The MGM Grand has undergone several facelifts in
recent years, but the final product was worth the wait. Originally constructed with a
"Wizard of Oz" theme, the MGM Grand bought into the idea that Las Vegas would be
the next Walt Disney World. However, as the saying goes, "Toto, I don't think we're
in Las Vegas anymore". MGM dropped the Oz theme to include other MGM movie
classics. Now rooms are decorated in themes like "Casablanca" or
"Gone with the Wind" and the casino floor has a huge screen that shows film
clips. Playing baccarat while James Bond looms overhead is a thrill even if you aren't
wearing a tuxedo and don't get his unbeatable hands.
The casino floor is spacious and modern. There is a large stage in front of
the movie screen where musicians and singers perform while guests play table games below.
This creates a nice atmosphere in which to loose your money. The casino floor is huge, so
if you find the activities distracting, there are plenty of tables that are more secluded.
The exterior of the casino is still
decorated in the emerald green of "The Wizard of Oz" , but instead of
Dorothy or the Tin-man, a huge golden lion stands guard in front of the casino. An
interesting footnote is that once upon a time, the entrance to the casino looked like the
maw of a giant lion. However, some Asian cultures found this to be a bad omen and the
entrance had to be revamped.
One of the attractions of the MGM Grand is
the fine eateries. The rainforest cafe is inside the MGM complete with trees and
rainforest setting. The MGM also boasts two of the best restaurants in Las Vegas.
Gatsby's, which features fine American fare and the New Orleans Fish House, owned by
cable's favorite chef, Emeril Lagasse. (Bam!)
MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO
