Mgm Grand Sanya

“Kids, kids and more kids”

Only stayed for one day fortunatetly, but it was enough to determine that the Sanya MGM is nothing more than a theme park replica of a nice hotel. The food isn't great, the facilities are already falling apart and the whole place is purely geared towards children. Theres a little train that drives … more

Only stayed for one day fortunatetly, but it was enough to determine that the Sanya MGM is nothing more than a theme park replica of a nice hotel. The food isn't great, the facilities are already falling apart and the whole place is purely geared towards children. Theres a little train that drives around the resort just like at an amusement park and the 'adults only pool' has been converted into another birthday party area for 7 year olds. Probably a great place to bring your kids, but as a couple it was not great.

less

“With a concerted effort, the MGM Grand Sanya can eventually live up to its namesake Las Vegas property”

There are countless things to love about the MGM Grand Sanya, but I also have several suggestions for how to make the resort truly first-rate and up to the standards set by its namesake casino-resort in Las Vegas.  I was very apprehensive about the check-in experience even before I arrived, as I r… more

There are countless things to love about the MGM Grand Sanya, but I also have several suggestions for how to make the resort truly first-rate and up to the standards set by its namesake casino-resort in Las Vegas.  I was very apprehensive about the check-in experience even before I arrived, as I received several messages weeks in advance through the Booking.com channel telling me I had to pre-pay to a Chinese account to ensure my reservation wouldn't be cancelled. I had no idea what this was asking, as I already assumed my "non-refundable" reservation was not only paid for but also already confirmed. After several back and forth messages, they realized I was a foreigner and said I could pay upon arrival. This experience and several others thereafter let me know the resort is not prepared in any way to serve an international clientele.  Upon arrival, the lobby was airy and tropical but also chaotic. There were two crowded and separate desks, but neither were marked as "registration", so I was clueless as to where I should first go. I was also not approached for assistance by several workers milling about. There was a registration process for me as a foreigner, which I completely understand. However, between registration and payment, it took almost 45 minutes to complete. The hotel is clearly not prepared for foreigners who arrive with credit cards, as the staff firstly had to locate a credit card machine, and then they had to locate a second one after the first didn't function. Unbeknownst to me, I learned later that I was supposed to pre-pay a deposit if I wanted to charge dining and spa services to my room, which was not explained at check-in and later created frustrations. Additionally, the staff had practically non-existent English language skills.  The room was palatial and perfect in every aspect. There were plenty of toiletries, a very spacious bathroom and shower, an incredibly comfortable bed with bedside chargers, wonderful air conditioning, a walk-in closet with lendable sandals, and a bathtub. There was also a complimentary minibar and MGM-branded sandals you could take home. Housekeeping did an impeccable job everyday and was among the best in the world.  The pool area was massive and very eye-catching. There was plenty of space to spread out and have room to yourself, and there was also beachfront access (though swimming is forbidden due to jellyfish in the area) with an associated Corona Bar that had beautiful beach views. The opportunity to dine poolside at the buffet was also very elegant and delicious, however the poolside singing during dinner was honestly painful to listen to, as the English-language songs were practically incomprehensible to native English speakers, as it's clear the singers do not have English language fluency. Unfortunately, the Wet Republic private adult pool (modeled after Las Vegas's own Wet Republic) was closed for repairs and cleaning the entire stay. Another major disappointment and source of frustration was my unmet expectation that the main pool area would have wait staff circulating the pool deck as in Las Vegas to take drink orders from guests, but this service was nonexistent. It took a great deal of effort to explain to the central pool bar that I wanted not just to order cocktails but for them to also deliver them to my seating area. The complimentary breakfast buffet at Hai Tang was incredibly diverse and filling every morning. Pin Ju Hainan Restaurant was very calm and elegant with exceptional meal presentation and service. The restaurant also offered Hainanese dishes, including the delicious coconut rice. I was incredibly happy to enjoy a bottle of Chinese wine here, which is apparently the only restaurant on site that offers local wine, as the hotel's general room service sadly did not offer any, even when specially requested.  Neera Seaview Restaurant is without a doubt the jewel in the resort's crown, and a sunset dining here cannot be missed. The early nighttime singing was a big improvement upon what I heard poolside during the buffet dinner. The steak originally arrived incorrectly cooked, as I ordered "medium well", but the steak arrived very bloody and red. However, chef Jim Liang was one of the sweetest and most attentive I've encountered, and he personally visited the table to ask which flavor dessert was preferred, and he seemingly created a custom coconut dessert that was magnificent! The spa and sauna were incredibly relaxing and calm experiences, and both were professionally managed by dedicated, warm staff members. I also had a very heartwarming and calming experience at the hotel's petting zoo, especially with the little piglet who I hope they take especially good care of. I was nervous about the staff's lack of attention to some of the animals to ensure that guests weren't being too rough.  The resort is unfortunately very far from both Sanya's international airport, Luhuitou Park, and the Guanyin of Nanshan statue, taking about 1 hour in each direction. If the resort can significantly improve the pre-arrival communications, better manage lobby traffic, drastically reduce check-in and payment times, better explain hotel policies at check-in, stock local Chinese alcohol, hire staff with superior English-language skills, improve the live entertainment, ensure the petting zoo animals are carefully guarded, create a poolside cocktail service, and re-open the adults-only Wet Republic pool, then the MGM Grand Sanya stands a chance at garnering an international following and an elevated reputation.  

less