"We arrived for a two-night stay at MGM Grand at Foxwoods intent on taking in all that the new luxury resort and casino had to offer. A sizable proposition, to be sure. Besides the 825-room hotel, MGM Grand boasts its own casino, a spa, huge convention space, a 4,000-seat theater, retail shops, a nightclub and three new restaurants. For some, two nights wouldn't be enough to enjoy Foxwoods' new "wonders"; for others (especially non-gamblers), two nights would be more than enough.

For us, it was just the right amount of time to get to know MGM Grand. Check-in to the hotel (available for only invited guests on opening weekend) was a snap. The circular reception area, full of light and shiny glass, is pretty, and unlike other casino check-in area, it has comfortable seating for those who are waiting or meeting people. Elevators aren't right off the lobby; guests must enter the casino area, passing by shops, food and slots to get to lifts that will take them up to their rooms.

Our room on the 23rd floor of the 30-floor hotel, which resembles a space shuttle with its booster rockets attached and is one of the 565 "deluxe" rooms, which is MGM Grand's standard level. A bit snug at 388 square feet (the standard "deluxe" rooms at Foxwoods' Grand Pequot Tower are 450 square feet), their design makes them more enticing. Like the entire resort casino, the rooms are a study in contemporary cool, with a relaxing color palette and sophisticated but understated design. MGM Grand doesn't assault guests with neon and party colors; it's chic in an unfussy, uncomplicated way. Frankly, that's much more my speed than the spectacle and over-the-top design that some casinos are known for."

Get the Story:
Travel: A Comfortable Place To Lay Your Head At MGM Grand (The Hartford Courant 5/25)
pwday