kathyvf

We are traveling to Vegas in April with 3 children (ages 8-12) and looking for 3 nights at a hotel. We were strongly considering Mandalay but have read some negative reviews recently. Does anyone have input on Mandalay vs. another family-oriented hotel. Also, is it worth going to the "O" show?

Patrick

I never quite know how to answer these "worth it" questions, as it is certainly a matter of taste. I think O is spectacular. One thing is certain there's nothing else even remotely like it in the world as the huge and spectacular theatre was built for it, a stage that raises up out of water and then drops down so it is a lake. I can't imagine the kids not being overwhelmed by it, but it isn't cheap for a family of 5.

I've not stayed at Mandalay. My only objection would be that it is fairly removed from the center of the strip. Paris, Venetian, Treasure Island, Mirage, and the Bellagio (although not terribly children friendly) are all good bets.

TConrad

Actually, small children might be bored by O. There were parts that I was yawning through, it does get a little repetitive.
Excalibur is full of families & children , closer to the other hotels. NY/NY also but have no personal experience with them.

Bo

As an alternative to "O" you might consider the other Cirque du Soliel show "Mystere" (at Treasure Island). It's slightly less expensive and some (including myself) think better than "O". It's often said that your favorite is whichever you see first. Might be a little better for younger children too as there are lots of things happening all over the place most of the time.

I've never stayed at MB, but agree that for a first trip to LV, i'd prefer to stay more center strip.

antmaril

I would not recommend the Excalibur!!! Yes, there are a lot of kids, but that's about it. If you are even considering Mandalay Bay, you will not like the Excalibur. You can't even compare the two.

Your children would love the pool area at Mandalay Bay. Another consideration may be that many of the hotels in Vegas charge a nightly fee for children. However, Paris, Bally's and the Flamingo Hilton do not charge for the kids. Of those three, Paris would be my first choice. However, the pool area at Flamingo Hilton is better than Paris.

I would recommend "Mystere" over "O" for the children. Mystere is very entertaining and your children are the perfect ages for it. They will love it!

I hope this has been helpful.

Have fun!

caymansreef

"O" might be to much for the kids. the adults would like it though.

X_Bellman

"O" is a little too slow at times. Mystere would be better for the kids. MB is a great place to stay. Excalibur is a fun place for kids to visit....lots of neat games. Avoid staying at the Excalibur.

Ani

I'm just curious about X-bellmans post...everyone else skipped over it..what do you mean?

hedgehog

kathyvf,
We will also be in Vegas for three nights in April with our two children. We have booked the Venetian at $119 per night - no extra charge for children under 12 (probably up to a maximum of 2). Caesars Palace do not charge extra for children either, however Aladdin, Treasure Island, and Mirage charge $30 per child per night and the MGM Grand charge $25 per child per night. For this reason I am really suprised that so few families stay at the Venetian - for us it has worked out to be the cheapest option out of the six hotels we considered. I'm just hoping we don't turn out to be the only 'family' staying there! Hope you have a great trip.

HuisClos

We just got back from a weekend in Las Vegas. 3 women, leaving the husbands and kids at home for a change. We saw "O" and it was fabulous. We all agreed that our kids of various ages would have loved it. My friend thought my 12 year old might prefer Mystere, but I haven't seen it, so I can't compare. They do have an age limit, but it only has to do with children being accompanied by an adult.

As for the hotel, we stayed at the Venetian and for sheer size of the rooms, this would be the place I would suggest. I think our room was close to 1000 square feet, with a killer view from the 34th floor. Huge living room with fold out bed. Separate enclosed bedroom. 2 toilets (one off the bathroom, and 1 off the living room). 4, count 'em, 4 t.v.s (two next to each other in the kitchen area over the wet bar). A huge spa bathtub, and a shower for 2, with 2 taps. His and hers sinks. You could put another bed in the bathroom it was so big.

The pool area consists of two small pools (one is being refurbished) and a large spa. The pools are more wading pools, without a deep end. Which is probably better for kids that don't swim well, but not so great for kids that like to dive.

X_Bellman

Ani- The Excalibur is a dump compared to MB. The Excalibur does have some neat things there for kids-video games etc. but I would avoid staying there. The pool at MB is one of the best. I think the "O" show would be a little long for kids ages 8-12. I think Lance Burton puts on a better show for kids. I thought Mystere was a better show but the "O" show is very good in its own unique way.

John

Don't know about kids for the O show---Long removed from that age group.
BUT as an adult I can say that the O show is spectacular. Worth every cent. By all means , GO.

Peachy267

We went to Las Vegas a few years ago with kids ages 9, 11 and 13. We were able to get 2 adjoining rooms at the Monte Carlo for a very reasonable price. They had 2 pools... one a lazy river ride that you could ride a tube around and a wave pool. Kids loved it. FYI there was a rental fee for the tubes but I did see some people who brought their own. They also have the Lance Burton Show there which all three kids as well as my husband and I enjoyed and the price was faily reasonable.

kcooke

I've been to MB 3 times with 3 kids (age 1-15). It worked out great for everyone involved. I will go back again with or w/o the kids. I don't consider the location a negative.

darlena

my 8 year old daughter went to vegas with her grandparents last summer. they stayed at new york, new york. everyone loved it! my daughter wants me to take her there again this year. she has firmly and repeatedly told me no other hotel will do!