Park MGM Las Vegas Review for January 2026

Park MGM opened June 21, 1996, on the site of the former Dunes hotel and Desert Rose Motel.

It was a decade filled with spectacular themed resort builds in Las Vegas.

Excalibur, Luxor, MGM Grand and Treasure Island had all opened in the previous six years, and New York-New York, Bellagio, Venetian and Paris opened a few years after.

The fashion at the time, therefore, was to go big and themed. And the trend was to choose a well-known worldwide city or location as the inspiration. When Monte Carlo opened, it had a classical art deco interior, stunning architecture and brought a flavour of European luxury to Sin City.

Monte Carlo had a reputation as a second-choice hotel for Vegas tourists and took a lot of overflow bookings from the top resorts on the Strip.

In 2008, a fire broke out on the rooftop of the property, and it had to close for a number of weeks. The top floors needed full refurbishment, and when they eventually reopened a year later, they were separated off as a hotel within a hotel called Hotel32.

It was June 2016 before MGM announced that Monte Carlo would undergo a rebrand, and it was two years later, in May 2018, that the name change to Park MGM was complete. Hotel32 was removed, and the top four floors became another hotel within a hotel called, initially, NoMad, but now The Reserve.

Current day Park MGM doesn’t really have any reminders of its former theming. The hotel towers still have the same external architecture, but just about everything else has gone.

Walking around, I struggled to put my finger on what type of style they are going for. It's refined, classy, cultured, but also a little plain and understated, too. It doesn’t have much of a personality, really, but it is pleasant and attractive.

Thinking about it, I think the original tagline of unpretentiously luxurious is still quite accurate, although the standards of luxury in Vegas have certainly risen considerably since then.

Location 

Park MGM is well situated right in between the centre of the Las Vegas Strip and the south end.

To one side is New York-New York, and on the other are South End casino resorts, which are all connected. To the other side is Aria, which you can access through an internal walkway.

Park MGM is also part of the free Aria Express tram route, which you can take to Bellagio, with stops at Aria, Vdara, and The Shops at Crystals along the way.

Many visitors stay here because of how well connected it is. MGM Grand is only around a ten minute walk, and you can access the Las Vegas Monorail from there. The monorail runs down the full east side of the Strip with stops at Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, LINQ, and all the way to Sahara.

You can buy single ride tickets from $5.50 or day ride passes for up to 7 days, and the monorail goes directly past the Sphere and the High Roller as well.

Alternatively, an even more affordable way to travel down the Strip is the Deuce bus, which stops directly outside of Park MGM. For just $4 per ride you can journey all the way up and down the Strip, and it goes all the way Downtown to Fremont Street too. The only word of warning on the Deuce is that it has so many stops, it feels like it takes forever.

Park MGM is perfectly located for the T Mobile Arena, which is just behind the resort and not too far from the Allegiant Stadium either, so it’s a good base.

If you are travelling to Park MGM from the airport, then it is within Zone 2 of the fixed rate taxi fee from Harry Reid International Airport. So, expect to pay a flat fee of $26 plus tip.

If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find plenty of car parking on site, which costs between $18 - $23 per night, depending on which night you stay.

With a casino floor of around 102,000 square feet, Park MGM is similar in size to the Venetian and Cosmopolitan when it comes to gambling space.

The difference with Park MGM is that it is completely smoke-free and is all in one basic rectangle shape, so it is the easiest Vegas casino floor to navigate.

At one side is the Eataly food court, and at the other is the Aria walkway and the hotel elevators. Down the sides in between are a number of bars, restaurants, shops and attractions. A circular casino bar is also located within the gambling space and is surrounded by slots and table games. 

Park MGM feels like it has two contradictory atmospheres, depending on when you go. Daytimes and non-event days can be really quiet. But, if you go when there’s an event on at the Dolby Live Theatre or the T Mobile Arena, then it gets jam packed, and I’ve even found it hard to find an empty slot on some Saturday nights.

Table Games Selection 

The live table games are right in the middle of the casino floor, and there are around 60 in total.  You can play blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat, plus some limited poker pit games.

Minimum table limits do start at $10, which is the lowest you’ll find on the Strip, but these are for 6:5 blackjack and triple zero roulette, which don’t offer the best odds for players.

Nevertheless, I did play a few hands of blackjack to check out the gaming experience, and it was lots of fun. My dealer was engaging and created a nice atmosphere at the table, and the chairs and table were in good shape.

Most of the poker pit games started from $15 minimum, as did craps, but the lowest 3:2 blackjack table started at $25. Additional games are available in the high limit salon, including No Commission Baccarat and European Roulette.

