18 issues to know earlier than staying at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

On the south finish of the Las Vegas Strip sits the 43-story Mandalay Bay Resort and On line casino, a wonderland for all sorts of vacationers — singles, {couples} and even households.
Its upscale rooms, in depth facilities, and on-site eating and leisure venues make it a great choice on your subsequent go to to Sin Metropolis.
Whether or not you’re reserving your first keep or are a Mandalay Bay common, there are some things you could not already learn about this fashionable Las Vegas resort. Listed here are 18 of them.
Mandalay Bay is a large resort
With 3,209 rooms, Mandalay Bay is a really massive property. Past the primary Mandalay Bay lodging, there are an extra 424 rooms on the 4 Seasons Resort Las Vegas and 1,117 suites on the Delano Las Vegas, each of which sit inside Mandalay Bay towers. That brings the complicated’s whole room rely to 4,752 lodging, placing it simply behind the most important resort on the Strip — the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Costs for traditional rooms within the offseason begin at about $59 per evening (excluding a day by day resort price) however can value a number of hundred {dollars} per evening on busier dates.
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Its pre-construction historical past is fairly cool
Whereas Mandalay Bay opened in 1999, it was constructed on the positioning of the previous Hacienda Resort and On line casino, which began welcoming visitors again in 1956.
The Hacienda was the second property within the Spanish-themed motel chain and boasted the Strip’s most superb pool on the time. The resort even had its personal fleet of constitution planes that introduced gamblers in from all around the nation.
After proprietor Warren Bayley’s loss of life in 1964, his spouse Judy took over the enterprise, turning into Las Vegas’ solely feminine on line casino proprietor on the time. She commissioned the enduring neon signal Caballero on Palomino, which turned a part of the Neon Museum Las Vegas within the early Eighties. In 1996, the identical 12 months the Hacienda shut its doorways, the signal was restored and later moved to its present house on the intersection of Fremont Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.
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The property is affiliated with MGM Resorts
Circus Circus Enterprises bought the previous Hacienda Resort, together with 74 acres of land subsequent door, in 1995. Not lengthy after, it turned a part of the Mandalay Resorts Group, finally merging with MGM Mirage to type MGM Resorts Worldwide in 2010.
The MGM Resorts model includes 29 distinct resort and vacation spot gaming choices within the U.S. and Macau. Its portfolio contains among the most iconic properties within the resort business, such because the MGM Grand, Bellagio Resort & On line casino, Aria Resort & On line casino and Park MGM Las Vegas.
Mandalay Bay’s opening in 1999 was fairly the occasion. A parade of bikes led by grand marshals “The Blues Brothers” — actors Dan Akroyd, Jim Belushi (brother to the unique Blues Brother, the late John Belushi) and John Goodman (who had simply been featured within the 1998 sequel “Blues Brothers 2000”) — drove by the resort’s entrance door.
For the reason that property is a part of the MGM Resorts household, you should utilize factors to e book a keep right here. Award charges vary between 17,000 and 23,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening, relying on the dates of your go to.
A newly launched MGM Rewards program lets World of Hyatt members earn twice as many World of Hyatt factors on their stays. They will additionally tier-match with MGM Rewards and reap the benefits of present reductions, assured room charges and different unique perks.
If in case you have the MGM Rewards Mastercard, you get computerized Pearl standing (the essential tier), which supplies you free self-parking at MGM Resorts. That saves you $18 per day.
It was named after a poem
Initially, the resort was to be known as Venture Paradise. Nonetheless, it was later renamed after Rudyard Kipling’s 1890 poem “Mandalay.” The poem romanticizes life in colonial Burma (now Myanmar) — a spot that, curiously, Kipling had by no means visited.
The poem later impressed a film, a luxurious cruise ship and a Frank Sinatra tune.
The Mandalay Bay pool scene is epic
Mandalay Bay’s sprawling 11-acre pool facility is touted as one of many finest pool complexes in Las Vegas — for good purpose.
It’s composed of 4 completely different pool areas, together with Mandalay Bay Seaside, which is full of 2,700 tons of actual sand.
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Mandalay Bay Seaside. JENNA FISHER/LAS VEGAS CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY
You can also cool off within the unique adults-only Moorea Seaside Membership, which is positioned on the second stage of the seashore tower. Its frosted glass panels separate it from the opposite areas, creating the privateness wanted for its top-optional coverage.
When you’e on the lookout for a bit extra exercise, you’ll be able to play in as much as 6-foot-high waves within the large 1.6-million-gallon wave pool (the peak requirement for the wave pool is 48 inches). Or, you’ll be able to seize an internal tube — both use one you introduced or hire one on-site — and drift down the lazy river, considered one of solely three within the metropolis.
