MGM Springfield Touts Year-Round Events

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Officials at Massachusetts casino resort say there will be year-round entertainment and activities at the $960 million resort.

MGM Springfield officials said Wednesday the offerings at the large outdoor plaza will include activities ranging from concerts to ice skating to pop-up art to outdoor yoga. The Republican of Springfield reports the casino plaza is located between two historic buildings in downtown Springfield.

MGM says it plans to offer events for local residents, like beer tastings from White Lion Brewery and farmers markets featuring local vendors. Officials say they also plan to launch an ice rink during the winter season.

MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis says the goal is to introduce the region to “a new standard of entertainment offerings.”

The resort is scheduled to open Aug. 24.

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Information from: The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/

Park MGM Officially Takes Its Place On The Las Vegas Strip

Tower Signage and New Exterior Marquee Mark Major Milestone as Sydell Group and MGM Resorts Continue Property-Wide Transformation

LAS VEGAS  – With the lighting of its new marquee and hotel tower signs, Monte Carlo officially sheds its name this week for a new identity – Park MGM – making way for the resort set for completion later this year. Following a transformation that will touch every element of the central Strip property, Park MGM is a welcoming social hub that evokes the residential spirit, intimacy and individuality of a boutique experience on a resort scale.

A partnership between Sydell Group and MGM Resorts International, Park MGM was born from the collaborative vision of the New York-based lifestyle hotelier and one of the world’s preeminent destination resort developers. When complete, the project will comprise two new distinct experiences: Park MGM, and a Las Vegas version of the renowned NoMad, a standalone 292-room hotel encompassing the tower’s top four floors.

"It’s a very special moment seeing this ambitious idea begin to come to life,” said Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO of Sydell Group. "Together with MGM, we were able to rethink every element of the guest experience and create something personal on a grand scale."

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, said, “The opening of Park MGM, and soon NoMad, will tie together the entire neighborhood we’ve created with The Park, T-Mobile Arena and CityCenter. We are grateful to Andrew and the team at Sydell Group for sharing our vision to deliver a destination that embraces its surroundings and speaks to a new generation of travelers.”

Beginning with the opening of the 5,200-seat Park Theater in December 2016, the resort has unveiled several new amenities including completely reimagined guestrooms and suites, food and beverage offerings, lounges, pools, meeting spaces and more. The evolution of the Park MGM experience will continue throughout 2018 with the addition of nightlife; a new dining concept from Roy Choi embracing the energy of Los Angeles’ Koreatown; an Eataly marketplace designed specifically for Las Vegas; and the launch of Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated special engagement, among other elements.

NoMad Las Vegas will open within Park MGM in Fall 2018 with 292 guestrooms and suites; a dedicated entrance and lobby; high-limit gaming; a private pool environment; and the Las Vegas debut of Chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara, the visionaries behind the world’s best restaurant, Eleven Madison Park.

Additional details about the experiences still to come will be shared in the months ahead as the resort continues to take shape. Guests seeking a taste of Park MGM now can experience these resort features:

• Immersive Lobby: Filled with natural light and punctuated by nature-inspired décor and art, Park MGM’s lobby is a nod to urban gardens and parks, including the adjacent Park neighborhood, bringing the outdoors inside. A dramatic arboreal sculpture by Brazilian woodworker Henrique Oliveira is the focal point of the lobby. The remarkable tree sculpture extends from above with its roots stretching across the ceiling. Throughout the lobby, guests are invited to explore intriguing works by the likes of David Hockney, Shahram Karimi and Shoja Azari, and many others.
• Residential Guestrooms: Park MGM’s rooms evoke the essence of a private apartment with a mix of thoughtful touches, antique-inspired pieces, ‘found’ objects and original artwork by artists and photographers from around the world commissioned for each room by France’s be-pôles studio.
• Primrose Restaurant: Located within the lobby, Primrose is inspired by the South of France and features an all-day menu with an emphasis on open-fire cooking. The restaurant celebrates the spirit of dining in a private Provençal garden with wood-fired grilling and an herb-centric cocktail program. For guests looking to dine al fresco, Primrose offers a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, beautiful both by day and night. 

• Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar: The heralded Chicago-based Hogsalt Hospitality serves up steakhouse fare with a dash of French flair including seafood towers, flavorful bone-in dry-aged ribeye, sumptuous side dishes and house-made desserts. Classic cocktails and a well-curated international wine list embody Bavette’s timeless vibe. For those in the know, Bavette’s features a hidden speakeasy-style lounge at the back of the restaurant offering a full menu and bar, and the ultimate in intimacy and seclusion.
• Juniper Cocktail Lounge: This stylish lounge challenges the status quo of mainstay drinks while staying true to the foundation of what makes a great cocktail. Whimsical elements like fortune-telling Gin & Tonics come to life through house-made juices and syrups, a premium selection of spirits and an intense dedication to the craft. An eclectic soundtrack creates a sophisticated atmosphere that evolves throughout the evening.

• Moneyline Sports Book & Bar: Moneyline brings a new twist to the Las Vegas sports book with intertwining spaces that playfully transport guests to their favorite neighborhood hangout. Among the duckpin bowling lanes and billiards games, Moneyline features a menu conceptualized by Hogsalt Hospitality with griddled cheeseburgers as well as self-service, weigh-and-pay food selections for guests wanting to personalize their game day feast.
• Pools: Channeling the sundrenched South of France, this vibrant outdoor escape features three pools, an oversized heated spa, 12 cabanas, lounge areas and multiple bars serving up delicious bites and beverages. Guests can mingle among friends at one of three pools – the South Pool, the East Pool or the North Pool – while lively music evokes a cool, laid-back vibe. Each pool boasts Baja shelf seating and submerged wet decks; a VIP area by the East Pool also features deluxe cushioned chaises. 
• Meetings & Conventions: Phase one of Park MGM’s 77,000-square-foot conference center combines non-traditional spaces and flexible design to fill an unmet need for small groups visiting Las Vegas. With bookings now available, meeting planners can take advantage of the city’s first Executive Meeting Center and a comprehensive installation of Stay Well rooms and meeting space.
• Casino Floor: Park MGM’s remodeled casino floor reflects the resort’s outdoor inspiration. In keeping with Sydell Group’s vision for maintaining key elements of the former space, the casino’s design contains subtle nods to its Monte Carlo roots, including the refined sparkling chandeliers, intricate crown moulding and stained-glass ceiling, all of which have been refurbished to their original beauty.
• Park Theater: Park Theater invites guests to an intimate space for one-of-a-kind productions from renowned artists. The theater is home to extended engagements with Bruno Mars, Cher, Ricky Martin – and soon – Lady Gaga.

With its unrivaled central location, Park MGM offers guests direct access to what is quickly becoming the city’s premier entertainment district, featuring T-Mobile Arena, The Park and Park Theater. 

ABOUT MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 28 unique hotel offerings including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. Expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company in 2018 opened MGM COTAI in Macau and the first Bellagio-branded hotel in Shanghai. It also is developing MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. The 78,000 global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information visit us at www.mgmresorts.com.

Mount Airy Casino Resort Earns 2017 AAA Four Diamond Award For Seventh Consecutive Year

Mount Airy Casino Resort Is Pennsylvania’s First Casino Resort to be Ranked a Four Diamond Property

Mount Pocono, PA –  For the seventh consecutive year, Mount Airy Casino Resort, a destination offering incomparable casino gaming, picturesque settings, lavish ambiance, exceptional fine dining, luxury accommodations, outdoor activities and unrivalled amenities, has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Rating. Mount Airy Casino Resort was the first casino resort in Pennsylvania to have received this prominent award.

The AAA Four Diamond Rating is assigned to lodgings that feature an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail. Restaurants at this level offer a distinctive fine-dining experience marked by high quality ingredients, creative presentation, and attentive service. Fewer than 4 percent of nearly 59,000 AAA Approved hotels and restaurants receive this prestigious rating.

