MGM Grand vs Excalibur: Choosing the Right Las Vegas Hotel Experience

When planning a trip to Las Vegas, choosing the right hotel can make or break your vacation. Two popular options on the southern end of the Strip are the MGM Grand and Excalibur. While both are operated by MGM Resorts International and located within walking distance of each other, these hotels offer quite different experiences. This article will compare the MGM Grand and Excalibur across various factors to help you determine which is the better choice for your Las Vegas getaway.

Overview and First Impressions

The MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world, with over 6,800 rooms housed in a massive emerald-green complex. Its iconic golden lion statue out front sets the tone for the luxury and entertainment that await inside. The casino floor is expansive, with thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games spread across 171,500 square feet. Multiple world-class restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment venues are found throughout the property.

In contrast, the Excalibur embraces a medieval castle theme, with colorful turrets and a drawbridge-style entrance. While more compact than the MGM Grand, it still offers over 3,900 rooms. The casino spans 100,000 square feet, with a good selection of slots and tables. Family-friendly amenities like an arcade and carnival midway games give the Excalibur a more casual, kid-friendly atmosphere compared to the upscale MGM Grand.

Room Quality and Amenities

MGM Grand rooms were remodeled in recent years and offer a sleek, modern design with earth tones and pops of color. Standard rooms are spacious at around 446 square feet. Expect plush pillow-top mattresses, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, and large bathrooms with marble countertops. Upgraded Stay Well rooms feature air purification systems, dawn simulator alarm clocks, and special shower infusers.

Excalibur rooms, while clean and functional, show their age more than the MGM Grand. Standard rooms are smaller at about 352 square feet and have a more basic decor. Amenities include cable TV, a desk area, and hairdryers. Some guests report that the beds aren’t as comfortable as higher-end Strip hotels. Tower rooms offer slightly more space and updated furnishings compared to the older Royal Tower rooms.

Both hotels charge a daily resort fee that covers amenities like WiFi, fitness center access, and local calls. The MGM Grand’s fee is typically $10-20 higher per night than Excalibur’s.

Pool Areas

The MGM Grand’s 6.5-acre pool complex is one of the most impressive in Las Vegas. Multiple pools, waterfalls, lazy rivers, and hot tubs are surrounded by lush landscaping. Private cabanas are available to rent. The adults-only Wet Republic Ultra Pool hosts popular pool parties with top DJs in season.

Excalibur’s pool area, while more modest, still offers four pools including one with a waterslide. There’s also a relaxing spa tub. The atmosphere is family-friendly, with plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing. While not as elaborate as MGM Grand, it’s a pleasant place to cool off and unwind.

Dining Options

Food lovers will be in heaven at the MGM Grand. Celebrity chef restaurants include Joël Robuchon (the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Las Vegas), L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Morimoto, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. There’s also a diverse food court, multiple casual restaurants, cafes, and bars throughout the property.

Excalibur’s dining scene is more limited but still offers some solid options. The Steakhouse at Camelot serves prime cuts in an upscale setting. Other choices include the Buca di Beppo Italian restaurant, a Dick’s Last Resort location, and a food court with familiar fast food chains. The hotel’s buffet tends to get mixed reviews compared to higher-end Strip buffets.

Entertainment and Nightlife

As befitting its grand name, the MGM Grand is an entertainment powerhouse. The 17,000-seat Grand Garden Arena hosts major concerts, sporting events, and awards shows. Cirque du Soleil’s stunning KÀ show has a permanent theater in the hotel. The intimate Hollywood Theatre hosts magicians, comedians, and musical acts.

For nightlife, Hakkasan is one of the hottest clubs on the Strip, featuring world-famous DJs. Whiskey Down offers a more relaxed vibe with over 50 types of rare and fine American, Canadian, Irish and Scotch whiskies. Level Up is a fun “adult playground” with pool tables, arcade games, and a bar.

The Excalibur’s entertainment offerings have more of a family focus. The Tournament of Kings dinner show features jousting knights, dancing maidens, and other medieval pageantry. The Fun Dungeon arcade has over 200 games. Australian male revue Thunder From Down Under performs nightly for bachelorette parties and girls’ nights out.

Nightlife options are more limited than MGM Grand but still lively. The Lounge hosts live music acts, while Octane Lounge is a popular spot for cocktails and people-watching.

