Hotel Comparisons
Excalibur vs MGM Grand
Compare Excalibur and MGM Grand side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
The castle-themed Strip resort — kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and connected to Luxor and Mandalay Bay. vs. One of the largest hotels in the world — and the south-Strip anchor for sports, conventions, and big-name nightlife. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Excalibur | MGM Grand | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Budget | Upscale |
| Location | South Strip | South Strip |
| Rooms | 3,981 | 4,762 |
| Year Opened | 1990 | 1993 |
| Resort Fee | $51.02/night | $56.69/night |
Best For
Excalibur
- +Families with younger kids
- +Budget travelers
- +Bachelor/bachelorette groups looking for cheap south-Strip base
MGM Grand
- +Concert and event travelers (MGM Grand Garden Arena is on-property)
- +Big group weekends
- +KÀ by Cirque du Soleil ticket holders
- +Convention attendees
Not Ideal For
Excalibur
- -Luxury travelers
- -Anyone who wants modern aesthetics
MGM Grand
- -Travelers who hate massive resorts (it's 4,762 rooms — getting around takes time)
- -Anyone who wants center-Strip walkability
Top Highlights
Excalibur
- *Castle theming inside and out — a Vegas original
- *Tournament of Kings — one of the few full dinner shows
- *Fun Dungeon arcade for kids
MGM Grand
- *MGM Grand Garden Arena hosts UFC, boxing, and headline concerts
- *Joël Robuchon — among the most decorated restaurants in Vegas
- *Massive grand pool complex
Notable Dining
Excalibur
- -Camelot Steakhouse
- -Buca di Beppo
- -Dick's Last Resort (closed at Excalibur — verify other locations)
MGM Grand
- -Joël Robuchon (Michelin-starred)
- -L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
- -Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak
Verdict
Edge: MGM Grand
MGM Grand edges ahead overall thanks to its South Strip location and upscale positioning. That said, Excalibur is the better pick if you prioritize families with younger kids.
Choose Excalibur if you want
- +Families with younger kids
- +Budget travelers
- +Bachelor/bachelorette groups looking for cheap south-Strip base
Choose MGM Grand if you want
- +Concert and event travelers (MGM Grand Garden Arena is on-property)
- +Big group weekends
- +KÀ by Cirque du Soleil ticket holders
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Which hotel has a lower resort fee, Excalibur or MGM Grand?
Excalibur has the lower daily resort fee at $51.02/night (after tax), compared to $56.69/night at the other property.
Are Excalibur and MGM Grand close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the South Strip, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is Excalibur or MGM Grand better for a first trip to Vegas?
Excalibur is best for Families with younger kids and Budget travelers. MGM Grand is best for Concert and event travelers (MGM Grand Garden Arena is on-property) and Big group weekends. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Excalibur or MGM Grand?
MGM Grand is the larger property with 4,762 rooms, compared to 3,981 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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