Strip hotel suggestion for the non gambler

My brother is a not a gambler at all, and found out last week he has a conference in Vegas in early May. He likes Vegas (he has gone three times) but not for gambling, primarily for the restaurants (he and his wife are big foodies).

He has stayed at Caesars twice and Flamingo once and is ready to venture away from CET properties as in all three occasions he was out there for weddings/special events. This is his first business trip, and the MGM Grand is the host hotel. While there is a discount to stay at MGM, he is ok with potentially venturing away from the host hotel. Any suggestions near MGM that isn't a CET property?

 

I am big at staying at host hotel - assuming there are events there. You do not want to spend half a day to just go back to your room for a few minutes. MGM is a big place with lots to do and easy access to other areas.

Any further answer from this two cent contributor would depend on what sort of business trip, and where most of that will take place.

 

Depends on what he considers to be close.

He could stay at vdara and take the tram to Park MGM every day and then walk across. That puts you in the middle of Aria, Bellagio and Cosmo for food options - with cheaper options across the street at PH/Miracle Mile.

Otherwise I'd probably just stay at MGM Grand

 

MGM Grand or Signature at MGM Grand would be my choice if that is where the conference is located, or he could do a property close to a monorail stop (e.g. Bally's) and use that to get to MGM. Otherwise, it's just how much walking does he want to do to go back and forth, and does he want easy access to room during breaks and such.

MGM properties on that part of the strip to consider would be ParkMGM/NoMad, Aria, and Vdara (Vdara and NoMad topping my personal preferences). I would also check Cosmo and Waldorf Astoria when comparing rates. (When Waldorf was Mandarin Oriental, at times the rates were surprisingly reasonable, though I have not compared since the change.)

NYNY would also be an option, but I can't see recommending it over MGM itself in this case.

 

I'd say the Signature is the best option. Close to the convention center and far from the gaming floor. Staying at another property means a significant walk to and from the daily events, but maybe that's what he wants. In that case I'd consider NoMaD or Vdara as a previous poster mentioned.

 

Four Seasons. Vdara. Waldorf.

 

I always forget about the former Mandarin Oriental now Waldorf Astoria. Decent choice too

 

If attending a conference at MGM then I'd definitely stay at MGM Grand or Signature. Of the options that I'd consider close enough to be beneficial the nearest one I'd chose over those would be Mandalay Bay (or Four Seasons if you want to splurge). MGM is certainly large enough to have plenty of options for a non gambler plus its right on the monorail giving easy access to the middle of the strip.

 

While I typically find it easier to stay at the host hotel for the conference, based on your description I'd highly recommend Vdara.

• It's central/adjacent to 3 of the best resorts for food on the strip - Cosmo, Aria, and Bellagio.
• Less crowded than other strip resorts - if he's there to focus on business during the day he may appreciate not having to hoof it through the smoky casino to find the elevators, etc.
• It's not too far from MGM - he could attempt to walk it if he's in relatively good shape.

 

Assuming the meetings are at MGM - I have a hard time justifying going anywhere else.

Great facility with LOTS of food options right there, and even more right across at NYNY/Park MGM

 

Due to the convention being at MGM, I'd be in the Signature group as well.

I've also heard good things about Platinum, just up the street from MGM.

 

His meetings are at MGM however he isnt keen on staying there *just because*.

He is looking at Waldorf Astoria as a change of pace from the normal Vegas experience

 

MGM Grand is gigantic. Even if he stays there, it could be a 15 minute walk to the meeting. Staying anywhere else will take longer. Unless he stays someplace small and ubers right to the convention area.

 

Before he books anywhere he should also realize that there convention center is all the way in the back of the property. So tack that on to whatever walk he needs to do from the hotel he decides on.

 

I'd look at The Signature since it's attached. And then I'd probably book it via classictravel to get the free breakfast and $100 food credit. If I was really cheap I'd consider checking in and out more than once to get additional free breakfast and $100 food credit...... not that I've ever done this of course.

 

Yes, it would be a change of pace. He would have a much longer walk to and from the meetings. If there is a one hour break, he WILL NOT be able to go to his room.

Change of pace? He will still have a room with a bed, bathroom, etc. It will a nicer one than MGM of course. He will have less food choices without leaving the hotel.

 

Four Seasons, Waldorf, Vdara, or just stay at a decent casino resort like Aria, Wynn, Palazzo and don’t gamble. They’re good hotels which happen to have casinos, but there’s no reason a non-gambler should not stay there.

 

The Signature is one of my favorite stays on the Strip. It is great bang for your buck, comfortable, and the moving sidewalks make the walk fairly easy.

 

Having attended a conference held at MGM your brother needs to know that the conference center is miles away from the rooms/casino. I stayed @ NYNY and it felt like I was walking for days. Thankfully there were no after conf party's so it was only there and back. That being said I prefer NYNY so I would probably do it again now that I know the distance.

 

Because it's in Early May I would say that the pool is a factor. So MGM Grand is the best choice for proximity, foods and have a great pool. 2nd: The Signature a bit far (5-8 minutes inside walk to the MGM Grand) but same access to the MGM pool and amenities.