Park MGM and MGM Grand are both MGM Resorts properties on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, but they feel very different.
Park MGM is the calmer, smaller, smoke-free choice. It is best for travelers who want a cleaner-air casino, easier navigation, great restaurants, Eataly, Dolby Live, and quick access to T-Mobile Arena, ARIA, New York-New York, and The Park.
MGM Grand is the bigger, busier, more classic Vegas choice. It has a massive casino, a larger pool complex with a lazy river, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield, Jabbawockeez, Hakkasan, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Topgolf, and more total dining and entertainment options.
Both hotels can be good choices, but they are not interchangeable. If you want a quiet and more modern stay, choose Park MGM. If you want a large resort with more energy, more shows, and a bigger pool scene, choose MGM Grand.
Park MGM vs. MGM Grand: Quick Comparison
| Park MGM | MGM Grand | |
| Address | 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd | 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd |
| Operator | MGM Resorts International | MGM Resorts International |
| Best For | Smoke-free stay, calmer resort, Eataly, Dolby Live, T-Mobile Arena, couples, food-focused visitors | Big Vegas resort energy, lazy river, shows, nightlife, large casino, Topgolf, arena events |
| Vibe | Modern, quieter, artsy, European-inspired, smoke-free | Large, busy, energetic, classic Las Vegas megaresort |
| Rooms | Park MGM rooms plus The Reserve at Park MGM, formerly NoMad Las Vegas | MGM Grand rooms, suites, The Signature at MGM Grand, and Skylofts |
| Casino | Smaller smoke-free casino | Much larger casino with more gaming space |
| Main Entertainment | Dolby Live, Park Theater-style concerts and residencies, On The Record, nearby T-Mobile Arena | KÀ, David Copperfield, Jabbawockeez, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, Hakkasan, MGM Grand Garden Arena |
| Best Restaurants | Bavette’s, Best Friend, Eataly, Primrose, Toscana, La La Noodle, The Library at The Reserve | Joël Robuchon, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Craftsteak, Morimoto, Hakkasan, Wolfgang Puck, Emeril’s, Luchini |
| Pool | Three-pool resort pool area with cabanas, daybeds, and lounge chairs | 6.5-acre Grand Pool Complex with four pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, cabanas, and lazy river |
| Smoking Policy | Completely smoke-free resort, including casino | Smoking is allowed in designated casino areas; non-smoking rooms are available |
| Parking | MGM Resorts parking rates apply | MGM Resorts parking rates apply |
| Best Nearby Attractions | T-Mobile Arena, The Park, ARIA, Eataly, New York-New York, Dolby Live | Topgolf, MGM Grand Garden Arena, KÀ Theatre, Hakkasan, MGM Grand Pool Complex, Monorail station |
Park MGM vs. MGM Grand: Main Difference
The main difference is size and atmosphere.
Park MGM is smaller, easier to walk through, and fully smoke-free. It feels more relaxed than most Las Vegas casino resorts. The design is warmer, lighter, and more nature-inspired, with art, plants, softer colors, and a less chaotic casino floor.
MGM Grand is much larger and more energetic. It has more rooms, more gaming, more entertainment, more nightlife, more food choices, and one of the biggest pool complexes on the Strip. It also feels more crowded, more spread out, and more classic Vegas.
Choose Park MGM if you want:
- A smoke-free casino resort
- A calmer hotel experience
- Easy access to T-Mobile Arena and Dolby Live
- Better everyday dining convenience through Eataly
- A more boutique-style feel through The Reserve at Park MGM
- A resort that is easier to navigate
Choose MGM Grand if you want:
- A huge Las Vegas resort
- A bigger casino
- A lazy river and larger pool complex
- More entertainment options inside the property
- Hakkasan nightlife
- Topgolf
- MGM Grand Garden Arena events
History and Background
MGM Grand opened in December 1993 and remains one of the largest and most recognizable hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. When it opened, it had a Wizard of Oz theme, a green exterior, and family-oriented attractions that were later removed as the resort shifted toward a broader entertainment and nightlife identity.
Today, MGM Grand is best known for its giant casino, Grand Pool Complex, MGM Grand Garden Arena, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield Theater, Hakkasan, Topgolf, restaurants, and major event atmosphere.
Park MGM originally opened in 1996 as Monte Carlo. The resort was later transformed and rebranded as Park MGM, with a more modern, nature-inspired, food-focused identity.
One of the biggest changes came in 2020, when Park MGM became the first fully smoke-free casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip. That remains its biggest advantage over MGM Grand for many guests.
