The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, situated on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, offers visitors a complete resort experience with its accommodations, gambling facilities, shows, and dining options. However, according to recent evaluations, it’s the property’s pool area that truly distinguishes this iconic destination from other Las Vegas resorts.
Located at one of the busiest intersections on Las Vegas Boulevard, the MGM Grand has established itself as a major player in the competitive Las Vegas hospitality market. The property features a comprehensive array of amenities typical of major Strip resorts, but with varying degrees of quality and appeal.
Resort Amenities: A Mixed Review
The MGM Grand’s accommodations receive modest praise. Rooms are described as “nice enough” – suggesting they meet basic expectations for comfort and design without particularly standing out in the luxury market. This assessment places the rooms in the middle tier of Las Vegas accommodations, neither disappointing nor exceptional.
The casino floor, a standard feature of any major Las Vegas resort, offers the typical gambling experience visitors expect. Similarly, the entertainment options and restaurants available throughout the property provide expected services without special mention of standout features or exceptional quality.
The Pool Complex: The Crown Jewel
What sets the MGM Grand apart, according to assessments, is its pool complex. Described as “the best part” of the resort experience, the pool area has become the property’s signature attraction.
The MGM Grand’s pool complex, known as the “Grand Pool Complex,” spans 6.5 acres with four swimming pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, and a lazy river. This aquatic playground offers a resort-within-a-resort experience that has become increasingly important in Las Vegas, where pool culture has evolved from a simple amenity to a major attraction.
During Las Vegas’s hot months, which can stretch from April through October, the pool complex serves as a critical differentiator for visitors choosing between similarly priced resorts. The emphasis on the pool’s superior quality suggests it delivers an experience that exceeds expectations compared to other amenities on the property.
Strategic Positioning in Las Vegas
The south Strip location places the MGM Grand in a busy tourist corridor, neighboring other major resorts like New York-New York, Excalibur, and Tropicana. This positioning makes it accessible to visitors while placing it slightly away from the center-Strip congestion.
For travelers making decisions about where to stay in Las Vegas, this assessment suggests the MGM Grand might be most appealing to:
- Visitors prioritizing pool time during their Las Vegas stay
- Travelers seeking a full-service resort with adequate accommodations
- Guests who value aquatic recreation over room luxury
The evaluation indicates that while the MGM Grand delivers a complete Las Vegas experience with its various amenities, the pool complex stands as its most compelling feature and primary competitive advantage in the crowded Las Vegas resort market.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve from a gambling-focused destination to one centered on overall resort experiences, the emphasis on exceptional pool facilities reflects broader industry trends toward amenities that appeal to a wide range of visitors, including those with limited interest in casino gaming.
