When it opened in 1999 it was billed as a hip, happening, luxury hotel aimed at a younger demographic looking for an upscale place to party and play. Over the years, as newer more decidedly youth-targeted hotels came on the scene, Mandalay Bay has grown up. For the most part I mean that in a good way, but it should be noted that this feels like a really serious hotel now. If there was ever whimsy in the Burmese jungle, it is gone now.

In a welcome change of pace, you don't need to go through the casino area to get to the elevators or from the elevators to the pool area. I know that flies in the face of conventional wisdom since most places hope you'll start gambling the moment you walk in the door. If you're driving in and choose to self-park, you do have quite a hike from the parking garage to the front desk through the casino but it's not as bad as it is in some other hotels (I'm looking at you Caesars Palace).

The standard rooms are comfortable, with each one covering about 550 square feet. This makes them fairly typical in terms of size with the exception of the bathrooms that are generously proportioned. Each has a dual vanity, separate tub and shower, and a private water closet (room with a toilet).

Nice touches include the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic vistas, iron and ironing board, hair dryers, multiple phones (desk, bedside, bathroom), high speed Internet (for a fee), iPod docking bedside clock radios, mini-bars, and dual lighted closets. The decor has been updated to that sort of retro-sleek look that is all the rage these days - think oversized padded headboards, crisp white linens, low slung couches, and other mid-century modern touches. The overall effect is comfortable, casual, and inviting.

There are a variety of other rooms available from small junior suites to massive two-story affairs that wrap around the entire end of the wings offering 180-degree views of Las Vegas. Amenities and prices go up accordingly.

And if these rooms don't satisfy there are actually two other hotels that are part of the same property - THEhotel and The Four Seasons.

The casino area is one of the loveliest in town with high ceilings, good spacing between the slots and table games, and a pleasing lack of flashing commotion. In the center is a large lounge/nightclub and there are several bars and additional lounges scattered around the premises. One of them - The Mizuya Lounge (formerly known as the Coral Reef Lounge) - is one of the best places for people who aren't 22 anymore but still want to go out for a drink and some dancing. They have some of the best live entertainment around and the energy is usually great, the drinks are cheaper, and you don't have to fight for floor space with the Paris Hilton clones that invade most nightclubs.

Coming in 2011 is a new Cirque du Soleil themed nightclub, taking over the space once occupied by rumjungle.

There are several restaurants, a nice buffet, and a showroom that will be home to the new Cirque du Soleil/Michael Jackson show starting early 2013. There's also an arena for big concerts and sporting events, lots of shops, a large health club/spa, and convention and meeting space. Check out a few favorites under related reviews below.

Of special note is Mandalay Beach, the resort's beautiful pool area. Open only to guests of the three hotels on site, this gigantic playground offers three pools, several whirlpools, a lazy river ride, and a full sand beach fronting a huge wave pool capable of generating seven-foot swells. You can rent cabanas, surf and boogie boards, and inner tubes and get beverage and food service from the beach bar or even gamble in the small poolside casino. They have included a stage overlooking the beach and wave pool for concerts. I have to say it is one of the most appealing pool areas in town although if you're not a fan of the kids you may want to go elsewhere since this pool area draws a lot of them.

The service is top notch in just about every area.

As with most Las Vegas hotels, rates have gotten more affordable since the recession began in 2008. What would once cost you easily $200 on the weekdays you can get for as low as half that, although around $150 is a more common average. Weekends are as low as $120 but $200 is probably closer to the norm. That's not cheap but it's a lot cheaper than it used to be.

Mandalay Bay has become one of the top hotels on The Strip for their combination of luxurious touches and excellent service at competitive prices (for what they offer).

Recommended For: Families with children (for the Lion King and the pool), older visitors who want fun but not the obnoxious party version of it.

Not Recommended For: People on a budget, those looking for a kitschy theme hotel.

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