Bob Dylan’ s Metal Works Studio enters. And unlike many Vegas casinos, if you want to light up, you’ ll have to step outside.( Maryland law forbids indoor smoking in public places.)
Perhaps reflecting the tenor of buttoneddown Washington, the hotel is less flashy than the typical Vegas lodging. And, despite its $ 1.4 billion price tag, this latest MGM Resorts International property is positively boutique-y compared to the likes of the 5,000- room MGM Grand Las Vegas, among other behemoths in the company’ s portfolio.
That said, the 125,000-square-foot casino( three acres of gaming space and roomier than the White House) is straight off the Strip.
In addition to the 1,300 slot machines are 126 table games, and a 39-table poker room. Flecks of gold glitter sparkle in the flooring and diamond-like lights twinkle overheard.
But about 60 percent of revenue at MGM’ s Vegas properties is generated by non-gaming activities, like shows and retail. And plenty of non-gaming pursuits at MGM National Harbor are bound to attract a broad clientele.
The new resort is part of the larger National Harbor waterfront development, 11 miles south of the heart of downtown Washington. The sprawling complex includes retail shops, restaurants, hotels and an outlet mall. The MGM resort is somewhat removed from the main National Harbor action.( Shuttles ferry visitors to hub areas within the development daily from 11 a. m. to 4 a. m.)
Still, management is wagering the new resort will attract locals and out-of-towners alike, regardless of whether they’ re game to place a bet.
First, there’ s the general ambiance. As at some of its other properties, MGM has put a premium on original art at the new resort. MGM National Harbor features pieces by 30 artists, many of them local. Works include“ Harbor,” a colossal 24-by-34-foot visual that covers the wall behind the hotel reception desk. It’ s rendered in red clay dug
SPRING 2017 51 FLYWASHINGTON. COM