Discover The Jewels of MGM Grand
I'm currently imagining what Dorothy and her ragtag entourage of Oz would think if they wandered into the Vegas version of Emerald City at the legendary MGM Grand Las Vegas. Surely, they would flip their shit at first, but then the Cowardly Lion would get some fab curls at Christophe Salon, Tin Man would shine front row at a Grand Garden Arena concert, Scarecrow would unravel upon seeing the Skylofts, and Dorothy's new and improved red, sparkly stilettos would find a matching couture pop from Sugar Factory, leaving them all sufficiently "wowed."
While MGM Grand's signature green lighting is a tribute to their historical roots with the filmmaking, MGM Grand is truly a legend unto itself and has no shortage of treasures waiting to be discovered. Take it from me, there was a point in my life where I lived inside this hotel/casino for a few months and there were days where I didn't even need to step outside. Here's what you should check out:
StayWell Suites
Your body is a temple and you want a hotel room to treat it like that, right? We understand. Stay in MGM Grand's StayWell Suites and you might actually leave Vegas feeling better than when you got there, which most people can't even fathom. Designed in conjunction with The Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Deepak Chopra, these rejuvenating hotel rooms boast vitamin C showers, hypoallergenic bedding, an alarm clock that simulates dawn itself and aromatherapy diffusers, alongside almost a dozen other healthy amenities.
Hakkasan's Ling Ling Lounge
Everyone knows that the three-story Hakkasan Nightclub is in the upper echelon of the Vegas nightclub list, being voted the #1 Nightclub in the World by Playboy Magazine and one of America's Best New Clubs by Rolling Stone. Having the Hakkasan trump card in your back pocket for when club-going friends visit the city can't be beat, but if you're anything like me, you take comfort in knowing that a lounge like Ling Ling exists within this behemoth of a club. I found it on accident during the club's opening weekend, tipsily teetering around the corner in my stilettos (which I prayed resembled "swankily sauntering") looking for a place to sit and channel the spirit of Dr. Scholl while I text my friends "WTF where u at?!" Quietly situated on the third floor, this ultra-lounge still has that VIP nightclub feel with a DJ and some VIP booths, but upgraded with some quality mixology and a more intimate feel. Plus, the Ling Ling Lounge, main Hakkasan room and mezzanine are only a stumble away when you get the feeling back in your toes.
West Wing Bar
In a similar regard to my appreciation for the Ling Ling Lounge, the West Wing Bar is also a hidden gem that you might not even know about and risk walking right past unknowingly. Sometimes the only thing I want in life is a sophisticated couch, a painstakingly hand-crafted cocktail from a super-friendly mixologist, and some flattering lighting for a quality selfie with my crew. West Wing Bar does just that and is located near Centrifuge and Stage Deli, down from MGM Grand's Sports Book.
A Food Frenzy
This hotel heavyweight is definitely a name to mention when discussing places to dine in Vegas. Eleven fine dining venues plus 11 additional casual dining spots (and a food court) means there are a plethora of delectable #noms waiting for you to devour. If you're a high roller or had a successful day on the tables, allowing you to easily shell out $425 per person, then make a reservation for Joël Robuchon's Menu Degustation. I've heard it's a religious experience for any foodie, so I'll await your invite when you're headed that way.
Right next door is Robuchon's L'Atelier, a smaller outlet that offers similarly delicious French cuisine, even if in a less opulent fashion. His signature La Langoustine is what you can't miss here, fried with a savory basil pesto. It's iconic. If Japanese is what you're craving, try Shibuya's Wagyu & Foie Gras Gyoza in a Garlic Goma Ponzu complimented by their endless list of authentic Sakes. Surprisingly, they do a fantastic French press coffee that caught my attention. Carbo-load on some gourmet Italian at Fiamma with their famous Lobster Gnocchi, softly nestled among Wild Mushrooms, Leeks and blanketed in a Black Truffle Cream. Basically, loving life is easy when you're eating at MGM Grand.
Did we sell you on how awesome this hotel is? Thought so. This doesn't even begin to describe the adventures you can have within the emerald goddess of the Strip, so don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need any advise or tips on how to make the most of your Vegas vacation or to make reservations at Hakkasan. Or, tweet us to ask questions, give us your input on MGM Grand treasures, or let us know which hotel to divulge secrets on next.
