Mandalay Bay Review & Hotel Guide

Jeremy Koering

Jeremy Koering

March 15, 2023
Mandalay Bay Review & Hotel Guide

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Mandalay Bay is one of my favorite resorts in Las Vegas. It’s perfect for a vacation because it offers something for everyone. The massive resort offers a casino, a spa, several restaurants, a nightclub, and multiple shows. It’s one of best Vegas resorts and is home to one of the best Vegas hotel pools.

In my Mandalay Bay review, I go in-depth on everything the resort offers from shows and restaurants to activities and nightlife. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Mandalay Bay!

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Mandalay Bay Review

    Mandalay Bay Review & Hotel Guide

    Mandalay Bay

    score

    4.2/5

    Price

    Mandalay Bay is a top hotel in Las Vegas with one of the best pool complexes, restaurants and bars, and entertaining shows.

    Pros

    • Mandalay Bay is a top Vegas hotel
    • Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the best hotel pools in Las Vegas features a wave pool, lazy river, sandy beach, and more
    • Lots of things to do and see like Michael Jackson ONE, House of Blues, and Michelob Ultra Arena
    • Great restaurants and bars
    • It’s family-friendly

    Cons

    • Expensive food and drinks
    • Isolated location on The Strip

    I’ve never stayed at Mandalay Bay, but some friends and family have. Each has offered glowing reviews of the rooms and suites at Mandalay Bay and Delano.

    I visit Mandalay Bay frequently. Whether it’s for meeting up with a friend, going to a show at Allegiant Stadium, or visiting the property for one of its restaurants or bars, I’ve always had a good experience at Mandalay Bay.

    My favorite things about Mandalay Bay are the Concerts on the Beach, Skyfall Lounge, and Rí Rá Irish Pub.

    One of the coolest things Mandalay Bay does is Concerts on the Beach. They host bands on a stage above the pool, and the crowds can stand in the water or sit in the sand.

    Skyfall Lounge offers a panoramic view of The Strip fused with creative plates and artisan cocktails. It’s one of the best bars with a view in Las Vegas.

    Rí Rá Irish Pub is really, really cool! The pub was deconstructed in Ireland and rebuilt inside Mandalay Bay. Rí Rá has live music and delicious food. I always recommend it to friends staying at Mandalay Bay.

    Things I don’t like at Mandalay Bay are the location and the overpriced restaurants.

    From a hotel guest’s perspective, Mandalay Bay offers everything you need on-site for the perfect vacation. However, if you want to venture out, it’s the last resort on The Strip. You’ll probably need a cab or rideshare to get around town. There is a free tram up to Excalibur, which is helpful.

    For me, it’s hard to justify going to the restaurants at Mandalay Bay because they’re so overpriced. You can find good deals at Rí Rá or Hussong’s, but you should expect to spend at least $30-$50 per person for each meal.

    Mandalay Bay is one of the best resorts for travelers who don’t want to leave the property during their vacation. The hotel features a massive pool complex, great live entertainment and concerts, a large casino, and many food and beverage outlets.

    Mandalay Bay has three distinct hotel brands across two hotel towers, including Four Seasons Las Vegas and Delano.

    Mandalay Bay offers a variety of room options, including Resort Rooms with a king or two queen beds with a high level of quality and comfort. Stay Well Rooms come with in-room wellness technology like air purification, aromatherapy, memory foam mattresses, and more.

    The resort also has a variety of Suites with 1-4 bedrooms, and they are furnished with plush, breezy amenities to immerse guests in a true beach retreat. The Mandalay Bay Las Vegas suites are an excellent option for families and those who want the ultimate resort experience.

    The Delano tower is an all-suites hotel that offers guests more space, luxury, and exclusive access to Delano Beach Club. The hotel has a separate entrance and lobby from Mandalay Bay. Your room is just a few minutes away from the great amenities offered to every hotel guest.

    At the top of the Mandalay Bay tower is the Four Seasons Las Vegas–the premium luxury hotel chain offering unparalleled service. It’s the best hotel in Vegas for couples who want a romantic luxury getaway.

    The Four Seasons also offers a private pool for hotel guests. The luxury hotel is technically a non-gaming hotel, but a short walk leads you to the Mandalay Bay casino and all the on-site amenities.

    The Mandalay Bay Beach is an 11-acre sandy paradise! Swim in the rising and falling tides of the 1.6-million-gallon wave pool or float aimlessly down the lazy river at Mandalay Beach. When you’re feeling hungry, grab something to eat and a tropical cocktail at the Beach Bar and Grill or over at the Bikini Bar.

