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Like I mentioned yesterday, B and I spent Saturday night downtown in the “D” (Detroit for those not in the know).  We planned a little getaway for my birthday and we had a great time together.  We stayed at the MGM Grand Detroit because we have stayed there in the past and loved it.  And because they had a good promotion going on.  I believe our room was $339/night and it included $100 in Free Play at the Casino and 2 Buffets at The Palette.  It’s kind of crazy how much it costs to stay downtown, but that’s just the way it is.

The Check-In Line:

Ugh, just like at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas, there was a giant line at check-in.  I know we arrived just after check-in time, but seriously, there has to be a better system.  Something tells me things aren’t running efficiently when you have a lobby full of people waiting to check-in (or out as the case may be).  In defense of MGM, the employees were handing out water and the front desk staff was very polite and apologized for the delay.

The Room:

We had a view of the bridge and the old train depot from our room.  MGM may have a fabulous hotel, but even they can’t do anything about Detroit’s biggest eyesore.  The room itself was very nice.  We had a standard room (I’m sure they call it something fancier), but it was plenty big and had everything we needed, including a big tv in the bathroom.  Who doesn’t need that?  I also loved the H2O products that were stocked in the bathroom (and were relocated to my house).  The bed was very comfy and I didn’t even realize that B was in it.  We (really B) rented a movie from On Demand (that’s $15.99 I will never see again) and I tested out the free internet.  I had to balance that movie out by using the free wireless in the room.

The Hotel:
The hotel itself is very hip.  Unlike the Vegas hotels (most of them anyways), you don’t need to drag your luggage thru the casino to get to your room.  In fact, you don’t even need to see the casino if you don’t want to, although, why wouldn’t you?  The living room (which is on the left) is very cozy and has a real fire going at all time.  At least I think it’s real?  Well maybe it’s not real.  But it’s cozy and warm.  The elevators were fast, everything was clean and they had free coffee in the morning.  The hotel is kind of on the small side (or at least it looks small’ish) but none of the common areas was ever too crowded (except for check-in), so I guess it’s bigger than I think.

The Spa (Immerse Spa):

B and I hit up the spa first thing Sunday morning for some mani-pedis.  I didn’t take a picture of the actual spa area (they likely would have booted me – lol), but it’s a beautiful area and is stocked with lots of fruit and water and teas.  Very calming.  Spa services are always so much more expensive than they should be, but it was worth it.  I enjoyed a little quiet time with a few US Weekly’s.

The Buffet (Palette Dining Studio):
As I mentioned, our room came with two free buffets, so that’s where we ate dinner.  We probably would have went a little fancier if the buffet hadn’t been included, but you just can’t pass up free!  We have eaten here many times and have always enjoyed it.  It’s got so many choices that if you can’t find something you like, there is something wrong with you!  My favorites were the pretzel rolls (not pictures) and the Butterfinger cheesecake pops.  So delicious (is that better?).  And the sculpture in the middle picture?  That is all made out of chocolate.  Pretty neat huh?

The Casino:
I saved the best for last.  There is nothing different about this casino than any other casino really.  They have my favorite Sex in the City game and like all other casinos, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.  Although the picture on the left does show me winning $70 (while betting $4/spin), I was a loser.  But B won (he’s hot and lucky!), so together we made a good team.  No one was taking our picture with a big cardboard check that’s for sure, but we left with a little more than we started with, so we were more than happy.  We “plan” on losing all our money every time we go to the casino, so leaving with money is a win!  I think you have to pretty much have to be okay with losing it or else you won’t have fun!

B and I had such a great time together and while we missed L, I am pretty sure he didn’t miss us! He had a great night getting spoiled at his Nana’s house and is likely hoping B and I will let him stay there again soon.  Thanks again Nana and thanks to B for making my birthday extra special!!