Mandalay Bay: The Truth About Staying At This Famous Destination Resort
Unlike some vacations, the hotel that you choose in Las Vegas plays a big role in the type of experience you will have. The strip has over 30 hotel options making it crucial to do your research before locking in your reservation, Mandalay Bay Resort may be one that you are currently considering or have already booked.
This blog post jumps into all of the details you should know prior to your stay at Mandalay Bay. From restaurant options to hotel amenities, this will be your guide to be 'in the know' before checking in.
This post is all about the inside scoop on Mandalay Bay Resort Las Vegas.
Location & Ambience
Mandalay Bay is located at the very south end of the strip. In fact, it is the first major resort you hit right after passing the famous Las Vegas sign. Being at the very end of the row of resorts definitely has its pros and cons. One positive is the drastically less foot traffic from tourists sight-seeing/walking through. On the flip side, the drawback is the long trek you have to visit any of the other resorts on the strip. Moral of the story, prepare for a long walk, multiple trams or an Uber to make it down to the other end.
There is a tram that runs from Mandalay to Luxor and Excalibur to help give a jumpstart to your journey down the strip. Hours vary depending on time of year.
Allegiant stadium, the brand new & beautiful home to the Raiders, is located only 0.4 miles from Mandalay which equates to only being a 10 min walk. Football season definitely brings a lot more foot traffic to this hotel so keep that in mind when booking your trip.
For the incredible rates that their rooms are, this hotel definitely surprises you with their luxury ambience and tropical decor. Check-in lobby is quite grand with marble flooring, majestic columns and large windows letting in natural light. Palm trees are planted all throughout the property which adds a tropical feel as well.
Amenities
Pool Area
Mandalay Bay is best known for the incredible pools! A fun and diverse assortment of pool area fun awaits. The 11-acre pool paradise consists of a beach themed wave pool, quarter-mile lazy river, numerous classic pools and two beach clubs. You have the option to purchase inner tubes there or bring your own, but they must be circular, under 48” and have an unobstructed path to swim through. Inner tubes are only allowed in the lazy rive, not the wave pool. We brought our own from target that worked great! They also have a full bar and restaurant as well with pool servers who walk around taking your order.
Gym
A definite favorite! Their gym has a good amount of cardio equipment: treadmills, ellipticals and bikes as well as diverse weight machines to target both upper and lower body. Their gym is well-maintained and cleaned regularly making it a great experience.
All guests must sign-in through the spa to gain access which adds a layer of security and exclusivity. They provide mini water bottles, towels and sanitization stations for all guests of the gym as well. The hours are 8am-5pm daily.
Guest Rooms
Guests can look forward to a clean and bright room with floor to ceiling windows showing off a Las Vegas view in multiple directions. Bathrooms are spacious with a tub, separate standing shower and double vanity. Unfortunately, there is no fridge besides the weighted mini bar. They are great rooms all-around that are photogenic and spacious especially for the price you will pay.
Their sister property is the Delano, an all-suite property. The design is very upscale and elegant with extra privacy as it is tucked behind the casino. Each room has all white interior and a spacious floor plan, some even have two bathrooms.
If you are visiting Las Vegas to celebrate a special occasion, Mandalay Bay is very accommodating with room requests to add an extra special touch. Call beforehand to speak with the concierge, they will provide you with a lengthly document of options to add onto your reservation. Such accommodations include: balloon bouquets, rose petals, champagne flutes, teddy bears, candy baskets, snacks, huge goodie baskets and more! They will coordinate it with your check-in time and communication is via text so you can keep the surprise a secret with ease.
To read an in-depth review on what a stay at The Delano is like Click Here
Entertainment
Mandalay Bay has great entertainment options available on their property as well, which is a huge bonus when you don't feel like venturing down the strip for some fun. Such entertainment includes:
One by Michael Jackson, an absolute incredible Cirque Du Soleil show that is high-energy and mesmerizing in every way. The talent and world famous music will have you jumping out of your seat with excitement.
The Mandalay Shark Reef, known around the world for its immersive display of over 2,000 animals ranging from huge sharks to endangered sea turtles. Take iconic photos in the marine tunnel and have a close encounter with over 100 sharks.
House of Blues, well-known for its classic music scene, diverse dining and edgy atmosphere. Throughout the year, you can see classic artists playing in their iconic House of Blues Music Hall.
The Foundation Room, doubling as both an elegant dinner venue and nightclub. Enjoy a delicious and high-end dinner on the 63rd floor that overlooks the beautiful Las Vegas strip, a perfect photo opportunity. After dinner, guests are invited to stay in the nightclub portion of the venue to listen to the guest dj's and party the night away.
Great entertainment options to cater to every age group!
Dining
Mandalay Bay offers a diverse variety of dining options for any type of budget. From fine-dining delicacies to easy grab-and-go, there is always an option throughout all hours of the day. The Mandalay Shoppes which connects to the casino also offers more restaurants and bars to try!
Citizens
American food dining for breakfast ,lunch and dinner. Good service and VERY quick food to table service. They also have a cafe where coffee and quick, small bites are offered in between main dining hours. A solid choice any hour of the day when in search of something quick, reasonably priced and good tasting.
Foundation Room
A fine dining restaurant and nightclub in one! Upscale menu with an elegant ambience. They have foods that range from delicious scallop dishes to premium steak plates.
Surprisingly, the restaurant was very cold, so bring a jacket because they like to pump the AC. No cameras are allowed in the restaurant/nightclub besides your phone camera.
They also give complimentary dessert for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions.
After dinner, guests are welcome to cross over to the night club portion and/or relax with drinks on the balcony with their iconic strip view.
The Della
Located in the Delano portion tucked right past the Michael Jackson One Venue. Their farm to table menu holds both quality and variety with unique ingredients and creative combinations. The service is quick and great as well! They are currently only open on the weekends.
Slice of Vegas
Located in the Mandalay Shoppes, this classic pizza joint is a great staple for dinner when you are wanting something quick, delicious and not pricey. Their menu includes pizzas, salads, numerous appetizers, cocktails & beer.
Bars
2 unique bars to add to your itinerary are The 1923 Bar and the Minus 5 Ice Bar. 1923 is a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf in the Mandalay Shoppes. This 1920's themed bar transports you back in time with fun decor, delicious cocktails and timeless music. The ice bar is a chilling experience where guests are invited to bundle up in large parkas and warm up with tasty cocktails. They offer different bundles that help with the price, packages include a combo of faux fur coats, gloves, cocktails, photos and more. Kids are welcome during certain operating hours as well.
SBar
One of the newest additions, a classy and sophisticated cocktail lounge and intimate nightclub scene. Their menu features small bites and an array of tasteful cocktails. Their most famous being The Second Rodeo, a green chile infused vodka drink that is lit on fire!
There are numerous bars on the Las Vegas strip to add to your next trip, check them out here
More exciting news, Light nightclub just reopened this month after being shut down for over 2 years!
The Mandalay Bay Resort has a lot to provide for an unforgettable vacation! If you have any questions still, please leave a comment below or send us an email. Now pack your bags and have a great trip!
If you are ready to book your visit, please click the link here or if you want to explore other great local options: Click Here
To learn what a stay at the world famous Cosmopolitan Resort Las Vegas is like, click here.