Casino Atmosphere

With its vast size and variety of gaming options, the MGM Grand casino appeals to all types of gamblers. High-limit salons cater to big spenders, while penny slots entertain budget-conscious players. The atmosphere is energetic but not overwhelming. Table game minimums tend to be higher than Excalibur, especially on weekends.

Excalibur’s casino has a more casual, relaxed vibe. Lower table minimums make it popular with novice gamblers. The medieval decor adds a whimsical touch. While not as fancy as MGM Grand, many find Excalibur’s casino less intimidating and more welcoming to casual players.

Location and Accessibility

Both hotels are located on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The MGM Grand sits at the busy intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. It connects via indoor walkways to New York-New York and the Tropicana. An elevated tram also links MGM Grand to Bellagio and Aria.

Excalibur is slightly further south, connected by pedestrian bridges to Luxor and New York-New York. While not as centrally located as mid-Strip hotels, both properties are within walking distance of many attractions. The nearby monorail station at MGM Grand provides easy access up and down the Strip.

Price Comparison

In general, rates at the MGM Grand are significantly higher than Excalibur. A standard room at MGM Grand typically runs $120-$300 per night depending on the season, while Excalibur rooms often go for $50-$150. When factoring in the higher resort fees at MGM Grand, the price difference can be substantial.

However, it’s worth noting that MGM Grand frequently runs promotions that can bring the rate down, especially for mid-week stays. Signing up for MGM’s M life rewards program can also unlock discounts and perks at both properties.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

On popular travel review sites, MGM Grand tends to receive higher overall ratings than Excalibur. MGM Grand is typically praised for its impressive amenities, dining options, and newly renovated rooms. Common complaints relate to the massive size of the property and long walks.

Excalibur reviews are more mixed. Many appreciate the affordable rates and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some find the rooms dated and the overall experience lackluster compared to newer Strip hotels. The smoky casino air is another frequent complaint.

Who Should Stay at MGM Grand?

– Luxury seekers wanting an upscale Strip experience
– Foodies interested in celebrity chef restaurants
– Night owls who want easy access to clubs and bars
– Pool enthusiasts who appreciate elaborate pool complexes
– Entertainment lovers who want lots of show options
– High rollers and serious gamblers

Who Should Stay at Excalibur?

– Budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable Strip accommodations
– Families with children who will enjoy the medieval theme and kid-friendly amenities
– First-time Vegas visitors who may find mega-resorts overwhelming
– Casual gamblers who prefer lower table minimums
– Those who don’t need the latest and greatest room amenities
– Travelers who just need a clean place to sleep and plan to spend most time exploring the Strip

The Verdict

For travelers seeking a quintessential luxury Las Vegas experience with world-class dining, entertainment, and amenities, the MGM Grand is the clear winner. Its recently renovated rooms, impressive pool complex, and sheer variety of things to do make it one of the top resorts on the Strip. The higher prices are justified by the quality on offer.

However, the Excalibur shouldn’t be discounted, especially for budget-minded travelers or families. While it may lack some of the glitz of its neighbor, Excalibur provides comfortable accommodations in a prime location at very affordable rates. For visitors who don’t need all the bells and whistles and prefer to save money for other Vegas activities, Excalibur can be a smart choice.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget, travel style, and what you hope to get out of your Las Vegas vacation. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each property, you can choose the hotel that best aligns with your needs and preferences.

Tips for Booking

Whichever hotel you choose, keep these booking tips in mind:

1. Check for package deals that bundle room rates with show tickets or dining credits.

2. Consider visiting mid-week for the lowest rates. Weekends and holidays are always more expensive.

3. Join the M life rewards program for both hotels to access member discounts and perks.

4. Book directly through MGM Resorts for the best rates and most flexible cancellation policies.

5. If your travel dates are flexible, use the hotels’ flexible date search to find the cheapest times to visit.

6. Read recent guest reviews to get the most up-to-date information on room conditions and service levels.

7. Consider upgrading to a higher room category for better views and amenities, especially for special occasions.

By weighing all the factors and following smart booking strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to choose between the MGM Grand and Excalibur for your perfect Las Vegas getaway. Whether you opt for budget-friendly medieval charm or splurge on grand luxury, both hotels offer the excitement and entertainment that make Las Vegas a world-famous destination.