For 3 nights in May, I'm staying at the MGM Signature. Like the location away from the madness of the Strip, yet still having access to the Grand's pools.

Anyway, for a Tu, We, Thu night stay in a junior suite, I got a price of $109, $109, $139. That's $357 + $50.04 tax = $407.04. With the resort fee (my booking directly with MGM included it), the total will be $467.04.

Since the MGM Sig is a condo property with private owners, would it be worthwhile to look at vrbo.com or other vendors to get a better deal? I hate paying significantly more for the same commodity if there's no good reason to.

Some questions:

Q1) Who besides vrbo.com and Luxury Suites International would I search to find non-MGM providers of rooms at the Sig? Any pros and cons with these two vendors?

Q2) Is there anything I'd lose out on at the MGM Grand if I haven't booked directly with MGM? Whether with MGM or not, the same resort fee seems to be charged.

Q3) How much am I likely to save off what the MGM itself charges? Browsing around casually, people seem to suggest it could be significant. And since I know that's where I'm staying, I wouldn't mind saving extra $$$ to spend on my wife and myself (better meals, more game play, whatever).

Q4) Has anyone booked the Sig with both MGM and private owners? What differences did you notice? And which route would you recommend? Any private owners or companies to steer clear of?

Q5) Am I more likely to get an upgrade from a junior suite to a one room suite (or junior suite with a higher floor) if I stick with MGM? Also hoping for a balcony--been told not all junior suites have them. Do all one room suites have them?

Q6) Are there likely to be any MGM-directly booked room price drops between now and whatever the no-penalty cancellation date is? (it's either 48 or 72 hours before). Our stay begins May 17th. When booking cruises directly, say, with Royal Caribbean, I love watching rates--booking directly with them, I've saved a lot by noticing a rate drop, calling, asking nicely, and getting the new, lower rate.

When I booked directly online at the MGM Sig's web site, aside from the rate, I wasn't offered any other perks / credits / etc. Nothing at all. So as long as I retain the same pool privs, shouldn't I go with a private vendor?