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