Away from Home and Happy

With business travel, what takes an ordinary stay at a hotel or resort to the next level? It’s definitely the comforts of home and amenities geared toward keeping life as routine as possible. For those who travel regularly or attend multi-day conferences, these efforts are more than simple necessities—they can really make or break a trip. Amenities and accommodations at today’s conference center resorts are as varied as the individuals who use them. Here’s a sampling of what’s available at MGM Resorts destinations, based on interests and personality types.

The Health Enthusiast

MGM Grand’s Stay Well Rooms are geared toward all things healthy: In-room technological advancements inspire better rest, reduced stress and mindful meal options. Rooms are equipped with a vitamin C shower, which rains down the antioxidant for a more refreshing shower. Healing scents can be dispersed through an aromatherapy diffuser, an air purification system is in place to remove allergens, and the alarm clock simulates dawn, with gradually increasing levels of music, natural sound and light.

The Tech-Savvy

Tom Anderson, CMP, plans the annual Technology Services World conference at ARIA, where he says technology is top-of-mind in the conference center as well as the rooms. “The sleeping rooms are very elegant, and they have the high-tech feature of being able to turn on your lights and open your drapes and turn on your TV and your favorite radio station from a single, easy-to-use remote control in your room,” he said. “That’s a fun thing to have, certainly if you’re at all interested in technology—you’ll spend a lot of time trying to program everything.” That tech focus translates to the conference area, as well. “MGM Resorts is a bit of a leader in this in Las Vegas and in the hotel industry because of the complimentary Internet service throughout the campus,” Anderson said. “Pretty much everybody has two or three devices at any given time, and certainly with technology executives, they want to be well-wired and well-connected.”

The Shopper

While the attendees of the American Dental Association may not necessarily be attracted to Vegas’ gambling side, “They do like to shop,” said James Goodman, Managing VP of Meetings and Conventions for the ADA. “They’re quality purchasers.” The finest retailers are represented throughout the MGM Resorts properties, including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, Chanel and more at Bellagio; Nike Golf, Swarovski, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and others at Mandalay Bay; and Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Jimmy Choo at The Shops at Crystals at ARIA. These well-known designers and brands share space with many one-of-a-kind shops for the shopper looking for unique finds.

The Art Lover

For anyone wanting a treat for the senses, Bellagio is the place to be. The Fountains of Bellagio provide a stunning choreographed water, music and light spectacle for anyone to see. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens change with the seasons, as 140 horticulturists maintain the ponds, gazebos, plants, flowers and trees in this free attraction. Look overhead to take in Fiori di Como, a breathtaking Dale Chihuly creation of 2,000 hand-blown glass pieces suspended from the Bellagio lobby ceiling. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art also displays rotating exhibitions of master works of art.