Another current update is that NoMad Las Vegas has transitioned into The Reserve at Park MGM. If you see older references to NoMad at Park MGM, those now refer to The Reserve at Park MGM, a boutique-style hotel-within-a-hotel on the upper floors.
Rooms and Hotel Experience
Park MGM has a smaller and calmer hotel experience than MGM Grand. The rooms are modern, simple, and softer in style, with a more residential feel than many older casino hotels.
Park MGM room options may include standard rooms, Stay Well rooms, suites, dog-friendly rooms, and The Reserve at Park MGM accommodations on the upper floors.
The Reserve at Park MGM, formerly NoMad Las Vegas, is the more boutique and upscale option within the same resort complex. It has a more European-style design and is better for guests who want something quieter and more intimate than a standard Park MGM room.
Park MGM is a better hotel choice if you care about:
- Smoke-free rooms and casino areas
- Less walking inside the resort
- Easy access to Eataly and Park MGM restaurants
- Dolby Live concerts
- A calmer hotel stay
- Being close to ARIA, New York-New York, and T-Mobile Arena
MGM Grand has many more rooms and a wider range of accommodations, from basic hotel rooms to suites, The Signature at MGM Grand, and Skylofts. The property is much larger, which means you may have more choices but also more walking.
MGM Grand works better if you want to stay inside a true megaresort. You can eat, gamble, see shows, go to the pool, visit the arena, go to Hakkasan, and play at Topgolf without leaving the MGM Grand area.
MGM Grand is a better hotel choice if you care about:
- Large resort energy
- More total room types
- Skylofts or The Signature options
- Closer access to KÀ, David Copperfield, and MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Lazy river and bigger pool complex
- Nightlife at Hakkasan
- Topgolf
Amenities and Pools
Park MGM and MGM Grand both have pools, spas, salons, fitness centers, casino floors, restaurants, bars, and MGM Rewards benefits. The difference is scale.
Park MGM has a more relaxed pool scene. The resort pool area includes three pools and offers cabanas, daybeds, and reserved lounge chairs. It is best for guests who want to swim, relax, and sunbathe without a giant party-pool environment.
Park MGM’s pool is good, but it is not a destination pool in the same way MGM Grand is.
Park MGM also has the Spa & Salon at Park MGM, a fitness center, art throughout the resort, Eataly, The Reserve at Park MGM, and easy indoor connections or short walks to nearby resorts and attractions.
MGM Grand has the stronger amenities if your goal is a classic Vegas resort stay. The Grand Pool Complex covers 6.5 acres and includes four swimming pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, cabanas, daybeds, food and drink service, and the famous lazy river.
MGM Grand also has Topgolf Las Vegas, which is one of the biggest non-casino attractions connected to the resort. Topgolf offers climate-controlled hitting bays, food, drinks, event spaces, bars, and a social sports experience that works well for groups.
If pool and activity options matter most, MGM Grand wins.
Dining Options
Park MGM has one of the most convenient dining setups on the Strip because of Eataly. If you like Italian food, wine, pizza, pasta, coffee, market-style dining, and quick casual options, Park MGM is very easy to enjoy.
Park MGM restaurants and food options include:
- Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar: One of the best steakhouses on the Strip, with a moody Chicago-style dining room.
- Best Friend: Roy Choi’s Korean-LA restaurant with a fun, casual, high-energy menu.
- Eataly: Italian market and dining hall with pizza, pasta, counters, wine, coffee, sweets, and grocery items.
- Toscana Ristorante & Bar: A more formal Italian option inside the Eataly ecosystem.
- Primrose: A bright breakfast and brunch restaurant with a garden-inspired feel.
- La La Noodle: Pan-Asian casual restaurant with noodles, rice dishes, and vegetarian-friendly options.
- Side Betty Grill: Casual burgers, sandwiches, wings, and sports-bar-style food.
- The Crack Shack: Fried chicken and casual comfort food.
- The Library at The Reserve: The current successor to the former NoMad dining identity.
Park MGM is better if you want quality dining without a huge, maze-like resort.
MGM Grand has more total restaurants and more high-end fine dining. It is stronger if you want celebrity chefs, luxury French dining, Japanese food, steak, Chinese food, buffet-style dining, sports bars, and quick-service options in one giant resort.
MGM Grand restaurants include:
- Joël Robuchon: Ultra-luxury French fine dining.
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: Counter-style fine dining from the Robuchon team.
- Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak: Steakhouse focused on beef, sides, seafood, and wine.
- Morimoto Las Vegas: Japanese restaurant from chef Masaharu Morimoto.