Different pool space lures embody the Daylight Seaside Membership venue that options the primary pool, two non-public swimming pools for cabana visitors, refreshing cocktails and quite a lot of occasions and leisure. Cabana leases begin at $275 and include a stocked fridge, a private secure, butler service and different perks.
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There is a designated ride-hailing space
When it comes time to discover extra of Vegas, discover the ride-hailing space by strolling left previous the entrance desk to the Conference Heart Entrance to the rideshare foyer. You may schedule your journey by your most popular ride-hailing app after which wait in air-conditioned consolation till you see your driver pull up.
You may see the ‘King of Pop’ right here
A Cirque du Soleil manufacturing, Michael Jackson ONE, is at Mandalay Bay. The present is a mixture of acrobatics, dance performances and visible results that pull you into the King of Pop’s greatest hits like “Thriller” and “Beat It,” amongst others.
You’ll wish to arrive half-hour early to benefit from the Cirque-style pre-show leisure.
Ticket costs begin at $69 per individual. Notice, although, that these charges don’t embody taxes, charges or the extra stay leisure tax of 9% added to all stay productions in Nevada, so price range a bit greater than $69 to cowl every little thing. Additionally needless to say youngsters 4 and youthful are usually not permitted, whereas visitors between 5 and 17 years outdated should see the present with an grownup.
It is a dog-friendly resort
Mandalay Bay permits as much as two (absolutely housetrained) canines in every lodging, so long as the canines’ mixed weight is lower than 100 kilos. The add-on value is $100 per evening per normal room (plus taxes) and $150 per evening for suites.
Notice that solely service canines are permitted in public areas just like the meals and beverage areas or the spa and pool areas (apart from passing by).
There’s a delegated canine park accessible on the resort grounds. Plus, you’ll be able to organize doggie butler providers or canine strolling by the concierge workers. When you’re in a gathering or out for a fast chew, you’ll be able to request that workers test in your pup and textual content you an replace. The fee for butler providers is $25 for 10 minutes. Workers also can schedule canine strolling by a vetted native service.
Order a Buddy’s Field ($29.99) earlier than your arrival and your pup can be greeted with three treats, two toys and a brand new bandana to sport throughout its Vegas vacay.
You will discover a handy tram system
A resort-connecting monorail was put in when Mandalay Bay, Luxor Resort & On line casino and Excalibur Resort & On line casino have been constructed. It’s a fast and handy technique to get round and is a lifesaver throughout hotter instances of the 12 months. It’s additionally free.
One monitor carries passengers instantly from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay. The opposite (longer) monitor makes stops in any respect three stations.
Trams run about each 5 minutes, so wait instances are minimal.
Notice that this free tram is completely different from the Las Vegas Monorail, which incorporates seven stops alongside the Las Vegas Strip.
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The huge area hosts main occasions
The 12,000-seat Michelob Extremely Area hosts quite a lot of sports activities occasions and concert events, together with huge names like Katy Perry, Mark Anthony and Mary J. Blige. The world has additionally been house to the Latin Grammy Awards yearly since 2009.
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You may stroll to the Luxor with out leaving the constructing
Whereas Mandalay Bay is positioned fairly far south on the Strip, you will get from there to the Luxor with out going exterior, as the 2 properties are related by an enclosed walkway. It’s a straightforward five-minute stroll from Mandalay’s important on line casino to the Luxor’s entrance entrance.
It’s also possible to use the beforehand talked about tram system in the event you’d somewhat catch a journey.
There is a tattoo parlor
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JOE TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY
When you by no means wish to neglect your journey to Vegas, you will get a tattoo at Mandalay Bay.
Starlight Tattoo is touted as probably the greatest spots to get inked on the Strip. It’s owned by globally recognized superstar tattoo artist Mario Barth. Notable Starlight Tattoo purchasers embody Ice Dice, Deadmau5, Criss Angel and Usher.
Along with its spectacular record of clientele, one other cool stand-out function of Starlight is that it makes use of vegan-friendly ink from Intenze Merchandise, an organization based by Barth.
Resort charges apply, however you’ll be able to keep away from them
Resort charges can rack up in the event you journey lots. Most Las Vegas resorts connect them to room charges, and Mandalay Bay is not any exception. Each day resort charges right here at the moment value $39 plus tax (13.35%), which generally is a ache level in a multiday keep.
The excellent news is you would possibly be capable of keep away from paying them. If in case you have elite standing within the MGM Rewards loyalty program (which you’ll be able to match from Hyatt), you will get them waived.
It’s house to a shark aquarium
Constructed to provide the impression of being in an historical temple that sank to the ocean ground, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a cool diversion for each resort visitors and guests. The aquarium teems with 15 species of sharks, piranhas, stingrays, endangered inexperienced sea turtles and different charming marine life. Its underwater tunnel is very mesmerizing.
Primary tickets value $29 for adults, $27 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for youths between 5 and 12; admission is free for kids ages 4 and youthful. Entry contains an undersea digital actuality expertise. Interactive programming like marine animal feeding can be accessible for an extra value.
