Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

At the far southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, just past the pyramid structure of the Luxor, is the Mandalay Bay Hotel. If there is such a thing as a place to “get away from it all” in style on the Strip, this Polynesian-themed resort is it.

With 3,300 rooms, a massive 135,000 square foot casino, over 25 dining options, a wonderful shopping mall, large arena, it’s own aquarium, and an incredible pool area that rivals any in Vegas, this is one resort you will not have to leave to have an incredible time.

The Mandalay is a luxury resort with a very different feel from those further along the strip. It is surrounded on two sides by what amounts to open space, with further development to the south precluded by the adjacent runways of McCarran International Airport, Mandalay has a far less claustrophobic feel than the center-strip casinos.

With a four-diamond rating, Mandalay Bay might not quite match the ultra-high end luxury of the Bellagio, Aria, Venetian, or Wynn resorts (though it’s sister resort, THEhotel certainly does). But make no mistake, this is a beautiful, well run facility and a wonderful place to stay.

Stylistically, the resort feels more like the next generation version of the Mirage than it does a relative of the latest mega-hotels. But while it may not make the same sort of dramatic statement as a Bellagio, it really is an elegant hotel with a great casino too.

Entertainment and Shopping

The Mandalay Bay Resort is spread over an impressive 60 acres, with everything to do from visit a full aquarium to play in what amounts to almost a full on-site water park.

The Shark Reef is a really cool aquarium with all sorts of marine life on display, from octupus to exotic fish to, naturally, sharks. Kids will love it as much as adults if not more, and it has the same quality of displays as many city aquariums.

The very large and palm-decorated pool area is known as Mandalay Beach, and along with pools and 3 hot tubs, it has a huge 1.6 million gallon wave pool along with a lazy river (similar to that at the MAG and at many water parks). There are 100 cabanas for rent, perfect to get out of the hot Vegas summer sun while the kids enjoy the water.

There is also an adults-only area known as the Moorea Beach Club, with a trendy clientele and with more private cabanas for rent. There is a separate cover charge for the beach club, but if you want peace and quiet away from the kids in a gorgeous, stylish environment, it is worth it.

Then there is the huge, 12,000 seat Mandalay Bay Events center that holds everything from concerts to boxing to conventions. Another concert venue on-site is the House of Blues, which can hold up to 1,500 people.

Finally, for shopping, there is the Mandalay Place mall, which has 4o stores and which spans Hacienda Avenue and connects the Mandalay and THE hotel with the neighboring Luxor.