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Monte Carlo was built as a joint venture between Mirage Resorts (became part of MGM Mirage in 2000) and Gold Strike Resorts (later purchased by Mandalay Resort Group which itself became part of MGM Mirage in 2004). Most of its existence it has been sort of a Strip also-ran, not grabbing the headlines. Well, that changed in January 2008 when the roof caught fire, forcing the evacuation and closure of the hotel. Having to do repairs meant that they accelerated some room renovation projects as they were brought back online.

Monte Carlo sits on the South side of City Center, MGM Mirage’s massive new hotel and condo development. A tram will connect the properties and continue on to Bellagio as well.

Like its younger sister Mandalay Bay, the Monte Carlo’s pool area features a wave machine and lazy river, though they are much smaller. One distinctive amenity at Monte Carlo is tennis – most other resorts do not offer it on-site.

Monte Carlo is home to master magician Lance Burton – they show is surprisingly funny and the magic is fantastic. This is a show that the whole family can get into.

They used to brew their own beer at Monte Carlo but that practiced ended when they lost the space required to keep it running.

The 32nd floor, damaged in the fire, will re-open in August of 2009 as ‘Hotel32’, a hotel-within-a-hotel at Monte Carlo featuring a concierge lounge and high end service.