Testing Out the MGM All-Inclusive Package: A Weekend Staycation at Luxor

^{Luxor has stood on the Strip with its pyramid and sphinx since 1993. MGM’s all-inclusive package is encouraging first-time visitors like myself to give it a try for just a couple of days. (Photo: Joaquin Gomez Sastre / NurPhoto)}

LAS VEGAS – It was when I dug into my refreshing poke bowl and sipped on a margarita after a long day that I started to understand the appeal of MGM Resorts’ all-inclusive package. After a day of exploring the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, I could enjoy a filling dinner and head back to a comfortable hotel room knowing that my major expenses had already been taken care of. As a Vegas local in need of a staycation, that convenience was totally welcome.

MGM kicked off the all-inclusive wave in Vegas earlier this year, and even other operators like Caesars jumped in to make stays a little easier for those on a budget. MGM Resorts has quite the All-Inclusive Experience package that bundles a two-night stay with dining and entertainment starting at just $330 plus taxes.

The package is available for two guests at Luxor and Excalibur. You get a total of six meals per guest over the two nights, along with drinks for each meal. All-inclusive guests also get two tickets to a handful of Vegas shows and two rides on the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. There are no resort or parking fees to worry about in this package either. 

MGM Resorts sold over 30,000 room nights with this deal as of July, so it was high time to check it out myself through an all-inclusive staycation at the Luxor. 

The experience turned out to be a convenient way to plan a short getaway without constantly reaching for my wallet. But there’s a lot of nuance to the deal about gratuity and the fine print that anyone curious should know before booking.

Luxor’s Tower Rooms May Surprise You

Luxor offers a digital check-in option to start the journey off smoothly and get you to your room. Hotel check-in lines can be a pain when you just want to fall into a plush bed. The 3 p.m. queue at the property was long enough that I was glad to have handled the process ahead of time.

The process was relatively seamless, allowing me to confirm my reservation and review available room options before locking it all in. I would have liked an easier way to compare upgrades, particularly since the price difference between the Premier King room I selected and another option was less than $20.

I ultimately stuck with my assigned room, but don’t be afraid to ask the front desk about an upgrade if you're interested. Other all-inclusive guests I met mentioned receiving perks such as early check-in or room upgrades. Those aren't guaranteed, but asking about availability may net you a more premium experience.

Finding my room took a little navigating, but I eventually made my way to the Tower section of the hotel. Compared with the busier casino floor, the area was quiet and felt upscale. The Luxor opened in 1993, but many parts of the property have been refressed keep it modern. This is one reason I prefer this property over Excalibur, whose castle theme looks a bit more dated.

^{A Tower Premier King Room at Luxor. (Photos: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com)}

The room was comfortable and clean, with all the usual amenities of a standard Vegas hotel room. The design incorporated earthy browns and greens, while gold fixtures in the bathroom added a polished touch. My view looked west toward the mountains and freeway rather than much of the Strip, but was perfect for watching the sunset.

My room offered a comfortable place to relax between activities, which was exactly what I wanted from a short stay. Ask any local, and they’ll agree that Luxor can sometimes be overlooked in favor of MGM’s newer, center-Strip resorts. But the package does a good job of giving travelers a practical reason to stay at Luxor and possibly visit afterward.

Meals Are the Package’s Crown Jewel

During the All-Inclusive Experience, you’re able to enjoy meals at 10 different restaurants across Luxor, MGM Grand, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay, and even New York-New York. The six meals are distributed across the stay: lunch and dinner on arrival day, all three meals on day two, and breakfast on check-out day.

Our first stop was Diablo’s Cantina at Luxor. I’d heard about the restaurant over the years when it was at the Monte Carlo (now Park MGM), and it was one of the closest options on property. It’s resort-quality Mexican food – no complaints. I enjoyed the tacos and enchiladas, although I definitely had better food during the rest of the stay.

The bigger surprise came when we looked at the regular prices. Our meal with two beef enchiladas, rice and beans, three tacos, and two cocktails would have cost around $80 – holy Strip prices! Since the package was already paid for, the meal was enjoyable even if the restaurant itself wasn't a place I would necessarily return to just for the food.

Make sure to budget for tipping after every meal, since the all-inclusive does not cover them. MGM was gracious enough to cover my stay and gratuity, but travelers paying out of pocket should account for the additional costs along the way.

Later that evening, we hopped on the tram to New York-New York to ride on the Big Apple Coaster and find a spot for a filling dinner after. It’s a free way to travel between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay, but also reduces walking time between properties if you don’t want to take an Uber.

The coaster tickets are a fun twist included in the package that I probably wouldn’t have ever tried otherwise as a local.  Riding it at night made the experience extra thrilling – the rollercoaster goes through the casino and even outside, so you can see the Strip.

My guest, who loves roller coasters, had a great time and even stumbled a bit getting off the ride. I hopped on the coaster as well, but was nervous enough that my own adrenaline could’ve powered the ride. This is great for anyone who’s curious but doesn’t want to go out of their way to buy a ticket. The attraction is a fun perk to add something beyond dining and gambling to their stay.

