Hi All, Long time reader, but first time poster. My 2-3 visits per year are generally to Aria, but my wife and I want a change in venue and are thinking about the MGM. We are mid 30s, but mainly go to gamble, eat, and relax by the pool. At Aria, we are comp'ed a 1br SkySuite (the smaller one) and full RFB. We don't go overboard, but have never had anything not taken off our bill. I average about 500-600 per hand for 4 hours a day at BJ. Our host is generally unresponsive, but it seems that's common at Aria. We aren't demanding, so it hasn't been an issue, but it'd be nice to have my limo pick me up ontime and our dinner reservations to be made correctly. So here are my questions: 1) am I crazy to consider switching? 2) what's an equivalent suite at MGM? 3) what are limits in high limit rooms at MGM? 4) although it's personal, any good references to a host? 5) am I missing anything? Appreciate any and all advice!
I don't think you're crazy to consider switching. Not really sure what comparable suite is, because, IMO, the suites at MGM are so different than the Aria Skysuites. The limits in the high limit are the same as the Aria high limit. $10k for blackjack, $20k for bac. Don't recall the limit for roulette. I have also seen a craps table in the Mansion high limit from time to time, but never a limit posted. I assumed it was $5k.
And it just occurred to me that by limits, you probably mean minimums in the high limit (not the actual limit). If that's the case, the BJ is comparable to Aria and the bac and roulette minimums tend to be a bit higher. I usually see the BJ minimums ranging between $200 and $1000 depending on the day, time, and how busy it is.
Setting aside the casino part of this ( I actually like the staff in the casino at MGM more than Aira ) the crowd is completely different. Lets put it this way, there is a food court at MGM, as well as lots of young and loud people in a bad way. While you're going to be in the high limits area you're still stuck in the middle of what I consider a party hotel. Mansion is different of course and you might like it there. . Might consider MB (may be too far off path), Bellagio, or Mirage if you just want a change of pace. Bellagio just needs to cull the damn herd some....love the property can't stand the traffic. Aria is like the Bellagio in terms of people, without the herd. Again your bet size, and I assume your bank roll, might open the Mansion for you and that could be entirely different all around.
I did mean minimums, I want my wife to play next to me, she'll play blacks, but if it's a $300 table, at some places they're too strict and it gets annoying. I've done the MB and Bellagio thing before, they both don't do it for me, that's how we ended up at Aria, we're just due for a change. Thanks for the comments.
MGM has some tables in the main floor and Whiskey Down that have good rules at lower minimums, usually $50 to $300. Its not the high limit, but they are both decent places to play
Not sure about their suites, as I've always stayed in the grand tower regular room comped. I'll tell you, I love the gaming, MGM is very lenient, liberal whichever wording you may choose, with comps. More than other MGM properties, they have more leeway with comps, I'm only going by what a host stated too me years ago. MGM also has kick ass pools, shopping, food court, but also many dining choices, much more than other properties. Cheap to fine dining. I love the rooms at Aria much better, jmo! I don't care for the fairly new decor of the rooms at the MGM, I wished they would've left them alone with the black/white prints of Metro Goldwyn Mayer old time actors/actresses, Yeah yeah I get it, everything has to be updated.
Unless they include Skylofts, and I don't know what the play requirements are for that, MGM Grand doesn't have nearly as big an inventory of suites as Aria. And one of those suites, the Marquee, is a two bedroom and is probably overkill for a lot of your trips. Especially with only 2 - 3 trips a year, I'd be concerned each trip about getting bumped out of what I expected. MGM Grand is an OK property, but if you're happy with what you get at Aria, I wouldn't switch.
I like the MGM Grand, but it is a different crowd than the Aria, as others have said. It's also very large, but the overhead signs make it fairly easy to find your way around. If you are getting comped Sky Suites, then I would see if you can get a terrace suite at MGM Grand. But again, their inventory of these suites is small and you can get bumped. I typically go from Sunday to Wednesday, so this hasn't been an issue for me. I have stayed in one twice. I can PM you my host if you like. Also, if you've been reading this forum, have you given any thought to seeing what Kevin from the Cosmo could do for you.
The Terrace Suites at MGM have always looked interesting and want to try one day but they have never been available on my weekend trips. The Skyline Marquee Suites are similar to the Aria Suite but larger. I like the other amenities offered by the SkySuites vs.MGM. Private pool, lounge area with water ,coffee, and snacks without waiting in the Starbucks line. You might try a different host at Aria if your is unresponsive.
I'm a loyal MGM Grand customer. My host is Matt Colman. He responds to e-mails, and I can always reach him on the phone when he is working.
I really enjoy the terrace suites. They are unique, which makes them fun. But one word of warning for anyone considering these suites: don't stay there in warm weather. The bedroom is impossible to cool down in the summer
Appreciate all of the comments. Apparently, I was crazy because MGM would offer me only a standard room and consider food on the back-end. So I called my host at Aria and have my standard SkySuite and RFB package. So, this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, I thought Aria was supposed to be a premium property for me, guess they just don't want players at MGM.
Just like host at Mirage told me....it's your first stay here even though you've been to Bellagio Aria and MGM Grand so we will comp on the back end. They really seem to not get it that people want a change don't piss off your better customers. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That makes no sense. I know my host has made offers to players similar to what they are getting at other mlife properties. Sounds like a host that isn't willing to step up.
You're right, it does make no sense. I guess this host has such a big book of customers that he doesn't need me. Might think about trying another, but I'm pretty soured to MGM now.
I am happy to check with my host there and see what's up. Assuming the play numbers are correct, I should get some a good idea if you want to reach out.
UK, I have this suite booked with an offer for 7/8-10...last leg of our upcoming trip beginning the 7/2. So the temperature will be brutal in side/within the suite?!
It will be brutal in the bedroom. The floor plan is an open design. The bedroom is basically an open air room above the living room and bar area. Plus, almost an entire wall of the suite is a glass sliding door that opens onto the terrace. All the warm air from the lower level and coming through the glass rose up to the bedroom level. So it gets crazy hot in there. I kept the AC on upstairs 24/7 and it was still so hot that we had to sleep on top of the bed covers. Other than that, however, it is an awesome suite. Hope you enjoy
