Hotel Review

A lush, tropical-themed resort, Mandalay Bay offers a variety of accommodation choices -- from the relaxed ambience of its main towers to the sheer luxury of THEhotel (which will become Delano Las Vegas in 2013), the contemporary all-suite adjoining tower. With an enviable location on the southern tip of the Strip, just a short distance from the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Mandalay Bay not only features all the comforts of home, but also an array of restaurants, attractions, bars and entertainment options that are worlds beyond the ordinary.

This 120-acre hotel is all things to all people. Families, couples, singles, business travelers, the college crowd, seniors...everyone is catered to here. Massive in size and grand in architecture, Mandalay Bay is an events marvel. Not only are world-class concerts and world-championship sporting contests hosted in the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center, but you'll also discover all sorts of functions in the three-story, 1.7 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Other venues at the resort are always rocking -- like the House of Blues' concert hall and its fashionable Foundation Room, which sits high atop the property on the 43rd floor.

In addition, the beach-loving resort has devoted itself completely to the sun-seeking pleasures of life. Take the Mandalay Bay Beach, for example. This 11-acre water complex is comprised of more than 2,700 tons of sand. There are also four swimming pools, a lazy river and a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool. Guests can while away afternoons in extravagant private gazebos, cabanas and bungalows. Concerts are held on a huge outdoor stage during the summer months, while gaming is available in the Beachside Casino and food and drinks are served in the open-air Beach Bar & Grill. Adults will likely be lured into the secluded, European-style Moorea Beach Club, which has enticing daybeds, opium beds, dipping pools and its own poolside bar.

At Mandalay Bay, guests also have a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable collection of marine predators and habitats in Shark Reef. At 1.6 million gallons, the aquarium is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the world. There are more than 2,000 animals on display here, including 15 different types of sharks and a rare Komodo dragon.

Only a mythical resort like Mandalay Bay could bring you eating beyond the sumptuous. It features more than 20 restaurants spread throughout the complex offering everything from gourmet dining to quick-and-easy favorites. Awaken your taste buds at master chef Rick Moonen’s RM seafood, which is known for the inventive seafood menu and sprawling sushi/raw bar. Along with unforgettable cuisine, renowned chef Charlie Palmer's award-winning Aureole features a spectacular four-story wine-tower attended to by "wine angels" on a high-tech suspension system. Enjoy the exquisite creations at Fleur by Hubert Keller and in STRIPSTEAK, where chef Michael Mina uses only sustainable foods like all-natural meat, line-caught seafood and fresh produce. Island life was made for casual meals al fresco at the Border Grill, which boasts vibrant Mexican dishes by chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Grab a casual bite at Rí Rá, Raffles Café, The Noodle Shop, Slice of Vegas or the Burger Bar, indulge in an abundant variety of favorites at the Bayside Buffet or devour the Baja-influenced cuisine at Hussong's Cantina -- as no matter what, Mandalay Bay's dining scene is sure to satisfy your appetite.

At the resort, there's also a wide variety of places to dance, soak up sounds spun by a DJ, chug a beer or share an intimate nightcap. In Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar, you'll find an elegant lounge setting along with high-tech touch tables that allow you to create images and send messages to fellow patrons. Delight in live entertainment, sexy libations and a stunning view at Mix Lounge in THEhotel. For a fun and unique experience, step into the Minus5 Ice Lounge, where you can sit on an ice couch and drink from an ice glass. Red Square marked by the massive, headless Lenin statue, also possesses an ice bar along with 200 varieties of vodka. And in spring 2013, a new nightclub dubbed Light, the first ever turned on by Cirque du Soleil, will debut merging state-of-the-art production, theatrics and world-renowned DJs and performers.

Catch your favorite sporting events on 17 giant screens placed throughout the resort's expansive, 300-seat race and sports book. You can also feast on snacks like pastrami sandwiches and burgers at the Sports Book Grill.

Dedicated to delighting the senses of every guest, Mandalay Bay has two spas, Spa Mandalay and the BATHHOUSE at THEhotel, both of which offer an unparalleled range of culturally inspired world treatments and therapeutic services. The Cardio Center has everything you need to stay in shape while on vacation, including the latest cardio and strength-training equipment. And famed tattoo artist Mario Barth has brought Starlight Tattoo to the House of Blues, where guests can get inked by their choice of Japanese, Samoan or Western techniques.

Mandalay Bay features plenty of shopping as well. Forget Madison Avenue and Rodeo Drive. The Shoppes at Mandalay Place offer an equally impressive atmosphere. Along with all the fashion and accessories stores located on a 100,000-square-foot sky bridge that connects Mandalay Bay and Luxor, you'll come across eclectic merchants like a barber spa, a sock market and the largest Guinness store outside of Ireland.

Rounding out the hotel's wealth of amenities are three wedding chapels, a poker room and a 135,000-square-foot casino with everything from Batman-themed slots to blackjack, craps and roulette. There is even a complimentary, 24-hour tram that runs between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur.

Your experience as a guest at Mandalay Bay will feel just like home, only happier -- thanks to spacious rooms and suites that are artfully designed and contain upscale amenities like pillow-top beds, big-screen plasma TVs, iHome clock radios, cordless phones, multi-jet spa tubs and more.  

The promise of exotic extravagance combined with every type of dining and entertainment alternative imaginable is yours at Mandalay Bay. You could stay here for a week -- without leaving -- and every day will still be filled with new experiences. It truly provides you with the best of Las Vegas in one resort destination.

-- By Renée LiButti