Las Vegas is filled to the brim with good (and bad) hotels. Some of them are there to just give you a simple place to lay your head for the night, while others stand proudly as multi-billion dollar entertainment destinations.
Park MGM Las Vegas sits somewhere in the middle of our spectrum. It’s compact and trendy with a hint of “upscale” that you often get with boutique hotels, but it isn’t showy or obnoxious.
At first glance, there’s a lot to like about this hotel! But is this Vegas hotel worth staying at?
Having lived so close to Las Vegas, I have experienced my fair share of hotels in Las Vegas. Some were definitely amazing, and others? Not so much.
Spoiler alert: I can say with confidence that Park MGM Las Vegas is one of my personal favorites!
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Park MGM Las Vegas, exploring everything from its location and amenities to its rooms and dining options.
The faster you choose your hotel, the sooner you can spend the rest of your trip planning deciding on all the fun things to do in Vegas and packing for your Las Vegas trip!
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Table of Contents
Park MGM Las Vegas Hotel Overview
Park MGM is an affordable yet upscale and contemporary hotel located on the Las Vegas Strip, just steps away from some of the city’s most popular attractions.
The property was originally built in 1996 as the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, but underwent a massive renovation in 2018 to become the modern, sleek Park MGM we know today.
The hotel is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, one of the largest casino and hospitality companies in the world. Based on how many hotels they have on the Strip, it’s almost like they own half of the Las Vegas Strip.
The hotel features over 2,700 guest rooms and suites, all of which are spacious and beautifully decorated with furnishings that give an overall retro feel. One thing’s for sure — these rooms have personality.
The property also boasts several great eateries, including the award-winning French brasserie Primrose and the popular Italian food hall, Eataly.
Park MGM: What We Liked
- The hotel’s location is in Center Strip
- The hotel isn’t as big as some of the mega-resorts on the Strip, which makes getting in and out of the hotel easy and fast
- The hotel’s design appeals to younger crowds (less opulent, more casual)
- Restaurants are actually quite affordable for the Strip
- Super easy access to Eataly (perfect for any meal of the day, including coffee runs)
- Easy access to nearby spots like Dolby Live, The Park, MGM Grand, Bellagio, NYNY
- Walking distance from affordable shops like ABC Store, CVS, City Target, Marshall’s, and other shops
Park MGM: What We Didn’t Like
- Hotel charges for parking, even for hotel guests
- Daily resort fee (sadly, this is the case for most hotels on the Strip)
- No coffee machine or refrigerator in-room (also common for most hotels on the Strip)
- There are no nightly shows that take place here (you’ll need to go to another hotel for those)
- There are no iconic nightclubs or pool parties here (you’ll need to go to another hotel for those)
- Rooms are on the smaller side compared to other hotels in the area
Pro Tip: While I love Booking.com (it’s my go-to hotel booking platform 99% of the time), I have sometimes found better hotel prices on Priceline. Your results may vary, but it may be worth doing a quick spot check to compare hotel room prices.
Park MGM Las Vegas: Our In-Depth Review
Location
One of the biggest draws of Park MGM is its prime location on the Las Vegas Strip.
I honestly don’t know what I love more about this hotel — its amazing price point (which is always affordable compared to some of the other 4-5 star hotels on The Strip) or its super convenient location.
The hotel is situated at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Park Avenue, just across the street from the T-Mobile Arena and the Park MGM Plaza. It’s also close to hotspots like MGM Grand, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile Shops, etc.
If you’re looking for a hotel in the Center Strip area, I think Park MGM is the best option there.
Rooms
The hotel features over 2,700 guest rooms and suites, all of which are spacious and beautifully decorated with unique artwork.
Within the rooms, you can expect tasteful yet simple amenities like a sitting nook by the window, comfy bedding, Bluetooth capability, and cute bathrooms that come with this relaxing sage green tiling.
The standard room type is the Park King or Queen (406 square feet), which features a comfortable king or queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a minibar.
The room also comes with a cute bathroom with a walk-in shower (no separate soaking tub here, sorry to tell you), a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
If you’re expecting suite-style living, I’ve gotta burst your bubble. The rooms will be missing a few common amenities that you’re probably used to, such as a fridge, microwave, and coffee machine.
(This is all too common with Las Vegas Strip hotels — they want you to spend money at their coffee shops! And while they aren’t a standard within each room, refrigerators are subject to availability upon request.)
They offer a “Stay Well” upgrade for the standard rooms, which includes wellness amenities like air purification, aromatherapy, and a dawn simulator alarm clock.
The Park MGM hotel also offers a variety of upgraded room types, including the Park MGM Nighthawk Suite (1 king) and the Park MGM Nightingale Suite (2 queens), which features a larger living space and a separate seating area.
While some of the doors and fixtures may feel older and have been painted over rather than completely replaced (from the Monte Carlo days), this doesn’t take away from the overall experience.
The rooms will feel like you’re staying at a tasteful friend’s East Coast apartment. I love it.
Pools
If mint green and white stripes are your vibe, then you’re really going to love the pools at Park MGM! This quaint retro aesthetic is exactly why Park MGM is one of my favorite Las Vegas Strip hotels.