Classic table games:

•    Blackjack
•    Roulette
•    Craps
•    Baccarat

Variants:

•    Free Bet Blackjack
•    Pai Gow Poker
•    Ultimate Texas Hold’em
•    Crapless Craps
•    3 Card Poker

There isn’t a poker room at Park MGM, but neighbour Aria has one of the biggest and busiest, and you can access it using the internal walkway.

If you enjoy playing electronic table games, then Park MGM has a good selection, including double zero roulette and blackjack with minimums of $3 - $5.

Slots

Park MGM has around 1,000 slots on its main casino floor, made up of retro three reel games and modern video slots, too.

The slots are well spaced out, giving a comfortable playing space, and they surround the table games in the centre. There is a good variety of games on offer, including all the new favourites and some classics as well.

Some of the most well-known games at Park MGM include:

•      Cash Falls
•      Ultimate Fire Link
•      Dancing Drums
•      Buffalo Gold
•      Prosperity Pearl
•      Lightning Link
•      Wheel of Fortune
•      Huff n’ More Puff

I had a little bit of luck on Ultimate Fire Link and Little Shop of Horrors while at Park MGM, but ultimately my luck ran out on this visit.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the lucky ones who picked up one of 2,800 jackpots last month at Park MGM that totalled $7,000,000 in prize money. 

Bar-Top Gaming

You can play bar-top games in the central casino bar and in the BetMGM Sportsbook bar. To play, just pull up a spare seat, insert money into the machine and choose from a range of games that usually include video poker, keno, blackjack or a few select slots.

You will receive complimentary drinks while you play, and your server will be notified when you are eligible for a drink, usually using a light system. You can ask for beers, spirits, basic cocktails and soft drinks, and always make sure you tip your bartender too.

On my last visit at the casino bar, I inserted $20 and played it through. When I inserted a second $20, I was offered a drink.
 

Park MGM Sportsbook

Park MGM has the BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar off to the side of the casino. It is a really nice space with a fun and lively atmosphere to watch and bet on sports.

With big screens, comfy seating, booths, a wide choice of beers, snacks and bar-top games, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours.

You can place a huge range of bets, including straight bets, parlays, totals and money lines on a wide range of sports, including boxing, hockey, UFC, golf, plus pro and college football and basketball.

Waitress Service 

Like all casinos in Vegas, if you’re gambling, you’re entitled to complimentary drinks on the casino floor. Waitresses circulate around the slots and table games offering drinks to people playing.

The frequency of service and the quality of the drinks do vary depending on which casino you are in though. But it can also depend on how busy it is, how many staff are working and where you’re located in the casino too.

Personally, I’ve had both good and bad waitress service at Park MGM, so it differs according to the individual visit. But the best way to improve your waitress service is to sit in a busier, more visible part of the casino and to tip well.

Drinks you can ask for include beers, wine, cocktails and spirits. Just ask your waitress what they serve if you’re not sure. And I usually recommend tipping between $2 - $5 per drink.

High Limit Gaming at Park MGM Casino 

Park MGM has both a high limit slots lounge and a high limit table games salon.

The high limit salon feels very exclusive and has a stunning Tiffany Glass ceiling, which remains from the Monte Carlo days of the resort. It is small and intimate and has its own impressive bar.

You can play blackjack, roulette and baccarat for high stakes starting from $100 minimums. European Roulette (single zero) is available here, as is Double Deck Blackjack and No Commission Baccarat.

The high limit slots area has around 60 slots offering higher denominations to bet on.

You’ll find high-stakes versions of some of your favourite slots, such as Huff ‘n More Puff or Piggy Bankin’ and some retro style games too.

Although you may think high limit slot areas are only for the high rollers, you’ll find that most games in there start from $5 a bet, so if this is within your range, then give it a go.

It is a nice, more refined place to gamble and often has better waitress service, too.

Cash and Payment Options 

To gamble at Park MGM, you’ll need cash on the casino floor. To play slots, just insert cash straight into the game and on the tables, just hand cash to your dealer or croupier.

Card payments aren’t accepted, but you will find ATM’s on the casino floor to withdraw money if needed. Be careful, though, as withdrawal fees can be as high as $10.

All slot machines in Vegas operate a voucher system, so when you withdraw money or winnings from a slot, instead of cash, you will receive a voucher. This is the equivalent of slot currency.

If you want to continue playing slots, you can insert the voucher into another game. If you want to cash out, then use one of the many redemption machines on the casino floor.

