Park MGM is one of the newer names among Las Vegas Hotels, although it has been established on the Strip for more than a quarter of a century.
It has spent the vast majority of that time as the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, with the rebranding to Park MGM taking place in 2016.
Park MGM is a small hotel (by Las Vegas standards) with a big presence in a great spot on the Strip.
Park MGM overview
Location: Strip (South)
Opened: June 1996
Last renovated: 2016
Number of rooms: 2,700
Gaming space: 102,000 sq. ft
Operator: MGM Resorts International
Permanent shows: Aerosmith (residency), Usher (residency)
Signature attractions: Dolby Live
Known for: Blockbuster music acts, being the Strip’s only no-smoking resort
Price guide: $$$
Location
For many, Park MGM does not just have a good location on the Las Vegas Strip, it has the ideal one.
Park MGM serves as a bridge between the busy south end of the Strip and the bustling centre of it. New York-New York is its neighbour to the south while it connects directly to Aria to the north.
The T-Mobile Arena is also on its doorstep. That makes it a perfect place to stay if you’re in town to see a Vegas Golden Knights game or one of the countless other events there.
Getting around
The location of the property makes getting around very easy indeed.
As mentioned, you can walk directly into Aria from Park MGM and from there Cosmopolitan has easy access too. You also have the option to jump on a free tram and go to Cosmo or Bellagio directly.
The north of the Las Vegas Strip is just about walkable from Park MGM, especially on cooler days. Taking the Las Vegas Monorail from the nearby MGM Grand is always an option too, as is the Deuce bus that has a stop nearby.
If you want to visit Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the ‘Fabulous’ Las Vegas sign, then cutting through New York-New York and taking the tram from Excalibur is a hassle-free solution.
Park MGM Rooms and Amenities
The standard rooms at Park MGM are recently renovated and finished to a very good standard. You also get 406 sq. ft to enjoy, which is more than some bigger properties. Suites are available and they start at 700 sq. ft.
Once you get to the upper floors, Park MGM becomes Nomad, which is essentially the same hotel but a different décor. It has a more boutique styling and a separate reception. It does come at a slightly higher price point, but many find it to be worth the extra money.
Park MGM and Nomad have all the amenities that you would want. There is the standard pool complex, a salon and a spa. Guests also benefit from a concierge service.
The casino is a very good size yet not overwhelming like many others can be, especially for gambling beginners.
RELATED READING: Park MGM casino guide
Food and Drink
Considering its comparatively small size, Park MGM boasts a vast array of food options. Some may even describe it as a foodie paradise.
That is largely down to the sprawling Eataly complex at the property, which is a vast Italian food court and marketplace that serves ready to eat food and food produce all with an authentically Italian flavour.
Aside from Eataly, steak lovers will likely adore Bavette’s, and if you want to try some Korean cuisine then you can do that too at Best Friend.
24-hour eats is becoming harder to find in Las Vegas since the Covid pandemic, but Park MGM has the Side Betty Grill for the late-night snackers.
There is also the standard Starbucks and a Crack Shack is just outside too for further cheap-eat options.
Park MGM has a cool nightclub and speakeasy called On the Record, while the Juniper Cocktail lounge is one of the better bars of its type on the Las Vegas Strip. There is also the Mama Rabbit Mezcal and Tequila Bar for those wanting something a little bit different.
Shows and Attractions
There is no question that Park MGM is one of the best venues in Las Vegas for headliner music acts. Aerosmith have a residency there, as does Usher, and Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga are very closely associated with the property too.
Park MGM once also famously agreed a Britney Spears residency, although that never happened due to her personal situation.
The reason the resort can attract these names is because of their Dolby Live theatre, which has exceptional sound quality.
Music fans will also want to check out the Haus of Gaga, which is an exhibition with Lady Gaga costumes and memorabilia.
Park MGM Pool
The pool complex is simple and small, but it has everything you need.
Cabanas can be hired and premium loungers reserved, and it is served by poolside bars for frozen cocktails and snacks.
Nomad has a separate pool deck that carries a Moroccan theme.
RELATED READING: The best pools in Las Vegas and where to find them
Conclusion
Park MGM is a relatively small hotel, but it’s hard not to fall for the property’s charm.
It occupies a large space but it still feels manageable, so there is very little not to like.
Pros: The location is superb and the music on offer can be stellar
Cons: The styling is a little ‘safe,’ and if Italian food doesn’t do much for you then the food options will likely feel frustratingly limited
Considerations: It is a smoke-free resort – the only one on the Strip – so if you are a smoker then it’s one to avoid.