Park MGM Las Vegas features distinct pool areas for guests to enjoy.
The first is the South Pool, which is located on the ground level near the hotel’s main entrance. This pool features a large deck area with plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas, as well as a bar and grill that serves up refreshing drinks and tasty snacks.
The second pool area at Park MGM is the East Pool, which is located on the same level as the hotel’s casino. This pool features a more relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable seating and a quiet ambiance.
The third and final pool area at Park MGM is the NoMad Pool, which is located on the rooftop of the hotel’s NoMad Tower. This Moroccan-themed pool is exclusive to guests staying in the NoMad Hotel.
Entertainment / Things To Do
Park MGM is a big concert hub. Dolby Live (previously Park Theater) is where all the magic happens!
This state-of-the-art theater is a popular venue for concerts and events, with a capacity of up to 5,200 guests.
The theater has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, and Cher. At any given week, there’s at least one show or musical performance happening here.
Be sure to check out their events calendar for all the latest shows.
And whether or not there’s a show going on, you can hang out at The Park, an outdoor dining and entertainment district located just outside of Park MGM.
Not only will you find a decent range of restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, but the area is also home to several public art installations, including a 40-foot-tall sculpture of a woman’s head! And if you’re a Sanrio fan, don’t miss the pop-up Hello Kitty Cafe before it disappears!
While there are no recurring shows that take place at Park MGM at the moment, Las Vegas’ most iconic Cirque du Soleil shows are only a stone’s throw away! Here are the closest ones to the Park MGM:
- Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil (NEW YORK-NEW YORK) – the next hotel over from Park MGM
- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil (MGM GRAND) – right across the street from Park MGM
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil (BELLAGIO) – right across the street from Park MGM
- Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil (MANDALAY BAY) – slightly further away, but easily accessible by the free tram
And then there’s Eataly. My favorite part about Park MGM is that this gem of a place is housed here!
This Italian marketplace and restaurant is a foodie’s paradise. It’s even been called a gastronomic theme park for foodies! The massive space that makes up Eataly features several different restaurants, including a pizza and pasta bar, a seafood-focused restaurant, and a wine bar.
You can also grab coffee and pastries, get a scoop of gelato, or shop for high-quality Italian ingredients and products to take home.
Restaurants
When it comes to dining options, Park MGM Las Vegas has some fun options. Best of all, nothing is too outrageously expensive — at least for Vegas standards.
Primrose, the uber-popular French brasserie is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll wanna eat here if classic French dishes like escargot, steak frites, and coq au vin are your thing.
Then there’s Roy Choi’s Best Friend, featuring a family-style menu of Korean-inspired dishes, including kimchi fried rice, spicy pork belly, and Korean-style fried chicken. This restaurant’s so fun because it’s decorated as if you’re dining in a convenience store.
And of course, there’s the massive section of the hotel that makes up Eataly!
Within Eataly, there are about 4-5 places to grab food including a restaurant that specializes in pasta and other classic dishes, a pizza stand, a sandwich counter, and a counter that specializes in seafood dishes.
No matter the time of day, you can always stop by Eataly for a scoop of ice cream or a glass of wine. Or perhaps an aperol spritz!
Pro Tip: They have a wine-tasting happy hour menu in the corner near the section that sells all the bottles of wine.
Other great eateries include Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar, a classic steakhouse and seafood option, as well as La La Noodle for all things noodles, dumplings, and other Asian classics.
And lastly, for some of the best fried chicken that Southern California has to offer, head to The Crack Shack! Their fried chicken sandwiches are amazing because they’re made with chicken thigh instead of chicken breast, making the sandwiches super-duper tender and juicy til the last bite!
And while there is no buffet on the Park MGM property, you can easily walk over to the Buffet at the Bellagio, which does the job and is better than average. This buffet is located directly across the street from Park MGM.
Bars
When it comes to bars and lounges, again — there is no shortage of options.
Mama Rabbit Bar, located right next to Best Friend restaurant, specializes in tequila and mezcal-based cocktails, as well as a menu of Mexican-inspired small plates.
Juniper Cocktail Lounge is an upscale lounge that features a menu of craft cocktails inspired by the flavors and aromas of the desert.
For a more casual (or perhaps more rowdy) drinking atmosphere, head to Moneyline Sports Bar & Book! This sports bar and sportsbook is the perfect place to catch the game and place your bets.
For something a bit more fancy, head to NoMad Bar for its sophisticated, old-world feels. You can enjoy the elevated menu of classic cocktails and upscale bar bites!
Day Clubs and Nightclubs
When you think of day clubs and nightclubs in Vegas, you’re probably thinking of international DJs spinning or hip-hop artists making cameos and performing their big hits.
While Park MGM has its share of spots to hang out at night, it’s nothing like what you’d expect at places like Marquee, XS, Encore Beach Club, or Zouk.
The ‘nightclub’ at Park MGM is called On The Record, and it’s more of a speakeasy lounge than a true nightclub. This intimate club features a nostalgic, retro-inspired design, with a functioning record store at the entrance. Depending on the night, there will be DJs or live music acts.
