moretimeoffguy

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?

glg

I haven't specifically done MGM, but I've found other vacation properties on ebay. usual ebay rules apply, only buy from someone with lots of good ratings, beware a new account, etc.

AFAM-DFW

I have faced the same debate as you and decided to stay with a straight MGM booking. My main reasons were:

Many condo prices did not include daily maid service or the "cleaning fee" at checkout.

While an unknown factor, if there is a problem with the room, you can't call down and request a move. For better or worse, your room is your room.

Since your daily rate is already rather low, IMHO, the potential savings isn't worth the risk. However, in a higher rate time slot, the savings could be greater.

moretimeoffguy

Thanks GLG and Peter. Peter, I agree with you. Rather have the peace of mind, especially on my first Vegas trip ever. Want it to be a good experience all around.

baccarat_king

IMO, for a "first Vegas trip ever" (that's not a business trip)

MGM Signature is a rather 'blah' way to do it....

Of course, just my opinion.

If midweek, and the rates are low, I would aim for something more "Vegas" and "more special" (and relatively new) such as Encore, Palazzo or Aria.

moretimeoffguy

Thanks BK. I understand what you're saying. But blah may be ok while I scope things out. Since I intend to visit many different properties, who knows how much time I'll actually spend at the Sig? I'm happy with the deal I got on a Junior Suite there relative to prices on similar rooms elsewhere. Hopefully they'll give me a room with a Strip view and a balcony on check-in.

Speaking of deals, prices for my 3 day stay there dropped by around $34. So I rebooked. Was told by the Sig folks that if there are any further price drops, they'll give them to me on the same reservation if I call and ask. Haven't seen any formal promos anywhere, (smartervegas.com, LVA, etc) even though I signed the Sig's guest book weeks ago.

Non-NonRev

I completely agree with Peter about the cleaning fees I was once about to book a seemingly great deal at the Palms Place (via a second party) until I saw the hefty cleaning fee that would have been incurred.

For other last-minute info, if you use social media, sign up there as well as the guestbook (I don't use Facebook personally but am signed up on Twitter).

moretimeoffguy

Thanks NNR. I don't use either. Does anyone post the Facebook and Twitter deals?

AFAM-DFW

By the way, I'd suggest checking in at the MGM desk in the luggage are of the airport. Also, the Signature rooms have a full kitchen so you might want to stop at a grocery store/CVS to get a case of water, cereal and milk or whatever for breakfast. Saves many dollars and you can eat without going out.

Also, the car valet service at the Signature is good so a car would be a real plus.

moretimeoffguy

Thanks Peter. I won't be going directly to the Sig when I fly in. Staying in Utah my first few nights, then another property on the Strip. Given that's the case, would you still recommend going back to the airport to check-in? If so, why? I know checking in at the MGM Grand itself can be a nightmare. Is it the same at the Sig?

But if I was heading to the Sig directly from the airport, are the staff at the airport MGM check-in area just as knowledgeable about rooms at the Sig as staff at the Sig? In my reservation, I've asked for a "high floor with a balcony and Strip view in Tower 3". Would the airport people be just as able to oblige if there was availability? I've been told only 7% of the rooms on each floor have balconies. Not talking "$20 trick" here--ick. Just asking nicely.

Looks like there's a super walmart around 3.4 miles from the Strip, so I'll be sure to stock up on food there. Does the Junior Suite really have a full kitchen? I thought the other suites might, but that the JS only had a "kitchenette".

Sounds great about the valet service. Typically I avoid valet parking. I'm admittedly impatient and and a DIY kind of person. But I've heard valet parking can be really quick at the Sig. Evidently each tower has its own valet(s). Would it be correct to say I could expect to get my car in minutes, but not 15-20 minutes? If it was a 20 minute wait, I'd rather park over at the MGM Grand and get the exercise instead of stand still.

AFAM-DFW

Since driving in, forget airport checkin. Not worth it. The checkin at the Sig is pretty good but you have to start at the tower that you are assigned to (1, 2 or 3) so you might have to get the car back if you change towers. BTW, tower 1 is shortest walk to casino and 3 is the newest. At the airport, you can sort out the room before driving over but not worth an airport trip.

Also, you might save some time if you show the guard at the enrtrance your reservation to get admitted to the property.

I've stayed at the Sig a couple of times and valet has always been pretty quick. Sunday checkout time might back up though. Not sure if there is a self park for there but the walk to the MGM self park is 20 min easily.

Kitchen is pretty much full. Here is a description: The MGM Signature Junior Suite kitchen is stocked with Sub Zero Miele and Bosch appliances, and comes equipped with a stove, microwave, coffee tea maker, mini-fridge, and toaster. The kitchen also includes with refrigerator, pans, serving dishes, plates, glassware, and silverware for use.

I don't know about balconies since they aren't a plus for me.

Also, the walk back to the Sig from MGM casino late at night can be pretty deserted with long halls. I'm an early to bed but my wife gambles till late so she asks a security guard to walk her back to the Sig towers when she is ready.

moretimeoffguy

Thanks for all the tips Peter. Although it would be quite cool to check-in at the airport if I was heading directly to MGM. Will certainly keep that option in mind for the future.

I've asked for Tower 3 in my reservation "comments / special requests" area. I've heard that's the shortest walk to mid-strip.

Excellent, thanks! Know of any good local, non-chain bagelries where I could stock-up for breakfasts? And while we're on the subject of food, can you or anyone recommend any local non-buffet places for breakfast? I don't often go out for breakfast, but I might just once. If anyone's ever eaten at Sherman's in Palm Springs, CA, I'd love something like that. Great value and good vibe.

Thanks for that. How late is late? Both my wife and I tend to turn in pretty early, even on vacation. Still, I'm curious.

baccarat_king

Bouchon

Best breakfast in Las Vegas (also, a nice garden area where you can dine and enjoy your cappuccino).

AFAM-DFW

I agree that Bouchon is about the best Vegas breakfast but it is pretty pricey. For a moderate price option, I can say that the MGM coffee isn't bad and is the closest to you. I also like the breakfast at the Italian restaurant in NYNY (forget name). Hash House a gogo at the Imperial Palace has very large portions and an innovative menu. For an old Vegas feel, I still love the Peppermill (north strip by Riviera).

The walk from the MGM to the Sig gets lonely when the stores and restaurants at the Studio Walk close. Not sure of exact time but about midnight. Before entering the studio walk, you can look down it to see if it is deserted. If so, there is a security desk not far inside the casino to ask for an escort.

AFAM-DFW

It's been a while since I've been there but Bagelmania on Twain was pretty good.