Snowstorms, wind gusts and floods: Our recent winter weather hasn’t been making air travel to far-off destinations that much fun. So I’ve been searching for some good staycations, one or two-day getaways that are located close to our Capital Region.

Robert and I were recently invited to revisit the MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts. We’d enjoyed traveling to this casino resort destination a year ago, and we were interested to see if there were any new developments.

Getting there: The hour and a half drive from our area was fairly easy. We also noticed that revised GPS directions and multiple signs leading us to the casino resort made MGM Springfield even more accessible. Valet parking is also available.

 

 

Accommodations: The staff was very attentive and helped us check into our comfy room. There are about 250 guest rooms in this destination’s five story hotel. Each room has been decorated with the inspiration of the architecture and literary legacy of Springfield. This includes  a surrealist gallery wall installation from artist Corwin Levi. We also noticed that safety was considered of importance as there were multiple security officers around the grounds, and we needed our hotel key to access the elevator leading to our room.

 

 

So once checked in, there were several things to do at this casino resort:

 

Enjoy the Spa at MGM Springfield: Amidst the soothing environment of calming music and warm blankets, Robin provided me with a wonderful facial at the resort’s spa.

This spa has seven treatment rooms, men’s and women’s lounges, steam rooms and, for better weather, direct access to the outdoor teak-deck resort pool. The spa has also introduced a new HydraFacial which they say is an invigorating treatment that can be   given in less than 30 minutes and is intended to deliver long-term skin health.

–

 

Get a drink at The Lobby Bar: Situated off to the side of the hotel’s eclectic lobby, The Lobby Bar provided unusual drinks that were inspired by literary works including The Polar Express and Fahrenheit 451.

 

–

Dine at the Chandler Steakhouse: Located on the main casino floor and in the former Chandler Hotel, the Chandler Steakhouse served us enjoyable dishes including  prime ribeye and lobster cake.

 

 

–

Visit the Roar! Comedy Club: Located in the casino’s historic Armory and nearby Symphony Hall, click HERE  for upcoming events.

 

 

 

–

Try out the Casino: The MGM’s Springfield’s Casino had some new innovations including 24 stadium gaming terminals. Want to try a casino game but feel a bit intimidated by the other players? This permits us to play blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on computer screens with live dealers running the games.

 

 

 

–

Have Brunch at Cal Mare: At this Italian inspired restaurant, we were treated to offerings including Ricotta Pancakes, burgers, and wedge salads.

 

 

 

–

Let us know if you go!