Hotel Comparisons
Mandalay Bay vs Luxor
Compare Mandalay Bay and Luxor 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 black glass pyramid — iconic Vegas architecture and one of the largest hotels in the world. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Mandalay Bay | Luxor | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Luxury | Mid-Range |
| Location | South Strip | South Strip |
| Rooms | 3,209 | 4,407 |
| Year Opened | 1999 | 1993 |
| 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
Luxor
- +Travelers who want recognizable Vegas architecture
- +Budget-conscious Strip stays
- +Connection to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur via free tram
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
Luxor
- -Luxury travelers — Luxor is mid-tier, not top-tier
- -Pyramid rooms have slanted exterior walls — not for everyone
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
Luxor
- *The 30-story pyramid is one of the most distinctive structures on the Strip
- *Inclinator (angled elevator) climbs the pyramid at 39 degrees
- *Connected via free tram to Excalibur and Mandalay Bay
Notable Dining
Mandalay Bay
- -Fleur by Hubert Keller
- -House of Blues Restaurant
- -Stripsteak by Michael Mina
Luxor
- -Tender Steak & Seafood
- -Public House
- -Backstage Deli
Verdict
Edge: Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay edges ahead overall thanks to its South Strip location and luxury positioning. That said, Luxor is the better pick if you prioritize travelers who want recognizable vegas architecture.
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 Luxor if you want
- +Travelers who want recognizable Vegas architecture
- +Budget-conscious Strip stays
- +Connection to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur via free tram
Get Vegas decision shortcuts
Head-to-head comparisons, verified facts, and booking tips — delivered weekly.
Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Which hotel has a lower resort fee, Mandalay Bay or Luxor?
Luxor 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 Luxor 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 Luxor 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). Luxor is best for Travelers who want recognizable Vegas architecture and Budget-conscious Strip stays. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Mandalay Bay or Luxor?
Luxor is the larger property with 4,407 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.
Related Hotel Comparisons
Hotel Comparison
Mandalay Bay vs Excalibur
Compare Mandalay Bay and Excalibur side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
Hotel Comparison
Mandalay Bay vs Park MGM
Compare Mandalay Bay and Park MGM side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
Hotel Comparison
Mandalay Bay vs New York-New York
Compare Mandalay Bay and New York-New York side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.
Hotel Comparison
Luxor vs Excalibur
Compare Luxor and Excalibur side by side — resort fees, rooms, location, dining, and who each hotel is best for.