[HOTEL REVIEW] Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

The giant, 3,215-room Mandalay Bay offers more for kids -- wave pool, streaming lazy river pool, shark aquarium -- and plenty for adults -- quality spa, lively bars, premier cuisine -- but the constant crowds, long lines, airport noise, and a slightly cut-off-from-the-Strip location make it a slightly less attractive mid-tier luxury option.

Pros

• Giant pool complex with wave pool and lazy river pool
• Lively, adults-only party pool
• Tons of restaurants, from fine dining to 24-hour cafe
• 1.6-million-gallon shark aquarium
• Great bars, from Red Square to House of Blues
• Large bathrooms, with deep tubs and TVs

Cons

• Long lines and slow service
• Crowded pools
• Cover charge for men at the adult pool
• Daily fitness center access fee
• Almost a mile to Strip attractions