Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is one of our favorite hotels. Why? Well, we love that the lobby (impossibly high ceilings; calm, gleaming with marble; and housing a large aquarium), and the other public areas really do make this seem more like an actual resort hotel than just a Vegas version of one. You don't have to walk through the casino to get to any of these public areas or the guest-room elevators, the pool area is spiffy, and the entire complex is marginally less confusing and certainly less overwhelming than some of the neighboring behemoths.

The spacious rooms may not seem as luxe when compared to newer options at places like Aria or The Cosmopolitan but they are still lovely. They are all sleek modernity, like everyone else in town, but the furnishings are cozy (love the window seats) and the fixtures fine. The bathrooms are downright large with impressive, slightly sunken tubs, glassed-in showers, double sinks, and separate water closets, plus lots of fab amenities. Rooms on higher floors have some of the best Strip views in town, but usually cost an additional fee.

Reservations at many of the nearly two dozen restaurants in Mandalay Bay are among the most sought after in town. Aureole, Border Grill, Fleur by Hubert Keller, Red Square, the House of Blues, and the Bayside Buffet are reviewed in this guide. A showroom will be the home of the new Michael Jackson-themed Cirque du Soleil production scheduled to open in 2013, and there is a separate arena for bigger concerts and events. There's also a big, comfortable casino, plus several lounges, often featuring live music at night.

There are no fewer than four pools, including the touted wave pool, which is, unfortunately, a classic example of Vegas bait-and-switch. It can't handle waves of any serious size, but bobbing in the miniwaves is delightful, as is floating happily in the lazy river (tubes are available for rental -- we say save some bucks and share a tube with friends). Though it was already the finest pool area in town, recent overhauls have given it even more style, adding in a poolside casino, restaurant, and bar. All in all, this area alone makes this resort a top choice for families. The downside of creating such an alluring pool package is that it lures lots and lots of people to its sandy shores -- so many that at times it becomes more of a pain than a pleasure. If a quiet poolside retreat is what you are looking for, you may want to go elsewhere. A well-equipped workout facility, full-service spa, and a salon complete the recreation package.

A monorail system connects the hotel with Luxor and Excalibur, which are located in the heart of the Strip action, and this should more than help you get over any feelings of isolation.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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