MGM Grand Detroit Adds Excitement to the Motor City
by Jessica Howell

Electricity buzzes, vibrating and bouncing from one wall to the next in a room alive with flashing lights, whirring visuals and the sound of rolling slots. It could be the casino floor of any gambling Mecca on the Las Vegas strip. But, it's not. It is the Motor City's newest entertainment venue — the MGM Grand Detroit.

Standing tall above its older, duller-looking neighbors, the MGM Grand Detroit shines like a spotlight on Detroit's often overlooked downtown. Here, it reigns king as the city's first luxury hotel and resort-style spa.

MGM Grand Detroit Living Room

Boasting a top-notch casino, luxury accommodations, spa and five vastly unique dining options, the MGM Grand Detroit can justifiably serve as a home away from home for frequent guests. It is, after all, open 24 hours a day.

And most importantly, guests can expect to be treated just as well as if they'd dished out the dough to fly to MGM's home base in Las Vegas.

Depart the atmospheric buzz of the casino floor and guests can linger in quieter spaces. Those holding hotel keys can seek the ultimate in solstice as they garner access to the hotel's "living room." Here, hotel guests are privy to the comfort of a blazing fire, an eager concierge and a break from the constant sounds of the slightly chaotic casino.

From the "living room," visiting patrons have access to the hotel floors. Enrobed in rich, elegant shades, the halls of these floors usher weary gamblers (or non-gaming guests) to their refined retreat, an edgy blend of pure indulgence and modern necessities.

Inside each of the hotel's 400 guest rooms — offering at least 510 square feet of space — guests can cozy up in lush comfort. Deep hues of chocolate, cranberry and lime fill the spaces, offset by dark woods and modern furnishings including zebra wood headboards, 42-inch plasma televisions, iPod docking stations and telephone "butlers".

MGM Grand guest room

Waltz into bathrooms that account for a 25 percent of each room's size and find walk-in showers with double shower heads, plasma TVs embedded into mirrors and H2O spa amenities. Enough amenities, one might say, to occupy a weekend without stepping out the guest room door. Staying holed up among the delicious décor is not advised, however.

There's much more to be had here. If gambling isn't a favored pastime, perhaps pampering is? MGM accommodates with IMMERSE Spa, their Zen-influenced escape that caters to the id in everyone. From signature rituals like the Hypnotic Massage or Ultraluxe Facial to manicures and pedicures, IMMERSE treatments run the gamut of relaxation. They also make for an ideal way to start an evening on the town, or in the confines of MGM's mini-city.

For dinner, guests are urged to secure reservations at one of the casino's several dining hot spots. At the top of the list are BOURBON STEAK Detroit and SALTWATER (both from two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina). The fare can be easily guessed by a glance at the restaurant name, each specialty cuisine crafted from the freshest ingredients presented in style.

Wolfgang Puck Grille

Also on hand is the much-celebrated WOLFGANG PUCK GRILLE, a contemporary version of the classic American bar and grill, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a late-night menu for room service.

In addition to the "signature," fore-mentioned dining options are The Palette Dining Studio — an all-you-can-eat buffet- and BREEZE, a casual, faster way to grab grub.

After dinner if drinks are needed the MGM doesn't disappoint. The casino is littered with bars and hopping with activity as the sun goes down. Inside, visitors can groove at V, chat at IGNITE (ablaze with several linear fireplaces), relax at U-ME-DRINK (a circular lounge at the heart of the casino floor), kick back at INT ICE (a dim piano bar) or simply space out at AGUA, a lounge that simulates an underwater world where the sound emitted by patrons is turned into visible sound waves that streak and sizzle across a textured blue ceiling.

One place you can't help but visit, if only to drop a nickel or two, is the lively casino floor. Whether it's a penny or a $100, there are slots to be had. And with over 90 table games ranging from Texas Hold'em to High Tie Blackjack, everyone is bound to find something to spark a winning streak.

Enjoying U-Me-Drink

And when the coins start falling, lucky gamblers can splurge without going far. Two stores are located inside the casino — ACCENTS, a high-end jewelry shop, and ESSENTIALS, a boutique setting where designer fashions are peddled. It doesn't take long. One afternoon grazing the casino floor or an evening sipping cocktails at IGNITE is all that's required to form a deep appreciation for Detroit's newest venue.

Perhaps it's the "buzz" that envelopes each entering guest; perhaps it's the delectable cuisine or tempting drinks; or, perhaps it's just the free valet parking. Whatever the reason, MGM Grand Detroit has solidified its standing in the Motor City. And maybe… just maybe… it will be the start of something even bigger than expected.

After all, airfare to Las Vegas isn't cheap.

If You Go…

MGM Grand Detroit
1777 Third Street
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (877) 888-2121
Reservations: (888) 646-3387