Mandalay Bay | Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino rises at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, its gold-tinted towers gleaming in the Nevada sun. Since its grand opening in 1999, it has embodied a tropical elegance that contrasts with the desert landscape-offering guests a resort experience inspired by the warm, relaxed allure of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

Origins and Architectural Design

Mandalay Bay was developed by Circus Circus Enterprises (later Mandalay Resort Group) and designed by the firm Neville Foster Architects, working with the interior stylists at Wilson & Associates. The project aimed to create a luxurious, yet accessible resort environment centered on the concept of an “enchanted tropical bay.” Its 43-story gold-glass tower-made radiant by an outer coating of actual gold dust-became one of the most recognizable silhouettes on The Strip.

The resort occupies over 120 acres, making it one of the largest properties in Las Vegas. Palm-lined walkways, waterfalls, and soft lighting cultivate a lush atmosphere that blends exotic luxury with Vegas showmanship. Inside, the design leans on warm golds, teals, and natural textures-intended to feel more coastal than casino-centric.

The Resort and Its Amenities

The property’s main attraction is the Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre aquatic complex with a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool capable of generating six-foot swells, a lazy river, and a genuine stretch of imported sand. Guests often describe it as the closest thing to the ocean in Nevada. During summer evenings, the Beach transforms into an open-air concert venue, hosting live performances beneath the stars.

Adjacent to the main resort is Delano Las Vegas, a boutique all-suite hotel connected internally but offering a quieter, more refined experience. For convention travelers, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center ranks among the largest in the United States, with over 2 million square feet of flexible meeting space.

The casino floor itself spans roughly 135,000 square feet, filled with table games, slot machines, and a high-limit lounge. The atmosphere is more polished and calm compared to the busier mid-Strip resorts, reflecting Mandalay’s upscale positioning.

Dining and Nightlife

Mandalay Bay’s dining scene is diverse and stylish. The property is home to Aureole, a renowned fine-dining restaurant by chef Charlie Palmer, famous for its four-story wine tower and “flying wine angels” who retrieve bottles via harnesses. STRIPSTEAK by Michael Mina serves contemporary steakhouse fare in a sleek, modern setting, while Border Grill and Kumi Japanese Restaurant + Bar add international flair.

At night, the resort comes alive with an elegant rhythm. Foundation Room, perched atop the tower, offers one of the most striking panoramic views of the Strip, framed by deep mahogany interiors and Moroccan-inspired decor. Meanwhile, House of Blues Las Vegas, attached to the Beach level, remains a major live music venue hosting both world-famous acts and intimate blues sessions.

Shark Reef Aquarium

One of Mandalay Bay’s signature attractions is the Shark Reef Aquarium, a public aquarium and wildlife exhibit that immerses visitors in a carefully designed marine world. Home to more than 2,000 animals, including sand tiger sharks, sawfish, rays, sea turtles, and rare golden crocodiles, it recreates tropical ocean and jungle habitats with cinematic detail.

The centerpiece is the tunnel walkway, where guests pass beneath a 1.3-million-gallon tank as sharks glide overhead. The subdued blue lighting, subtle sound of water circulation, and faint ocean scent create a surprisingly tranquil contrast to the bustle of the casino just steps away.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Mandalay Bay has long been known for hosting major concerts, award shows, and sporting events. The Michelob ULTRA Arena (formerly the Mandalay Bay Events Center) seats up to 12,000 spectators and has hosted everything from boxing matches to the Latin Grammy Awards.

The overall experience of the resort feels more leisurely than frenetic. Daytime brings sunlight streaming through tall windows, the scent of tropical flowers from the lobby gardens, and the sound of surf from the artificial beach. Evenings are marked by soft gold reflections from the tower and a calmer crowd compared to the central Strip’s energy.

Transformation and Legacy

Over the years, Mandalay Bay has evolved while maintaining its tropical identity. Following MGM Resorts International’s acquisition of Mandalay Resort Group in 2005, the property received numerous renovations, including upgrades to guest rooms, pool areas, and dining venues.

Despite its luxurious tone, Mandalay Bay is remembered for both its beauty and resilience-particularly after the tragic 2017 mass shooting that affected the community and forever marked the property’s history. In the years since, extensive safety measures and architectural changes have been implemented, allowing the resort to move forward while honoring the victims.

Today’s Experience

Today, Mandalay Bay remains one of Las Vegas’s most distinctive destinations-a blend of tropical serenity, world-class entertainment, and architectural polish. Whether guests come for the beachside concerts, shark encounters, or skyline views from the Foundation Room, the experience captures a quieter yet undeniably grand side of Las Vegas: a golden oasis shimmering at the edge of the desert.