For those of you who want to get crazy pool party style, the nearest pool party and day club to Park MGM is the Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand, just a short walk away from Park MGM. Wet Republic is a popular day club, featuring a large pool, cabanas, and a range of drinks and snacks.
The nearest nightclub to Park MGM is Hakkasan Nightclub, which is also located at the MGM Grand across the street. Hakkasan usually gets world-class DJs like Calvin Harris, Lil Jon, Alesso, and Steve Aoki.
The walk from MGM Grand to Park MGM is only about 5-7 minutes, which means you can leave the club, walk back to your hotel, and knock out with very little effort.
Other Amenities
Aside from all the entertainment options you can find at Park MGM, other amenities include:
- The casino that operates 24/7
- Park MGM Spa & Salon – a full-service spa and separate salon
- The Sixth Space – features seasonal “pop-up” retail experiences.
- Haus of Gaga / Las Vegas – an ever-changing experience featuring Lady Gaga’s most iconic fashion pieces and costumes.
- Corner Store – if you’re in a pinch, you can buy any extra travel necessities here
- a small but mighty fitness center
- In-room dining
Bottom Line: Is Hotel Worth Staying At?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly but equally upscale hotel option, Park MGM Las Vegas really fits that bill. It fits the bill more than any other hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, honestly!
It’s stylish without trying too hard, located smack dab in the middle of the Strip for the utmost convenience, and super affordable (yes, I’m even factoring in that pesky resort fee when I say that!).
In comparison to rooms at other hotels that go over the top with their decor and aim for opulence, this hotel just doesn’t try as hard to fit into that mold. They’ve really got their own style here, and it’s hard to find this style elsewhere on the Strip.
Having said all that, there are situations where I go for the Park MGM, and situations where I don’t. The top two hotels I often alternate between are The Palazzo and Park MGM.
If I know I’ll be traveling as just a couple, Park MGM is my go-to. You can’t beat the money for value here.
If I’m traveling to Vegas with a large group of friends and we intend to share rooms to save on lodging costs, I go for other hotels on the Strip with much bigger rooms (hello, Venetian / Palazzo).
The reason why Park MGM isn’t my go-to for group stays is that the rooms are on the smaller side for room size standards in Vegas.
For reference, the standard rooms at The Park are 406 ft², whereas at MGM Grand across the street, they are 446 ft². At Bellagio, the next hotel over, the standard rooms are 510 ft² and at The Palazzo (my go-to hotel for bigger groups), the rooms are a whopping 720 ft².
If you’re a family of 4+, Park MGM is a fine choice, but I could see other hotels being a better fit for you, such as MGM Grand (they have a great pool complex with lazy river and all) or The Palazzo (they have standard rooms that fit up to 6 people).
But! If you’re traveling in a smaller group and are willing to sacrifice some room size — which is likely the only deterrence I see keeping you from this hotel — Park MGM is a great hotel choice.
Really, there’s not much else to complain about here! Unless you’re just not into that relaxing sage green color. Nevertheless, it continues to be one of my favorite hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!
Pro Tip: While I love Booking.com (it’s my go-to hotel booking platform 99% of the time), I have sometimes found better hotel prices on Priceline. Your results may vary, but it may be worth doing a quick spot check on hotel room prices.
Park MGM Las Vegas: Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives To Park MGM Las Vegas (That Are Equal Or Better!)
NoMad Las Vegas
NoMad Las Vegas is another hotel brand that is part of the Park MGM complex. Compared to Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas is an even MORE upscale, luxury hotel that occupies the top four floors of the Park MGM tower.
And technically, while they share the same building, The NoMad Hotel is a separate entity from the rest of the Park MGM hotel, with a completely different design, decor, and amenities.
The 293 guest rooms and suites here are the definition of vintage luxury!
While the NoMad Hotel is separate from the rest of the Park MGM complex, guests of the NoMad have access to all of the amenities offered at Park MGM. This includes access to the Park MGM casino, restaurants, spa, pools, and fitness center.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more exclusive hotel to stay at, The NoMad is a great choice. You’ll get a higher-end experience, while still being able to enjoy all the amenities of a larger resort.
MGM Grand
In case you couldn’t tell by their similar names, the MGM Grand is the hotel that’s most comparable to Park. At MGM Grand, you’ll get a similarly convenient location, a better pool setup, ample restaurant options, and lots of entertainment options including:
- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
- David Copperfield – hailed as the “greatest illusionist of our time”
- Jabbawockeez
- Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club – best place in Las Vegas to catch the hottest names in stand-up!
- The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
- Topgolf – high-tech hitting bay
- Zero Latency – group VR games
There are also more nightlife/clubbing options here, including a daytime and nighttime option: Wet Republic day club for pool parties and Hakkasan nightclub for big-name DJs at night.
While the rooms are a bit more outdated (they’re currently renovating the rooms), there are lots more things to do at this hotel.
Pricewise, MGM Grand should be pretty similar to Park MGM prices. Depending on the dates you’re looking for, sometimes MGM Grand is cheaper than Park MGM, and other times Park MGM is cheaper than MGM Grand.
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