At Tom’s Watch Bar, we ordered a poke bowl, a buffalo chicken sandwich, and margaritas. The portions at Tom’s Watch Bar were generous and definitely among the best during the experience. I love that the package doesn’t limit you to just beer and wine. Depending on the venue, you can choose from other options such as cocktails, fountain drinks, or coffee.

The service was friendly, and we enjoyed tuning in to some college football inside the bar. Our server spoke with us about the all-inclusive package and said that many restaurants (including his) have had to adjust their verbiage when guests arrive for a meal to ensure the dining process is as seamless as possible. Since there is a separate menu for all-inclusive guests, they make sure to provide you with the correct one from the start to avoid any confusion.

Do Everything on Day Two

The following morning, we had a full day of meals and fun ahead. We started things off with breakfast at Pyramid Cafe inside the Luxor, which feels like an Egyptian-themed IHOP overlooking the casino floor. I kept it simple with Belgian waffles, while my guest went with a large breakfast burrito. The portions were satisfying; another place I’d recommend for breakfast during the All-Inclusive Experience. It didn’t take long to get our meals, and the staff treated us well the entire time.

We spent much of the day away from the Strip checking out the Museum of Ice Cream, so we never got around to using our lunch voucher. Luckily, there’s no harm if you end up not using one of your free meals.

I recommend seeing the show on day two. Trying to fit it into your day between checking in, eating lunch, and planning dinner can be a lot. Doing it the second day gives a lot more breathing room. You can choose between Blue Man Group, Carrot Top, FANTASY, the Australian Bee Gees, Mac King Comedy Show, or Thunder From Down Under. The package offers several options across genres like comedy, music, magic, male revues, and burlesque shows. Definitely check out videos of each one before making your pick.

We chose to see Blue Man Group, which offered a mix of comedy, bright lights, and visual spectacle. This show won me over, but I would’ve definitely seen FANTASY or Carrot Top if I had to choose another option. It’s a shame that Tournament of Kings isn’t included, but it’s definitely worth spending the money on.

Like the rollercoaster voucher, this is a great perk to fit entertainment into a short trip. The package takes some of the guesswork out of budgeting for a night out.

We needed a late dinner after seeing Blue Man Group that evening, so Backstage Deli came in handy. Seeing just the menu online undersold its value – it’s a solid 24/7 spot for sandwiches or salads. It worked well for a late-night meal, particularly because many other restaurants had closed by the time we made it back to the casino floor. We even returned the next morning and ordered the same sandwiches for breakfast before heading out.

Your vouchers will disappear from the MGM Rewards app when you check out digitally, so make sure to use everything before you check out. The all-inclusive package includes a 1 p.m. check-out, so you still have a few hours to finish your itinerary if you get an early start.

We didn’t realize this until we had checked out and still needed to use our breakfast vouchers. Fortunately, the front desk was able to reopen our room so we could finish breakfast before leaving. If you run into a problem or have questions about how the experience works, the front desk is happy to assist you so nothing goes to waste.

There are so many restaurants included in the All-Inclusive Experience, so it’s worth checking out as many as possible if you want to explore. The menus and participating locations are available to review ahead of time so that you can plan out every meal and location in advance.

Final Thoughts: Perfect Package for Vegas Visitors on a Budget

After spending two nights at Luxor, I can totally see the appeal of MGM’s all-inclusive package, particularly for budget-conscious travelers. This is a great option for couples and locals like me looking for a staycation without a long list of separate expenses.

The biggest advantage is the convenience. Your room, meals, and entertainment are all bundled together at a set cost you take care of before even stepping onto the property. The dining experience varies by venue, but we enjoyed it all without having the financial headache of paying for each meal.

In hindsight, I would have liked to try more participating restaurants at other properties like the TAP Sports Bars at Excalibur and MGM Grand, but we simply ran out of time and energy. A two-night visit doesn’t necessarily leave time to experience Vegas to the fullest unless you are more caffeinated than I am.

When choosing a hotel, I recommend going for Luxor over Excalibur based on my experience and the property’s aesthetics. Luxor is only about three years younger than the other resort, but the distinctive Egyptian theme has still aged well over the years.

I’d especially recommend the deal for a visiting friend or family member who wants a comfortable place to stay while spending most of the trip exploring Las Vegas. Locals looking for a change of scenery without taking on the cost of a more expensive resort could definitely enjoy this too.

Just remember to budget for gratuity and review the participating restaurants and shows before you arrive to ensure the smoothest possible experience. If you prefer a luxury resort experience or want complete freedom over where you dine, there’s no shortage of options that MGM offers further up the Strip too. But if your priority is getting a hotel stay with meals and entertainment into one manageable cost, it offers plenty to enjoy over two nights.

You can find more information about MGM’s all-inclusive package on their website.

MGM Resorts hosted this stay and covered the package and gratuities, but all opinions expressed are my own.