An ice bar is offered for cooling off
Simply inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place and above the escalators is the Minus5 Ice Lounge. The whole lot, together with couches, the bar, partitions and architectural particulars, is made from greater than 90 tons of ice; the within temperature is about to a cool -5 levels Celsius (therefore, the identify) or 23 levels Fahrenheit.
A fundamental go to package deal begins at $24 and contains admission, gloves and a comfortable parka to make use of throughout your time within the bar. A $49 ticket will get you provides two cocktails (or mocktails for nondrinkers) served in ice glasses (what else?).
Children ages 7 to 16 can go to earlier than 9 p.m. however will need to have an grownup with them. The fundamental package deal for that age group is $13 and comes with gloves and a parka. The Children V-ICE-P Expertise ($29) additionally features a memento and one mocktail.
There’s plentiful and distinct eating
You definitely gained’t go hungry throughout your keep at Mandalay Bay because of the virtually two dozen eating choices.
The resort provides every little thing from informal spots within the meals court docket to higher-end venues like Rivea. Among the many alternatives are steakhouses, Italian eateries, Asian eating places and Mexican spots, giving patrons all types of choices to appease varied palates.
For these craving an elevated meat-and-potatoes expertise, take a look at StripSteak, a Japanese twist on a contemporary steakhouse. Head to Border Grill or Hussong’s Cantina for flavorful Mexican dishes and on-point margaritas.
Libertine Social boasts next-level craft cocktails and a implausible gastropub menu led by James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain.
Aureole is a should for oenophiles desirous to splurge. It’s helmed by one other James Beard Award-winning chef, Charlie Palmer. Pair your meal with one (or extra) of the hundreds of bottles of wine saved within the restaurant’s outstanding four-story, climate-controlled wine tower.
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You may feed your soul at Home of Blues
When Mandalay Bay opened to a lot fanfare in 1999, The Blues Brothers not solely led the parade however have been a part of the Home of Blues Restaurant & Bar’s spectacular record of iconic first performances. Bob Dylan and Bono additionally rocked the home when the venue launched.
On the primary stage, Home of Blues serves up a cool, folk-art environment and delectable Southern soul meals like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, barbecue baked beans, house-made slaw and jalapeno cornbread. There’s additionally a present store.
The music corridor is positioned on the decrease stage. At present, Santana is the Home of Blues’ resident headliner.
Home of Blues provides day by day stay music in addition to a packed calendar of particular performances — and it’s greater than blues music. Leisure right here covers quite a lot of musical genres, together with gospel brunch blues, reggaeton, indie rock and heavy metallic.
Different huge names who’ve taken the stage right here over time embody Weapons N’ Roses, The Killers, Aretha Franklin, Eminem, Future’s Youngster, B.B. King, Seaside Home and Dolly Parton.
A bevy of room choices is offered
From normal 550-square-foot rooms to expansive luxurious suites measuring greater than 2,000 sq. ft, there’s all kinds of lodging choices inside the Mandalay Bay complicated.
Mandalay Bay includes a lot of the important Y-shaped tower, with the AAA 5 Diamond-rated 4 Seasons occupying the thirty fifth to thirty ninth flooring.
Ground-to-ceiling home windows in Mandalay Bay’s king and two-queen rooms present good views of both Mandalay Bay Seaside or the Las Vegas Strip.
For these eager on sustaining a extra holistic and wholesome way of life, e book considered one of Mandalay Bay’s Keep Properly rooms; lodging come outfitted with wellness facilities like air purification, non-toxic cleansing protocols and a bathe infuser that reduces chlorine. These rooms additionally include free entry to Cleveland Clinic’s on-line packages for stress, sleep and diet.
There are 424 visitor rooms inside the 4 Seasons part, which provides facilities like a hotel-exclusive pool (open seasonally), a spa, a well being membership and different unique perks. 4 Seasons visitors even have entry to the eating places, swimming pools and different facilities throughout the whole Mandalay Bay property.
Visitor rooms typically begin at $720 per evening (for a stadium-view room). The Presidential Suite with a view of the Strip goes for $2,915 per evening.
In a separate tower, Delano Las Vegas additionally types a part of the bigger Mandalay Bay property. It is an all-suite, boutique-style resort — 1,117 suites, in truth — with rooms measuring a minimum of 725 sq. ft. Probably the most spacious choice is the 4,500-square-foot Delano Loft. A handful of Delano suites additionally provide the Keep Properly therapy.
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FRANCIS GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY/DELANO LAS VEGAS
Delano visitors can lounge on the property’s non-public pool space, Delano Seaside Membership, or pamper themselves at Bathhouse Spa.
Backside line
Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas has sufficient occurring to maintain you busy for days, no matter how a lot time you do — or do not — spend on the precise on line casino.
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