Last weekend, my wife Kristie and I had the perfect staycation at MGM Springfield, a new casino that just opened up 20 minutes away from us. My parents came up from CT to spend the night with Miles, and she and I snuck away down 91 after putting him to bed.
I'd been so curious about MGM Springfield; I think everyone who lives in our area has probably felt the same way since it opened in August. I was really excited when they agreed to let us come visit, and share with you the ideal one-night staycation itinerary (scroll down)!
The room we stayed in was just cool. Like, Pinterest-cool. From the paint color (I kept referring to it as "evergreen" -- what would you call it?) to the gallery wall to the brass hardware and Edison bulbs, everything was on trend and on point.
I especially loved our bathroom. I took these pictures to share here, yes, but also to save for my own future reference.
That brass theme continued throughout the rest of the hotel -- through the hallways, and down to the Lobby Bar.
Before I tell you about our drinks, I want to mention something. I was so impressed by the level of detail in the decor of each section of the casino that we visited. Down to granular levels, like velvet upholstery, carefully laid-out coffee tables, and mismatched throw pillows. I admire the quality of focus and attention that was evident just everywhere. In fact, we learned that the hotel's decor is inspired by the literary legacy of western Massachusetts -- my inner English major was especially pleased.
Every Friday night in the Lobby Bar is Study Hall, featuring literary-inspired cocktails (like Romeo & Juniper, and Gone With the Gin) and live music. I had the Catcher in the Rye Whiskey, and Kristie had the Peter Cottontail.
The decor was so lush, and sipping our drinks while perusing the bookshelves, I said out loud for the first time (but not the last), "It doesn't even feel like we're in a casino."
I'd go back to the Lobby Bar again just to spend an evening in "Study Hall" -- even if it weren't connected to the other amazing things we experienced. Sitting in a velvet chair, drinking good whiskey, surrounded by old books? Sort of my happy place.
We strolled next to the Chandler Steakhouse for a late dinner, and felt immediately transported back to Paris. (Specifically Les Deux Magots, once favored by Ernest Hemingway.) Again, the thought put into each aspect of decor and atmosphere was startling. Everything felt so velvet-y and indulgent and special. Kristie ordered steak, and I salmon. Both were delicious, but what we're really still mentioning to one another is the potato purée.
Here is the one-night itinerary my friend Saviero worked out for us, and for you too. (We didn't do everything on the list, but that's just another reason to go back!)
Friday
| 5 p.m. | Check in at MGM Springfield |
| 6 p.m. | Study Hall at the Lobby Bar |
| 8 p.m. | Dinner at the Chandler Steakhouse |
| 9:30 p.m. | Post-dinner drinks at Commonwealth |
Saturday
| Morning | Breakfast in the South End Market |
| 10 a.m. | Spa treatment |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch & bowling at TAP |
| 2 p.m. | Dessert/coffee/tea or adult milkshake at Kringle Emporium |
The highest compliment I can think of for a hotel bed is that it feels like my bed at home, and this one did. Kristie and I both slept so well! After trying some of the chocolates MGM left for us, of course, and hanging out in our robes.
The next morning, the South End Market wowed us too. It's a challenge with such a large space, to make it feel comfortable and homey, but somehow they did. No detail was overlooked.
I don't envy the task of defining intimate-feeling seating in such a large area, but whoever was in charge did a marvelous job. I couldn't help but think while we ate breakfast that Joanna and Chip Gaines would have enjoyed the space.
(My new motto, above.)
We returned home after breakfast ($6 richer -- thank you, slots) to a baby who, it seemed, had grown years older overnight. I can't overstate what a true departure this felt like. Thank you Saviero for such a thoughtfully crafted itinerary, and MGM Springfield for gifting with us a much-needed night away in exchange for this post.
