Mandalay Bay vs Planet Hollywood: Comprehensive Las Vegas Hotel Comparison

Location & Accessibility

Mandalay Bay sits at the southernmost end of the Las Vegas Strip, offering a more secluded atmosphere but requiring longer walks or transportation to reach central attractions. The property connects to Luxor and Excalibur via free tram, and features its own monorail station. Planet Hollywood enjoys a prime center-Strip location directly connected to the Miracle Mile Shops and within walking distance of Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Cosmopolitan. The central location makes it ideal for exploring multiple resorts without transportation.

Winner: Planet Hollywood (for convenience)

Room Quality & Design

Mandalay Bay's 3,209 rooms feature sophisticated tropical-inspired decor with premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Standard rooms measure 550 sq ft, among the largest on the Strip. Recent renovations have maintained their luxurious appeal. Planet Hollywood's 2,500 rooms showcase contemporary Hollywood-themed design with modern technology, including in-room iPads for control services. Rooms average 450 sq ft with smart, stylish furnishings and excellent soundproofing.

Winner: Mandalay Bay (for space and luxury)

Amenities & Facilities

Mandalay Bay boasts one of Vegas' most impressive amenity collections: the 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach with wave pool and lazy river, a 30,000 sq ft world-class spa, full-service salon, and massive 135,000 sq ft casino. The convention center spans 1.7 million sq ft, making it ideal for business travelers. Planet Hollywood features the CRUSH adult-only pool, a smaller but well-equipped spa, and a 100,000 sq ft casino with modern gaming technology. The resort focuses more on entertainment than extensive recreational facilities.

Winner: Mandalay Bay (for comprehensive facilities)

Dining Options

Mandalay Bay offers 21 restaurants including celebrity chef establishments like Fleur by Hubert Keller, StripSteak by Michael Mina, and Border Grill. The variety ranges from casual to fine dining with excellent international options. Planet Hollywood features 15 restaurants including Gordon Ramsay Burger, KOI Japanese, and the famous Heart Bar. The connected Miracle Mile Shops provide additional 20+ dining options within steps of the hotel.

Winner: Tie (Mandalay Bay for fine dining, Planet Hollywood for variety and accessibility)

Entertainment & Nightlife

Mandalay Bay hosts the 12,000-seat Michelob ULTRA Arena for major concerts and sporting events, plus the House of Blues concert venue and several sophisticated bars and lounges. The nightlife tends toward upscale experiences. Planet Hollywood features the Zappos Theater hosting major residencies (Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez), the Axis theater, and the ultra-modern Heart Bar. The overall vibe is more energetic and celebrity-focused with better people-watching opportunities.

Winner: Planet Hollywood (for variety and celebrity appeal)

Value & Pricing

Mandalay Bay typically commands higher room rates ($150-400/night) but offers exceptional value given the room size and included amenities like beach access. Resort fees are standard for Vegas at $45/night. Planet Hollywood offers more moderate pricing ($120-300/night) with similar resort fees, providing better value for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location over extensive amenities.

Winner: Planet Hollywood (for budget-friendly pricing)

Overall Experience

Mandalay Bay delivers a luxurious, resort-style experience perfect for travelers seeking relaxation, convention attendees, and those preferring a slightly removed Strip location. The scale and quality of amenities justify the higher price point. Planet Hollywood offers a vibrant, contemporary experience ideal for entertainment seekers, shoppers, and travelers who want to be in the heart of the action with convenient access to multiple attractions.