    Mandalay Bay has one of the best pool experiences in Las Vegas – so if the pool complex is something you’re looking to get the most out of during your trip, head to Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. Cabanas are available on the beach areas amidst the sand and surf, or guests can reserve cabanas that line the Lazy River. Most cabanas feature a fridge, flat-screen TV, and a ceiling fan for those days when the sun won’t quit.

    Moorea Beach Club is an adults-only “toptional” place to relax and enjoy the sun. The pool is heated so that you can take a dip no matter the weather: cushioned chaise lounges and daybeds, and cabanas and pavilions are also available.

    One of my favorite things at Mandalay Bay is the Concerts on the Beach. Mandalay Bay Beach is the only place in Las Vegas where you can hear your favorite bands perform live while you relax in the sand, surf, and waves all summer long.

    Mandalay Bay is home to over 40 food and beverage outlets across the property. Whether you want fine dining or fast food, you’ll find something to suit your appetite.

    As far as Las Vegas steakhouses go, Stripsteak is among the best. The restaurant’s atmosphere is inviting yet sophisticated, welcoming any guest into a casual resort experience with some of the best steak selections in the United States.

    Wine lovers rejoice: Aureole is prepared to impress with exceptional food and wine pairings, seasonal delicacies on the menu, and show-stopping service. What makes Aureole unique? Their four-story, climate-controlled wine tower is stocked with thousands of wine selections. Human acrobats glided through the wine tower to retrieve bottles and uncork them.

    Lupo by Wolfgang Puck is a visual experience where chefs prepare antipasto, desserts, and full entrees tableside for diners. The center of the space has a glass-walled wine room surrounded by a bar, where bartenders whip up handcrafted cocktails.

    Rivea is an upscale casual restaurant that brings in blue and white design elements for a breezy, ocean-like atmosphere. The food compliments the space, with warm dishes like butternut squash and ricotta ravioli, marinated sea bass, and more.

    Fleur is a classic French restaurant that focuses on regional and seasonally-driven cuisine. Kumi Restaurant + Lounge offers an upscale experience with a modern approach to Japanese cuisine. Veranda at Four Seasons offers a premier variety of American cuisine for breakfast and lunch.

    Libertine Social is the perfect place to dig into some delicious food in a casual environment. Let loose and experience all this next-gen gastropub has to offer, like its signature menu items: a 10oz Rosewood Wagyu Skirt Steak, Caviar Fried Eggs, and cocktails like the rum-centric Queen’s Park.

    Spice up your life with traditional Mexican fare at Border Grill, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Las Vegas! Border Grill overlooks the river at Mandalay Beach, immersing guests in an easy, breezy meal full of flavor and fresh ingredients. Border Grill offers two floors of outdoor deck/patio seating where you can sip on margaritas and enjoy the view of Mandalay Beach.

    Della’s Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The menu features a variety of items, including breakfast classics, comfort food, and seasonal specialties.

    House of Blues Restaurant & Bar is the perfect stop for made-from-scratch, Southern-inspired cooking. It’s a cool place to chill right off of the casino floor. They have a delicious selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

    You’ll love PRESS at Four Seasons. This sophisticated, relaxed, chic indoor/outdoor space offers everything from a leisurely breakfast to late-night cocktails.

    Rí Rá Irish Pub is a personal favorite. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a pub in Ireland. The pub was constructed from a restored pub in Ireland and then shipped to Mandalay Place. The food is delicious, and the beer is perfect.

    You’ll love the authentic Baja cuisine at Hussong’s Cantina. The proclaimed home of the original margarita has some of the best Mexican food and tacos in Vegas.

    You will also find Slice of Vegas, Burger Bar, Citizens Kitchen & Bar, Noodle Shop, Seabreaze Cafe, B Sides at House of Blues, BBQ Mexicana, and 3940 Coffee & Tea. Mandalay Bay also has a food court with fast food outlets and a Starbucks.

    Skyfall Lounge is the place to look suave and be dazzled by stunning views of Las Vegas. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in a laid-back environment with panoramic views of the neighboring Luxor Hotel and the sparkling Las Vegas Strip.

    Skyfall Lounge is the perfect place for a chill night out; DJs spin easy-going lofi music and create a relaxing atmosphere for fun and socializing.

    The Foundation Room offers a menu of delicious cuisine from around the world. They also have an outstanding cocktail menu. Pulling from original recipes, Foundation Room is in the business of innovating new cocktails from tried-and-true traditions.

    Try creations like the Giza Fashioned, Cucumber Zen, or the acclaimed Perfect Gin & Tonic. If sitting down for dinner, guests receive complimentary admission to the Foundation Room’s lounge for a taste of the nightlife – an excellent two-for-one deal!

