Ani

I need to decide today between these 2 properties for a stay in April. We've been many times to Vegas but recently have enjoyed the location of the Flamingo. We've never stayed at either the MGM or Mirage-are interested in the pool and the location (there are upsides to both I know)-so any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Also, does the monorail make staying at the MGM easily accessible to other parts of the strip or does the walking involved make it not worth it? TIA!

JJ5

Between those two, I would do the Mirage. MGM is just too huge and the colors drive me nuts. I think the best pool is at Mandalay Bay.

Mirage is more central Strip than MGM. But MGM with a car is easier access, IMHO, because you can enter from the side streets and don't have to navigate the Strip with a car. It's just stand still traffic, I hear, much of the time now.

I can't answer the question about the monorail, but I know that I have read on here (Fodors) that it has seemed useless to some people.

I don't particularly like Central Strip because it is so densely packed with crowds much of the time. I have had no problem taking cabs or walking anywhere myself. Last time I stayed at the Rio and loved it off the Strip- all around better.

placeu2

I would definately go for the Mirage.

Classier, better located, nicer pool, better folks IMHO.

The monorail is no real bargain even if you can do with the location...it does have a stop at MGM and is on the other side of the strip from Mirage. I rode it in September and it was $5.00 to get on no matter how far you were going. I did get 2 tickets for $9.00 and there are lager multi ride passes. But $9.00 for 2 will get you lots of places on the strip in a cab.

Seems to me that a year ago it was less expensive.

At anay rate, stay at the Mirage, you may even run into the Griswolds!

LCBoniti

We stayed at the MGM in October. The monorail will indeed take you north on the strip (all the way to the Sahara). To go south (to Mandalay Bay) you can cross over to Excalibur and take their free tram (to Luxor and Mandalay Bay). Both seemed to me to cut down on the walking although you do still have to walk (sometimes through another casino) to reach your particular hotel/casino destination if it is not directly on the monorail line.

I can't tell you about the pool at MGM because it was closed when we were there in October.

I would prefer the Mirage, not that there was anything wrong with MGM. I just prefer the feel of the Mirage.

Linda

mikesmom

I would definitely choose the Mirage. Location is much better and I think the MGM Grand is just too big.

olesouthernbelle

Mirage!

Sunray9

My wife and I have stayed at both. We prefer the Mirage because of location and size!!!!

ObiOne

I'll note one thing in MGM's favor: a sweet bungalow suite upgrade code (noticed the pun? - I crack my self up...):

broadwaybox.com/lasvegas/hotels/mgm_grand_hotel_and_casino.aspx

Ani

Well, we booked the MGM after not having the time to wait for replies...we thought we'd experience a little of that end of the strip and also arent unexcited about the lazy river...that said, we'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for your replies and advice that i didnt have the time to take!

JJ5

Have fun, there's lots to do at that end. I like Wolfgang Puck's place in MGM for lunch. Love the chicken salad.

Also, it has a good sports book. They are the ones who would honor my winner by mail.

Gellers

I have stayed at, and like, both hotels. Either is a fine choice. In the MGM's favor--it has larger rooms and much nicer bathrooms. The pool is fun too.

Kristinesonja

We, two couples in our early 40s, stayed at the MGM in May, and enjoyed it very much. I liked being on the southern end of the strip and found walking to be no problem. The monorail was not worth the cost.

Definetly walk across and south to Mandalay Bay, etc.

Enjoy your stay