Hotel Comparisons
Mandalay Bay vs Excalibur
Compare Mandalay Bay and Excalibur side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
The Strip's biggest beach pool, an aquarium, and a destination-resort feel at the south end. vs. The castle-themed Strip resort — kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and connected to Luxor and Mandalay Bay. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Mandalay Bay | Excalibur | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Luxury | Budget |
| Location | South Strip | South Strip |
| Rooms | 3,209 | 3,981 |
| Year Opened | 1999 | 1990 |
| Resort Fee | $56.69/night | $51.02/night |
Best For
Mandalay Bay
- +Pool-focused trips (11 acres of beach pool, wave pool, lazy river)
- +Families (Shark Reef Aquarium on-property)
- +Conventions (Mandalay Bay Convention Center is huge)
- +Travelers who want a destination hotel they don't need to leave
Excalibur
- +Families with younger kids
- +Budget travelers
- +Bachelor/bachelorette groups looking for cheap south-Strip base
Not Ideal For
Mandalay Bay
- -Center-Strip walkability — Mandalay Bay sits at the southern end
- -Travelers who want to be in the middle of the action
Excalibur
- -Luxury travelers
- -Anyone who wants modern aesthetics
Top Highlights
Mandalay Bay
- *11-acre beach pool with sand and a 1.6 million gallon wave pool
- *Shark Reef Aquarium — 2,000+ animals including a shipwreck tunnel
- *Foundation Room atop the property with Strip views
Excalibur
- *Castle theming inside and out — a Vegas original
- *Tournament of Kings — one of the few full dinner shows
- *Fun Dungeon arcade for kids
Notable Dining
Mandalay Bay
- -Fleur by Hubert Keller
- -House of Blues Restaurant
- -Stripsteak by Michael Mina
Excalibur
- -Camelot Steakhouse
- -Buca di Beppo
- -Dick's Last Resort (closed at Excalibur — verify other locations)
Verdict
Edge: Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay edges ahead overall thanks to its South Strip location and luxury positioning. That said, Excalibur is the better pick if you prioritize families with younger kids.
Choose Mandalay Bay if you want
- +Pool-focused trips (11 acres of beach pool, wave pool, lazy river)
- +Families (Shark Reef Aquarium on-property)
- +Conventions (Mandalay Bay Convention Center is huge)
Choose Excalibur if you want
- +Families with younger kids
- +Budget travelers
- +Bachelor/bachelorette groups looking for cheap south-Strip base
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Which hotel has a lower resort fee, Mandalay Bay or Excalibur?
Excalibur has the lower daily resort fee at $51.02/night (after tax), compared to $56.69/night at the other property.
Are Mandalay Bay and Excalibur close to each other?
Yes, both hotels are on the South Strip, so they're within walking distance of each other. The choice comes down to the on-property experience rather than location.
Is Mandalay Bay or Excalibur better for a first trip to Vegas?
Mandalay Bay is best for Pool-focused trips (11 acres of beach pool, wave pool, lazy river) and Families (Shark Reef Aquarium on-property). Excalibur is best for Families with younger kids and Budget travelers. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Mandalay Bay or Excalibur?
Excalibur is the larger property with 3,981 rooms, compared to 3,209 rooms at the other. Larger hotels generally mean more dining and entertainment options but can feel busier and have longer walks to your room.
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