At the tables, you buy in with the dealer and receive chips in return. After playing, if you’re lucky enough to have chips left, you cash them in at the cashier.

Park MGM has a total of 2,700 rooms and there are an additional 293 rooms at The Reserve at Park MGM hotel which covers the top four floors.

The Reserve is considered to be a more exclusive experience with bigger and better rooms. It also has its own lobby and pool. Meanwhile, Park MGM is still seen as a mid-range property with a good range of amenities. The whole resort is completely smoke-free.

Dog-friendly rooms are available at Park MGM if you want to bring your canine companion with you. Up to two dogs are allowed, and they come with an additional fee of $100 per night, per dog, plus tax.

Park MGM Rooms

Standard Park MGM rooms start at 406 square feet, which is around average in Las Vegas. They are bigger than the rooms at New York-New York and Paris, but not as big as the more high-end properties.

You can opt to book Stay Well rooms, which come with some additional wellness technologies, and you also have the option of Strip view rooms. If you want to splash out more, you can book a range of suite options too.

I stayed in a Park MGM Two Queen, and it had a view of the T Mobile Arena at the rear of the property. The room felt very spacious, and it was decorated boldly with a bright red and white colour palette. Not all rooms are red; some are green instead, though.

The room had a large bedside table with a lamp, handy power outlets and USB ports. There was built-in window seating, which was soft and comfortable and an additional table with an armchair too. A small gallery of artwork hung above the beds, and there was a full size mirror too.

The bathroom was a good size and also featured the bold red and white décor with a large red tiled shower unit and a single sink. The bathroom was immaculately clean and in great condition. The door to the bathroom was a sliding door and had a dual purpose of also being the wardrobe door too.

The room had all the usual amenities, including TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, bathroom toiletries and an in-room safe.

Overall, for a standard room, I was really impressed with Park MGM. It was clean, modern, comfortable and spacious, and I would have no issue staying here again.

Bars

Park MGM has quite an eclectic mix of bars offering different vibes and atmospheres. The main ones include:

•    Juniper Cocktail Lounge – sophisticated cocktail bar with huge gin selection   
•    Mama Rabbit – lively and colourful mescal and tequila bar with live DJ sets
•    BetMGM Sportsbook Bar – casual and fun sports bar with snacks and beers 
•    Casino Bar – busy casino bar with bar top games in the thick of the action

If you’re after more of a nightclub experience, then Park MGM has On the Record, which is a speakeasy and club experience featuring a DJ stage within a double decker bus. Make your way through the secret record shop entrance, and you’ll discover three rooms, indoor and outdoor areas and plenty of space for dancing too.

Buffets and Restaurants 

There is a lovely mix of formal and casual dining as well as different cuisines at Park MGM. 

Bavettes is the most high-end dining option, which is a classic steakhouse. The Library restaurant also provides some a dining experience.

Primrose is the perfect place for brunch and has a sophisticated garden party vibe. Meanwhile, Best Friend offers Korean food in a lively setting, and Toscana Ristorante is a stylish Italian restaurant offering all the classics.

There are also lots of casual dining options, including La La Noodle, La Pizza & La Pasta, Sportsbook Bar & Grill and Starbucks. The most extravagant casual eating experience at Park MGM is Eataly, which is an up-scale food court offering restaurants plus grab and go counters serving all types of Italian cuisine.

As a final note Side Betty Grill is a 24 hour food option serving burgers, wings, fries and nachos, and I have enjoyed many a late night snack here.

There is no buffet at Park MGM, the closest one is available at Excalibur or Cosmopolitan.

Shows and Entertainment 

Dolby Live Theatre is really the only attraction at Park MGM, but it’s a good one.

Featuring residencies from some of the biggest names in the music industry and one-off gigs, it is a highly popular music and comedy venue.

Recent residencies have included Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and Mariah Carey to name a few, and they attract huge audiences.

I saw Aerosmith here a couple of years ago, and it is a fantastic open venue with excellent sound quality and great views, no matter where you sit.

Park MGM is also directly in front of T Mobile Arena, so it’s the perfect place to stay for sports and music events taking place.

If you enjoy shopping, then there are a few small shops at Park MGM, and if you love cutting edge fashion, then you might want to take a look at Haus of Gaga.

This is an exhibit and shopping experience all in one, curated by Lady Gaga herself. This features some of the Grammy award-winning’s most iconic fashion pieces from her personal vault spanning more than 10 years. There are also some exclusive retail items.

