A few years back Mandalay Bay was dead to me. Sadly, many
properties in Las Vegas surpassed Mandalay Bay and with so many great options
there was no need to keep giving this property chances. A little jolt and infusion of the Light
Group, Cirque du Soleil, dining experiences and the coup de gras Delano, and you
have a property that once again leads the way in Las Vegas.
1. Michael Jackson ONE™ by Cirque du Soleil – To
give you a sense of this show you are likely to see a standing ovation and a
few tears at the conclusion of ONE™. Imagine every great Michael Jackson song
and then have performers bring them to life with crazy acrobatics. But there is
even more to it, you really feel the songs being brought to life and each song
and performance seems to be better than the last. If there is one show for you
to go see in Las Vegas, this is it.
2. Delano Las Vegas – Just might be the best room
in Las Vegas without breaking the bank. But I must preface this by saying that
every room at Delano is a suite, but we certainly aren’t going to hold that
against them. Formerly THEhotel, you would have no idea that was the former
identity of Delano, the brightness and light colors bring a great energy to the
room. A great living room to relax with guests in that is completely separate
from the bedroom. It is just one of those relaxing and luxurious rooms that you
just hate to leave.
3. Celebrity Chef Restaurants – You better plan a
long vacation if you plan on visiting all of the restaurants at Mandalay Bay.
Stripsteak from Michael Mina, Kobe beef and foie gras, enough said. Kumi by
Chef Akira Back, quickly becoming a favorite among celebrities and they seem to
like their food. Fleur by Hubert Keller. He can simply do no wrong and odds of
you getting to see him while you dine are pretty good! You can find likely the
best Mexican restaurants in Las Vegas in the highly acclaimed Border Grill from
Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Add in Charlie Palmer Steak, Lupo by
Wolfgang Puck, Burger Bar, Rick Moonen's RM Seafood and finally Citizens and
Red Square from Brian Massie and your only problem will be which one to choose.
4. Franklin – One visit and you will be hooked!
Such a beautiful and inviting lounge that really will wow you as the dark
colors are brought to life by the gold lighting. Mix in handcrafted cocktails
that have been aged in oak barrels, unique beers and wines that you will only
find at Franklin thanks to Mandalay Bay Director of Wine Harley Carbery. While
this is nothing like a nightclub, thank goodness, you do get a great DJ
providing a great soundtrack to keep you going throughout the night. You might
plan on only having one drink and that might turn into you staying at Franklin
for the duration of your night.
5. Daylight and Light – Another home run by the
Light Group. My personal favorites when it comes to a dayclub and nightclub.
Great DJ’s, Cirque du Soleil performers at Light and a breathtaking setting at
Light and a non-stop party and you can’t go wrong with either place.
6. Wine, beer and spirit programs – Mandalay Bay
really sets itself apart when it comes to beer thanks to Master Cicerone Sarah
Johnson. Master Cicerone simply means that Sarah knows way more about beer than
you and I, which means we just get to sit back and enjoy the fruits of her
labor with some amazing and unique beers that you can find all over the
property. The Joël Robuchon stories are pretty cool, but Director of Wine and sommelier
Harley Carbery is more than a great storyteller, he is in charge of an
unworldly amount of wine for the Mandalay Bay property and has contacts to
always bring in that unique and one-of-a-kind bottle to wow guests. Having
those two under one roof is quite the coup for Mandalay Bay.
7. Four Seasons – It is the Four Seasons, what else
do I need to say? A private entrance, nothing but first-class treatment and one
of my favorite places to grab a cocktail and appetizer before heading out for
the evening, PRESS.
8. Animals – Delano and Franklin are both dog
friendly hotels so feel free to let your pooch get pampered as much as you in
Las Vegas. If you want something a little different on your visit to Las Vegas
you can check out the Shark Reef Aquarium and get an up-close and personal look
at not only sharks, but giant sea turtles, jellyfish, rays and more. If you are
really daring you can also dive with the sharks for a one-of-a-kind scuba
experience.
9. Music – A number of big time acts perform at
Concerts on the Beach throughout the year and then you get music daily at the
House of Blues.
10. There is more to come! – MIX on the 64th
floor will soon disappear and you will get to experience the new Rivea from
internationally celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. If there are simply not enough
pool choices for you, in 2015 you will be introduced to the South Beach inspired
Delano Beach Club.
