MGM Grand is a megaresort and casino with one of the largest gaming floors on the Las Vegas Strip. With 6,852 rooms, the mammoth edifice is the 3rd-largest hotel complex in the world, behind only the Venetian and the Palazzo. Upon its inauguration in 1993, the MGM Grand was indeed the world's biggest casino-hotel complex

Although local rivals on the Strip have since surpassed its title, the MGM Grand's grandiose reputation remains to this day. The hotel initially went with on a unique Wizard of Oz theme, complete with live lions greeting guests from the safety of a glass tunnel. The hotel now focuses on wowing guests with its opulence and scale.

MGM Grand in Las Vegas - one of the highlights of 15 Best Casinos in Las Vegas and 11 Best Live Shows in Las Vegas (Read all about Las Vegas here)

What are the highlights of the MGM Grand?

MGM Grand’s sheer size is a highlight for many gamblers and guests, who marvel in awe at the magnificent 30-floor building. The gaming floor is particularly impressive – spanning a whopping 171,500 sq ft, it’s the largest in all of Clarke County.

TV awards and artistic performances often take place at the 17,000-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena. Combat sports are popular, too – the highly anticipated world championship title fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao was just one such event.

Aside from the arena, MGM Grand is known for its outstanding line-up of quality shows. David Copperfield performs his legendary illusion show twice nightly, necessary for any aspiring magician. Cirque du Soleil also puts on the spectacular Kà, an eclectic blend of automation, pyrotechnics, and puppetry that’s been wowing audiences since 2005.

To let guests cool off from the scorching Nevada sun, MGM Grand has one of the biggest and best aquatic centres in Las Vegas. Dubbed the Grand Pool Complex, the 6.5-acre facility features indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, water jets, and artificial cascades. TopGolf is an exclusive entertainment complex complete with a high-tech driving range and swanky restaurants and bars.

photo by Laslovarga (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

What to do after dinner at MGM Grand?

Over 139 tables occupy the gaming floor on the MGM Grand, with everything from baccarat to Texas hold em’. If you’d rather stick with the slots, 2,500 machines accept bets from 1¢ up to a $1,000. Sports betting is just as big – the sports bet arena accepts live bets and shows everything imaginable on 24 plasma TVs.

The MGM Grand delivers if you're looking for haute cuisine in Las Vegas. The cream of the crop is Joël Robuchon, a gourmet French restaurant run by the esteemed chef. The 3-Michelin-starred establishment has only 12 tables, so you’ll need to book well in advance.

MGM Grand also has stylish watering holes to keep the party going until late. A whisky bar, sports bar, and poolside bar offer a sophisticated place to mingle, while the wild Hakkasan Nightclub is where raucous revellers go to let loose. Calvin Harris, Tiësto, and Steve Aoki were resident DJs here, so you know it’s got to be good.

Good to know about MGM Grand in Las Vegas

MGM Grand might have a connection to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio, but many prefer the alternate version of ‘Massive Gigantic Monstrous’ – a fitting name for an epic casino hotel.

The Las Vegas monorail serves MGM Grand, winding its way north to connect several significant attractions and casinos in the city. Alternatively, it’s easy enough to arrive on foot. You’ll need to approach via the overhead pedestrian bridge instead of trying to cross at street level.

While the gaming floor is open 24 hours a day, the pool complex and arena have closing times. If you plan to catch a show, save money by booking online via a discount wholesaler.

MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Location: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Harry Stewart | Contributing Writer