- Hakkasan Restaurant: Upscale Cantonese and Chinese dining connected to the Hakkasan nightlife brand.
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill: Casual American and California-inspired restaurant near the KÀ Theatre.
- Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House: Seafood and Creole-inspired food.
- Nellie’s Southern Kitchen: Southern comfort food connected to the Jonas family brand.
- Luchini Italian Restaurant: Italian restaurant and lounge option inside MGM Grand.
- MGM Grand Buffet: Buffet option for visitors who want variety.
MGM Grand wins for total dining variety and high-end fine dining. Park MGM wins for easier dining and a better casual food layout.
Related Read: MGM Grand Buffet: Menu, Prices, Tips
Entertainment Options
MGM Grand has more entertainment inside the property. Park MGM has fewer shows, but its location is excellent if you are going to Dolby Live or T-Mobile Arena.
Park MGM’s main entertainment venue is Dolby Live. It hosts major residencies, concerts, comedy, and special events. Over the years, it has been associated with big-name performers such as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Usher, Cher, Maroon 5, and others.
Park MGM is also next to T-Mobile Arena, which is a huge advantage if you are attending a Golden Knights game, UFC event, concert, boxing match, or major arena show.
Park MGM is best for entertainment if you want:
- Dolby Live concerts
- T-Mobile Arena access
- A hotel that is easy to walk back to after an event
- On The Record nightlife
- A quieter stay before and after the show
MGM Grand has more built-in entertainment. Current major options include:
- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil: One of the most technically impressive Cirque shows in Las Vegas.
- David Copperfield: Long-running magic show inside MGM Grand.
- Jabbawockeez: Dance crew show with music, comedy, and choreography.
- Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club: Stand-up comedy venue.
- MGM Grand Garden Arena: Major concerts, boxing, awards shows, and large events.
- Hakkasan Nightclub: Large nightclub with DJs and nightlife events.
- Topgolf: Social golf, food, drinks, pools, and group entertainment.
- Bonus Round: 21+ bar and arcade experience.
One important update: CSI: The Experience is no longer a current MGM Grand attraction. Do not plan your trip around it.
MGM Grand wins if you want more entertainment without leaving the resort.
Casino and Gaming
MGM Grand has the larger casino and the stronger overall gaming experience. Park MGM has the more comfortable casino if smoke bothers you.
MGM Grand offers a large casino floor with slots, table games, BetMGM Sportsbook, poker, high-limit gaming, and many more gaming options than Park MGM. It is better for visitors who want a classic Las Vegas casino atmosphere.
Park MGM has a smaller casino with table games, slots, video poker, and sports betting, but its biggest advantage is that it is smoke-free. If you like gambling but hate casino smoke, Park MGM is one of the best casino choices on the Strip.
Choose Park MGM casino if:
- You want a smoke-free casino
- You prefer a smaller casino floor
- You want easier navigation
- You are a casual gambler
Choose MGM Grand casino if:
- You want more table games and slots
- You want a larger sportsbook environment
- You want poker
- You like big casino energy
- You do not mind designated smoking areas
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Location and Walkability
Park MGM and MGM Grand are close to each other, but the walking experience feels different.
Park MGM is slightly better for visitors who want to move between resorts easily. It connects well with ARIA, The Cosmopolitan, New York-New York, The Park, and T-Mobile Arena. It is also across from MGM Grand and near the pedestrian bridges around Tropicana Avenue.
MGM Grand is excellent if you want the south Strip, but the resort itself is so large that walking from your room to the casino, pool, restaurants, or the Strip can take time. The upside is that MGM Grand has its own Monorail station, which can be useful if you want to reach Horseshoe, The LINQ, Flamingo, Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate, or Sahara without driving.
Choose Park MGM for better short walking convenience.
Choose MGM Grand if you want Monorail access and do not mind a larger resort footprint.
Parking Fees
Park MGM and MGM Grand follow the same MGM Resorts Las Vegas parking rules.
Current MGM Resorts parking rates list self-parking for both resorts as:
- Non-hotel guests, Monday to Thursday: $20 for 0-24 hours
- Non-hotel guests, Friday to Sunday: $25 for 0-24 hours
- Registered hotel guests: $20 for 0-24 hours
- Additional days: $20 per additional day on weekdays or $25 per additional day on weekends, depending on when the additional period begins
Current MGM valet parking is:
- Hotel guests and non-hotel guests: $40 for 0-24 hours
- Additional valet day: $40 per additional day or fraction
Nevada residents with a valid Nevada driver license receive up to 3 hours of complimentary self-parking, except during special events. They must scan their valid Nevada driver license at the exit gate.
