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
|
