MGM Grand

The MGM Grand pool deck is sprawling, with multiple pools, long pathways and a lazy river that winds through the area. It gets a mix of families, big groups and party-minded twenty-somethings, so the vibe changes depending on where you sit. Some sections feel a bit worn, but the scale and energy make up for it. You come here for movement and people-watching, not serenity.

The MGM Grand sportsbook is a classic big-resort room, with a wide open layout and plenty of screens spread across the wall. It can handle large crowds, though the atmosphere skews noisy and a bit chaotic on peak weekends. You get the full BetMGM betting menu and decent drink service, but the overall design feels less polished than the newer Park MGM and Aria setups. It is a workhorse book that does volume more than luxury.

MGM Grand used to be a major poker powerhouse, but the room has shrunk and now runs far fewer tables than in its peak years. Reviews still call it a very soft place to play low-stakes no-limit, especially 1/2, with lots of short stacks and classic tourist mistakes to capitalize on. At the same time, analysts describe it as a "shadow of its former self," with less energy and fewer game options than the marketing might suggest. It is fine if you are staying there or hunting soft 1/2, but it no longer feels like a flagship poker destination.

Classic brunch fare meets carving and omelet stations, with plenty of comfort hits like pancakes, bacon, salads and shrimp. The vibe is easygoing and the layout is simple to navigate, which makes second plates come naturally. Add sweets and fruit to land the plane.

Hakkasan is a multi-level club anchored by a large main room that feels like a theater for EDM and big-room house. The sound and lighting rigs are still impressive, and the crowds on marquee nights prove there is life left in the mega-club model. It can feel like a maze when it is full, and getting a drink at the main bar on peak nights takes patience. If you like big drops and big crowds, it still delivers.