It’s been over a year since the announcement but you can finally start to see the vision MGM Resorts International has for the conversion of Monte Carlo to Park MGM. This is really just the beginning of the future. As you can see above the building still has Monte Carlo signage. Much of the casino floor is still a construction zone right now but two new restaurants are open and offer a new design aesthetic of new venues inside the property.
More revealing are the common areas that have been redesigned. The lobby is operational but possibly temporary during construction. The new bar in the center of the casino floor is just about complete and may be open by the time you read this.
Construction is ongoing at Monte Carlo and that will continue for awhile. Monte Carlo will be rebranded as Park MGM by the end of the first quarter of 2018. MGM Resorts International CEO, Jim Murren, says the property will feel like a new resort sometime in the second quarter of 2018.
Having said that, we can sort of get a vision for what the design concepts will look and feel like when the conversion to Park MGM is complete next year. Park MGM will be modern, classic, kitschy, and very instagrammy all at the same time.
The new lobby will be an attraction in itself with the massive faux tree hanging from the ceiling. Part of the valet entrance is still under construction so I’m not sure the current layout will remain intact when the transition to Park MGM is complete next year. Right now, the tree leads guests to the check in area.
There are about 10 self checkin kiosks set up in a “U” shape in front of the main front desk. There are a couple of employees at a desk in the center of the self checkin area to help if needed. Paying two employees to check in 10 people is much cheaper than 10 employees checking in 10 customers. As constructed today, the space is fine for people alone. Adding luggage might make this area a bit of a cluster. I think the self checkin area might be widened if the setup remains intact.
The “French-ish” restaurant is located just off the lobby. The exterior of the restaurant is similar to the lobby. Primrose is a fancy-ish but traditional casino cafe. I fell in love at Primrose and it wasn’t because of the nearly $20 avocado toast.
I absolutely love the bar side of Primrose. I don’t know what to say about it besides the fact that I love it. I’m actually a bit flustered and confused by these feelings. Seriously. When the weather is nicer you’ll be able to dine outside in addition to the bar and main dining room.
When you start walking around Monte Carlo you can see the changes of what will become Park MGM. On my way to the casino area I stumbled on a section of the new carpeting and marble flooring next to the existing carpet. This is an easy way to compare the new and old.
Park MGM – New Colors
One of my complaints about Monte Carlo over the years is that the casino always felt dark. The new colors address that feeling. The new carpeting and marble seem modern and feel lighter. When complete, this and other designs should help make the property feel more open and spacious when complete.
It’s difficult to gauge the exact location of this bar with so many construction walls up. The new center bar appears to be either where the old High Limits slot area used to be or where the craps tables used to be. The chandelier above the bar brings a bit of Monte Carlo to Park MGM. The area feels much brighter than it used to be. The new bright lights and gray marble counter and flooring make this bar sparkle.
You can see the light colors that start in the lobby moving east through the casino. Right now this is about as far as the complete (or nearly complete) renovations go into Park MGM. However, work continues!
The new High Limits Slot room will be enclosed from the casino. I took a peek behind the curtain and it’s still just an empty room with dudes working. I think they were putting in carpet earlier this week. The High Limits slot machines have been in a different location every time I’ve been at Monte Carlo for the past year and the new home should be ready shortly.
The sportsbook remains operational right now. They’ve added about 10 video poker machines to the space. It’s surprising that the space remains intact. This sportsbook is old but functional. It’s been one of my hidden gems for years. Eater reports that there will be a new sports bar at the property.
MGM Resorts International won’t comment on the future of the sportsbook but I think it could become part of the sports bar when it’s complete. That will enable the existing sportsbook to close and become something else. We should know the future in the next couple of months.
We’ve been looking at renderings of what Monte Carlo will become for months. There is still a lot of work to do on the conversion for Park MGM. If you look between the trees you can see the vision for the new property is slowly coming into focus.
I like what I’m envisioning and I hope MGM Resorts can finish the vision that I think I share. Expect more updates as more parts of the casino are revealed. Last, but not least…Here’s a look into the Upside Down at Park MGM.
