Construction continues on MGM Mirage's Residences at MGM Grand project. The Strip resort is now taking reservations at The Signature at MGM Grand, the hotel component of the condominium project. The first of three towers is to open May 1. Photo by Gary Thompson.

MGM Grand this morning starts accepting room reservations at The Signature at MGM Grand, the new hotel component of the Residences at MGM Grand condominium project on Audrie Lane behind the MGM Conference Center.

Suites range from 550 square feet to 1,450 square feet, with rates starting at $200 a night. Unlike the Skyloft units at MGM Grand, all three model units are on a single floor, Frederick each with a private balcony, Luvisutto, executive director of Signature at MGM Grand, said.

Each of the three towers at the Residences at MGM Grand, has 576 condominium units, 90 percent of which, are expected to be turned back to MGM Grand to be managed as hotel-condominiums.

Construction started 15 months ago. The first tower is set to open May 1, the second in December and the third in May 2007.

David Vankalsbeek, senior vice president of marketing, said the hotel units in each tower will be operated as a separate, business-class hotel with its own entrance, valet, concierge service and pool area.

He said that will allow MGM Grand to operate the three as boutique hotels with 16 units on each of their 36 floors.

The size and independent operation of each tower, Luvisutto said, will make them more like a Four Seasons or a Ritz-Carlton than a larger, Las Vegas property.

"We're going after smaller groups, 20 rooms to 50 rooms a night. That's a great compliment to the product at MGM Grand and we're actually closer to the MGM Conference Center," Luvisutto said.

"We've had a chance to preview the units (in the condominium sales office) with meeting planners and we're confident we will have strong demand for the property," he said.

Each tower also has access to the restaurants, shows, retail shops and other amenities at MGM Grand.