Signature at MGM Grand

I loved how Signature was removed, behind a secure gate and a keycard-controlled access door, from MGM Grand and the rest of the Las Vegas Strip. The lobby, indoor walkways, swimming pools, outdoor lounge areas and even the Starbucks were like a peaceful oasis. Yet I was just a short walk from the noise and excitement of MGM Grand and the rest of the Las Vegas Strip. I could access the MGM Grand's spa, pool area, restaurants and casino, then when I was tired of the noise I could retreat back into what felt like an exclusive hideaway.

Before I left the Las Vegas airport, I saw the check-in desk next to Carousels 1 and 2 at baggage claim. Guests of both MGM Grand and Signature can check in and receive a room key here at the airport. I arrived a bit early, and my room wasn't ready yet, so I headed just outside to catch a shuttle. The Signature's three gold towers are easy to spot rising behind the MGM Grand, and it was one of the first shuttle stops. Though the towers sit back from the Strip, they are connected to each other and to the MGM Grand by an indoor walkway. From Tower 3, the farthest tower, it was only a 5-10 minute walk to MGM Grand.

Once inside the lobby of Signature's Tower 3, I was able to get my room assignment and key. The lobby was quiet and elegant, so unlike the large busy lobbies of the huge casino resorts on the Strip. Each of the Signature's lobbies have a distinctly different feel, but the guest suites have the same designs in each tower.

I checked into a one-bedroom suite at Signature. The views from the corner bedroom were panoramic, and large closets (one with a safe) flanked the desk. I slept great on the 300-thread-count Anichini cotton sheets. Pressing a button on the remote raised the flat-screen TV from within the desk, a cool high-tech touch. Lowering it improved the view of Las Vegas neon and the mountains beyond from the bed.

My 950-square-foot one-bedroom suite had a full, modern, stainless steel kitchen. I love having a full kitchen on the Las Vegas Strip. Although I enjoy as many restaurants as I can on every Las Vegas trip, it's great to have the option of starting mornings at a slower pace after a late night. The kitchen also makes it convenient for longer stays and for families visiting Las Vegas. The Signature has package deals for 7-night stays that include extras like daily breakfast buffets and the 7th night free.

The one- and two-bedroom suites have full kitchens plus dining and living areas. Two-bedroom suites have two master bathrooms plus a guest bathroom. Couples have plenty of room to spread out in the spacious marble master bathrooms, all of which have whirlpool bathtubs, separate glass-enclosed showers, double vanities and a privacy toilet room. The smallest room type, a Junior Suite, is still a roomy 500 square feet and all of the amenities, including the bedside iHome clock radio, a kitchenette and CD/DVD players. All suites at the Signature at MGM Grand sport June Jacobs amenities in the bathrooms, which I highly recommend taking home with you.

Each of the three towers of Signature has its own swimming pool. Guests also have access to the huge pool complex at MGM Grand. You have a lot of options when it comes to getting wet. Depending on the weather, the time of day and your mood, you can hang out at a quiet pool with shade, one with lots of sun, take a cruise on MGM Grand's lazy river, or hit the Wet Republic party scene.

Each Signature tower also has outdoor patio areas, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a fire pit. I loved all the quiet spaces at the Signature, knowing that the mayhem and buzz of the Strip was just a short walk away at MGM Grand when I was ready.

Delights, located in Tower 2 of Signature at MGM Grand, is a gourmet sandwich shop with light meals and desserts. It's perfect for a quick bite, and MGM Grand (a short walk from here) has many other dining options. Tower 1 is closest to MGM Grand, and has a Starbucks and the Lobby Lounge.

The walk from Signature to MGM Grand for more dinner options is easy, no matter what the weather brings; the difficult part is choosing the restaurant. Jo?l Robuchon, Wolfgang Puck, Tom Colicchio, Michael Mina, and Emeril Lagasse each have a presence there.