Mandalay Bay vs Palace Station: Luxury Resort vs Local Favorite Comparison
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Palace Station Hotel & Casino
Accommodations Comparison
Mandalay Bay features 3,209 rooms including 424 suites with modern decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and premium bedding. Standard rooms average 550 sq ft with marble bathrooms. Palace Station offers 1,011 rooms with more basic furnishings, smaller layouts (average 350 sq ft), and functional but dated bathrooms.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 6/10)
Amenities and Facilities
Mandalay Bay boasts an 11-acre tropical beach pool complex with wave pool, lazy river, and three pools. Features include a 30,000 sq ft spa, 135,000 sq ft casino, and Shark Reef Aquarium. Palace Station offers a standard outdoor pool, smaller casino (95,000 sq ft), fitness center, and complimentary parking.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (10/10 vs 7/10)
Dining Options
Mandalay Bay hosts 21 restaurants including Michelin-starred Aureole, Fleur by Hubert Keller, and Border Grill. Palace Station features 9 dining options including The Broiler steakhouse, Feast Buffet, and 24-hour coffee shop with more affordable pricing.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 7/10)
Location and Accessibility
Mandalay Bay sits at the south end of the Strip with direct tram connection to Luxor and Excalibur. Walking distance to Luxor and close to McCarran Airport. Palace Station is located west of the Strip near I-15, requiring transportation to main attractions but offering easier highway access.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 6/10)
Value and Pricing
Mandalay Bay rooms average $150-400/night, while Palace Station averages $60-120/night. Palace Station offers significantly better value for budget-conscious travelers, though Mandalay Bay provides more inclusive resort experience.
Winner: Palace Station (6/10 vs 9/10)
Entertainment and Nightlife
Mandalay Bay features Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, Daylight Beach Club, and multiple bars/lounges. Palace Station offers free live entertainment at the Soundwaves lounge and more low-key gaming atmosphere.
Winner: Mandalay Bay (9/10 vs 6/10)