Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts (Boston is the largest, followed by Worcester, then Springfield) and it is the fourth largest in New England. Architecturally interesting, the MGM Springfield deftly repurposed existing buildings in Springfield and rehabbed them to create a visually attractive complex that complements the neighboring buildings. With an eye on conservation, it is interesting to note is that “during the construction of the property, the trees that were removed from the original site were not destroyed, but instead used to create the dining tables that can be found in some of the suites of the hotel.”
The MGM Springfield opened in August 2018; we stayed at the hotel in mid-June 2019 and were immediately impressed with all they had to offer.
The Hotel Experience
Our large room featured a king bed with a tweed upholstered headboard and frame dressed in pristine ivory linens and a fun art pillow. An oval table was placed in front of the floor to ceiling windows flanked by two tufted corner chairs with decorative pillows. Wide crown molding added visual appeal to the charcoal gray accent wall graced with eclectic artwork and a decorative gold faucet as a nod to Springfield’s historic past. A nightstand held an iHome, phone, and interesting lamp, and a large flatscreen television also provided hotel information.
MGM Springfield Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html
The Spa at MGM Springfield Experience
One of the many highlights of the hotel is their Spa, Fitness Center, and Pool for the ultimate in relaxation. The attractive state-of-the-art 7 treatment room Spa offers a diverse menu of massage services, skincare treatments, waxing, scrubs, and wraps. We had a wonderful Couples Massage treatment, followed by a session in the steam room, and later soaked up the late afternoon sun poolside.
The use of the Fitness Center and the Pool are complimentary to hotel guests.
The Spa at MGM Springfield is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm; it closed Sunday and Monday.
The Spa at MGM Springfield Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/amenities/spa-and-fitness-center.html
Telephone:+1-413-273-5232
Where to Dine
The Chandler Steakhouse
We had an excellent dinner at their fine dining restaurant, The Chandler Steakhouse, where Executive Chef Kyle Beausoleil is the talent in the kitchen. Elegant, traditional steakhouse décor and attentive service by the professional team were the perfect complement to Chef Kyle’s delectable cuisine.
The restaurant has a creative and inspired cocktail menu, an excellent selection of wines by the glass, as well as an extensive wine list. Two of the many highlights of our dinner included appetizers of Roasted Bone Marrow served with Cippolini Onion-Bacon Jam, Herb Salad accompanied by thinly sliced grilled bread, and Executive Chef Kyle Beausoleil’s new menu creation, Lobster Cake with Avocado Jalapeno Cream. The Chandler Steakhouse prides itself on exceptional service and their Tableside Caesar Salad for Two was expertly prepared and delicious. Our entrées were also sensational, Caramelized Scallops with Cauliflower Cream and fried pickle garnish, and a 14-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak served with a balsamic roasted head of garlic.
The Chandler Steakhouse is open for Dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday.
The Chandler Steakhouse Website:
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/the-chandler-steakhouse.html#
TAP Sports Bar and Bowling
We had a fun and tasty lunch at the TAP Sports Bar. Inside the décor is a sports enthusiast’s fantasy with walls lined with memorabilia from the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Celtics, and many other teams as well. Large televisions over the enormous bar keep patrons up-to-the-minute on their favorite sports teams. Bowling lanes, shuffleboard, arcade games, and a pool table, add to the fun. Interesting to note is that the ceiling in the bar was from the floor of the home of Springfield-native Theodor Geisel (aka Dr.Seuss).
As it was a beautiful sunny day, we opted to have lunch outside sitting at a wood table with a wood bench under a black, market umbrella. A pretty lantern on the table, Steely Dan music playing in the background, and pretty planter boxes planted with attractive grasses and pink petunias and small yellow flowers, and courtyard trees created a delightful ambience.
For lunch we had a lobster roll on a New England style brioche toasted roll (sides cut off) with onion rings that were crisp and gorgeous, and the Steak sandwich which was an open face sandwich. The steak was generously topped with pepper jack cheese, mushrooms, fried onions and chimichurri sauce, and accompanied by sweet potato fries. For drinks we enjoyed the Tap Bloody Mary made with Grey Goose, house made Bloody Mary mix, and garnished with lemon, lime, celery and three colossal olives, and a Guinness.
TAP Sports Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00a, until 12:45 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm.
Cheers!
TAP Sports Bar Website:
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/tap-sports-bar.html
Kringle Emporium
The Kringle Emporium was once a church and is an architectural treasure. The building was moved to its present site to become part of the MGM Springfield complex and was the perfect place for a mid-afternoon snack, followed by candle and chocolate shopping.
