Going to Vegas for 4 nights in April with husband & 16 year old son. I had reserved a Volcano view room at the Mirage but becoming a bit nervous due to some negative reviews about the rooms looking run down and dingy. Now thinking about Mandalay Bay. Is it too far for walking around and seeing the sights? Are the rooms much nicer than the Mirages?
Thanks All!!
Lisa

Check the rates at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. It's a new tower that just opened and the rates have been lower by telephone than on their website.
It's an all-suites tower, rooms are the largest standard rooms in LV.
Mandalay is not a convenient walk to the central strip. But there are many options for dealing with that issue.
Standard rooms in the original MB are a little better than Mirage's, but Mirage's location is better. MB has much better restaurants and better pools.

I would really think twice about staying at Mandalay Bay. I found the distance from everything else to do on the strip a major inconvenience. Even with the shuttle to NYNY, it would take forever to walk to the Bellagio or anything past that. I ended up taking cabs a lot more than I would have liked, which is VERY expensive. Even if the rooms are nicer at Mandalay, I would definitely stay at the Mirage. How much time will you spend in the room anyway? The Mirage is in a much better location.

The distance of MB is far walking to other attractions. But it is a great place to stay. Great crowd and dining. Have stayed in both a reg room & suite. If you can swing a suite definitely go for it. Upgrades may be offered for $35 upon check in. Very nice rooms now worn at all in my experience. Our suite looked like it was hardly ever used with an excellent view of the strip.

Moderating what others have said, yes, Mandalay Bay is not very convenient if you like jumping around from resort to resort -- unless you want to take taxis. On the other hand if you're the type who plans to stay put at one place, I'd think it would be nicer than the Mirage.

Thank you all for your advice! I am again leading towards the Mirage because of its convenience... we are the type of family to get out and explore the sights on foot... I'm sure the room in the Mirage will be up to snuff...unless anyone out there wants to confuse me and suggest another hotel nearby...
Thanks again!
Lisa

We stayed at the Mirage last April and had the time of our lives. The staff was friendly, the room was perfectly fine, and it was kinda neat to walk by the tigers every time we came back from an excursion. Don't sweat it and enjoy your trip.

If you go during a slow time you can get the Venetian right across the street for $79 through Priceline. All the rooms are suites, definitely a bonus when traveling with a 16 year old!

I vote for mandalay. the beach is incredible....mirage rooms are small and no longer new.

why not look into the PARIS or the Bellagio--everything is within walking distance of both of these GREAT hotels...

Thanks again everyone for your opinions and advice! I'm still leaning toward the Mirage. Mandalay Bay sounds lovely, but I'd rather have the ability to just walk around at night. Since all of the pools close fairly early, walking around seeing the glitz could be a fun thing to do at night... and the Mirage would be far more convenient. Also, we plan on seeing Mystere so the Mirage being next to TI would be convenient for this as well. As for Bellagio, I know that it is marketed primarily for adults and I respect that... I don't need to bring my son where he is not wanted. As for the Venetian, I'd consider it but as of yet, it is at least $100 more than the Mirage per night... which I do not feel is necessary for us.Luckily, we all get along very well and will do fine in a room at the Mirage... if we survived being in a cruise ship room, we can survive the smallish-sized Mirage room. Of course, if the room is seedy and run down, we will speak up and demand a room in that is in good repair and maintenance
THANKS AGAIN!!!
Lisa

We stayed at The Mirage in November and the room was fine. Still up to date and clean. The shower was wonderful. More water pressure than I have ever had in any hotel. They have the trolley that is only 75 cents, I believe. Takes a long time to get anywhere with all of the stops but for just riding and seeing the lights, its lots of fun.
Have fun and go for the Volcano view room...we had a partial pool view room that was very nice as the Mirage's pool is beautiful!

I definitely agree that Mirage will be better for a family with a minor child. Since your son cannot spend ANY time in the casino, you will want to have a variety of things that he can do. Mirage has the tigers, dolphins, and the secret garden. There are also so many other properties within walking distance that he will have plenty to keep him busy.

Mandalay Bay is neat, but it is just SO far down on the strip and all by itself. Yes, the pool is awesome, but it might still be a little chilly in April for swimming.

What I mentioned about the Venetian is that when you get close to your travel dates you may be able to book it via PRICELINE.com for $79 midweek. Check out www.biddingfortravel.com. It is the only 5* rated on the strip. In order to get the Venetian, rates are typically $119-$159 via the Venetan website.