Las Vegas Places

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

A regal, bronze rendering of the roaring MGM lion mascot fronts the four emerald-green, fortresslike towers of the MGM Grand, one of the largest hotels in the world. The self-proclaimed "City of Entertainment" is loosely based on Oz, though it comes off as having a bit of an identity crisis because it tries just a little too hard to be something for everyone.

Tony bars, trendy nightclubs, a stunning roster of knockout restaurants, and the impressive MGM Grand Garden Arena—which hosts big-name concerts and championship boxing matches—attract well-heeled and expense-account travelers as well as conventioneers from the adjacent convention center. When it comes to dining, MGM ranks among the city's top casino-resorts, with eateries run by noted chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Joël Robuchon, and Michael Mina. Kids enjoy the lion habitat on the casino's west perimeter; there's also a complete day-care facility for the kids.

The History

As with any masterpiece, the MGM has taken years to become what it is today. The story began in 1990, when casino legend Kirk Kerkorian bought the Marina Hotel to obtain the site that would become the home of the MGM Grand. The MGM was reborn in 1993 with an extensive Wizard of Oz theme. Gradually, this theme has been transformed into a classic Hollywood vibe. Today the hotel contains three major developments: the original MGM Grand, a second tower called the West Wing, and the brand-new, three-tower complex dubbed the Signature at MGM Grand.