Key Points:
- The Studio King Room is usually the cheapest option at MGM Grand, starting at under $100/nt after fees.
- The Studio King is tiny. At just 350 square feet, it’s one of the smallest rooms on the Strip.
- My room was fine, but I recommend upgrading to a more recently renovated, larger MGM Room instead.
MGM Grand renovated the Studio Tower (the wing closest to the Strip) in 2022, but that’s not the reason I’ve been dying to stay there.
While the Studio Tower rooms boast a fresh, floral look, what had me intrigued was the tower’s history.
See, MGM Grand was completed in 1993, but this part of the structure dates back to the 1970s, when it was part of The Marina Hotel and Casino.
Uniquely, MGM Grand incorporated the bones of the old Marina Hotel into the new, much larger structure as their West Wing, which has since been rebranded as the Studio Tower.
The old Marina Rooms are starkly different than those in the newer portion of the resort.
Mainly, they’re much smaller, 96 square feet smaller to be exact, and have a totally different aesthetic than the more recently renovated MGM Rooms, which I rank among the best budget rooms on the Strip (pictured below, for comparison purposes).
Room, Cost & Check-In
My room was complimentary, thanks to my gaming activity in the MGM Rewards loyalty program. I was still on the hook for the resort fee + tax of $56.69.
MGM’s Studio King is commonly bookable for under $100/nt after fees, and is typically the cheapest option at MGM Grand.
The check-in process at MGM properties is seamless when done via the MGM app, which lets you use your phone as a room key and skip the lobby entirely.
I checked in the night before, and was alerted at 2:31 pm that my room was ready.
MGM Studio King Room Review
On the way up to my Studio King Room, I was struck by how low the hotel hallway ceilings were. Definitely working with 1970s infrastructure, here.
This tower also spills into MGM Grand’s main tower, and it has to be the longest hotel hallway in Las Vegas (I should’ve gotten a better pic of how long it was – my bad).
The elevator lobby had a trendy vibe too, with a little couch, but there were certainly signs of wear.
Not surprisingly, the first thing I noticed stepping into the room was how tight it was. At 350 square feet, these rooms are among the smallest on the Strip.
The color palette is pleasing, though, and the furnishings are pretty darn fashionable.
While there wasn’t room for a TV stand, I dug the backlit mirror sprouting out from behind the wall-mounted TV. The window is a bit of a “postage stamp” by today’s hotel standards, though.
The closet didn’t have a door, and the fridge was (unfortunately) stocked with minibar beverages. I’d prefer to see an empty fridge in a budget room like this.
I thought the seating had a differentiated look and did a nice job of conserving space.
Bedside charging options were adequate and included traditional outlets, USB-A ports, and a wireless pad atop the alarm clock.
The bathroom was equally tight, but I thought it was stylish. Love illuminated mirrors, and while the art above the toilet made no sense, it worked. The shower also popped.
MGM-branded bath products were provided on the vanity and in the shower.
Albeit unexciting, cramped, and lacking “bells & whistles”, I thought MGM’s Studio King was fashionable, modern-feeling, and comfortable for the price.
This is a solid option if you can snag a comp or score it for under $100.
What’s Not to Like?
When I review hotels, I give you the whole story, not just the good, so that you can make a more informed decision.
While the biggest knock against this room is its size, there were a few other deficiencies to note, including:
A collection of dings, wall scuffs, and a dusty vent in the bathroom.
The laminate flooring in the bathroom seemed to be coming up, or was installed incorrectly? It was “wavy”.
One of the grossest items was a thick urine glob on the toilet. Whoever was responsible for this needs to hydrate better.
And then there was this little stain on the top of the bedding…
The toilet and bedding were a bit disappointing, but the room was fine for the price point in my opinion.
MGM Grand Resort Experience
The Pool
MGM Grand’s is one of the best pools in Vegas, featuring multiple bodies of water, a lazy river, 3 hot tubs, and plenty of palm trees over 6.5 acres.
It’s one of the most desirable pools on the Strip and even allows public access for a $25 cover charge (which can be cheaper during non-peak times).
Food & Drink
MGM has 23 restaurants on site, ranging from a food court to Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak.
Trust me when I say there’s something for you here. I won’t bore you to death by listing your options.
On this occasion, I stopped into the Avenue Cafe for breakfast, which is back in business after the space spent about a year as Netflix Bites.
I ordered the Bananas Foster Pancakes, which were topped with half a banana, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle, and also had diced bananas between the flapjacks.
I could only get halfway through that stack, but let me assure you, it was fantastic. The meal cost $21, which is about where most entrees land.
What impressed me most was the service I received from Nick at the “bar” (there was no alcohol, but it looked like one). Extremely welcoming, warm, and accommodating. He gave it the feel of a neighborhood diner.
FRIENDS Experience: The One in Vegas
I also took the opportunity to visit one of the newest attractions on the Strip – The FRIENDS Experience, despite only being a casual fan.
Adult admission costs $49-$55 depending on the day, and the attraction is packed with props, costumes, photo ops featuring iconic moments from the show, and detailed set recreations that were a blast to explore.
The set recreations were easily my favorite part, and included Central Perk and Monica & Rachel’s apartment, among others.
Pictures & video are encouraged, and they even have employees scattered about that can snap photos for you on your personal phone or camera.
Check out my full FRIENDS Experience review.
The Casino
The casino is MASSIVE, and was dealing $25 craps, roulette, and 6:5 blackjack during the day. While MGM Grand has shed its “Wizard of Oz” theme, I love this little callback to the past.
But guys, this is MGM Resort’s namesake property… I think it’s due time for a sportsbook upgrade… It’s not the 1990s anymore.
Verdict on MGM Grand’s Studio King
If you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t mind a tight room, then the Studio King could be a good fit.
It’s a fashionable, modern, comfortable room. I thought it was in pretty good condition for the price, considering it was last renovated in 2022.
I enjoyed my stay.
That Said…
There are occasions when rooms in the main MGM Tower are exactly the same price or just slightly more expensive. In those scenarios, upgrading is a no-brainer.
MGM Rooms are 27% larger (96 additional sq. ft.), were more recently renovated, and also commonly start at under $100/nt after fees. That additional space comes in handy in the bathroom, which is much less cramped.
They also have an empty mini fridge for personal use – A great amenity. I also dig the under bed lighthing.
You can read my full MGM King Review here.
Whatever room you end up with, it’s tough to go wrong as MGM Grand checks so many boxes (ample dining options, unique attractions, awesome pool scene, great location, Monorail connected, etc.).
You get a lot of room & resort for your money here. It’s a great mid-tier option.
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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.