MGM Rewards Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members receive complimentary self-parking, subject to availability. MGM Rewards Gold, Platinum, and NOIR members receive complimentary valet parking, subject to availability.
Parking fees may be higher during special events and can change, so check the current MGM Resorts parking page before driving.
Read More: Free Parking on the Las Vegas Strip
Park MGM vs. MGM Grand: Which Is Better?
Choose Park MGM if you want a quieter and smoke-free stay
Park MGM is the better choice if you care about clean air, easier walking, modern rooms, Eataly, great casual dining, Dolby Live, and T-Mobile Arena access.
It is also better for couples, business travelers, concertgoers, food-focused visitors, and travelers who do not want to deal with a massive resort every time they leave their room.
Choose MGM Grand if you want more classic Vegas energy
MGM Grand is the better choice if you want a bigger casino, more shows, more nightlife, more restaurants, more room types, a larger pool complex, a lazy river, Topgolf, and MGM Grand Garden Arena.
It is better for groups, first-time Vegas visitors who want a megaresort, nightlife travelers, pool lovers, and people attending events at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Park MGM vs. MGM Grand FAQs
Is Park MGM connected to MGM Grand?
Park MGM and MGM Grand are not directly connected inside the same building. They are across the Strip / Tropicana area from each other, and you can walk between them using pedestrian bridges and Strip sidewalks.
Is Park MGM better than MGM Grand?
Park MGM is better if you want a smoke-free, calmer, easier hotel. MGM Grand is better if you want a larger resort with more entertainment, nightlife, casino gaming, and pool amenities.
Is Park MGM smoke-free?
Yes. Park MGM is a fully smoke-free casino resort, including the casino floor.
Is MGM Grand smoke-free?
No. MGM Grand offers non-smoking rooms and some non-smoking areas, but smoking is allowed in designated casino areas.
Which hotel has the better pool?
MGM Grand has the better pool complex. Its Grand Pool Complex covers 6.5 acres and includes four pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls, cabanas, and a lazy river. Park MGM’s pool is calmer and smaller.
Which hotel is better for families?
MGM Grand is generally better for families who care about the lazy river, pool complex, KÀ, and more entertainment. Park MGM can work for families too, especially if smoke-free matters, but it is less of a kid-focused resort.
Which hotel is better for couples?
Park MGM is usually better for couples who want a calmer, cleaner-air hotel with strong restaurants and easy access to ARIA, Eataly, T-Mobile Arena, and The Park. MGM Grand is better for couples who want nightlife, shows, and a bigger resort atmosphere.
Which hotel has better restaurants?
MGM Grand has more total restaurants and higher-end fine dining. Park MGM has more convenient casual dining and stronger food-hall-style options because of Eataly. For fine dining, MGM Grand wins. For easy everyday dining, Park MGM wins.
Which hotel is better for nightlife?
MGM Grand is better for nightlife because of Hakkasan and the larger resort energy. Park MGM is better for a calmer night with bars, dinner, and Dolby Live.
Which hotel is closer to T-Mobile Arena?
Park MGM is closer and more convenient for T-Mobile Arena. It is one of the best hotels to choose if you are attending a Golden Knights game, UFC event, boxing match, or concert at T-Mobile Arena.
Which hotel has Topgolf?
MGM Grand has Topgolf Las Vegas. Park MGM does not.
Does Park MGM still have NoMad?
NoMad Las Vegas has transitioned into The Reserve at Park MGM. Older references to NoMad now refer to the rebranded Reserve concept.
Do Park MGM and MGM Grand have the same parking fees?
Yes. Both follow MGM Resorts parking policies. Current self-parking is $20 for registered hotel guests and $20-$25 for non-hotel guests depending on weekday or weekend. Valet is currently $40 for 0-24 hours.
Final Thoughts
Park MGM and MGM Grand are close to each other, but they fit different travelers.
Choose Park MGM if you want a smoke-free resort, calmer casino, easier walking, Eataly, Bavette’s, Best Friend, Dolby Live, and quick access to T-Mobile Arena.
Choose MGM Grand if you want the bigger Las Vegas experience: larger casino, bigger pool complex, lazy river, Topgolf, Hakkasan, KÀ, David Copperfield, Jabbawockeez, MGM Grand Garden Arena, and more total restaurants.
For most travelers who want a relaxed and clean-air stay, Park MGM is the better choice. For visitors who want a classic megaresort with more action, MGM Grand is the better fit.
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