D Lord

Hi everyone,
for our trip to the USA next year, we are thinking of staying at the Mandalay Bay. We were in Vegas 5 years ago and stayed at the Luxor. We would love to hear your reviews on the place. Also we are going to hire a car aand drive to Monument Valley, Death Valley etc. Does anyone have any must sees tips etc for driving in the desert?
Thanks Donna and Craig
Melbourne Australia

Ellen Griswold

Mandalay Bay is INCREDIBLE; you will love it. However, having said that, we thought the pool area was quite small and ordinary for such a magnificent resort. It's also located a bit off the center strip, however if you have a car it shouldn't be a problem.

Most definitely, plan to visit Monument Valley! Located in the heart of the Valley is Gouldings Lodge & Trading Post (restaurant & museum). The view from your balcony at sunset and sunrise is second to none, just breathtaking. Also, it's where many classic westerns were filmed, many starring John Wayne.

How much time will you have? You will also be close to Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons.

We have driven through Death Valley in the summer, when the temperature at Badwater was 120. While it WAS hot, it's a dry heat,(!!!) and JMHO, it's nothing compared to a humid day in the midwest! Just be sure to have with you at least one gallon of water per person.

Have fun!

Love Vegas

Mandalay Bay is wonderful -- the pools especially are fantastic. They have created a "beach" area with sand and waves that is a marvel. The majority of the people there seem to be young (somewhere in their twenties) and beatiful. The club at Mandalay Bay is also great -- very happening and trendy.

One side trip I would recommend is a helicoptor ride to the Grand Canyon. It is an awesome sight, and only about a half-hour helicoptor ride away. You will have a great time.

ecd

Hi Donna and Craig,

I stayed at the Mandalay bay twice. The first time was Sept 1999 and most recently March 2000. Its next door to the Luxor and I like the fact that it doesn't have the overwhelming traffic that you find at the Paris and the Venetian. Our rooms were spacious and very clean. We requested a room facing the strip and they were more than happy to accomodate us. The spa staff and services was excellent. The wave pool is an added bonus if you have time.
The gambling tables were crowded on the weekends and we didn't really enjoying gambling there as much as Cesears and the other hotels. There is virtually no shopping in the hotel except for a few small "gift" shops.
I too plan on going again next year and this will definitely be my first choice again. I like the fact that the hotel provides a bite of peace and quiet from the main strip which can be reached very quickly by the train which will drop you off at the Excalibur or by taxi which can get somewhat expensive.
We did take the helicopter excursion to the Grand Canyon flying over the Hoover Dam. It was absolutely awesome. I think it was 45min to the Canyon followed by a 30 minutes stop in the Canyon with a lunch they provided then back to the airport flying back around dusk along the strip which was great with the lights. We all loved this and would recommend it. I believe we paid 120.00 per person and the allow 6 passengers per trip. I would also recommend the Cirque de Soleil show at the Bellagio its called "O" this was fantastic. This was also around 110.00 per person. I hope you have a great time.

Cindi Lotz

Hi -- I personally like the Bellagio. The standard rooms are larger than most, the casino has great ambience and the restaurants are fabulous.

Darius

The Bellagio is EXPENSIVE and Stuffy...if you want BIG rooms..I hear the VENETIAN calling..Nicest rooms in VEGAS...

Chris

While the Mandalay Bay seemed nice (I was in Vegas in April 2000), the Bellagio, where I stayed, was by far the BEST hotel in LV. Also, the Bellagio is right in the center of things, while the Mandalay Bay is more removed.