MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and The Signature at MGM Grand

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 11, 2011-- Recognized worldwide as the ultimate Las Vegas entertainment destination, MGM Grand today revealed designs for its new rooms and suites.

Underway this week, the $160 million remodel includes all 3,570 guest rooms and 642 suites in the hotel's main tower and is expected to conclude by September 2012. The initial set of redesigned rooms will be complete by the end of November 2011.

"Our new rooms complement MGM Grand's incredible collection of accommodations," said Scott Sibella, president and COO for MGM Grand. "This is one of many exciting announcements on the horizon, all of which will solidify MGM Grand's position not only as an entertainment destination, but as a premier hospitality experience."

Featuring warm, yet vibrant designs and color palettes with contemporary furnishings, the new room and suite designs create comfortable and functional spaces within a sophisticated setting.

Created by the talented team at MGM Resorts International Design, the remodeled Grand King and Grand Queen guest rooms showcase a stylish combination of interior finishes and accents, creating a modern sensibility with an inviting ambiance.

For guests seeking additional space for entertaining and relaxing, a variety of one and two-bedroom suites also will be redesigned, several of which feature expansive outdoor terraces with sweeping views of the famed Las Vegas Strip.

In keeping with MGM Grand's commitment to sustainability, the newly remodeled rooms and suites incorporate environmentally responsible elements including LED lighting; improved thermostats and solar shades to better manage temperature and guest comfort; upgraded faucets and showers; and bath amenities that are 100 percent biodegradable.

Guests are invited to visit www.TheGrandRenovation.com for additional information and updates about MGM Grand's new rooms and suites.

About MGM Grand
MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond resort with 5,044 elegant rooms and suites, offers the ultimate Vegas experience. MGM Grand features the astonishing KA by Cirque du Soleil®, the beautiful women of MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris, and world-class entertainment at the Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Theater. The resort offers signature restaurants by celebrity chefs and restaurateurs including Joel Robuchon, a Michelin three star, Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond award-winning fine dining establishment. This vibrant property also features a state-of-the-art, non-smoking conference center, the Grand Spa, Cristophe Salon, an inviting pool complex featuring the tantalizing daylife of WET REPUBLIC, dynamic nightclubs, the Lion Habitat and CSI: The Experience. Upscale accommodations include The Mansion, an exclusive hotel within the hotel; the luxurious two-story SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand; and The Signature at MGM Grand, a luxury all-suite, non-gaming hotel located adjacent to the main resort. MGM Grand is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International™ (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit www.mgmgrand.com or call toll free at +877-880-0880 or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Twelve Free Las Vegas Resort & Entertainment Apps Now Available on Additional Smartphones

LAS VEGAS - February 1, 2011 - MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM; www.mgmresorts.com) recently launched 12 free applications on Google's Android and is set to launch them on Research In Motion's BlackBerry OS in March. Previously only available on iTunes, the expansion into additional operating systems allows MGM Resorts International to deliver new ways to explore its Las Vegas hotels and attractions for a broader customer base.

"We've created a dynamic new way to engage our guests with a convenient information and reservation system and the response on iTunes so far has been incredible with more than 200,000 downloads," said Scott Voeller, Vice President of Brand Strategy and Advertising for MGM Resorts. "The overwhelming popularity of Smartphones initially motivated us to create the apps for iPhones, but the opportunity to reach more guests with exclusive offers and content and also receive their direct feedback encouraged us to expand to Android and BlackBerry users."
Feature-rich resort applications for ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur, and Circus Circus in Las Vegas and Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi deliver some of the world's most immersive interactive resort experiences currently available.
In addition to the resort apps, MGM Resorts and MacroView Labs developed "Entertainment of Las Vegas," an app expressly designed to deliver video previews, show times, event calendars, directions and the ability to purchase tickets to all of MGM Resorts' Las Vegas entertainment and attractions.
RESORT APPS: ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur, Circus Circus and Beau Rivage
Developed by MacroView Labs
* Click here for more in-depth app info.

Key Features: Using your resort app, you can access photos, videos and information to help you decide what to do during your Las Vegas adventure, and book it all with one-touch functionality.

* Preview videos of shows, grab last-minute tickets, even check seating charts
* Bookmark your favorite activities to create itineraries for your trip
* Use GPS maps and indoor casino maps to quickly get you where you want to go
* Order room service, browse restaurant menus and make reservations from anywhere
* Review rules for casino games or join the M life Players Club
* Email any page or offer to a friend
* Enjoy targeted content and deals based on your location
* Check local weather
* Preview and reserve rooms at the hotels
* For special events, work with your host property to load passcode-protected content viewable only to your attendees, including program schedules, party photos and more
* Preview event space
* Check out the clubs, bars and nightlife
* Rate any of the featured services at the resort
* See information in French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish
* View the resort's live Twitter feed for deals, special events and more
ENTERTAINMENT OF LAS VEGAS
Developed by MacroView Labs and MGM Resorts International
* Click here for more in-depth app info.
Key Features: Explore shows, nightclubs and attractions at Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Excalibur, Circus Circus, Luxor and The Mirage.
* Enjoy location-specific content that changes depending on where you are
* Find top stand-up comedy acts, Cirque du Soleil shows, the Lion Habitat, the Shark Reef Aquarium, and all the best activities and shows right here
* Access overhead custom GPS maps of The Strip and get exact directions to where you want to go
* Use the embedded smart-search bar to find content by keyword
* Bookmark any page to create your own entertainment favorites
* Let your voice be heard - comment about your trip or rate any of the featured services
* Check out the live entertainment Twitter feed right from the app or send any page in the app to a friend

Damon Hodge
Tues 04 Jan 2011

Out of adversity, triumph. In some ways, the fire that tore through the upper floors of the Monte Carlo on January 25th, 2008, hastened the reimagining of a resort that was ostensibly built in 1996 to compete with the Bellagio but has never quite captured visitors imaginations like its opulent sister property.

