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!)
