Vegas Values: How Suite It Is…

My husband and I celebrated Christmas a bit differently this year. When you can’t be with family for the holiday, indulging in a staycation is the next best thing. We are no strangers to the term staycation, we take a few each year. Even as locals, we haven’t tired of the glitz of the strip. We love playing tourist in our own backyard. We particularly take pleasure from staying in suites, we’ve experienced some of the nicest Wynn and Palazzo offer, but there is one place that keeps us coming back again, and again. That is The Signature at MGM Grand.

The Signature is a group of three art deco luxury condo-hotel towers that sit where the MGM Grand Theme Park once stood. The first tower opened in May, 2006. The third opened nearly a year later. The Signature has its own private entrance off of Harmon Ave. It is guarded, upon arrival you will be welcomed, greeted by name and directed to your tower. Each tower has its own valet and check-in, we stayed in tower three this visit. The check-in process is always short and sweet, within minutes we were on our way to our plush non-smoking suite. We favor the junior suites with balconies on the penthouse floors, this visit we were on the 31st floor.

Just one of the many views from the balcony
Just one of the many views from the balcony
Photo by Kellee Kunovic

The junior suites offer 550 square feet of luxurious accommodations. Each has a deluxe king bed with separate sitting area and kitchenette, equipped with dishes, flatware and small appliances such as fridge, microwave, blender, and coffee maker. The bathroom has a whirlpool spa tub for two, oversized shower and dual sink vanities. What more do you need? Nothing if you ask me, but you also have access to the fitness center, private lounge, three pools and as a guest of the Signature you also can access MGM Grand’s pools.

The Signature is connected to the MGM Grand via an indoor walkway outfitted with people movers. The third tower is the furthest away, the first is the closest; at most it’s a quick 5-minute walk to MGM Grand’s Studio Walk, where the pools and a number of restaurants are located. Minutes later you’ll reach the casino or the KA Theater. I love that the Signature is a quiet oasis just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the casino floor.

This stay was wonderful just like the others. We enjoy lazy afternoons in bed, watching movies, soaks in the tub, we’ll usually bring a bottle of champagne to share on the balcony overlooking the city lights. This trip was too chilly but we still admired the twinkling lights and neon from the floor to ceiling windows.

Nobhill Tavern's cioppino
Nobhill Tavern's Cioppino
Photo by Kellee Kunovic

We had a fabulous Christmas dinner at Nobhill Tavern. We began with French onion soup served Gruyère grilled cheese, the broth was rich with onion flavor; it was divine. Then, we delved into cheese fondue with sourdough bread. It’s odd how something so basic as melted cheese and bread can be so delicious. Next, we moved on to our entrees: Kurobuta pork chop with braised Swiss chard and San Francisco cioppino. The chop was tender with smoky bold flavor and the cioppino was beautifully prepared with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and salmon swimming in a creamy peppery-tomato broth. We also had two side dishes: truffle Mac ‘n cheese and Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons. The Mac was rich with truffles and gooey cheese, and the sprouts were roasted until caramelized and flavored with bacony goodness. We left no room for dessert. I’m sure we missed out on some kind of wonderful delight. Service was friendly and prompt. It might have been an untraditional Christmas meal, but it was indeed fabulous.

The meal was made even sweeter, because like FiAMMA, Nobhill also has two for one entrees for local residents. We took advantage of that, and our reservation also included a $50 resort credit. We signed the meal to our room and the credit is removed upon check-out.

Before heading back to our suite. We stopped at the Signature lounge for a nightcap. We were the only ones there at the time, it felt like we had the royal treatment. We each ordered a glass of white wine: Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. The drinks were complimentary based on the promotion we had booked.

Christmas night brought us sweet dreams in the heavenly cloud-like bed. Christmas morning we enjoyed breakfast in bed, delivered by in-suite dining. We noshed on white chocolate brioche French toast, and a ham and cheese omelet.

We requested late check out, one o’clock came much too quickly. We reluctantly gathered our belongings, called valet, checked out and settled our bill. We were sad to go, but fortunately home is a short six-mile drive. How sweet it is that a staycation is never far away. Yours might be closer than you think.

Sign The Signature’s guestbook to receive special offers and promotions. I regularly receive email blasts with nightly rates from $99-$149 so be sure to check the calendar for a great deal; promotions often include resort credits and complimentary drinks. To be fair, also be aware of the daily $20 resort fee, this fee includes the following services: fitness center access at The Signature at MGM Grand, high-speed internet access, local and 800 calls, in-suite private label coffee, two bottles of water per suite, per day, and daily newspaper delivery.

Comments

3 responses on “Vegas Values: How Suite It Is…

  1. Wow, those rates are really tempting — I could use a staycation sometime soon. Thanks for the great information

  2. I wish resorts would include the “resort fee” in the room rate instead of luring people in with a false rate & then add $20/day. It’s so phoney.

    Love the article and I’ve always been interested in the Signature. Thanks for sharing!!!

  3. The Signature really is a great choice for a getaway.

    I agree with you, Ashley. I wish they’d do away with the fees. At least, at The Signature you feel like you’re are getting something in return – internet, water, newspaper. Other resorts say it’s simply for the use of the facilities.

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