Fontainebleau v MGM

Question

I am a long-term MGM player and have 4 nights plus daily resort credit and free play at any property save for Bellagio and Aria.

Out of the blue, I have an email from a host at Fontainebleau reaching out asking if I would give them an opportunity. I'm not a huge player. Maybe $300 daily on my budget.

I am not certain about the long term viability of Fontainebleau but it sure looks nice from what I have seen via the Internet.

The host offers 4 nights, daily resort credit of $75 and $200 play.

Are you taking the offer or staying loyal?

Thanks,

Answer

It sounds like you’ve been presented with a good offer at Fontainebleau, especially considering the resort credit and free play they're providing. However, it’s understandable that you might have some hesitations, especially since you’re a long-term MGM player and are used to the benefits and loyalty perks they offer.

First, let’s consider what you’re getting at each property:

MGM: You’re a long-time player, which means you likely have established benefits, such as access to rooms, resort credits, and possibly better rewards through their M Life program. You also know what to expect in terms of service and amenities.
Fontainebleau: The property is indeed new and looks promising. It’s a luxury hotel with a modern design and excellent amenities, but as you pointed out, its long-term viability is something to consider. The resort credit and free play are appealing, but you might be trading in your familiarity and loyalty at MGM for an untested experience.

Here are a few points to think about when deciding:

Loyalty vs. New Experience: If you’re loyal to MGM and enjoy the benefits they offer, staying with them might be the safer choice. However, if you’re curious about a fresh experience and feel comfortable stepping out of your routine, Fontainebleau could offer a unique stay.
Offer Comparison: The Fontainebleau offer (4 nights, $75 daily resort credit, $200 free play) sounds like a solid deal, especially considering it’s on top of what you would already be spending. But compare this with the resort credits and free play you get with MGM. Is the offer at Fontainebleau substantially better, or is it similar in value?
Location: Fontainebleau is on the north end of the Strip, so if you enjoy being in the heart of the action (around Bellagio, Aria, etc.), it might feel a bit isolated. On the other hand, it’s a fresh experience with a new resort feel.
Future Viability of Fontainebleau: Fontainebleau has been under development for a long time, and while it has a promising design, its long-term success is still uncertain. You’re essentially taking a risk by trying a newer property that might not be as established as MGM or other legacy resorts.

If you’re not a huge player, your $300 daily budget might not translate into massive perks at either property. However, Fontainebleau’s offer could give you a nice value boost with the resort credits and free play, and you might find the experience refreshing. At the same time, staying loyal to MGM ensures you’re keeping your status and benefits intact.

Here are some things to consider:

If you enjoy the familiarity and rewards from MGM, sticking with them might be more beneficial in the long run.
If you’re looking for a new experience, and are comfortable taking a chance on Fontainebleau’s viability, it could be worth trying out. The perks they’re offering are enticing and might make it a fun change of pace.
Ultimately, it might come down to your personal preference—if you value stability and loyalty, MGM is a safe bet, but if you like the idea of exploring a fresh, high-end experience, Fontainebleau could be an exciting option.

Best of luck, and whichever way you decide to go, enjoy your trip!