Named after an obscure reference in a Rudyard Kipling novel, Mandalay Bay was originally billed as the hip, happening, luxury link in the Mandalay Resorts corporate chain that included Circus Circus, Excalibur, and Luxor. The goal, as I understood it, was to create a classy but fun resort that would satisfy a younger demographic looking for an upscale place to party and play.

Now that the hotel (and its siblings) has a new master, the same one that runs the luxury Bellagio and the supposedly hip Treasure Island, the mission statement of Mandalay Bay has grown a bit more murky. The only reason I bring all this up is because while the hotel used to draw a younger, sometimes annoyingly younger, crowd things have "aged up" a bit and the hotel now feels more mature - and I mean that in a very good way.

Forget what they say when they describe the theme as 1800's Burma. If you know what that means then you're more educated that I am. The easiest way to describe it would be a subtle South Seas look with lots of heavy stonework, lush foliage, and myriad tropical touches.

In the expansive marble lobby there are two tropical birdcages and a large fish tank. The folks at the hotel say the animals are changed out regularly and smoking is discouraged in their vicinity so all you PETA activists can relax.

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, but when going for the luxury market this is key - and quite a convenience to boot.

The standard rooms are comfortable, with each one covering about 500 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), and dual lighted closets.

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. There is also an entire floor of rooms with a House of Blues theme to go along with the restaurant and performance venue downstairs.

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.

If you're hungry, you really don't need to go anywyere. There are a ton of restaurants on site or in the shopping complex next door. You can check out a few of our favorites under related reviews.

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 and there are several restaurants, bars, and additional lounges scattered around the premises. Although it is well laid out I keep getting turned around in here for some reason. Perhaps it's just because I haven't ever spent a tremendous amount of time in the casino but there are things blocking sightlines that did reduce the ability to maintain landmarks. Again, this is a very minor complaint - it's not like you're going to get lost and wander for days without food or water.

As mentioned there are several restaurants, a nice buffet, a showroom now featuring the hit Broadway musical Mamma Mia, an arena for big concerts and sporting events, lots of shops, a large health club/spa, and convention and meeting space.

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. They have even included a stage overlooking the beach and wave pool for concerts. We 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.

I know I have to let go of the "good old days" when you could get a nice room for $25 in Las Vegas, but it still hurts my heads (and wallet) to have to pay the kinds of prices they are charging here. Expect a minimum of $119 on very slow weekdays with an average in the $139-259 range.

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). If you can afford it, go for it.

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