Money, Money, Money.....Parking!

The first stop for many suburbanites venturing into Detroit is often the casino. The casinos provide a safe meeting place, parking, and entertainment. The two casinos that I will taking a look at are Greektown Casino and Hotel and the MGM Grand – Detroit. You may be asking yourself, what about MotorCity Casino? Exactly, what about it? 

I am often asked what is the better casino, MGM or Greektown. My answer is typically the same; it depends on what you are doing. I am the first to admit that I am not a gambler by any stretch of imagination, but many of you aren’t either. I can’t comment on the poker rooms or the payout from a technical standpoint, but I can offer many tips that may be helpful for all of you venturing into our great city.

If you want to go downtown to gamble, eat, drink, and have fun, the clear choice is MGM Grand. The MGM offers breweries, clubs, restaurants, a great buffet, and even a Starbucks. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Somerset. Actually, I have to apologize for Somerset for that comment. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Universal Mall. It’s horrible. I understand that they built new restaurants and created a food court, but it’s still awful. Their only saving grace would have to be the hot dogs they offer. There is nothing better after a fun night in Detroit than a casino hot dog.

The main reason that most of you go to the casino is to park. This is an area where Greektown really shines. The new parking lot is located right off of I-75 and provides easy access. In addition, Greektown Casino is centrally located to many of Detroit’s restaurants, bars, and stadiums. Oh and I almost forgot to mention, has access to the People Mover. MGM on the other hand is not very centrally located. That being said, if you are not interested in walking around Detroit MGM is the place to park.

Both of these casinos offer free parking and free valet. However, Greektown does not offer free event parking. In order to receive free event parking at Greektown you will need to have a player’s card and actually use it.  You have to use your card at least once every 90 days in order for it to work for the free parking. If you do not possess a card, parking for events can cost as much as $20.

I have a much better way to spend your money. If you are going to a concert, game, or any event, park at the MGM Grand. I know what you are thinking, and yes it is a bit out of the way. As I mentioned above, they offer free valet. In addition to this the lot is not as busy and it’s free. Now the next part will impress your friends and make you look like a master of the city. Pull into the MGM Grand valet area. Next, as soon as you get out of the car let the valet know that you need a cab. The reason that you want to do this is because they know which ones are legitimate. The cab should arrive within a minute or two. The cab ride to Comerica Park, The Fillmore, or Ford Field is roughly 5min and will cost you about $6 plus tip. There is no longer a need to worry about walking, crowds, or getting down there early. I will pay $12 round trip for door-to-door service any day.

So next time you take a trip to Detroit try and park at a casino. It is safe, fun, and provides many options that a random unguarded lot will not. Now get out of my face and go enjoy the city!

Stephen Moore
Adventure Detroit