Should I stay at MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay?

Question

I'm 21, surprising my 21 yr old boyfriend with a trip to Vegas for his bday from Apr 22 - 26. I can't decide between the Grand Tower at the MGM or the 550 DR \ 550 DR View Room at Mandalay.

I hear the pool is nicer at Mandalay, but should that be a deciding factor since I'll be going in April? Are the rooms at the MGM Grand Tower old?? A few things to consider:

--We'll be going out, being loud so we'd like a younger, less family scene.
--Are either of the hotels/casinos particularly very smokey?
--Walking distance to other things (clubs, restaurants, etc)

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Either hotel works, depending on what you're looking for. Here are a few things to consider before you make your choice.



Location: Both MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay are located at the south end of the Strip. Mandalay Bay offers a free tram that connects to Luxor and Excalibur. You can also walk inside through connectors to access Luxor and Excalibur. MGM Grand has a Las Vegas monorail station, so you can easily hop on the monorail and access the rest of the Strip.



Atmosphere: Mandalay Bay has a more casual, laidback, and upscale atmosphere. MGM Grand has a similar atmosphere, but tends to cater toward a younger crowd. Either way, both resorts offer amazing service.



Accommodations: Both resorts have very nice rooms and suites that are nicely appointed. Mandalay Bay and The HOTEL at Mandalay Bay offer a variety of rooms and suites that have a south sea theme, while MGM offers a variety of nice accommodations, ranging from regular hotel rooms and suites, to West Wing rooms, SKYLOFTS, and high roller suites at The Mansion. They also offer nice suites at The Signature at MGM Grand. Whatever way you choose to go, you will find exceptional service and a helpful staff throughout the resort.



Dining: Mandalay Bay offers a number of different dining options, ranging from fine dining (MIX, Fleur de Lys, Aureole, China Grill, Shanghai Lily, Red Square, Trattoria Del Lupo, rumjungle, Rick Moonen's RM Seafood, and STRIPSTEAK) to casual dining (Giorgio Ristorante, Border Grill, House of Blues, Burger Bar, Red, White and Blue, Verandah, Noodle Shop, the cafe, and the Bayside Buffet). MGM Grand offers similar options, with fine dining at Joel Robuchon, L'Atelier, CraftSteak, Fiamma, Nobhill, Shibuya, Seablue, and a couple other restaurants, along with casual dining at Emeril's, The Grand Wok, Studio Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, the Buffet, Wichcraft, and the deli.



Nightlife: Mandalay Bay doesn't have that much nightlife, while MGM has the Studio 54 Nightclub.



Entertainment: Cirque du Soleil "KA" You might also check their website at www.mgmgrand.com to see a listing of traveling shows that will be at their Garden Arena to see if something is there when you visit. Mandalay Bay offers Disney's The Lion King, but you might also check their website at www.mandalaybay.com to see what traveling shows might be at their Events Center.



Gaming: Both resorts offer an array of gaming to suit anyone's desires.



Other Amenities: Both resorts have nice spas and salons, along with fantastic pool areas. MGM's Grand Pool Complex is absolutely fantastic, with a number of pools, hot tubs, and a lazy river. It is hard to beat the pool area at Mandalay Bay, with a wave pool with real sand, a lazy river, and other pools. They also offer a poolside casino. Mandalay Bay offers the Shark Reef Exhibit, while MGM offers the Lion Habitat exhibit. Finally, both resorts offer a few shops, even though the shops at Mandalay Place are nicer.



Neither resort is particularly smokey, although Mandalay Bay does a better job by infusing a coconut smell in its air conditioning. Also, few people notice, but Mandalay Bay turns the sound off on all their machines, so the casino is slightly quieter than others. Finally, the weather in April should be absolutely beautiful (pretty warm, but not overly hot). As a result, it would be a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and especially the pool. While Mandalay Bay does have a fantastic pool, the pool at MGM is also very nice, so don't make the pool your deciding factor.



Either way, you're sure to have a wonderful trip to Las Vegas.



Good luck and I hope you enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

Ok I know Vegas. I'm only 16, but I've been there a few times and no the strip fairly good. You do not want to stay at the MGM that place is too big! The Mandalay Bay is a lot nicer its a 5 star resort sure your not as close to the action, but you guys are young girls you guys can walk the strip, or take a cab. I think you would have more fun at the Mandalay Bay. If I were you I would also consider TI or Mirage are also good. Just plz don't stay at MGM that place is massive and the rooms are older and its only 3 or 4 stars while Mandalay Bay is 5. Good luck and enjoy your stay.

Answer 3

MGM Grand is considered at "Maximum Vegas". I love it, there's a whole bunch to do.

But some people say Mandalay bay is more fun... i'm not sure, I live here so it's not like I stay there at night all the time haha.



The MGM Mirage owns both MGM Grand and the Bellagio, the Bellagio is voted as the most luxurious casinos on the strip..

don't know if that'll help any....

Answer 4

Both are very nice hotel casinos. Age has nothing to do with the quality of the rooms. Vegas makes sure they are always top notch.



Of the two I would pick Mandalay Bay. They are both on the same four-corner area but MBay is connected to Luxor and then Excalibur by a free tram so you don't walk outdoors. Luxor has two fantastic night clubs for people in your age group! Though MRM has one too.



The pool being open depends on the weather. April can be very nice. Mandalay Bay has a fantastic pool! Even if the pool is not open you can still sit/sun.



The view should be of the Strip, not the mountains or city if you want the true ambiance experience.



But how much time will you spend in the room, especially look out at the view?

Answer 5

Mandalay Bay has the better pool for sure, but the MGM may be better suited for what you have in mind, being loud and partying, plus the MGM is the size of a small city and has some of the best air quality on the strip. Have fun!

Answer 6

I think you might like staying at Mandalay Bay better but I've never stayed there. The MGM Grand is nice and is especially exciting if there's a big musical act there. My husband and I went and stayed there when Paul McCartney played Vegas and it was so exciting. Its closer to the strip too I think.

Answer 7

The pool at Mandalay is Ridiculous!!! It's awesome, but Mandalay is away from the strip. You definately want to stay on the strip, it makes everything so much easier! Mandalay is not in walking distance at all. MGM is on the strip, but at the end. I'd recommend somewhere in the middle if possible, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, Paris, Ceasar's...they are all in the center of the strip and have good prices right now. Have fun.

Answer 8

Both of them are great options for families. I think the Mandalay underwent a renovation recently, thus updating their guestrooms and suites. The pool at the Mandalay is equally great - it's designed around a faux sand beach. At the MGM Grand I'm sure they've updated their rooms sometime since 2000.



April in Las Vegas will probably be on the mild/hot side, so pack accordingly.



Hope this helps and enjoy your trips!



http://www.mandalaybay.com/

http://www.mgmgrand.com/accommodations/grand-tower-rooms.aspx

Answer 9

Mandalay's pool is killer !

its a good choice, i prefer mandalay vs mgm, i've stayed at both.

if you want to save some bling, consider the Golden Nugget downtown.

saves a ton, a great place to stay and you can get a tower suite probably for the same price as mandalay, although with recent economic downturns its possible mandalay is more competitive now.

But you can stay at the nugget, rent a car with your savings, and check out mt. charleston, lake mead, hoover dam in addition to going out.

Downside,,, its downtown

Answer 10

MGM is closer to the center of the strip where there is alot to do & see, but Mandalay Bay is nicer. It should be warm enough for swimming in April....