You’ve seen the emerald green glass from the airplane window. It's a monolith. Honestly, the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel is less of a "hotel" and more of a small, self-contained city that happens to have 5,000 pillows. People think they know this place because they’ve seen Ocean’s Eleven or caught a glimpse of the gold lion on Instagram, but the reality on the ground is way more complex.
It’s big. Like, "wear your walking shoes or you'll regret every life choice" big.
Walking from the front desk to the pool can feel like a light marathon. If you’re not prepared for the sheer scale, the MGM Grand will swallow you whole. But if you know how to navigate the 6.5-acre pool complex or which elevators lead to the newly renovated $300 million rooms, it’s still the heavyweight champion of the Strip for a reason.
The $300 Million Facelift: Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel in 2026
If you haven't been here since 2024, you basically haven't been here. MGM just wrapped up a massive $300 million remodel of nearly 4,000 rooms in the main tower. They finally ditched those tired, dark "Old Vegas" palettes for something they're calling "Disco Era Glamour."
Think brighter.
The new rooms feature walk-in showers that actually feel like a spa rather than a locker room. They added 111 new suites, bringing the total to over 750. If you’re staying in the main tower now, you’ve got wall-mounted smart TVs and—the real hero—actual guest-use refrigerators separate from the minibar. No more accidentally charging $14 to your room just because you tried to move a Snickers bar to fit your water bottle.
Where should you actually sleep?
It’s not all about the main green tower. You have options, and choosing the wrong one can ruin your vibe:
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- The Signature at MGM Grand: This is for people who hate the casino smell. It’s three towers of all-suite, non-smoking, non-gaming space. It’s a bit of a trek (the "moving walkway" is your best friend here), but you get a balcony. In Vegas. That's rare.
- Skylofts: This is the "I just won the lottery" option. It’s a private sanctuary on the top floors with 24-hour butler service.
- Stay Well Rooms: If you’re the type who needs vitamin C-infused shower water and air purifiers to survive a weekend of Vegas air, these are located on specific floors and actually make a difference for the morning-after headache.
Why the Pool is Still the Biggest Draw
The Grand Pool Complex is roughly the size of a small island nation. It’s 6.5 acres of water, waterfalls, and chaos. The crown jewel is the 1,000-foot lazy river.
Here’s the thing: everyone wants to be in the lazy river.
If you show up at noon on a Saturday, you will be floating bumper-to-bumper with people holding yard-long margaritas. It’s a scene. To actually enjoy it, you need to be out there by 10:00 AM.
Pro Tip: Tubes aren't free. They’ll run you about $20–$25 a day to rent. A lot of people buy cheap ones at a CVS off-strip and bring them in, but the hotel staff is hit-or-miss on whether they'll let you inflate them at their stations. Just pay for the rental and save the breath.
For the party crowd, Wet Republic is still the go-to Ultra Pool. It's loud. It's expensive. It’s exactly what you see on TV. If you want a quiet book and a nap, stay far, far away from this corner of the property.
Eating Your Way Through the Emerald City
You can’t talk about the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel without mentioning the food. Most people stick to the buffet (which is fine, it’s a solid B+ as far as Vegas buffets go), but the "Restaurant Row" here is world-class.
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The Heavy Hitters
- Joël Robuchon: The only Three Michelin Star restaurant in the city. It’s designed like an Art Deco townhouse. It’s not just a meal; it’s a three-hour commitment that will cost more than your flight.
- Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak: If you like Top Chef, you know the vibe. It’s about the ingredients. No fancy foams or gimmicks, just a perfect ribeye.
- Morimoto Las Vegas: Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s spot is currently seeing a menu refresh. The sushi is incredible, but the architecture of the restaurant itself—full of exotic photography and glass—is the real "wow" factor.
- Nellie’s Southern Kitchen: Owned by the Jonas Brothers' family. It’s surprisingly cozy for a massive casino resort and serves some of the best fried chicken on the Strip.
Entertainment: More Than Just Slots
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is legendary. It’s where the big fights happen. It's where the Latin Grammys just landed for 2025/2026. But for the average guest, the nightly shows are the real draw.
Kà by Cirque du Soleil is still the resident powerhouse. Unlike O at the Bellagio, which is all about water, Kà is about a massive, 360-degree rotating stage that turns vertical. It’s martial arts meets acrobatics. It’s a bit darker than other Cirque shows, so maybe don’t bring the toddlers (under 5 aren't even allowed).
If you want a different vibe, the Jabbawockeez have their "Freqncy" residency here. It's high-energy, immersive, and honestly one of the best values for a show on the Strip.
The Logistics: Don't Get Lost
The most common complaint about the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel is the walking.
Basically, the hotel is shaped like a giant cross. If your room is at the end of a wing, you’re looking at a 10-minute walk just to get to the elevator bank.
Wait Times: Checking in can be a nightmare. Use the MGM Rewards app to do a digital check-in. You can skip the line entirely and use your phone as a key. If you insist on standing in the physical line at 3:00 PM on a Friday, bring a snack. You’ll be there a while.
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Transportation: The Las Vegas Monorail has a station right at the MGM Grand. It’s the easiest way to get to the North end of the Strip (near Caesars or the Sahara) without dealing with the $40 Uber surge pricing.
The "Lion" Situation
People still ask: "Where are the lions?"
Short answer: They’re gone.
The live lion habitat closed years ago (back in 2012, actually). Now, the only lion you’ll see is the massive bronze statue at the entrance—which, fun fact, is the largest bronze statue in the U.S., weighing 50 tons. If you see people talking about "seeing the lions" at MGM, they're either looking at old photos or they've had one too many drinks at the Fat Tuesday stand.
Summary of Actionable Insights
- Book the West Tower if you want to be closer to the Strip exit/Monorail, but Book the Main Tower if you want the brand-new 2026 renovated interiors.
- Download the MGM Rewards App before you land. Use it for digital check-in and to track your "slot dollars" if you're gambling.
- Reserve your pool cabana at least three weeks out if you're visiting during the summer. They sell out, and the "free" chairs are claimed by 9:00 AM.
- Walk the "Underground" if you're looking for cheaper food options or the REVIV wellness station for an IV drip after a long night.
- Check the Arena schedule. If there's a major fight or a Garth Brooks-level concert, the lobby will be impassable. Plan your dinner reservations accordingly.
To make the most of your stay, start by mapping out your "must-dos" relative to the casino floor. Because of the hotel's footprint, grouping your activities—like dining at Morimoto before seeing Kà—will save you miles of walking. Log into your MGM Rewards account to check for "member-only" rates that often drop on Tuesday afternoons for mid-week stays.