Each year, my son and I take a special alone trip to spend some quality time together. To make it extra fun, I surprise him by picking him up early from school. The fall is such a great time to drive out to Western Mass because the foliage is incredible. We wanted to check out the new MGM Resort in Springfield. While a casino might not be the first idea that pops into your head for a trip with kids, know that the MGM Springfield has so much more to offer than just slots.
Parking was free and easy in a covered parking garage, which is a great feature when you live in New England. Once inside the complex, everything is connected so you don’t have to brave the weather. It is like a giant indoor playground.
The hotel was my favorite part of the whole property. From the moment you step foot in the lobby, you are taken on a journey to an other-worldly library with books lining the walls to the ceiling and a spiral staircase leading up to them. Velvet curtains and herringbone fabric couches make you feel as if you should put on bifocals, light a pipe and read a newspaper. It is what I would imagine Sherlock Holmes’ living room would look like.
The ambiance is carried down the hallways and into the rooms.
Our room had an almost Hogwartz feel to it.The lighting is low, lit by vintage bulbs with gold fixtures. The ceilings were high and the large windows were draped with think forest green curtains. Funky reading lights were positioned above the sleigh-style beds. The walls were decorated with more books and typography. Simply put, it was the coolest room we have stayed in.
I had a love affair with the bathroom… especially the shower. Large glass doors opened to a subway tiled shower that would make Joanna Gaines jealous.
After we dropped off our things, I went to the spa for a massage because this mama needed to chill. The spa is beautiful and just the perfectly place to begin to unwind. Dimmed lights and soft music instantly relax you. I was lead into a lounge area to change into a robe. There was fresh fruit and infused water to enjoy while I waited. My massage therapist collected me and treated me to the most amazing massage on a heated table.
For dinner, we headed to the TAP Sports Bar. You have the option to sit at tables or you can have dinner served to you right in the bowling alley. Each lane has a lounge area with couches and a coffee table which make you feel like you are in the comfort of a living room. The bowling was really family friendly and even had bumpers for my son. While there is no children’s menu, it is basic pub food and my son loved his giant pretzel that was bigger than his head.
The next day we explored the area to see what the “City of Firsts” had to offer. We explored the Springfield Museums including the Dr. Seuss Museum and sculpture park. We took a hay ride out to a corn maze at Randall’s Farm and enjoyed authentic Italian pizza at Red Rose Pizzeria.
If you are fans of Dr. Seuss, look out for his influence throughout the city. For example, his grandparent’s owned a bakery just across the street from the MGM. You may recognize the turrets of the castle from many of his books.
That night, we head up to the Regal Cinemas which is a part of the MGM complex. It was by far the nicest movie theater I have ever been to. We had luxury recliners that allowed us to completely lay down. Seats are chosen when you book the tickets, so there is no searching in the dark. (Seat E5 was the best in the house!)
The next morning, I woke up and blinked twice when I looked at the time. It was 10 AM. I picked up my phone, somehow assuming that we had lost power in the night. It was the correct time. I had not slept that late since having kids. (Thank you room darkening shades!) We had the most perfect pillows- not firm, but not too fluffy. We didn’t want to move, so I showed Andrew the beauty of breakfast in bed.
The weekend flew by faster than we wanted. I couldn’t believe how late it was. Luckily MGM allows you review your bill and check out right on the television, so we didn’t even have to stand in line. Also- don’t be a bad mom like me and forget their bathing suits. There is an awesome heated pool and hot tub (open from May to September) and I didn’t hear the end of it!
Lastly, The MGM Springfield is dog-friendly! If you are on the second floor by the pool, you will even have a small fenced in area for your pup to wander. The second floor is great, because you are on the same level as the pool, the spa and the (free) self-serve Starbucks coffee den.
While the MGM is well known for their hospitality, this was the first time we had experienced it first hand. The answer to pretty much any question was a yes with a smile. Their genuine kindness and eagerness to please would put Disney World to shame.
The MGM Springfield didn’t just come to the area and build a giant complex. They painstakingly renovated historic buildings, returning them to their former glory. They revitalized a desolate area and brought over 2,000 much needed jobs to the city.
There is so much to do in Springfield and the MGM makes the perfect home base for exploring the area. There are endless options for entertainment or simply kicking back to relax. For a list of our favorite activities in Springfield, click here.
A huge thanks to the MGM Springfield for sponsoring our trip! All opinions are my own.
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