MGM Grand Detroit is a AAA Four-Diamond luxury casino resort hotel in the heart of downtown Detroit. Built in 1999 on a temporary site and then permanently in 2007, MGM Grand is built in an Art Deco style with modern accents dotted throughout the property.
As far as first impressions go, there are beautiful glowing crystal chandeliers that line the front lobby. To the left is the restricted-access entrance to the hotel rooms and to the right are endless entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, casino, etc. MGM Grand Detroit is a destination hotel and unfortunately, given my busy schedule while in town, I didn’t have a chance to experience much more than the hotel room. Overall, I had an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
PROS
-I received a nice welcome gift and personalized note with a bag of cookies and a deck of playing cards — thank you!
-Check-out was a breeze, but I did have to wait a bit for the engaged front desk agents upon check-in. I’m not a happy camper when I have to wait to check-in/check-out.
-Water is complimentary — can’t believe some hotels don’t get something as simple as this. But there’s a sign that says if you’re thirsty for more, there’s more water for purchase in the minibar — I don’t like that.
-The location is perfect — close to lots of bars, restaurants, stadiums, etc. in downtown.
-There’s a separate smoking-free entrance to the hotel and you have to show your key to the security officer to get in.
-There’s a fully-stocked minibar, though a few healthy options would have been great.
-The room was beautiful with sweeping views of the Detroit skyline.
-Loved the cozy private lobby for hotel guests exclusively — there’s complimentary coffee and a blazing fireplace. Very chic and cozy.
-The lovely curtains weren’t solely for show and managed to perfectly block out the morning sunlight, making it easier for me to sleep in — a MUST on vacation.
-The full-service IMMERSE Spa is beautiful and touted to be the best in Detroit — that’s yet to be determined as I didn’t have a chance to check out any services.
-There’s live music daily at AXIS Lounge.
-The service was great — attentive and hospitable. From the front desk to the housekeeping staff to the concierge, the service was fantastic.
-A state-of-the-art fitness center was available, but it wasn’t open 24 hours.
-There are a lot of dining options (Wolfgang Puck restaurants) and 24-hour in-room dining.
-There was a NORMAL hair dryer that was actually functional. (But there was still hair on it from the previous person-gross!)
-MGM Grand toiletries — decent, but I wouldn’t purchase them myself.
-The dual rain shower heads was fantastic.
-The bed and copious fluffy pillows were supremely comfortable and made it difficult to get up in the morning — a good problem to have.
-There’s a TV in the bathroom. Music and entertainment while I’m getting ready — I’m sold!
-More people should be aware of the availability of the house car for short distances (within 5 miles). But this is only available from M-F from 6a-6p.
-WiFi is complimentary for all guests throughout the hotel.
-There were enough outlets near the bed for all my gadgets — perfect for working late at night in bed and for digital travelers.
-The room and bathroom were very spacious.
CONS
-Breakfast was not included.
-No robes or slippers. Slipping into a cozy robe after a long day is one of my favorite parts of the hotel experience.
-No bathtub in my room.
-Didn’t allow for a late check-out, and the front desk agent was supposed to let me know if it was possible in the morning, but he never got back to me.
-No activity on social media before, during, or after — I can’t understand how hotels don’t understand the importance and power of staying digitally social in today’s day and age.
-Turn-down service was disappointingly ordinary — water and a small chocolate. For a luxury hotel in the Motor City, there is so much you can do to play with the city’s theme, so that would have been a great touch.
Duration: 2 nights, September 10-12, 2015
Bottom line: After making my rounds through all the luxury hotels in the city, I found the MGM Grand Detroit to be the most luxurious with its amenities and decor. I appreciated the dimly lit ambiance and sweeping Detroit skyline views, but it would have been great if there was a little more attention to detail and more personalized customer service such as addressing guests by their name (Ms./Mr. XX) — it would certainly elevate the guest experience, transforming a floating one-time guest into a loyal long-term customer. Overall, it’s a beautiful urban sanctuary and if you’re looking for an entertainment powerhouse with live music, casino, and restaurants, the MGM Grand Detroit is a great option and I would recommend it.
*Disclosure: My hotel was covered by the Visit Detroit office while on my experiential luxury travel tour, but views are my own and accurately reflect my stay. I stayed in a Luxury Room on the 10th floor.
**My policy: there will always be full disclosure about whether my stay was hosted by the hotel or paid for with my own money. And even if the hotel decides to offer complimentary services, my review will never be swayed one way or the other. After all, if my experience was sub-par, and I continue to falsely rave about their services, no one will benefit–not me, not you, not the hotel (they’ll never improve!). So, trust that you’ll receive 100% truth in every review.