Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino vs Palace Station Hotel & Casino: Luxury Resort vs Local Favorite
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Palace Station Hotel & Casino
Accommodations and Rooms
Mandalay Bay features 3,209 rooms including 424 suites with contemporary decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and premium amenities. Standard rooms average 550 sq ft with marble bathrooms. Palace Station offers 1,011 recently renovated rooms with a more functional design averaging 350 sq ft. While comfortable, they lack the luxury finishes of Mandalay Bay.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 7/10)
Amenities and Facilities
Mandalay Bay boasts an 11-acre beach complex with wave pool, lazy river, and multiple pools. The property features a 30,000 sq ft spa, Shark Reef Aquarium, and 135,000 sq ft casino. Palace Station offers a smaller but well-maintained pool, recently renovated casino (95,000 sq ft), and fitness center without the extensive resort amenities.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (10/10 vs 6/10)
Dining Options
Mandalay Bay features 20+ dining options including celebrity chef restaurants (Aureole, Fleur by Hubert Keller), fine dining, and casual eateries. Palace Station offers 8 restaurants featuring the popular Oyster Bar, Feast Buffet, and reliable casual dining options at more affordable prices.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 7/10)
Location and Accessibility
Mandalay Bay sits at the south end of the Strip with direct access to Luxor and Excalibur via tram. Convenient for Strip exploration but requires transportation to downtown. Palace Station is located west of the Strip near I-15, offering free parking and easier highway access but requiring transportation to main Strip attractions.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (8/10 vs 6/10)
Value and Pricing
Mandalay Bay rooms average $200-400/night with resort fees around $45. Palace Station offers rooms at $80-150/night with $25 resort fees. Palace Station provides significantly better value for budget-conscious travelers.
Winner: Palace Station (6/10 vs 9/10)
Entertainment and Nightlife
Mandalay Bay features Michelob ULTRA Arena for concerts and events, multiple nightclubs, and bars including Minus5° Ice Bar. Palace Station focuses on casino entertainment with occasional lounge acts and a more local, low-key atmosphere.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 5/10)
Service and Staff
Both properties maintain good service standards. Mandalay Bay offers more comprehensive concierge services and staff-to-guest ratio. Palace Station provides friendly, efficient service with a more personal touch typical of locals casinos.
Winner: Tie (8/10 vs 8/10)