Mandalay is situated at the southern end of the Strip in Las Vegas, while Mirage is slightly north of the mid-Strip. Mandalay provides 30 dining options, while Mirage has fewer options in comparison. Mandalay has Shoppers at Mandalay Place, while Mirage offers shopping at Mirage Shops, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and Fashion Show Mall.
Making a decision solely from this brief overview can be challenging. However, there is a wealth of information beyond the surface regarding Mandalay Bay vs Mirage. So, let’s jump into the article.
Mandalay Bay vs. Mirage: A Brief Comparison
Both resorts have their own merits and drawbacks. However, your decision should hinge on your specific requirements. This is also true when deciding between Motel 6 vs. Super 8 or Courtyard vs. Fairfield Inn.
Before discussing them in detail, let’s have a glance at the factors.
| Factor | Mandalay | Mirage |
| Location | The southern end of the Strip, Las Vegas | Slightly north of Mid-Strip, Las Vegas |
| Room size | Standard room (550ft² (51 m²) | Standard room (394ft² (37m²) |
| Entertainment | Pools (3 full-size pools
– adults-only pool – Sandy beach and lazy river) Show ( Michale Jackson One by Cirque du Soleil – The House of Blues) |
Pools (1 Very large tropical pool,
1 Adult-only “top-optional” pool 1 huge jacuzzi) Show ( The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil – Terry Fator – Motownphilly by Boyz II Men – The Aces of Comedy) |
| Dining options | 30 dining options | Fewer options than Mandalay |
| Shopping | The Shoppers at Mandalay Place | Mirage Shops, The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, and Fashion Show Mall. |
| Casino | 1200 slot machines, poker room, blackjack, video poker machines, craps | 2000 slot machines, craps blackjack, roulette, baccarat |
| Cost | Resort fee ($44.22 per day
tax-included) |
Resort Fee ($44.22 per day tax-included) |
Mandalay Bay Vs Mirage: An Elaborated Comparison
Let’s get into an elaborate comparison of the resorts so that you can make up your mind:
Factor 1: Location
Both Mandalay and Mirage are situated on the Las Vegas Strip.
Mandalay is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, offering a more tranquil and less crowded setting.
On the other hand, Mirage is positioned slightly north of the mid-strip, providing a central location closer to various attractions and activities along the Strip.
Factor 2: Room Size
Mandalay Bay offers a significant advantage over Mirage in terms of room space, providing guests with ample room to relax and unwind.
There is also a notable difference in the bathrooms between the standard rooms of the two resorts.
The Mirage’s bathroom tends to be more compact, requiring you to close the door to move around comfortably. It also features a shower-bath combo.
In contrast, Mandalay Bay offers a more spacious bathroom design. It includes a separate shower and features a generously sized countertop with two sinks, adding an element of luxury to the experience.
Furthermore, Mandalay Bay’s standard rooms are adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing abundant natural light to flood the space. This design choice creates an open and contemporary ambience, enhancing the overall feel of the room.
In summary, while the in-room amenities may appear similar, Mandalay Bay’s entry-level rooms provide more space and overall value for the price.
Factor 3: Entertainment
Mandalay offers a diverse range of entertainment compared to Mirage.
Mandalay boasts three full-size pools, one of which is an adults-only pool, along with a massive 1.6 million-gallon wave pool, a sandy beach area, and a lazy river for relaxation and water fun.
Additionally, they feature the captivating “Michael Jackson One” by Cirque du Soleil and host performances at “The House of Blues.”
On the other hand, Mirage provides a slightly different entertainment and pool experience.
Although it has one large tropical pool and one adults-only “top-option” pool, as well as a substantial jacuzzi, its pool options are not as extensive as Mandalay’s.
In terms of shows, Mirage showcases “The Beatles LOVE” by Cirque du Soleil, Terry Fator, and Motownphilly by Boyz II Men.
Also, The Aces of Comedy offers a variety of entertainment choices for guests.
Factor 4: Dining Options
Mirage has fewer dining selections than Mandalay Bay.
There are approximately thirty dining options at Mandalay Bay, ranging from smart-casual to international cuisine.
Notably, renowned culinary celebrities like Wolfgang Puck, Shawn McClain, and Hubert Keller have their speciality restaurants within the resort. That provides a diverse and high-quality dining experience.
While Mirage has fewer options compared to Mandalay Bay, it offers a reasonable variety of cuisines. The popular cuisine is steakhouse by Tom Colicchio, ensuring that guests can find satisfying dining choices.
In the realm of on-site dining, Mandalay Bay stands out with its extensive offerings.
However, Mirage benefits from its prime location in the bustling heart of The Strip. That provides guests with easy access to a multitude of dining options just a short distance away.
Factor 5: Shopping
Both Mandalay and Mirage provide pleasant shopping experiences.
The Shoppers at Mandalay Place offer a good selection of clothing and jewelry stores. Alternative shopping destinations are better suited for those who like high-end designer fashion since this selection is relatively limited.
Meanwhile, Mirage is just half a mile away from The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, making its location advantageous.
At about the same distance, guests can also visit the Fashion Show Mall in the opposite direction.
Factor 6: Casino
Both Mandalay Bay and Mirage offer an extensive array of gaming options to cater to the preferences of even the most discerning gamblers.
Mandalay Bay’s casino covers 135,000 square feet and offers approximately 1,200 slot and video poker machines, along with a variety of table games.
Additionally, there’s a compact poker room and a sizable sportsbook, ensuring a wide range of gambling preferences are accommodated.
The Mirage’s casino, spanning 100,000 square feet, is slightly smaller in size but packs in 2,000 slot machines and a diverse selection of table games. Similar to Mandalay Bay, it features a separate poker room and sportsbook.
Factor 7: Cost
Mirage is comparatively more expensive than Mandalay Bay.
Mandalay Bay offers room rates starting at an affordable $65 per night, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
On the other hand, The Mirage has room rates that start slightly higher, at $69 per night, providing an option for those looking for mid-range accommodation.
Mandalay Bay and The Mirage have a daily resort fee of $44.22, which is tax-included. This fee covers various amenities and services provided by the resorts.
For self-parking, both Mandalay Bay and The Mirage charge $15 per day.
If you opt for valet parking, the cost ranges from $26 to $30 per day at both resorts. This allows guests to choose their preferred parking option based on convenience and budget.
So, Which One Is Better to Stay?
Mandalay Bay is the better choice if you prioritize room size, entertainment variety, and a quieter location. Moreover, Mandalay Bay offers a wide variety of dining options, making it a fantastic option.
On the other hand, Mirage is a better option if you prefer a more central Strip location, designer shopping, and a wide range of shows.
Mirage Shop has a more limited range of items, but its location is convenient to high-end designer shopping options nearby. Both resorts have substantial casino floors with a range of gaming options.
Mandalay Bay’s casino is larger, while Mirage’s is slightly smaller but still offers plenty of slots and table games. Your preference for casino size may affect your choice.
Ultimately, consider your individual preferences and priorities to determine which resort aligns best with your trip to Las Vegas.
Conclusion
Now, you know the differences between Mandalay Bay vs. Mirage.
Both of the hotels come with different kinds of advantages and disadvantages. You should pick any of them according to your needs and preferences. However, you are going to enjoy whichever you pick.
