wing' is actually the old Marina Hotel that was swallowed by the MGM structure.
💡There is an ultra-exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel called 'The Mansion' with a hidden entrance near the casino that most guests walk past unknowingly.
💡The walk from your room to the Strip can take 15-20 minutes of pure walking.
💡Bed bug reports have surfaced in 2022/2023 news cycles, a reality for many major Strip hotels but worth checking your mattress for.
💡The 'Stay Well' rooms include a vitamin C infused shower and air purification, which can actually help with 'Vegas throat'.
Local Playbook
Map
See where MGM Grand Las Vegas is located and what's nearby.