Mandalay Bay vs The Cromwell: A Comprehensive Las Vegas Hotel Comparison

Room Quality & Design

Mandalay Bay (Score: 8/10): Features 3,211 rooms including spacious standard rooms (550 sq ft) and luxurious suites. Contemporary design with tropical accents, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities. Some rooms show minor wear due to property age.

The Cromwell (Score: 9/10): Boutique property with 188 rooms featuring Parisian-inspired decor, high-end furnishings, and luxurious details. Rooms average 360 sq ft but feel more intimate and sophisticated with premium finishes.

Winner: The Cromwell for superior design and luxury touches

Amenities & Facilities

Mandalay Bay (Score: 9/10): Extensive amenities including 11-acre beach complex with wave pool, lazy river, and multiple pools. 135,000 sq ft casino, full-service spa, convention center, and direct access to Luxor and Excalibur via tram.

The Cromwell (Score: 7/10): Rooftop pool with dayclub atmosphere, smaller casino (25,000 sq ft), and fitness center. Lacks extensive recreational facilities but offers exclusive boutique experience.

Winner: Mandalay Bay for comprehensive amenities

Dining Options

Mandalay Bay (Score: 9/10): 20+ dining venues including celebrity chef restaurants (Aureole, Border Grill), casual options, and the popular House of Blues restaurant and music venue.

The Cromwell (Score: 8/10): Home to Giada De Laurentiis's restaurant and Interlude lounge. Limited options on-site but surrounded by Center Strip dining. Drai's After Hours nightclub offers late-night food.

Winner: Mandalay Bay for variety and quality

Entertainment & Nightlife

Mandalay Bay (Score: 8/10): Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues concerts, and several bars/lounges. More family-oriented entertainment options available.

The Cromwell (Score: 9/10): Drai's Beach Club & Nightclub featuring top DJs, intimate casino atmosphere, and sophisticated bars. Prime nightlife destination for adults.

Winner: The Cromwell for nightlife focus

Service Quality

Mandalay Bay (Score: 8/10): Generally efficient service though can feel impersonal due to property size. Check-in lines can be long during peak times. Housekeeping maintains good standards.

The Cromwell (Score: 9/10): More personalized service with higher staff-to-guest ratio. Attentive concierge and quicker response times. Boutique approach enhances guest experience.

Winner: The Cromwell for personalized attention

Value Proposition

Mandalay Bay (Score: 8/10): Moderate pricing for Strip resort with extensive included amenities. Resort fee ($45) provides good value given facilities. Better for longer stays and families.

The Cromwell (Score: 6/10): Premium pricing for boutique experience. Higher room rates and resort fee ($45) with fewer included amenities. Better value for luxury-seeking couples.

Winner: Mandalay Bay for overall value

Location & Accessibility

Mandalay Bay (Score: 8/10): South Strip location requires walking or tram to center action. Free tram to Excalibur/Luxor. Convenient for McCarran Airport access. Self-parking available.

The Cromwell (Score: 9/10): Prime Center Strip location at Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd. Walking distance to Bellagio fountains, Caesars, and other major attractions. Valet-only parking.

Winner: The Cromwell for best location