LAS VEGAS – A soothing retreat in the middle of one of the entertainment capitals of the world.
I recently had a night at the new Park MGM Hotel and Casino in Vegas, formerly the Monte Carlo. It’s been given a spectacular facelift, with a welcoming lobby, a great swimming pool complex, sensational food (with more to come, including an Eataly outlet) and relaxing, restful rooms.
The room I had was decorated in soft shades of green with gold accents and a big comfy cushioned seating strip by the window. They had nice art on the walls, including a series of old Monte Carlo postcards (the Europe Monte Carlo, not the casino).
A room at the new Park MGM in Las Vegas. JIM BYERS PHOTO
It’s a small thing, but they also had tons of plugs and convenient outlets for my laptop and iPhone, as well as a big TV and a bright, large bathroom with a super shower and hot water that came on instantly. I also like the little alcove feel to the bed area, which you can see in one of my photos lower down in this story.
I was at the hotel in the spring and had a room overlooking the pool. This time I had a view to the south, looking out at the T-Mobile Arena where the Las Vegas Knights of the NHL play, as well as the lovely Park complex and New York, New York.
The lobby area is quite calm and relaxing, and they have a sleek, electronic check-in system that means you don’t have to stand in those long lines you often find at hotels in Vegas after a busy flight comes in. There’s a very cool overhead sculpture that looks like a series of tree branches, and my floor had a beautiful series of panels that lit up and showed various pastoral scenes.
The lobby at the Park MGM in Las Vegas. JIM BYERS PHOTO
A public relations official for MGM told me they were aiming at a distinctly residential feel for the hotel, and I think that’s what they got. It’s a beautiful property.
On top of everything else, the hotel is home to the posh Park Theater, where Lady Gaga will open on Dec. 28.
There are several large swimming pools and a hot tub, not that I needed the latter in August. You’re also adjacent to The Park, an MGM innovation that features lovely fountains, trees and towering sculptures for a very soothing, non-Vegas feel. There are places to eat, including a couple fun bars and a California Pizza Kitchen, but the emphasis is on fun and relaxation, not spending money.
Last time I was there I found a hockey stick and some plastic pucks folks could fire at a regulation net. This time I didn’t see the hockey stuff but I did find a cornhole/beanbag game, which I couldn’t resist playing.
Of course, man does not live by décor and pretty parks alone, so they’ve done a terrific job in the F and B department.
I had a magnificent dinner at Bavette’s Steakhouse and Bar, which has a great French Bistro/New Orleans feel; quite dark and moody and with waiters in full tuxedo. The bar makes a beauty old-fashioned called the Belle Meade, as well as several other varieties, one of them with Japanese whisky.
The food is just as good. We shared a giant crab cake that was packed with fresh crab meat and also noshed on the finest sourdough bread I’ve had outside of San Francisco; tangy and with a remarkable, dark, crunchy crust. The garlic shrimp de jonge was outstanding; with garlic, sherry and herbs. I was tempted to drink the leftover sauce after eating the shrimp but figured there were rules against such things, even in Las Vegas.
We also sampled lovely, buttery mashed potatoes with chicken jus and roasted garlic buds, lovely corn with cilantro, chile and lime and terrific Brussels Sprouts that were perfectly charred and served in a Dijon/parmesan sauce. Outstanding.
Bavette’s Steakhouse and Bar at the Park MGM serves up remarkable meals. PHOTO COURTESY PARK MGM
For a main course I chose the dry aged, bone-in rib eye; a truly magnificent cut of meat that had been aged 42 days. We also shared a terrific, creamy and garlicky Caesar Salad with smoked salmon and potatoes; an inventive and tasty twist on a classic dish.
I was told there are long waits to get into the Bavette’s restaurant in Chicago, but that it’s much easier in Vegas.
I also stopped in at Primrose, their lobby restaurant, for a nice lunch. It’s a beautiful, airy restaurant that specialized in French and American dishes and also has a patio out back near the pool. I was there in April and had a nice croque monsieur sandwich. This time I opted for the short rib pulled beef on a ciabatta bun with red chilies and crispy onion straws; one of the best sandwiches I’ve had anywhere. It came with a nice salad and I sat at the white marble bar and chatted with super-friendly servers.
The Park MGM swimming pool complex. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The first Eataly market/food complex in Las Vegas is due to open in the hotel later this year, giving Italian food lovers yet another reason to flock to southern Nevada. (If you haven’t been to an Eataly, they’re absolutely tremendous places to shop and dine, with everything from zingy tomato sauces to pasta, as well cappuccino, gelato, cook books, kitchen gear and lots more.)
If you’re looking for a fresh, new look in Vegas and a calm oasis that will help you get re-charged for another night on the town, the Park MGM is definitely worth checking out.
