The casino still exists-it’s just around the corner.Financier mogul Kirk Kerkorian, who had just sold his mega International Hotel to Hilton, now wanted a Las Vegas theme hotel that flaunted the image of the famous movie studio that he had just acquired and the great MGM movie “ Grand Hotel.” He turned to the architect of the International, Martin Stern Jr. The difference begins inside the small-ish lobby, which feels cozy compared to other behemoth casino lobbies, with marble floors, mirrored columns, touches of light green on the ceilings, glittery chandeliers, and fresh flowers. Because Park MGM is adjacent to MGM’s new-ish The Park outdoor entertainment district and Park Theater, where Lady Gaga will begin her residency in December, the outdoors and nature are loosely incorporated, but overall, the hotel resembles a stylish boutique hotel in New York or Paris rather than a giant casino hotel in the middle of the Strip. There’s no cheesy theme or imitation destination (no offense, Paris or Venetian). Stepping into Park MGM is like stepping into the new Vegas.

Add that to the 2010 competition from The Cosmopolitan, a perennial favorite amongst cool kids, and the Monte Carlo was ripe for this sort of massive rebranding aimed at younger, sophisticated travelers. That standing was further diminished when MGM Resorts built the modern Cit圜enter complex nearby, overshadowing the area with three new hotels and luxury shopping mall.

But over time, the Monte Carlo lost its luster, becoming just another casino hotel. When the Monte Carlo first opened in 1996, it intended to bring the swanky atmosphere of the Monte Carlo casino in Monaco to the desert Strip.

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