There’s no cheesy theme or imitation destination (no offense, Paris or Venetian). Stepping into Park MGM is like stepping into the new Vegas. Add that to the 2010 competition from The Cosmopolitan, a perennial favorite amongst cool kids, and the Monte Carlo was ripe for this sort of massive rebranding aimed at younger, sophisticated travelers.

That standing was further diminished when MGM Resorts built the modern Cit圜enter complex nearby, overshadowing the area with three new hotels and luxury shopping mall. But over time, the Monte Carlo lost its luster, becoming just another casino hotel.

When the Monte Carlo first opened in 1996, it intended to bring the swanky atmosphere of the Monte Carlo casino in Monaco to the desert Strip.