Startle

Well the name should give it away. And we know what you’re thinking—a Four-Star hotel in Detroit? You better believe it. Sure the Motor City may not be what you first envision as a luxury tourist destination, but the MGM Grand (at 1777 Third St.) should quiet any skeptics, and it’s just 20 minutes from the Detroit Metro Airport. Among the property’s prized attractions are the casino floor, featuring 90 table games and 4,000 slots and video poker machines, and for those who love poker but dislike smokers, a non-smoking poker room. There’s also the Lexi Drew luxury boutique, featuring clothing, bags, jewelry and fragrances. And all of that just scratches the surface.

The MGM Grand Detroit is a Four-Star hotel, so even the most economical room you book is pure luxury. The standard rooms are 510 square feet, with marble bathrooms, two flatscreen TVs and a bed with 300-thread-count bed linens that seems to scream, “Jump under these sheets.” The standard rooms typically cost $249 on Sundays through Thursdays, and a bit more on Fridays and Saturdays, at $299. If you need more space, the executive king suites offer just that, with a 710-square-foot suite with a separate sleeping area – these rooms typically go for $289 Sundays through Thursdays and $349 Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re looking for your own mini-mansion, opt for the corner suite. These are 1,000 square feet, with a marble foyer that opens into a living room, a full bath with whirlpool tub and floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. Prepare to spend a bit more at a rate of $449 Sundays through Thursdays and $499 on Fridays and Saturdays. And for $20 more a night, you can have access to a concierge level room on the 17th or 18th floor, which comes with continental breakfast, free shoeshine, a lounge area with a flatscreen TV and round the clock non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, plus preferred seating at the property’s two premiere restaurants.

The MGM Grand Detroit’s policy states that you have up to 48 hours before the check-in time on the date of your arrival to cancel your reservation without penalty. (For the record, check-in is typically at 3 p.m. and the standard checkout time is 11 a.m.) Should you cancel within the 48-hour window before your arrival, you will be charged a penalty equivalent to one night’s stay at the hotel plus tax.

But do understand if you cancel your hotel reservation and opt not to visit MGM Grand Detroit, you will be skipping not just a stay at a Four-Star hotel, but you’ll deny yourself access to the Four-Star Spa Immerse and the Four-Star restaurant Bourbon Steak. But it’s your call.

The MGM Grand Detroit will never leave you hungry. You’ve got Bourbon Steak, Saltwater, Wolfgang Puck Grille, the Palette Dining Studio and a full food court to choose from.

The restaurant you can’t miss is Bourbon Steak, overseen by celebrity chef Michael Mina and run by executive chef Shawn Simpson. It’s a Four-Star treasure, from the enticing burgers served at the bar and lounge, to playful cocktails like Adult Vanilla Coke (with vanilla bourbon and vanilla vodka), plus plenty of wood-fired steak options and handmade milkshakes for dessert.

Michael Mina also lends his name to the MGM Grand’s sophisticated Saltwater, specializing in lobster pot pie and beer-battered prawns. You’ll recognize another familiar chef name at the hotel at the Wolfgang Puck Grille, which offers prix fixe meals Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Sunday brunch plus dinner five nights a week featuring pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and entrees.

For a more casual setting, try out the Palette Dining Studio offering daily buffets for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. There’s also a food court (Breeze Dining Court) with five faster food options if you’re on the go, and a trusty Starbucks for your cup of joe.

Dance and drink your heart out at the V Nightclub, or nosh on some sushi with your spirits at Ignite Sushi Bar & Lounge. (Ignite also offers ballroom dancing lessons on Thursdays.) U�Me�Drink is located in the middle of the casino and open 24 hours; it’s biggest calling card is the $3 Bloody Mary’s on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aqua Run and Tequila Bar has more than 20 different types of tequilas and rums, plus margaritas and mojitos. Then there’s INT ICE, a more subdued option for those seeking a more intimate conversation or a business meeting over cocktails.