ZorkFest is almost here! We’re two weeks out from the conference, which takes place Dec. 5-7.
We’ve shared plenty of information for those unfamiliar with the conference, which focuses on travel loyalty, casino comps, and everything in between. By now, you should have a good idea of which tracks you want to follow and which speakers will offer the most valuable information.
You probably have a ZorkFest ticket if you’re not from this region, since most visitors will need some lead time before visiting Las Vegas.
Today, we’re getting you familiar with M Resort, the host property for ZorkFest 2025. It’s probably not a coincidence that the property will debut its new hotel tower expansion days before ZorkFest begins.
It’s possible that the opening was moved up from 2026 just to accommodate attendees. On a related note, the casino floor upgrade was revealed this summer.
M Resort is about 15 minutes south of the Vegas Strip, where most tourists stay when visiting Las Vegas. The property offers hotel guests a complimentary shuttle service to and from Harry Reid Airport from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Rides are free, but reservations are required.
The property counters a common misconception that off-Strip casinos are inferior to those in the main tourist corridors. This is a true luxury resort, casino, and spa.
M Resort is objectively beautiful and has most of the amenities visitors could want, with a casino that has fair gaming rules, odds, and minimum bets.
M Resort is one of the best properties away from the action. I group it with Durango, Green Valley Ranch, and Red Rock. If I lived in that part of town, it would probably be my local casino. However, I am equidistant from Durango and Red Rock, and I visit those properties more than any others.
Award Winning Casino Resort
M Resort has won a Forbes Four-Star Rating and an AAA Four Diamond Award. It’s now owned and operated by Penn Entertainment, which makes it a Choice Hotels property.
I’m not an expert, but I don’t think there are many other Choice Hotels that are Forbes and AAA award winners. There’s a status match available between Penn and Choice Hotels if you’re interested.
It has also received awards from Conde Nast, U.S. News & World Report, TripAdvisor, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Newly Expanded Luxury Hotel
By the time we’re at ZorkFest, M Resort will have 765 hotel rooms and suites. 375 of those will be in the new East Tower, where many ZorkFest attendees will stay.
M Resort is 400 feet higher in elevation than the Vegas Strip. This might explain why the majority of rooms have views of the bright lights while lodging in the suburb of Henderson.
The decor is modern and warm, with subtle horizontal lines and rich tones. All rooms have the technology you would expect from a luxury resort. The rooms may not blow you away with opulence, but they should not disappoint.
Two standout amenities help define this as a luxury resort. The award-winning Spa Mio will be open during ZorkFest. The M Pool complex is one of the best off-Strip, but it is closed for the season.
Gambling at M Resort
The updated casino floor is more than 90,000 square feet and features nearly 1,000 video poker and slot machines, along with 40 table games, and a William Hill sportsbook. There are plenty of video poker games with a 99% or better payback percentage, according to vpFree2.
John and Kristina Mehaffey from Vegas Advantage will be presenting at ZorkFest. They have some M Resort casino info to share.
Nearly half of the table games are blackjack, which Vegas Advantage says is tied for the best off-Strip. As of their last visit, there were six different blackjack games.
While most games pay 3:2, there is a 6:5 table. Make sure to check the rules before sitting down to play.
There are six baccarat tables and three craps tables. I am happy to see that there are three Pai Gow Poker tables since that is my go-to game nowadays.
Drinking and Dining at M Resort
M Resort has a mix of fine and casual dining along with numerous bars. One of the perks of off-strip casinos is daily specials and happy hour deals.
There will be BOGO Woodford Reserve drinks at all casino bars during the first day of ZorkFest from 5 pm til midnight.
Here’s a quick rundown of the dining options:
- Anthony’s Prime Steak and Seafood
- Babycakes Bakery
- Jayde (Asian)
- Knight Time Hockey Bar (and restaurant)
- Marinelli’s Italian
- Raiders Tavern and Grill
- Vig Deli
I live on the other side of town and do not visit the M Resort too often. I have been to Anthony’s a couple of times and loved it, but that was a few years ago. The Vig was great, and Babycakes gave me the sugar and coffee I needed. Babycakes does not close, so you can get your post-bourbon sugar fix at any time.
Amp’s is a lounge with around 20 TVs, a solid beer menu, and free live music on Friday and Saturday nights. M Bar is a more relaxed wine and mixology bar.
Both bars have video poker. According to vpFree2, the best paytables, including 8/5 Bonus Poker, start at $1 per credit.
I look forward to hearing thoughts about M Resort from attendees who visit Vegas often but rarely leave the Strip.
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Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.