MGM Grand Opens in Downtown Detroit
MGM Grand Detroit, First-Ever Las Vegas-Style Destination to Open in a Major Metropolitan Core
DETROIT, MI, October 3, 2007. Luxury business travel has a new address in Detroit. The $800-million MGM Grand Detroit debuted last night raising the city's hospitality offerings to unparalleled heights. Developed by MGM MIRAGE (NYSE:MGM) , one of the world's most respected hotel and gaming companies, MGM Grand Detroit is the first-ever Las Vegas-style destination to open in a major metropolitan core. Delivering unrivaled rooms and suites, celebrity chef restaurants, the only resort-style spa in southeast Michigan and 30,000-square-feet of meeting and convention space, MGM Grand Detroit is now the premier hotel and entertainment destination in the state. The opening adds an additional 1,000 jobs to the company's employee base, totaling approximately 3,000, making MGM Grand Detroit one of the top employers in the area.
"We've opened the doors to MGM Grand Detroit and are proud to introduce a new level of amenities and offerings to the Midwest. MGM Grand Detroit will be a draw for many audiences from the business traveler and international visitor, to regional guests and our community with a location that is convenient during the week, and both exciting and accessible for weekend getaways," said George Boyer, President and COO for MGM Grand Detroit. "We've taken the chic of Manhattan and combined it with the sizzle of Las Vegas to create this one-of-a-kind experience for our guests."
The opening was celebrated with a VIP black-tie affair attended by Grammy-nominee Kid Rock and Grammy-Award -winners Ashanti and Anita Baker, along with celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina and many other Detroit dignitaries. The official opening of the doors was commemorated with a visually stunning celebratory moment that lit up the neighborhood and the skyline. As the property's spectacular Grand Garden was illuminated for the first time, fireworks signaled a new era for downtown Detroit with matchless amenities and accommodations never before available in the Midwest.
Of Detroit's three original casinos, MGM Grand Detroit is the only hotel and entertainment destination created as an entirely new venue -- built from the ground up -- to deliver an unequaled guest experience. Room reservations are available via http://www.mgmgranddetroit.com/ or (888) 646-3387.
Among MGM Grand Detroit's key elements:
o GRAND GARDEN: Designed by the imaginative artists renowned for holiday creations in Rockefeller Center and the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas, this botanical display anchors the property. The garden is a distinctive environment with dynamic lighting and flourishing plants and serves as a seasonal attraction for guests and the community. For its debut, autumn bursts into resplendent color featuring giant glass-fabricated leaves and 50-foot Canadian white birch trees. Colossal Michigan-grown pumpkins weighing up to 1,200 pounds commemorate the seasonal holidays and complete the picturesque autumnal scene.
o LOBBY: The lobby envelops patrons in a modern yet tranquil atmosphere with grandiose 20-foot ceilings and a handcrafted alabaster wall. The adjacent guest-only "Living Room" features a wall-length fireplace, plush oversized ottomans and contemporary artwork from Michigan artist Herb Babcock, where hotel guests can relax or make reservations via the dedicated concierge. Floral artistry by Detroit-based Terry's Enchanted Garden begins in the lobby and extends throughout the destination.
o GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES: MGM Grand Detroit features 400 chic and stylish guest rooms, including 65 opulent suites accented with modern, colorful prints by Detroit artist Gilda Snowden. Guests enjoy 24-hour in-room dining by the original celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck. Luxury guest rooms start at 510 square feet and feature oversized bathrooms, showers featuring a "peek a boo" panel of opaque tangerine glass offering a glimpse of a showering silhouette from the bedroom, telephones that serve as a "Butler" with color touch-screen technology that enables guests to access property information, schedule wake-up calls, order room service and connect to the Internet without picking up the phone, a 42-inch wall-mounted plasma television and an IPOD docking station. Ranging from 1,000 to 2,225 square feet, each suite features a marble foyer, living room sitting area with wet bar and floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows for stunning 90-degree cityscape views. On the top floor of the resort, the spectacular VIP Penthouse Suites also provide entertainment rooms with 54-inch plasma TVs, formal dining rooms and a private kitchen where hotel chefs can prepare meals for guests.
o IMMERSE SPA AND SALON: A 20,000-square-foot modern-day urban loft, IMMERSE is the first U.S.-based spa for internationally acclaimed architecture firm tonychi and associates and is inspired by nature's most calming element: water. Design elements are complemented by black-and-white photography of serene and natural landscapes by Detroit photographer Bill Schwab. The lavish, two-level space includes a full-service spa, six treatment bungalows, wet room with Vichy shower, first-class salon, state-of-the-art exercise room, relaxation lounges, separate vanity areas for men and women featuring a whirlpool and steam room, an infinity-edge pool, a spa boutique. The opening also marks the Detroit debut for Sonya Dakar -- the "first lady" of celebrity skin care -- who brings her signature treatments to IMMERSE.
o BOURBON STEAK: Designed by international firm SUPERPOTATO, BOURBON STEAK is a new steakhouse concept from two-time James Beard Award-winner Michael Mina, featuring creative variations of classic steakhouse fare with signature dishes including slow-poached, all natural Angus Beef, Duck Fat Fries, Spinach Souffle and Truffle Mac & Cheese.
o SALTWATER: Michael Mina's SALTWATER features contemporary seafood and refined American cuisine set in an elegant Tony Chi design that celebrates the richness of the sea. SALTWATER showcases Mina's classic dishes including Lobster Pot Pie, Caviar Parfait, Tartare of Ahi Tuna and Mussel Souffle.
o WOLFGANG PUCK GRILLE: For the first time, the famous chef brings his innovative cuisine to Michigan. A contemporary version of the classic "bar and grill," WOLFGANG PUCK GRILLE features casual as well as sophisticated fine dining that can be enjoyed either as a relaxed, leisurely dining experience or as a comfortable, quick-bite for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night meals. Created by New York-based designer Tony Chi, the restaurant is a celebration of the Midwest -- with fields and expansive skies -- combined with the bustling and energetic city culture.
o NIGHTLIFE: MGM Grand Detroit goes beyond the threshold of excitement and delivers the hottest nightlife in the city. The signature lounge, V, features celebrity DJs, exotic cocktails and extraordinary special effects. Giant plasma screens convert real-time images of club-goers into a sexy and captivating pixel patchwork in hues of blue and red that reveals the energy inside the lounge to passersby. From its intimate fire pit to its chic decor, IGNITE sizzles with an energy that sets the soul ablaze. At its focal point, a 14-foot frosted glass display shifts from a massive wall of ice to a blazing inferno celebrating the dramatic tango between the forces of nature. U-ME-DRINK, AGUA and INT ICE offer guests stylish spots to sip a signature cocktail and listen to their favorite Jazz, Latin or Top 40 hits.
o MEETING AND EVENTS CENTER: MGM Grand Detroit offers 30,000 square feet of luxury business and reception space including a pillarless 14,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom. The Meeting and Events Center is conveniently located on the third floor making events easily accessible but strategically distinguished from other hotel activities.
o SHOPPING: Guests will discover the latest styles and renowned brands including John Hardy, Judith Leiber, BVLGARI, Juicy Couture and Dolce & Gabbana.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