On September 21st 2007, months before the fire, property officials initiated a rebranding effort with the opening of Diablo's Cantina. The two story strip-front mexican restaurant -- which soon became a hot spot for its spicy, old world cuisine and its people-watching opportunities -- represented a paradigm shift.

Modeled after the Palace du Casino in Monte Carlo, the resort had long been focused on attracting price conscious travelers keen on European-style elegance. The new emphasis centered on the concept of "unpretentious luxury,"
an effort to strike a balance between refinement and excitement.

Then came the fire.

By: Damon Hodge
December 21, 2010

Deluxe hotel accommodations start at $229 per night, plus tax, Dec. 30 through Jan. 1. For reservations, call (800) 929-1111 or log on to www.mgmgrand.com. The Signature at MGM Grand New Year's Eve Package includes deluxe accommodations with a balcony guaranteed, complimentary champagne upon arrival and a $75 credit for in-suite dining. The package requires a two-night minimum stay with guests arriving either Dec. 30 or Dec. 31. For reservations, log on to www.signaturemgmgrand.com and use rate code SIGNYE11.

New Year's Eve performances for "Ka" are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $160, $140, $109 and $79 plus tax and handling fees. For reservations, call (702) 891-7777. New Year's Eve performances of "Crazy Horse Paris" at MGM Grand are scheduled at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $60.50 and $50.50, all inclusive. For reservations, call (702) 891-7777.

On the club side, Studio 54's New Year's Eve celebration will be the debut of resident DJ Loczi's Friday-night "Electric Dream." The night also will feature an open premium bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The club will offer a prepaid ticket line to usher partygoers directly into the club. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 891-7254.

Murakami Strengthens Company's Position as Market Leader with Focus on Western Territory

LAS VEGAS - MGM Resorts International expands its role as a market leader in the Group Sales industry with the addition of Gary Murakami as Director of Regional Sales. Based in San Francisco, Murakami will focus his efforts on the entire western region of the United States from Colorado and New Mexico to Alaska and Hawaii.

"Gary's background and skill set reflect the caliber of talent we have developed throughout our Regional Sales Network," said MGM Resorts Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Richard Harper. "We are confident Gary's efforts will continue to support our leadership position in the meetings and conventions industry."

A 15-year, seasoned hospitality sales executive, Murakami is responsible for securing group bookings and raising awareness for MGM Resorts, as well as developing and maintaining key customer relationships. He most recently served as Director of Sales for The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco managing a sales team targeting the group, leisure, and business travel markets. In addition to his more than nine years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Murakami's sales background also includes key positions with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the group, leisure and business travel segments.

An active member in the global meetings, events and travel industry community, Murakami has held a variety of leadership director roles with Bay Area Business Travel Association, a regional chapter of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) for the past 10 years. He also served in Board of Director roles with the Northern California Chapter of Professional Convention Management Association for the past several years.

Murakami holds several industry-recognized certifications and designations. He most recently earned the Global Leadership Professional (GLP) designation and certification, a master's level executive education program developed by the NBTA Foundation in conjunction with The Wharton School. In addition, Murakami holds a designation as a Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE), designed specifically for business travel management professionals through NBTA and Cornell University, and a Corporate Travel Counselor (CTC) certification from The Travel Institute.

Murakami earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles

By: Damon Hodge
December 06, 2010

The folks who making a living selling Las Vegas can start spreading the news: Las Vegas is now home to 15 AAA Five Diamond resorts and restaurants, more than any other city in the country.

"From what I understand, Las Vegas not only has more AAA Five Diamond establishments than any other city in the country, but also in the world," said AAA Nevada spokesman Michael Geeser.

"This means a couple things for the city. For starters, it elevates the city's reputation for quality and service, things that travelers really desire. More importantly, it affirms that the city is able to deliver on its promises."

Vegas' Five Diamond hotels include CityCenter's Aria and Mandarin Oriental along with repeat winners Bellagio, Encore, Four Seasons, Skylofts at MGM Grand, Palazzo, Wynn Las Vegas, Venetian and the now-shuttered Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas (Dolce Hotels & Resorts plans to reopen and rebrand the Ritz-Carlton this spring).

This award marks the Four Seasons' 12th consecutive year as a AAA Five Diamond hotel and Bellagio's 10th year receiving the honor.

All the Five Diamond award-winning restaurants in Las Vegas are repeat recipients, including Alex at Wynn Las Vegas, Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace , Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand and Picasso and Le Cirque at Bellagio.

Nationally, seven restaurants were removed from AAA's Five Diamond list; none were added. The recently released AAA Five Diamond list covered Northern California, Utah and Nevada. National lists will be unveiled in January.

"AAA has been around more than 100 years, and our membership continues to grow; in Nevada, there are more than 365,000 AAA members, Northern California has more than 4 million and Utah has more than 300,000," Geeser said.

"They count on us. If we tell members that this place reached a certain level, it better be true. ... The recognition tells travelers that you're not going to be let down, that these places will not underdeliver."