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The former MGM Grand just got grander. After a A$10 million (US$8 million) refurbishment of the whole resort, and the addition of nine new AAA-rated five-star Garden Rooms (opened in mid-2004), the hotel has a whole new look to go with its new name. Attached to Darwin's casino on Fannie Bay, this hotel is well priced for such an upscale place. The complex resembles a tropical palace, with white blocky architecture and 7 hectares (18 acres) of gardens on Mindil Beach, next to the Botanic Gardens. The rooms are a cocktail of European-style, contemporary Spanish furniture, and tropical elegance. All have king-size beds and balconies. It's worth paying a little extra for an ocean-facing room in the dry season so you can watch Darwin's great sunsets. The new Garden Rooms feature cool marble in the bathrooms with the added luxury of spa baths; full-length glass windows provide uninterrupted views of the lush tropical gardens and beachfront; and private balconies. A longish beachside stroll brings you to the Museum and Art Gallery, and the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets take place right outside on Thursday and Sunday nights. A free shuttle runs four times a day to the city.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 3 bars; nightclub; outdoor pool; children's pool; access to nearby 9-hole golf course and 20 tennis courts; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; free guest laundry; laundry service; same-day dry-cleaning; VIP suites.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.