Mixing the perfect Spiked Milkshake
Jonathan Wilburn and Elisha Velez
In addition to offering a selection of delectable sweets, coffees and teas, cocktails, and Liquors, they also offer a selection of Spiked Milkshakes! In lieu of dessert, we ordered two of the Spiked Milkshakes, the Boston Road made with Irish Cream, Irish Whiskey, and Coffee Ice Cream, and the Peanut Butter Cup made with Frangelico, Irish Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream, which were garnished with a generous mound of whipped cream, miniature donuts, chocolates, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Fabulously delightfully and sinfully rich and tasty.
Making the Kringle Emporium warm and welcoming
Anabel Dalmau and Jimmy Hidalgo Jr.
Kringle Emporium is located outside on The Plaza inside the Church. The Kringle Emporium is open Monday through Thursday, and on Sunday from 10:00 a, until 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm.
VIDEO – Debra C. Argen talks about the Spiked Milkshakes from Kringle Emporium – https://youtu.be/QW9Pg8jxh9c
Kringle Emporium Website:
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/kringle-emporium.html#/Menu
Entertainment and Nightlife
The Lobby Bar
We had drinks at The Lobby Bar to begin our evening before our dinner reservation at The Chandler Steakhouse. The bar has a library ambience and their creative cocktail menu has literary references, i.e. “Tequila Mockingbird” a nod to author Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, “Catcher in the Rye Whiskey” for author J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, and “Gone with the Gin” referencing Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, to name but a few.
Debra enjoying the “Tequila Mockingbird”
“Lobby Bar at MGM Springfield transforms into “Study Hall” on Friday nights and “Detention” on Saturday evenings, featuring live music along with beer, wine, literary-themed cocktails such as Peter Cottontail, Romeo and Juniper and Gone with the Gin. Visitors can also ask to try Library Hours “secret drink” and learn as Lobby Bar’s skilled bartenders whip up these fun and visual cocktails. Study Hall at Lobby Bar: Every Friday Night, The Lobby at MGM Springfield will be transforming into a Library of eclectic entertainment. Bring your friends …this is an after work group project. Every Friday at 6:00 pm. Detention at Lobby Bar: Study hall just got in trouble. Join us every Saturday Night in the Lobby Bar for Detention, featuring late night live music and craft cocktails. Every Saturday at 8:00 pm.”
Edward F. Nesta sipping “Catcher In the Rye Whiskey”
The Lobby Bar is open Monday through Thursday, and Sunday from 3:00 pm until 11:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm.
The Lobby Bar Website:
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/nightlife/lobby-bar.html
Commonwealth Bar and Lounge
The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge was buzzing with music and dancing as we had a late-night cocktail to culminate our evening. The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge is located on the casino floor and is open Monday through Sunday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 am.
Entertainment
The MGM Springfield has diverse entertainment throughout the year. Check out their website for up coming shows, including Aerosmith coming in August 2019.
Entertainment Website:
https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html
See you at the MGM Springfield
The MGM Springfield has something for everyone.
Read more about the MGM Springfield in the Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes and Spas sections.
Read more about Springfield, Massachusetts in the Destinations and Adventures sections.
Springfield, Massachusetts Facts
Springfield, Massachusetts was settled in 1636 and incorporated as a city in 1852. It is located in the Western region of Massachusetts and is conveniently located (see driving distances below) making it a perfect day trip, weekend trip, or anytime getaway.
Driving distances:
City |
Approximate Mileage |
Hartford, CT |
26 miles |
Lenox, MA |
48 miles |
Worcester, MA |
52 miles |
New Haven, CT |
64 miles |
Providence, RI |
85 miles |
Albany, NY |
87 miles |
Boston, MA |
91 miles |
Manchester, VT |
107 miles |
Salem, NH |
109 miles |
Poughkeepsie, NY |
124 miles |
New York City, NY |
141 miles |
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Springfield, Massachusetts and sharing its many wonderful experiences with you.
Until our next destination, keep enjoying traveling with Luxury Experience!
For more information on the Springfield, Massachusetts area please visit the Western Mass Tourism Website: https://explorewesternmass.com/ or call them at: 1-413-787-1548.
MGM Springfield
One MGM Way
Springfield, Massachusetts
United States
Telephone: +1-413-273-5000
Website: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/hotel.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGMSpringfield/
Instagram: @mgmspringfield
Twitter: @mgmspringfield
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