Frommer's Review
The rather silly nomenclature of this utterly fabulous Vegas accommodation reminds us of our previous consideration regarding the Four Seasons' relationship with Mandalay Bay (located on the top floors but operated as a separate entity) -- it's part of the hotel but not precisely the hotel. In this case, this really is THEhotel, in all senses, not the least of which is that even though we were quite fond of Mandalay Bay prior to the opening of this conjoined twin of a property, we now think of it, if we do at all, rather as the frowzy sister from the sticks who looks tawdry and rumpled next to its sleek Vogue-magazine-editor sibling. (Actually, we still like Mandalay Bay a great deal.) Yes, if Prada were a hotel, it would look something like THEhotel. Certainly, if there are Prada wearers in town, we bet they are going to be staying here.
The new trend in Vegas hotels seems to be hotels that allow you, if you so choose, to forget you are in Vegas. Never mind that psychology. What that translates to here is an entirely separate entrance and an entirely different atmosphere. This is not a casino hotel -- though it is connected to one by a long hallway -- but a world of sleek towering walls of lighting, ambiguous modern art, and both guests and employees in head-to-toe black. Like any good Vegas hotel, it wows you from the start, but not in the usual Vegas marble-gilt-and-chandelier screaming over the top "look-how-you-can-live-if-only-you-hit-that-jackpot-over-there" way, but in a way that coolly says, "You probably already live like this, don't you?" while handing you a nicely chilled Cosmopolitan. In other words, this isn't Donald Trump's version of the best, but rather that of Mr. Big from Sex and the City. Don't get us wrong, everything here is still out-of-proportion large, but it's sophisticated and chic, all blacks, tans, woods, and mid-century modern sharp lines. We fell for it instantly, and that's before we went to our room.
Ah, the rooms: Every one is a genuine suite (not just separated living room and bedroom, but even a wet bar and second water closet), done in more black, tans, and gleaming woods, like your professionally decorated Manhattan dream apartment. There are plasma-screen TVs in every room, including the enormous marble bathroom, where the tub is so deep, the water comes up to your chin when you sit down. Bathroom amenities are posh, the comforters are down, and the sheets -- well, remember our complaints about how you just can't get good sheets in big hotels? Feel the soft heft of these. That's what we want. Two complaints might be the excess of mirrors (the wall-length double closet and TV cabinet are covered in them, as is another wall) and the overall lack of good lighting. But seriously, you won't care. For once, a hotel room in Vegas designed to make you want to stay put. Not that you have to; as stated, all the amenities of Mandalay Bay (their incredible pool area, a number of terrific restaurants) are just down a long hall, though the instant you step from this grown-up world into the world of, well, noisy grown-up pursuits, which isn't the same thing at all, you might well want to turn right back around.
Having raved about it all, we do have some complaints. The staff are hardly cuddly, and service reflects that. Costs at the sleek cafes are higher than even the usual elevated hotel restaurant prices. Then again, you can use just the workout facilities at the Bathhouse Spa, the rather unfortunately named but gorgeous health club and spa, for only $20 (cheap compared to other comparable hotels, though it's $30 if you also want to use the saunas and the like). This is the place we would splash out on (and certainly would leap on any specials offered), but with the understanding that it's still, despite appearances, a Vegas hotel, though very likely the best there is.
Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; access to Mandalay Bay restaurants/pool/casino; health club & spa; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service
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.
