The MGM Grand Las Vegas is a landmark resort on the Las Vegas Strip, offering a vast array of entertainment, dining, and accommodation options. For visitors from the United Kingdom, understanding the various ways to access complimentary services, promotional offers, and loyalty rewards can significantly enhance the experience without increasing the budget. This article draws exclusively on verified information from official MGM Resorts International sources and related promotional pages to detail the available free perks, loyalty programmes, and cost-saving opportunities. It is important to note that this information pertains specifically to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and its associated properties within the MGM Resorts portfolio.
Understanding the MGM Rewards Loyalty Programme
A cornerstone of accessing complimentary benefits at MGM Grand is the MGM Rewards loyalty programme, formerly known as M Life. This programme allows guests to earn points through various activities, which can be redeemed for a range of rewards, including free hotel stays, dining credits, and entertainment. Membership is free and can be obtained by signing up at an MGM Rewards desk on property or online.
The programme features multiple tiers: Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and NOIR. Ascending through these tiers is based on accumulated points from gaming and other spending. Each tier unlocks progressively more valuable benefits, including enhanced parking privileges, complimentary room offers, and exclusive access to events. For UK travellers, enrolling in this programme is a fundamental step towards securing complimentary services during their stay.
Complimentary Parking Policies
Parking at MGM Grand Las Vegas is not universally free for all guests. The standard policy requires a daily fee for both hotel guests and non-hotel visitors. The fee is $20 per day from Monday to Thursday and $25 per day from Friday to Sunday. However, this paid parking grant provides access to parking facilities across all MGM Resorts International properties on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, and others.
Despite the general fee, there are specific exceptions that allow for free parking:
- Nevada Residents: Individuals with a valid Nevada driver’s licence receive the first three hours of free self-parking at MGM Resorts properties.
- Military and Veterans: Active duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses can receive complimentary self-parking through the Military & Veterans Program (MVP). MVP cardholders are automatically upgraded to the Pearl tier level, which includes complimentary self-parking.
- MGM Rewards Members: Complimentary self-parking is granted to MGM Rewards members holding Pearl, Gold, Platinum, or NOIR tier levels.
UK travellers should be aware that the standard parking fee applies unless they qualify for one of the above exceptions, which are typically tied to US residency or military status.
Earning and Redeeming Loyalty Points for Free Rewards
The myVEGAS app, a companion to the MGM Rewards programme, offers a gamified way to earn loyalty points through mobile play. These points can be redeemed for a variety of free rewards, which are often presented as digital coupons or certificates. The value of a reward is measured in "points per dollar" (PPD), where a lower PPD indicates a better value (fewer points required per reward dollar).
Based on the available data, specific free rewards obtainable through the myVEGAS app include:
- Free MGM Grand Hotel Rooms: Loyalty points can be exchanged for complimentary stays at the MGM Grand. The data indicates special room rates are also available for members, such as $59 for a weekday stay and $99 for a weekend stay in a West Wing room, though these are discounted rates rather than fully free rooms.
- Casino FREEPLAY: Members can redeem loyalty points for casino credit. For example, $25 in FREEPLAY costs 56,250 loyalty points, and $50 in FREEPLAY costs 150,000 points. The data notes that casino rewards are among the less favourable values in the myVEGAS system due to the potential to win more money from the free play.
It is crucial for users to understand that these rewards are subject to availability, specific terms, and conditions. The points required and the reward offerings can change, and users should always check the myVEGAS app or official MGM Rewards terms for the most current information.
Promotional Events and Free Perks
MGM Grand regularly hosts promotional events that can include complimentary food, drinks, and other giveaways. Engaging with the resort’s official channels is a recommended strategy for discovering these opportunities.
- New Member Promotions: New members of the MGM Rewards programme can participate in the "New Member Spin & Win" game. Upon registration, inserting a Rewards Card into any Rewards Kiosk allows a spin of the wheel, with the potential to win up to $10,000 in instant FREEPLAY or Free Bet. This promotion is available for 24 hours after sign-up.
- Social Media and Contests: The resort utilises social media platforms to announce flash giveaways and contests. Following MGM Grand’s official social media accounts can provide timely information about such opportunities.
- Special Events: During holidays, anniversaries, or other special occasions, MGM Grand may provide free gifts or promotional offers. Planning a visit around these times may increase the likelihood of receiving complimentary items.
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Subscribing to MGM’s newsletters can deliver updates on exclusive offers, member deals, and limited-time promotions directly to a recipient’s inbox.
While these methods can lead to free perks, the specific items and their availability are not guaranteed and are often tied to promotional periods.
Entertainment and Activities with Complimentary Elements
While tickets to major shows at MGM Grand, such as Kà by Cirque du Soleil or David Copperfield’s magic show, typically require purchase, there are ancillary activities and experiences that may have complimentary aspects or offer free entry to certain areas.
- MGM Pool Complex: The resort’s extensive pool complex, which includes a lazy river, is generally accessible to hotel guests. The lazy river is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, and the complex is open from 9 am to 6 pm. Access for non-hotel guests may be restricted or require a day pass fee.
- Topgolf: The Topgolf facility at MGM Grand has multi-level offerings. Levels 1 and 2 are all-ages and feature live entertainment, which may be complimentary to observe. The upper levels are adults-only (21+) and feature a swimming pool with a swim-up bar and private cabanas, which would typically require a rental fee or minimum spend.
- Social and Promotional Events: As noted in the tips for free perks, attending promotional events often includes complimentary food and drinks. These events are typically advertised on the MGM Grand events calendar and social media channels.
It is important to distinguish between areas or activities that are inherently free (such as observing public entertainment in certain zones) and those that require a purchase or fee for full participation.
Key Considerations for UK Travellers
For visitors from the United Kingdom, several points are particularly relevant when planning to access free perks at MGM Grand:
- Geographic Restrictions: Many of the most valuable free offers, such as complimentary self-parking for Nevada residents or free parking for the first three hours, are tied to US residency. UK travellers are unlikely to qualify for these specific benefits.
- Loyalty Programme Value: The MGM Rewards programme is the most reliable method for UK travellers to earn and redeem points for complimentary services. Signing up before travel and using the member card for all eligible spending (including gaming, dining, and hotel stays) is advisable.
- Currency and Value: Rewards and pricing are presented in US dollars. UK travellers should consider currency exchange rates when evaluating the value of discounted rates or points redemptions.
- Official Sources: Information regarding promotions, terms, and conditions should be verified through official MGM Resorts International websites, the myVEGAS app, or on-site MGM Rewards desks. Third-party blogs or forums may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Conclusion
Accessing complimentary services and rewards at MGM Grand Las Vegas is primarily facilitated through the MGM Rewards loyalty programme and its associated myVEGAS app. While standard parking fees apply, exceptions exist for specific groups, though these are largely limited to US residents and military personnel. UK travellers can maximise their opportunities for free perks by enrolling in MGM Rewards, actively participating in promotions, and closely monitoring official communications for special events. The most tangible free benefits available to international visitors are likely to be earned points redeemable for future stays or casino credit, rather than immediate, no-cost physical items or services upon arrival. As all offers are subject to change and specific terms, verifying details directly with MGM Resorts International is essential for accurate planning.