    The 1923 Prohibition Bar is a classy and unique place where you can expect to find premium spirits and specialty cocktails served in a swanky secluded bar. You’ll be entertained by live music from piano players, burlesque dancers, and more!

    minus5° Ice Experience is the perfect place to chill with friends. You can explore the various interactive ice sculptures, take some fun photos, and make some fantastic memories.

    S Bar is a social space that celebrates craft cocktails and features innovative libations. Check out Eyecandy Bar & Lounge and Rhythm & Riffs for live music and cocktails.

    Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay is one of the most popular Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas. Immerse yourself into the biggest hits by Michael Jackson with this awe-inspiring extravaganza by Cirque du Soleil! Acrobats and dancers whirl through the air while the state-of-the-art surround sound system booms hits like “Billy Jean,” “Thriller,” and more.

    You’ll see some of Michael Jackson’s signature choreographies performed by 63 professional dancers using hip-hop and urban dancing to get your blood pumping. Read our Michael Jackson ONE review for more details.

    The iconic House of Blues is at Mandalay Bay. The concert venue hosts touring concerts and Santana’s Vegas residency. This is a great venue to enjoy live music in a more intimate setting than other Las Vegas venues.

    Michelob Ultra Arena is the official home of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. The 12,000-seat venue also hosts concert tours and big events.

    Mandalay Bay offers guests a lot of activities. You’ll find great live entertainment from chart-topping artists performing at Michelob Ultra Arena and the House of Blues to Cirque du Soleil. The resort is also home to two clubs and a family-friendly attraction.

    Daylight Beach Club is the perfect place to sit back and unwind all summer. You can ease into summer on their sprawling deck with a large main pool. Cabana guests can also access additional private pools and have tableside daybed service.

    Daylight Beach Club is the place for a luxuriously entertaining pool experience. Sip on a hand-crafted cocktail and enjoy some delicious, made-to-order, beach-side bites while soaking in the long-awaited summertime vibes.

    Walk through underwater tunnels at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium! With more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, this unique experience allows guests to get up close and personal with rare and endangered species. It’s a top attraction in Vegas and is excellent for families with young kids.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, dive with the sharks or opt-in to an Under Sea Explorer VR experience. No matter what you choose, prepare to see the mysteries and wonders of the sea!

    I like the Mandalay Bay casino, but it’s not my first choice. The atmosphere is laid back, but exciting. The casino offers all the classics with over 1,200 slot machines, and you’ll find all the popular table games like Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, and more.

    They don’t have a poker room, but their Sportsbook has a great atmosphere. It’s slightly dated, but the environment on game day is thrilling. It’s the closest sportsbook to Allegiant Stadium, so you can place your bets on your way to see the Las Vegas Raiders.

    If you’re looking for a fantastic hotel in Las Vegas, look no further than Mandalay Bay. Mandalay Bay offers everything you could want and more. With one of the best pool complexes on The Strip, an impressive list of restaurants and bars, and world-famous entertainment shows, Mandalay Bay is the perfect place to stay when you visit Las Vegas.

    With so many things to do on the property, you’ll never run out of things to explore. Indulge in a day at the award-winning pool complex, taste culinary creations from some of the world’s best chefs, or see an amazing show – there’s something for everyone at Mandalay Bay. Book your stay today and experience everything Mandalay Bay has to offer!

    Restaurants & Bars at Mandalay Bay

    Things To Do & Shows at Mandalay Bay

    Hotel Guides

    FAQ

    Mandalay Bay is located on the Las Vegas Strip near Delano, Luxor and Excalibur at 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109. Read our Best Hotels On The Las Vegas Strip for more great places to stay on Las Vegas Boulevard.

    Room rates at Mandalay Bay fluctuate depending on the time of year and what type of special events or holidays are happening. For a normal weeknight, a standard guest room starts at $99/night. On a normal weekend, you should expect to spend at least $399/night. Read our Best Times To Visit Las Vegas Guide to learn when you can save money booking rooms.

    Check-in time at Mandalay Bay is 3:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. The hotel does offer early check-in and late check-out for an additional fee.

    Valet at Mandalay Bay costs $30/night for hotel guests and all other visitors between $18-$30, depending on the length of your visit. Prices may be higher during special events and holidays. Read our Las Vegas Parking Guide for more details about parking in Sin City.

    Parking at Mandalay Bay costs $15/night for hotel guests and all other visitors between $12-$15, depending on the length of your visit. Prices may be higher during special events and holidays. Read our Las Vegas Parking Guide for more details about parking in Sin City.

    The resort fee at Mandalay Bay currently costs $39/night. Read our Las Vegas Resort Fee Guide to compare the fees at all the popular hotels and resorts in Las Vegas.

    According to 20dollartrick.com, the $20 Trick works about 70% of the time at Mandalay Bay.