Review: MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

How did it strike you on arrival?
In the Skylofts, you feel like you've been let into some kind of delicious secret with these suites. You'll take a private elevator from MGM's grand tower to the Sky Lobby on the 29th floor, and from there, you'll be whisked to one of the 51 two-floor, loft-style accommodations high above the Las Vegas Strip.

What’s the crowd like?
You might see other Skylofts guests, but likely not. This is a fairly private crew, although you may see them in the Sky Lounge, which, as the name suggests, is for the exclusive use of Skylofts guests. They're young and hip, and/or high rollers at the hotel who have been invited to stay. They're a well-heeled group.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
I've been in both the one-bedroom and two-bedroom lofts (they have up to three bedrooms). Depending on the time of year, you can actually score these lofts for less than you might think. While the listed prices are between £1,500 and £4,000 per night and the one-bedrooms are 1400 square feet, we have seen prices as low as £820 for the one-bedroom – a great deal, considering the fact that your stay comes with transportation to and from the hotel (maybe even in the hotel's Rolls Royce Ghost); VIP everything and no standing in line; and private butler service. They'll even stock your room with whatever you want before you arrive, and draw a bath for you.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
The beds here are top-notch, with beautiful white Anichini linens and lots of pillows. In fact, there's a pillow menu with 15 different kinds of pillows with different fills and firmness.

How about the little things, like mini-bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
The rooms in Skylofts are designed to feel like actual residential apartments, so there is cool art (black and white sculptures), and there are plenty of places to entertain. Lots and lots of TVs and technology to control everything (an "environment remote" lets you control the temperature, curtains and lights). It's the little extras, though, that you might appreciate the most, since these rooms really are pretty far away from regular hotel amenities (or a Starbucks). A private bar, espresso machine, different teas and snacks are all stocked in the rooms.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
These rooms are among the sleekest on the Strip. Skylofts were the first to get televisions embedded in the mirrors, and you can watch TV from your cool, infinity-edged bathtub (which also incorporates colour therapy, in case you feel like turning the place into your private spa). And if you do, you'll be happy to find amazing Bulgari amenities, including various Bulgari tea-scented bath tea bags that you can toss in (or your bath butler can).

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
The Wi-Fi is great and included in the £35 resort fee.

Room service: Worth it?
Some of the restaurants in MGM Grand offer room service to Skylofts, and Skylofts staff do tell you that they can make virtually anything happen. So if you have the scratch and want to orchestrate an in-room dining experience with a restaurant, you might as well ask!). The in-room dining menu at MGM Grand is also good, with options like burgers and pizza you build yourself, and a good variety of mostly American choices (salmon, filet mignon, sandwiches). If you decide to entertain in your loft, you can order from their catering menu.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
The butlers really do whatever you'd like, from stocking your kitchen with snacks (no, you don't pay extra for them) to tracking down toiletries, drawing a bath, delivering flowers. And the concierges in the exclusive lounge make sure you don't wait in line and have preferred seating in restaurants and in the shows.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking – whatever stuck with you.
Skylofts doesn't have its own pool or gym but it's just a short trip down your own elevator bank to all the attractions of the massive MGM Grand.

What was most memorable – or heartbreaking – about your stay?
The most memorable thing is the view! All the rooms have double-height windows in the living rooms. Make sure you speak to the concierge, though, about precisely which view you want.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
These rooms would be perfect for a milestone anniversary or a honeymoon. They're huge, private and feel both luxurious and really contemporary. Every MGM hotel has a rate calendar, so if you want to treat yourself on a night that the rates are a bit softer, you only have to look.