Key Highlights:
- The MGM Grand Advantage: Best for high-energy crowds, endless dining options, and a more central, walkable location.
- The Mandalay Bay Advantage: Best for pool lovers (the beach is legendary), a quieter resort feel, and concert-goers.
- The Pool Winner: Mandalay Bay (Mandalay Bay Beach) is the undisputed champion with real sand and a wave pool.
- The Location Winner: MGM Grand is much more walkable to other major resorts like New York-New York and the heart of the Strip.
Picking between two of the South Strip’s heaviest hitters is a tough call, but the “vibe” at each is worlds apart. The MGM Grand is a high-energy, emerald-green city that never sleeps, while Mandalay Bay offers a tropical, laid-back resort feel that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a desert.
We have spent plenty of time navigating the “Green Monster” and floating down the lazy river at the Bay. Deciding where to drop your bags really comes down to whether you want to be in the center of the party or at a coastal-inspired retreat. Here is our honest, friend-to-friend breakdown of MGM Grand vs. Mandalay Bay.
Atmosphere and Location: High-Energy City vs. Tropical Escape
The scale of these properties is the first thing you’ll notice. MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world, and it feels like it. The casino floor is always buzzing, and there’s a constant sense of movement. It’s located at the major intersection of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd, putting you right in the mix of the South Strip’s busiest corner.
Mandalay Bay sits at the very southern tip of the Strip. Because it’s a bit isolated, it feels more like a self-contained vacation destination. The decor is airy, tropical, and significantly more relaxed. While it’s further away, the free tram to Luxor and Excalibur helps bridge the gap to the rest of the action.
Direct Answer: MGM Grand is the best choice for travelers who want to be in the heart of the South Strip action. Its central location at a major intersection makes it easy to walk to neighboring resorts, T-Mobile Arena, and world-class theaters.
Room Comparison: Variety vs. Modern Comfort
We have found that both hotels offer solid, comfortable rooms, but they cater to very different tastes and budgets.
MGM Grand provides a staggering variety of room types, from the standard “Stay Well” rooms to the ultra-luxury Skylofts. Because the hotel is so big, some rooms can be a 15-minute walk from the elevator—be prepared for some “indoor hiking.” If you want a more boutique feel, the Signature towers are all-suite, non-gaming, and much quieter.
Mandalay Bay rooms generally feel more modern and consistent across the board following recent refreshes. The floor-to-ceiling windows are a highlight, offering some of the best views of the airport or the Strip. For something even more upscale, the Delano tower (located within the complex) offers all-suite luxury with a sophisticated South Beach vibe.
Direct Answer: Mandalay Bay offers some of the most consistent room quality on the South Strip, with floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room. For a quieter, more upscale experience, the Delano tower provides an all-suite, non-smoking alternative within the same resort.
The Pool Battle: Grand Pool Complex vs. Mandalay Bay Beach
If you are visiting during the summer, this is likely your biggest deciding factor.
Mandalay Bay Beach
This is widely considered the best pool in Las Vegas. It’s an 11-acre tropical playground featuring a real sand beach, a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool, and a long, relaxing lazy river. It feels like a Caribbean resort rather than a casino pool.
MGM Grand Pool Complex
The Grand Pool Complex covers 6.5 acres and features four pools and three whirlpools. It has one of the longest and most famous lazy rivers in the city and is home to Wet Republic, one of the wildest dayclubs in Vegas. The vibe here is high-energy and very social.
Dining and Entertainment: Culinary Giants
Both resorts are owned by MGM, so your rewards points work at both, but the food scenes have a different focus.
- MGM Grand: This is a culinary powerhouse. It’s home to Joël Robuchon (the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Vegas) and Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak. It also houses the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil theater and the massive Grand Garden Arena.
- Mandalay Bay: Features great spots like Lupo by Wolfgang Puck and the Foundation Room, which has an incredible rooftop view. It’s also home to the Shark Reef Aquarium, which is a must-see if you’re traveling with kids.
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Final Summary & Pro Tip
The showdown of MGM Grand vs. Mandalay Bay usually ends in a tie unless you know your priorities. Go with MGM Grand if you want to be in the middle of a 24/7 city-within-a-city. Choose Mandalay Bay if your primary goal is the wave pool and a more tranquil environment.
Our Best Pro Tip: If you stay at MGM Grand, download the MGM Rewards app. Because the hotel is so gargantuan, the digital key and mobile check-in will save you from standing in a legendary 45-minute check-in line.
❓ FAQ: MGM Grand vs Mandalay Bay
Is Mandalay Bay too far from the Strip?
Mandalay Bay is located at the south end of the Strip, but getting around is easy. A free tram runs to Excalibur, and from there it’s a quick walk across the bridge to MGM Grand and the main Strip action.
Which hotel is better for families?
Mandalay Bay is the better choice for families. The real sand beach, wave pool, and Shark Reef Aquarium are big highlights, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it more comfortable for kids and strollers.
Do both hotels charge resort fees?
Yes. Both MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay charge a daily resort fee, usually around $45–$55 per night plus tax. This covers Wi-Fi, pool access, and fitness center use.
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