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Mandalay Bay? (or a different MGM property)

Discussion in 'LV Strip Hotels' started by socalgirl, Nov 13, 2012.

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  1. socalgirl

    socalgirl Newbie

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    I am going to book a room for 2 nights in Jan, getting a friends & family rate. The friend is a casino host at MB. Ive never been there & wondering if thats a good choice or if I should book at a different property. All comments welcome. I am checking in on my 30th birthday & going with 2 girlfriends. I want something nice as I haven't been to vegas in 4 years and want to make the most of my getaway. Also anyone know if there are coffeemakers in MB rooms or suites?
     
  2. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    I haven't stayed there in a few trips, but I remember there being Keurig machines in the Mandalay Bay rooms. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

    As far as the property itself, I'll give my usual speech. In general, I absolutely love it there. Right now, though, a lot of places are closed and won't have reopened by the time you get there. It's possible that Red Square will be back up and running, but Red White & Blue, China Grill, and Shanghai Lily will all likely still be closed. In addition, the nightclub in the old Rumjungle space isn't opening until February or so, and then the Cirque show will be going into previews in March/April. So there's going to be a lot of dead space.

    That being said, it's still a fantastic property, there are plenty of good restaurants, and obviously you're not limited to Mandalay Bay when you've got all of Vegas out there. But as someone who generally tends to just stay on-property for most of my trip, I'm taking a break from MB for a couple months until things get back to normal.
     
  3. socalgirl

    socalgirl Newbie

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    Thanks for your reply :) Any suggestions on the next best MGM property? Im thinking either Bellagio or MGM Grand... Which has better suites? Since im going with 2 other girls Id like to try and get a suite for an extra $20 at check in
     
  4. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

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    I like MB a lot, but it would help to know what you are looking for (besides coffee!). I like their suites a lot, but would not call them the best of the MGM properties
     
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  5. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    Bellagio has very nice suites, but I'd consider it a very long shot to get upgraded to one of them from the base room for $20 at check-in. Maybe if you're lucky a renovated lakeview room, but a suite sounds unlikely.

    MGM is sort of similar; they do have low-level "suites" which I've heard of being upgraded to, but I put that word in quotes because they're really just extra-large rooms with a sitting space off to the side. Not really suites in the true sense of the word.

    I'll echo UK and say that it depends on what you're looking for. If on-property dining is important, in particular, then you should know that Bellagio is much more upscale-oriented, and has fewer casual restaurants; I'd personally pick Bellagio over MGM because I like their restaurants so much better, though. Also, I believe MGM still has quite a bit of renovation going on, and their flagship nightclub/restaurant/whatever, Hakkasan, won't be open until the spring.
     
  6. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

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    I kind of feel that you can't go wrong with the dining options at either Bellagio, MB or MGM (all are way better bthan Aria). There are more casual options at the latter two, but there are still some casual eats at the B (snack bar by the sportsbook is one of my favorite quick eats in Vegas)
     
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  7. VermonterJohn

    VermonterJohn Low-Roller

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    My wife and I will be staying at MB for the very first time next week. Many trips to Vegas, many different hotels, so look forward to comparing this with other stays.

    We were lured to MB with a nice offer for a discounted mini-suite.

    John
     
  8. socalgirl

    socalgirl Newbie

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    44inarow- yeah I figured getting a suite upgrade there may be a bit of a longshot but no matter where I stay im going to try (I work front desk at a hotel & I will always upgrade when available!) Onsite dining doesnt matter much to me because we will probably try to seek out some local favorites that are casual..and I have a mini kuerig so I will just bring it with me! The girls and myself will not want to start our day without coffee!

    Anyone know the likelyhood of an upgrade at Aria? is that a good 2nd choice? Im just looking for the biggest and most comfortable room possible. Something easy to get to and from the room to the casino & out the door :)
     
  9. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    The likelihood of any upgrade is determined by the exact nights you will be there: Weekday vs weekend, NFL Playoffs vs no major events or conventions (CES), etc. You may want to check your planned dates against several hotel websites to locate the least busy dates in January.

    Depending on your preferences, Aria may be a better demographic "fit" for you, as opposed to Bellagio. To me, the clientele at Bellagio is more mid-40s and up, Aria is more like 30s and up.
     
  10. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    For the record, it's not so much that upgrades aren't available, it's that at Bellagio (and many Vegas hotels to be honest), there are a lot of levels between the base room and a "suite". At Bellagio, for example, in order of price, you've got the base rooms, then the renovated rooms, then the partial lakeview rooms, then the main tower rooms, then the main tower lakeview rooms, all before you get up to their lowest level of suite. So for a suite you're looking at a 5-level upgrade from the base rooms.

    I'd somewhat agree with the observation that Bellagio tends to be a little "older", but that mostly applies to the resort, and especially the pool. Especially on nights when Hyde is up and running at full steam, I've noticed that the weekend crowd in particular tends to skew much younger. I played two separate craps sessions with groups celebrating a 21st birthdays at Bellagio; the scene at Aria was much more low-key (which I liked better).
     
  11. DJ Ran

    DJ Ran VIP Whale

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    MB is a great property, the only real negative is the location at the south end of the strip. MGM used to my home base until I switched over to CET. I myself would go with MGM. Great casino vibe & atmoshere, newly renovated rooms, plenty of eating, drinking & nightlife on the property. :cheers:
     
  12. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    Good clarification. :nworthy: There is also a noticeably older demographic at the spa (at least the female portion). While the young 20-somethings may party at Bellagio, I haven't seen evidence that they stay at the hotel.
     
  13. socalgirl

    socalgirl Newbie

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    Thanks for all the feedback..its very much appreciated ;) Ended up going with MGM Grand..good rate for the best 2 queen room they had & I like the location. Bellagio might have been a bit more than we want to pay
     
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