First time poster here, but have been reading this board for a while. My wife and I are 30 and 26 and have been to Vegas probably 6 times in the last 3-4 years and actually got married at Caesars last year. We have only stayed at CET props (paris twice, Flamingo twice, caesars) and are looking to stay at a MLife hotel this time. We enjoy the pool and a good sports book, thats where I spend most of my gambling budget, we also enjoy a couple nice meals each trip. Looking at the Mirage or Manadaly Bay our trip will be Aug 30- sept 2 and both seem to average bout $150/night plus resort fees. Any advice on either one or other options would be great thanks.
The new sports book at the Mirage is really nice -- if that was the deciding factor, you'd definitely want to go for the Mirage. The bathrooms are tiny in the low end rooms, so that's a serious drawback to me when travelling with my wife. The beds and pillows are my favorite in the city. The Mirage has some other serious flaws -- a total lack of quick eats being a huge one. But on the other hand it's in a much better location. I haven't been at MB in years, so someone else would have to weigh in on that.
Tough pick. Man Bay has nicer pool, but will be more crowded. Mirage is in better location, but Man Bay probably a half star better overall. Mirage recently upgraded their sportsbook. It's pretty awesome. Of course Man Bay book is pretty awesome also. Based on your criteria, you can't go wrong with either one??
Mirage is a MUCH better location. I have not seen the new sports book yet. Everything else goes to Mandalay Bay - especially if you could get a room at THEhotel. Pool/Beach is awesome. I stay here 3 out of 4 visits.
I've stayed at both in regular rooms. Bathrooms go to MB. Beds go to Mirage. I love the floor to ceiling windows at MB. No cheap eats at either but can get to some quick at Mirage. I prefer the casino at MB and I love that Miyzua or however that lounge is spelled at night with the live band playing. I found cocktail service much better at MB.
There are plenty of options in Mandalay Place (burgers, pizza, Mexican, Irish), and the new Citizens is reasonably priced "comfort food"... and is open 24/7.
I stayed at Mirage, but not MB. Though, I visited MB property several times. Location - Mirage hands down Rooms - As far as the pictures go, MB looks comfier; Mirage rooms are pretty small and windows are narrow Restaurants - As far as I've seen there are more selections at MB, but Mirage might be OK as well. An advantage for Mirage is the surrounding places. You can go to Panda Express, McD or restaurants at V/P, Wynncore, CP, TI etc. At MB, only next door alternative for food is Luxor. Casino - Size and shape, high ceilings make MB casino better, though I've always seen it dead. Mirage casino has more action going on, as far as I've witnessed. I prefer Mirage in terms of gambling. Pool - By far MB In general, if I had this choice, I might pick MB just because I have never stayed there. But in your case, you haven't been at Mirage either. So, pick the one based on what you prioritize from the above.
I've stayed at both, Mirage twice, because location won out for me. But I'll say a one thing that may or may not matter to OP. I don't like the vibe in the Mirage. The ceilings are too low and if you're not a smoker you will probably notice the smoke more. It felt closed in. MB felt more like a resort. I liked being in MB while I felt like I wanted to go from room to elsewhere at Mirage. Poker room at Mirage is much better than MB. Kardashians
It comes down to preference. I just like Mandalay Bay... I like the restaurants and casino there. I like the easy access to Luxor and Excalibur. I think most people will say Mirage for the location though... Both are very nice places. Mirage is more updated, Mandalay Bay is being updated now. But yea I agree about the low ceilings at Mirage.. But really, I'd stay at either in a second, no thoughts about it! But if given the choice I'd pick Mandalay.
I've stayed at MB a couple times, but haven't stayed at Mirage yet. For me, the reason I've never booked the Mirage is because the casino and amenities don't justify the room pricing/comps. As mentioned before, the Mirage is all about location. If you've been to Vegas 6 times, you have to consider whether you value walking up and down the strip to take in the sights and sounds. If it's important to you, then Mirage would be the better choice. If you're done dealing with the mass of humanity walking the strip, then MB is superior based on your what you're looking for. Each trip I do something different, so there are times where I actually enjoy the isolation of MB, when I just want to hang out at the pool, gamble, and have a nice dinner. Comps from MB are a little more generous due to the location.
thank you everyone for the input, it gives me a lot to think about. Location vs nicer,less crowds. Either way we will have a great time