Mandaly Bay/Excalibur or Luxor

Question

Hello. I have a complimentary room for two nights at these resorts. My nights are the final Sunday and Monday of April. Is there a preference for any of these three options?

I stayed prior with the MGM Grand and this is a result of playing there I believe.

Thank you all in advance.

Answer

Congratulations on your complimentary room offer! All three properties—Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and Luxor—are located on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, making them conveniently close to each other, but they each offer a different experience. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each, which might help you decide based on your preferences:

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is a more upscale, resort-style property. It’s known for its tropical-themed design, spacious pools, and overall luxurious atmosphere. It’s also home to the popular House of Blues and Shark Reef Aquarium, making it an excellent option if you're looking for a more relaxed, resort-like experience with added entertainment options.

Pros:
- Upscale amenities and modern rooms.
- Beautiful pool area (including a beach with real sand and a lazy river).
- Excellent on-site dining and entertainment options, like House of Blues.
- More luxurious overall experience compared to Excalibur and Luxor.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive for dining, shopping, and some amenities (if not covered by your comped stay).
- It's a bit farther south on the Strip, so you may need to walk a bit more to reach other popular properties like the Bellagio or Caesars Palace.

Excalibur

Excalibur is a more budget-friendly property, themed around a medieval castle. It has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on entertainment. It’s not as upscale as Mandalay Bay but offers a good value if you're looking for a more affordable stay with easy access to the rest of the Strip.

Pros:
- One of the more affordable options on the Strip.
- Family-friendly atmosphere and lots of entertainment options, including the Tournament of Kings dinner show.
- Great location near the center of the Strip with easy access to other properties.
Cons:
- Rooms and amenities are more basic compared to Mandalay Bay and Luxor.
- Although it's fun and quirky, the medieval theme may not appeal to everyone.

Luxor

Luxor offers a unique experience with its Egyptian theme and iconic pyramid shape. It’s also a more affordable option than Mandalay Bay, though slightly more upscale than Excalibur. The property has a more distinctive and quirky feel but can be a bit dated in parts.

Pros:
- Iconic, unique design with the pyramid and obelisk.
- More affordable than Mandalay Bay but slightly more upscale than Excalibur.
- Good location, close to the southern part of the Strip, with easy access to the other resorts and attractions.
Cons:
- Some areas of the property may feel dated compared to newer resorts like Mandalay Bay.
- Rooms can feel smaller and less modern than those at Mandalay Bay.

Which Option is Best for You?

Your choice ultimately depends on the type of experience you're looking for:

Mandalay Bay: If you prefer a more luxurious, resort-like experience with great pools and top-tier entertainment, Mandalay Bay is the way to go. It’s perfect if you want a more upscale atmosphere and don’t mind being a little farther south on the Strip.
Excalibur: If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option and enjoy a fun, family-friendly environment, Excalibur is a great choice. It's also right in the heart of the Strip, so it's easy to walk to many other places.
Luxor: If you're drawn to unique, iconic properties and enjoy a fun theme, Luxor could be a good fit. It offers a good balance between affordability and a unique experience, though it might not be as luxurious as Mandalay Bay.

Since you mentioned you’re playing in the WSOP, if you plan on spending time at the tables and want to enjoy the resort amenities, Mandalay Bay might be the best option. However, if you’re focused on budget and exploring more of the Strip, Excalibur or Luxor are great choices.