MGM Grand Incorporating Addition of Three Towers

That a portion of the movie Rocky IV was filmed in the MGM Grand Las Vegas (www.mgmgrand.com) vastly misrepresents what the hotel is to the landscape of the Las Vegas. Clearly, it's never been an underdog. The massive 5,000-plus-room property—the world's largest hotel—lights up the Vegas Strip like the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz, from which the hotel took its theme when it opened its doors in 1993. A suite in The Signature at MGM Grand, Las Vegas

What the venerable property does have in common with Rocky IV is its proclivity to attract the mainstream population, whether for its spacious casino (the biggest in Las Vegas) or its cornucopia of restaurants, all-you-can-eat buffets and shopping.

Though that market is the bread and butter of the property's success, the MGM Grand is now looking to tap into the luxury travel market with the construction of The Signature at MGM Grand (www.signaturemgmgrand.com), a deluxe all-suite property built on what was once the MGMGrandAdventuresTheme Park. Its three separate towers are connected to the main MGM hotel and casino via a covered walkway.

A bar/lounge area at The Signature at MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Yet, that attachment is the only connection between the two properties, literal or otherwise. The Signature is more in the mold of neighbors such as the Venetian or the Bellagio, and is part of a growing luxury movement in Las Vegas. "The Signature represents the normal evolution of Vegas," says Frederic Luvisutto, executive director of The Signature at MGM Grand. "People want higher service and are willing to pay higher rates for it. The guests are sophisticated and want to be pampered."

A 24-hour concierge is only one of the amenities you'll find in The Signature's towers, each comprised of 576 junior, one-and two-bedroom suites. All the towers are gated and special key access is required to enter. There is also separate lobby check in, so guests won't have to deal with the crowds and lines of the main hotel. Also available only for Signature guests' use are three private heated pools.

One glaring difference between The Signature and its MGM appendage is that it's completely non-smoking and non-gaming, which provides a peaceful haven away from the ringing slot machines and noises that bombard guests at other hotels on The Strip. "It's a serene and private environment," says Luvisutto.

Tower 1 opened for business in June, while Tower 2 is slated to debut December 20. Travel agents wanting to book Tower 3 will have to wait until May. However, room designs are the same within each tower; it is the public spaces that are different, Luvisutto says, remarking that each stands alone with its own design elements. He describes Tower 1 as warm and inviting, Tower 2 as Four Seasons-inspired, with touches of wood and white marble, and Tower 3 as exuding a spa feel, with mosaic floors and stone finishes.

Rates at The Signature range between $200 and $600 per night, depending on room type and the time of the year booked. Junior suites begin at $200, one-bedroom suites at $310 and two-bedroom suites at $510. Luvisutto says that 60 percent of the suites have balconies with Strip views, which is unique in Las Vegas.

Tower 1, since its inception, has regularly been sold out, and travel agents can expect the same once Tower 2 opens. However, Luvisutto says that Tower 2 will be extending special discounts to travel agents. "Travel agents are very important to MGM and we've always had a great partnership with them," he says. "They understand what we bring to Las Vegas."

Agents looking to book or wanting further information can contact The Signature's travel agent liaison, Colleen Schmitz, at 877-727-0007.