Hotels at this level employ experienced, highly qualified staff to provide the custom service luxury hotel guests expect, according to AAA. These establishments deliver unmatched guest comfort with luxurious accommodations, extraordinary facilities and many personalized amenities. Mount Airy Casino Resort is part of a select group of hotels and restaurants in North America. Just 1,615 hotels and 665 restaurants made the AAA Four Diamond lists for 2017.  

“It is such an honor to have achieved this award for the seventh consecutive year,” stated John Culetsu, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mount Airy Casino Resort. “We remain committed to providing the highest quality of dining, gaming and luxury accommodations to our guests, and this award highlights that commitment and the work that we have done and will continue to do,” he added.”

“AAA is pleased to recognize Mount Airy Casino Resort for earning the Four Diamond Rating,” said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Inspections and Diamond Ratings. “To maintain the exceptional standards required for this rating on a daily basis is an outstanding achievement. AAA Four Diamond establishments are attentive to guests needs and consistently deliver memorable travel and dining experiences,” he added.  “These establishments consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler – the AAA inspector. We are proud to have these dedicated businesses in our region,” He concluded.

ABOUT AAA DIAMOND RATINGS

For more than 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct anonymous, in-person property evaluations. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations using published guidelines weighted by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: the AAA Mobile app, the online TripTik Travel Planner mapping and routing tool, searchable online AAA Travel Guides and AAA TourBook guides available to members at AAA offices.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 57 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

ABOUT MOUNT AIRY CASINO RESORT:

Mount Airy Casino Resort – Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond-rated casino, boasts the ultimate gaming experience with over 1,800 slot machines and 80 table games against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s picturesque Pocono Mountains. Luxury hotel rooms and suites serve every need while guests discover a variety of signature restaurant options, including the recently opened Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and Bistecca by Il Mulino. This all-encompassing, full service resort destination for outdoor enthusiasts and gaming enthusiasts alike features an award- winning, lakefront 18-hole golf course; a 16,000 square foot spa, salon and exercise facility; a $5 million, luxury, indoor/outdoor pool and entertainment complex – aptly called Get Wet; an outdoor summer stage that hosts summer concert series; headline entertainment at Gypsies Nightclub and bar; banquet and conference center.  Mount Airy Casino Resort, located in Mount Pocono, Pa., is less than 90 minutes from Philadelphia, New York City and northern New Jersey. For reservations, call 1-877-682-4791 or visit www.mountairycasino.com.

Borgata In Atlantic City Announces Central Conference Center, Opening In May 2017

$11M venue adds 18,000-square-feet of meeting and convention space to Borgata, bringing the resort’s total event capacity to 106,000-square-feet 

 Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has announced the unveiling of its 18,000-square-foot Central Conference Center. Scheduled to debut in May, the newly designed $11 million project will provide an exclusive meeting experience while effectively complementing Borgata’s dynamic meetings and conventions program.

“The launch of Central Conference Center complements our event space, allowing us to accommodate more weddings, special occasions, trade shows, business expos, and more,” said Mark Vanderwielen, Vice President of Hotel & Property Operations for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “As the market-leading resort destination in the region, we recognize the importance of our meetings and conventions customers and are delighted to offer them an exclusive product containing a level of service that is unmatched anywhere in the city.”

Designed by Avenue Interior Design, Central Conference Center features two stories of highly customizable event space including five meeting rooms, a board room, and an office on the lower level; as well as a 6,500-square-foot clear span ballroom on the upper level. The strikingly conceived architecture features oil-rubbed metallic and bronze finishes, incorporating custom tabu zebrano millwork and trims with marble, granite, and quartz stone fixtures. Specialized wallcoverings, sconces, and carpet adorn the entire space, giving the feel of style and sophistication just steps away from the excitement of Borgata’s casino floor.