You can enjoy a chill day around one of three pools at Park MGM or go for a full pamper in the spa.

Park MGM Pool 

The Park MGM pool oasis offers an attractive and relaxing environment and the choice of three pools. Set in pretty surroundings with palm trees and cool striped umbrellas, there are plenty of free chairs and loungers to sit back and soak up the rays.

If you want a more luxurious pool experience, then you can hire day beds, pods or cabanas, of which there are many.

The pool area is open every day 8am until 7pm. Snack and drinks are available around the pool deck from the two bars, and servers will bring them directly to you at your bed.

From personal experience, I’ve always found the Park MGM pool deck to be a really peaceful place to be. Many other pools in Vegas either have loud music or lots of children and families, whereas Park MGM always seems to have a more chilled vibe.

Spa

Although quite small, Park MGM does have a spa which includes a hot tub, sauna, steam room and comfortable loungers.

Treatments are available, including hot stone massages and nourishing body treatments if you want to treat yourself. Salon services are also on offer, including hair and nail services.

Park MGM is part of the MGM Rewards program, which gives members a variety of benefits in return for spending in the resort.

There are a total of nine MGM resorts in Las Vegas, and the program goes across all of them, meaning you can receive and redeem points across them all.

To register, just take along some photographic ID to an MGM rewards desk in any MGM property. You will then be given a card which you should use anytime you spend money in an MGM resort. 

All spending can accrue points, including gambling, shopping, and paying for hotel stays, restaurants and bar bills. If you are paying for a service, hand your card to your server when you pay the bill. If you’re gambling then insert the card into the slot machine or hand it to your dealer.

The points you build up can be redeemed against things like hotel costs, and it can also earn you slot freeplay too. You’ll also collect tier credits, which go towards your tier status, and the different levels are as follows:  

Sapphire (0 – 19,999 credits): access to complimentary rooms

Pearl (20,000 tier credits): as above, plus free self-parking and occasional complimentary concert tickets

Gold (75,000 tier credits): as above, plus zero resort fees and free room upgrades (where available)

Platinum (200,000 tier credits): as above, plus airline credit and priority lines

Noir (Invitation only): as above, with guaranteed restaurant reservations

Should you join MGM Rewards?

My personal opinion is that you should always join the rewards program of any casino resort. This is because you get the opportunity to receive rewards for the money you were going to spend anyway.

With MGM Rewards in particular, it is one of, if not THE best, rewards program in Las Vegas. Working across nine different resorts, it gives you multiple opportunities to collect points and doesn’t restrict you to one property.

In terms of earning points, four tier credits are awarded for every dollar spent on rooms, food, drink and retail. Meanwhile, you can also pick up points for gambling, but this is all worked out on the amount of money you gamble and the amount of time you spend in the casino, too.

The best thing about MGM Rewards is that you can receive benefits even on the lowest tier of the program. Without climbing tiers, you can still get complimentary rooms, discounts and freeplay.

The range of benefits increases the higher you climb the tiers, and there are also regular accelerators and multiplier days where you can boost your points.

Finally, the MGM app makes your rewards really easy to manage. You can track your progress on there, see what benefits you are eligible to receive and make hotel bookings on there too.

Park MGM is a great all-rounder for Vegas visitors. It has an excellent location, great casino, good range of food and drink, and spacious well-presented rooms.

Although not considered a high-end resort when compared to the likes of Wynn and Fontainebleau, it is sophisticated and refined. And in terms of overall standards and quality, it is way above the more value resorts on the Strip such as Circus Circus and Excalibur.

It is, therefore, very much a mid-range resort, just as intended.

The casino is light, smoke-free and easy to navigate and has a good range of slot games. The table games aren’t as varied in the poker pit selection, but all the favourites are there, and some reasonable table limits too.

Park MGM has a good location, which is both close to centre Strip, but also just far out enough to still have a tranquil vibe. Its location also means it is ideal for exploring the south side of the Strip, and for attending events at the T Mobile Arena.

The Dolby Live Studio at Park MGM is a central hub for high profile music and comedy events, meaning it’s the place to be for big name artists. How busy the hotel and casino is largely depends on which acts are performing and when. If you don’t like big crowds, then I would avoid a gig night, especially just before and after the concert times.

The pool oasis at Park MGM is a really nice place to relax, and I have tried many of the food options, such as Primrose and Eataly, which were both amazing.

All in all, I think the only downside to Park MGM is its lack of personality. It's very non-descript in style and doesn’t have anything really distinctive. However, you could say that this in itself is its character and that’s what makes it such a good all-round resort.