I am going for my first trip in Feb. I love pools, relaxing in the sum, shopping, and sightseeing.... and don't gamble much. Should I go for the Mirage or Mandalay Bay?

I'm sure you'll enjoy Vegas regardless of where you stay. I've stayed at both properties multiple times. My most recent favorite has become Mandalay Bay. However, if your priorites are shopping and sightseeing, I think that The Mirage affords you more opportunities to access locations for those activites. It's convenient to the The Forum Shops at Ceasars, within walking distance to Bellagio and Alladin shopping, and better situated for people watching due to it's central position on The Strip- you can go in any direction and not go wrong. Mandalay Bay, although I love it, is not very convenient to most activities on The Strip. Oh, and don't count on enjoying the pool at any Vegas hotel in February- brrrrrr. I suggest a day at the spa instead. I've been to both and I'd recommend them equally.

and if your looking for a great shopping place with great bargains go the outlet mall just outside the strip. I'm not sure of the name, but inside this outlet mall you'll find the best shops - Tommy Bahama, William Sonoma/Pottery Barn and alot of other upscale stores. Much better fun than winning in a jackpot of nickels in my opinion!

The Mirage is far more central and you can walk in either direction on the strip (unlike Mandalay Bay which is at the very far end). Both are lovely hotels, I am partial to the Mirage as we stay there alot. Just got back on Dec. 23rd as a matter of fact.

The Mirage is just finishing up their extensive remodel - new carpets in casino, lots of new slot machines, JET (new nightclub), FIN (new Asian restuarant), STACK (new bar/steakhouse), etc. I will be back in Feb. myself again.

For shopping take the free tram from Mirage to Treasure Island, walk through TI to the escalators that connect to the cross over Spring Mountain Rd. and you are at Fashion Show Mall - huge mall with every store you could want. You also can walk the crossover to Wynn's new hotel, lots more shops there (expensive). There is a cross over to the Venetian as well and again, lots of lovely shops.

If you go out the Mirage and turn right you walk a short distance and go into the Forum Shops at Caeser's Palace. For being close to shops you cannot beat the Mirage location.

As for pool -- it's cold in Feb. It's not laying out by the pool weather at all.

Agree with the others that Mirage has the better location, but I think Mandalay Bay is much nicer, and seemed to be much less crowded compared to Mirage. So I guess it just depends on what you're looking for.

If money is part of the equation, I would go with the Mirage. I believe you are likely to get a much better rate there.

I just booked an internet special at the Mirage for January 22 and 23 at $85 a night. Mandalay was 3x that rate.

I agree that the Mirage, Caesar's, and the Venetian are much better located, for shopping particularly, than the MB.

Don't count on getting what the Mirage calls it's Winter Special rate unless you are lucky enough to have your dates cooincide with it .. most Feb. dates are quite high rate wise (someone has to pay for all the remodeling I guess )