Hotel Comparisons
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.
The Strip's biggest beach pool, an aquarium, and a destination-resort feel at the south end. vs. The skyline-themed resort with the Big Apple Coaster running around the building. — here's how they compare across location, price, dining, and vibe.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Mandalay Bay | New York-New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Luxury | Mid-Range |
| Location | South Strip | South Strip |
| Rooms | 3,209 | 2,024 |
| Year Opened | 1999 | 1997 |
| 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
New York-New York
- +Themed-Vegas first-timers
- +Couples and groups wanting walkable south-center Strip access
- +Travelers who want to walk to T-Mobile Arena
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
New York-New York
- -Luxury travelers
- -Anyone wanting a modern, minimalist aesthetic
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
New York-New York
- *The Big Apple Coaster — rollercoaster wrapping the building exterior
- *New York skyline-themed exterior is one of the Strip's most photographed
- *Connected to Park MGM and T-Mobile Arena via The Park
Notable Dining
Mandalay Bay
- -Fleur by Hubert Keller
- -House of Blues Restaurant
- -Stripsteak by Michael Mina
New York-New York
- -Gallagher's Steakhouse
- -Tom's Watch Bar
- -Hershey's Chocolate World (cafe and shop)
Verdict
Edge: Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay edges ahead overall thanks to its South Strip location and luxury positioning. That said, New York-New York is the better pick if you prioritize themed-vegas first-timers.
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 New York-New York if you want
- +Themed-Vegas first-timers
- +Couples and groups wanting walkable south-center Strip access
- +Travelers who want to walk to T-Mobile Arena
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Comparison FAQ
Common questions when deciding between these two hotels.
Which hotel has a lower resort fee, Mandalay Bay or New York-New York?
New York-New York 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 New York-New York 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 New York-New York 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). New York-New York is best for Themed-Vegas first-timers and Couples and groups wanting walkable south-center Strip access. For a first trip, consider which vibe matches your group.
Which hotel is bigger, Mandalay Bay or New York-New York?
Mandalay Bay is the larger property with 3,209 rooms, compared to 2,024 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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