Occupying what was formally mur.mur nightclub, the bi-level venue boasts the latest in technology, offering high definition digital projection, TV, and internet system capabilities paired with all digital distributed sound systems. Touch panel controls and décor lighting experiences allow for made-to-order services that can be uniquely individualized to fit any need. Borgata Executive Chef Tom Biglan (Borgata Buffet, The Metropolitan, Bread + Butter, Noodles of The World) will manage the culinary program for Central Conference Center with Executive Pastry Chef Thaddeus DuBois (Borgata Baking Company, Borgata Buffet, The Metropolitan, Bread + Butter) overseeing the pastry program.

The addition allows Borgata to devote over 106,000 square feet of meeting, event, and convention space between its three unique venues –The Event Center (70,000 sq. ft.), The Water Club (18,000 sq. ft.), and Central Conference Center (18,000 sq. ft.), while also offering a wide array of group dining from world-renowned chefs, including Wolfgang Puck (Wolfgang Puck American Grille), Bobby Flay (Bobby Flay Steak), Michael Schulson (Izakaya Modern Japanese Pub), Geoffrey Zakarian (The Water Club), and restaurateurs Greg and Marc Sherry (Old Homestead Steak House).

Borgata’s dedicated in-house Group and Hotel Sales teams work in partnership with its Banquets and Catering professionals to provide a personalized experience tailored around communication, service and support with the overarching goal to deliver a positive and memorable experience where business meets pleasure. Reservations for Central Conference Center are being accepted now by calling 609.317.7729 or visiting theborgata.com.

Casino Perks That Non-Gamblers Will Love

While Pennsylvania awaits a verdict on the state's proposed second casino, a recently-added feature at the ever-popular Valley Forge Casino (about 30 minutes northwest of Philadelphia) is making poker chip-wielding travelers around the country take note. Announced early last month, a new "Points for Miles" program offers gamers the chance to redeem casino player points for -- get this -- airline miles with US Airways.

Not such a terrible idea, is it? Though we usually expect our casino winnings in the form of cold, hard cash, this new twist is a practical alternative, and especially useful to those who fly US Airways (or their newly-merged partner, American Airlines) with any sort of frequency. Participating casino guests will benefit from playing a few extra hands at the poker table -- rack up enough casino points, and you could wind up with a discounted (or free) airline ticket.

Let's take a look at what other casinos are doing to stand out from the pack:

In southeastern Connecticut, the Mohegan Sun opened in 1996 and remains one of the world's largest gaming complexes. New updates are being made all the time to the rooms and guest facilities, but here's one of our favorite tidbits about this sprawling resor: inside the "Casino of the Sky" is the world's largest planetarium dome. The impressive ceiling features morphing fiber optics that make the entire (well, almost) cosmos accessible to an indoors-only crowd. Meanwhile, the resort just debuted a set of Premium Suites that were previously only available to celebrities and VIP high-rollers; the $8,000-per-night suites feature marble bathrooms, Bose-equipped living rooms, and 24-hour butler service.

Back in October, we spent some time marveling at the new health- and wellness-themed offerings at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and we still can't get the HEPA-standard air purified rooms out of our head. Totaling 171 rooms throughout the 14th floor of the hotel's main tower, "Stay Well" guests are treated to vitamin C-infused shower water, jetlag-relieving light therapy systems, all-natural, toxin-free mattresses, and cedar headboards -- all virtually unheard of in a city of cheap thrills and even cheaper hotel bills.

Palm Springs' only casino, Spa Resort Casino is a magnet for west coast vacationers with extra money to burn -- show up at any time of night, and you'll find a wide array of folks pulling at slot levers and congregating around blackjack tables. But the resort's most unique feature isn't to be found in the casino itself; rather, next door, at the spa, guests can enjoy a treatment known as Mineral Immersion. Inspired by the region's native hot springs, the four-step treatment includes steam, sauna, eucalyptus inhalation, and, last but not least, a private soak in the resort's private mineral springs. Day passes for non-guests available from $40.

Contributed by Alex Schechter