Owned by movie company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the MGM Grand liberally borrows Hollywood themes. Check out the casino resort's Strip-side entrance, where flashing LED screens and computerized fountains add extra theatrics to the 100,000lb, 45ft-tall bronze lion statue – naturally, it's the largest bronze statue in the country. Star-worthy 'Maximum Vegas' attractions include Cirque du Soleil's martial-arts-inspired spectacular Kà and the massive MGM Grand Garden Arena , which stages championship boxing and mega concerts by pop stars.
For many, the MGM Grand's biggest draw is the Grand Pool complex out back, with four swimming pools and a few whirlpools. At this fabulous outdoor playground, children splash in shallow aqua pools, bikini beauties sunbathe in chaise lounges, college students slurp from yard-long strawberry daiquiris and last night's party crowd recovers under beach umbrellas. The highlight is a 8000ft-long lazy river – the longest in Vegas – that snakes around the pools, passing through spraying waterfalls and underneath bridges draped with tropical foliage. Rent an inner tube or just let the gentle current sweep you along. During summer, Wet Republic is the Strip's most MTV-worthy pool club.
Back inside, stroll past an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs' restaurants, bars and nightlife venues, none more dazzling than Joël Robuchon , where you'll dine inside a faux Parisian mansion, and newcomer Hakkasan , a glam Chinese restaurant and nightclub. A handful of low-key attractions, namely CSI: The Experience and CBS Television City , add a family-oriented atmosphere.
