The desk was busy but the staff were efficient and we soon got our card keys and were off on the long journey to the other side of the property, there are plenty of signs to guide you through the casino to the lobby of the Mandalay Bay, which has a more classic feel to it with high ornate ceilings and highly polished floors

Rooms

The public areas of the Mandalay Bay are beautiful, walking down the corridor to your room you know you are in a quality establishment but for a hotel with such a reputation, the Mandalay Bays rooms were a bit of a disappointment, their website shows remodelled rooms which are extremely plush, we got one of the less impressive ones, which felt like it had just been given a once over, 42” plasma TV, new linen and that was about it. The beds however were the most comfortable in Las Vegas. The room was very clean, a reasonable size, had more than average closet space and had a good range of snacks and drinks in the mini bar. Our room had fantastic views of the strip, which at night looked amazing.

The bathroom was a good size; it had a separate shower and a humongous bath, two sinks and a 15” flat screen on the wall. It also had a separate WC, which is handy if you are away with the boys. Manadalay Bay don’t scrimp on the freebie toiletries, they supply you with everything you’ll ever need, including mouth wash and a sewing kit.

Room service was slow to say the least, the average wait on my stay here was 90 minutes, both times something was wrong with the order and the dishes were luke warm at best and after all that the last waiter complained at the tip I gave him!! Hows your luck.

Gaming

The Casino is a very spacious 135,000sq ft and offers everything including baccarat for the Mandalay Bays super rich residents. Minimums on the tables start at $10 but expect to be betting at least $15-$25 most of the time. The emphasis is more on slot machines here; with over 2000 machines you can bet from a penny to $100 a spin. Cocktails are great and the service is swift, the drinks are strong so you don’t mind loosing too much.

Dining:

Mandalay Bay offers it guest a massive selection of places to eat but few are cheap and most only offer evening menus.

Aureole, offers a substantial wine list and great seasonal American dishes but prices are high. If Mexican is your bag then head beach side to Border Grill the Mexican food is bold and flavourful it is also pretty good value.

China Grill as the name suggests has a menu full of Asian inspired cuisine served on grills, no lunch menus here it only opens from 5.30pm til 11.30pm in the week and til 12am weekends. Carrying on the Asian theme takes you to Shanghai Lilly, which offers Cantonese and Szechwan specialities, dress smart, and be prepared to spend some cash.

For a cheap and quick Italian feast pop into Giorgio Caffe and Ristorante, the fare and casual atmosphere is excellent and at the other end of the Italian scale for contempary and traditional Italian classics Trattoria Del Lupo is the restaurant for you.

Rumjungle offers a Caribbean theme and tropical dishes

House of blues is a southern inspired restaurant, it offers a soulful atmosphere and specializes in Cajun and Creole dishes. The live entertainment is good; expect to pay around $25 for a main course.