Hotel Review: MGM Grand Detroit – Casino Vibes, Cool Views, But Not Built for Teens
If you’re heading to Downtown Detroit for a big concert or game, the MGM Grand Detroit might catch your eye. It’s a full-scale casino hotel and part of the Marriott family, but not every stay is a jackpot—especially if you’re a teen. We booked a one-night stay after scoring tickets to see legendary hard rockers AC/DC, and while the location delivered, the experience was definitely more geared to adults.
First Impressions & Check-In
We rolled in just after 1:30 p.m. and pulled into the valet area, where the staff was friendly and quick to help. Since we arrived ahead of the concert crowd, check-in was fast and our room was ready—which is always a win.
There was one hiccup: my dad has a feather-free request on his Marriott profile because of allergies, and the pillows in the room didn’t match that request. Thankfully, the front desk team handled it quickly. Pro tip: If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member with allergy needs, call ahead to double-check.
The Room: Big Bathroom, Sweet View, But Some Snags
We stayed in a 2 Queen Luxury Guest Room on the 8th floor. The room itself was big and had two comfy beds, a pair of chairs, a desk, and a decent-sized TV. The view from our window? Awesome. We could see both the Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe Bridge.
The bathroom was probably the most impressive part—super spacious with double sinks, a massive mirror, a private water closet, and a huge shower with two showerheads. The water pressure and temperature were perfect.
But the room wasn’t flawless. Housekeeping missed a couple spots—we spotted some candy on the carpet (someone had a sweet tooth battle, maybe?). And the in-room safe didn’t work. We called a few times, but no one ever came to fix it. Also, the room had a stocked mini bar and snack bar—which my parents had to remind me NOT to touch. 😂
Wi-Fi and Gaming Setup: Major Letdown
This one hurt. The Wi-Fi was super slow—easily the slowest I’ve tested so far. It’s currently dead last on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard.
Worse? No HDMI ports on the TV. Like, zero. So there was no way to hook up my Nintendo Switch. I guess they really don’t want guests staying in the room for long. Definitely not teen-gamer-friendly.
Pool, Gym & Vibe Check
I didn’t end up using the pool or gym—we got back late from the concert, and to be honest, the vibe at the hotel just wasn’t very teen-friendly. Most guests seemed to be adults heading to or from the casino. It didn’t feel like a place for families or teens looking to hang out.
Where to Eat
Inside the MGM Grand Detroit, most restaurants are inside the casino, which means you have to be 21+ to go. The one exception is TAP, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open to guests of all ages.
We skipped breakfast at the hotel (not included with our rate) and grabbed food on the way home. FYI for Marriott Platinum members: this hotel doesn’t offer breakfast as a welcome gift either.
As always, we made our traditional stop at Buddy’s Pizza on Broadway Street. Their Detroit-style pizza never misses. If you want more food options, head over to Woodward Ave or Greektown for a ton of restaurants—just be ready to walk 15–30 minutes.
Things To Do Nearby
If you’re staying here for an event, the location is great. Here’s what’s walkable:
- Ford Field – 20 mins
- Comerica Park & Little Caesars Arena – 15 mins
- Campus Martius Park – Recently ranked #1 public square in the U.S.
- Detroit Riverwalk – Scenic views across to Windsor, Canada
- Greektown – Fun, lively food scene
Final Verdict: Not This Teen Travelz Approved
So… is the MGM Grand Detroit a teen-friendly hotel? Not really.
Sure, the location is solid and the bathroom was a nice surprise, but the slow Wi-Fi and total lack of console access made it a no for me. And while adults might love the casino vibes, there just isn’t much for teens to do on-site.
It worked for our one-night concert stay, but I wouldn’t pick it for a teen-focused vacation.
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz
P.S. I’ve stayed at a bunch of Michigan hotels. You can see the full list (and which ones are Teen Travelz Approved) on my Michigan Hotels roundup page