MGM Grands Skylofts combine privacy, action

By Amy Baratta

Dec 16, 2004

LAS VEGAS -- When their customers talk, MGM Grand officials listen.

And what they heard from guests was a need for a high-end hotel product that offers the luxurious amenities of the Mansion at MGM Grand, but whose location is closer to all the excitement and action that the casino affords, according to David Van Kalsbeek, the MGM Grands senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Thus was born the concept for the Skylofts at MGM Grand, scheduled to open Dec. 23.

The 51 two-story accommodations will be located on the 29th and 30th floors -- the top two floors of the property that once contained its penthouse suites.

Based on customer research, Van Kalsbeek said, One of the things we found that people were looking for was that location or that product in Las Vegas that gave them a sense of removal from all of the hubbub, but that was also attached to all the action that is Las Vegas.

And we have given them the best of both worlds -- a super-peaceful place 29 floors from the largest casino in Las Vegas.

Designed by renowned architect Tony Chi, each of the two-story lofts features 24-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide dramatic views of the citys skyline, the Strip and the surrounding mountains.

They are, according to Van Kalsbeek, somewhat of an answer to [the luxury hotel towers that have opened or will open at other casinos].

However, its a different product. First of all, its a loft, not a penthouse suite, Van Kalsbeek added.

The Skylofts are more of an answer to the MGM Grands own Mansion, accommodations usually reserved for high rollers or other high-profile guests of the hotel.

The Mansion is just oozing luxury, he said. [The Skylofts] are different. Theyre also luxurious but on a different level. Theyre not really the heavy-fabric, traditional luxury but more of a contemporary luxury with an urban hint to it.

The hotel sells the Mansion, Van Kalsbeek said, but [rooms] really are hard to get.

They start at $5,000 per night, and even when thats not a barrier, it really is tough to get into because they run such high occupancy. Its very hard to tell someone who is prepared [to pay that much money] that he cant have a room.

Now he wont have to.

According to Van Kalsbeek, the Skylofts represent more of an approachable exclusivity.

I see this as a great product, not only for high rollers but also for CEOs of large groups staying here at the hotel because they can entertain in them.

And believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there who like the view or who want the uniqueness, the truly extraordinary and the different.

Exclusivity -- approachable or not -- comes at a price.

For the Skylofts, which range in size from 1,400 square feet to 6,000 square feet, rates start at $800 per night and run up to $10,000 per night, primarily depending on whether guests want one-, two- or three-bedroom accommodations.

The $10,000-per-night Skyloft, according to Van Kalsbeek, features three bedrooms and a huge outside balcony with a Jacuzzi tub.

The most expensive Skyloft was originally built as a penthouse for Barbra Streisand when she appeared at the opening of the MGM Grand in 1993.

To contact reporter Amy Baratta, send e-mail to [email protected].

Skyloft price tag: From $800 to $10,000 per night

LAS VEGAS -- When unveiled later this month, the new Skylofts at MGM Grand will carry a hefty price tag -- between $800 and $10,000 per night. So what does spending that kind of money get you?

A lot, in terms of physical amenities and personal service.

Ranging in size from 1,600 square feet to 6,000 square feet, the one-, two- and three-bedroom lofts are not really compartmentalized, said David Van Kalsbeek, the MGM Grands senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Van Kalsbeek described the lofts as having an open floor plan. Theyre more of a free-flowing space with no boundaries, he said.

Upstairs, he said, the bedrooms are all about understated elegance, neutral colors and rich, textured fabrics.

Theyre contemporary but not the stark, minimalist contemporary of a W hotel, he said.

The lofts also are filled with cool gadgets and the latest [technology], Van Kalsbeek said, including remote controls that operate the TV, DVD, radio, draperies, temperature and lighting.

The Skylofts Jukebox, a PC-based music selection, enables guests to choose their listening pleasures. Web Radio offers domestic and international radio stations. Fax machines have guest-assigned phone numbers.

Also, each loft has custom-designed Bang & Olufsen and Sony HDTV audio-visual equipment. There is a 32-inch, liquid crystal display monitor at every bathtub.

For Skylofts guests, service begins before they set foot in Las Vegas.

A concierge will contact guests before their arrival to help with any special requests -- including what to stock in the lofts private bar as well as selections of coffees for use with the in-loft espresso machine -- in addition to making restaurant and entertainment suggestions and reservations.

Guests staying in the lofts receive preferred seating at the MGM Grands restaurants as well as guaranteed preferred seating at Ka, the propertys Cirque du Soleil production, and access to preferred seating for MGM Grand Garden events.

Should guests opt for dinner in the loft, selections are available from the propertys Craftsteak and Shibuya restaurants.

Loft guests receive limousine airport transfers and are greeted upon arrival by a concierge, who will perform all check-in procedures in the loft itself, and by their personal butler -- on call 24 hours a day -- who is available to pack and unpack luggage.

Other in-loft amenities include pre-engraved, personalized stationery and business cards; daily fresh fruit and flowers; and daily delivery of major national newspapers and Internet editions of hometown newspapers.

For more information or to reserve a Skyloft, call (877) 646-5638 or visit www.skyloftsmgmgrand.com. -- A.B.