If you’re deciding between Luxor and Mandalay Bay, you’re not alone. These two MGM-owned resorts sit side by side at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, and they’re often compared for good reason.

Mandalay Bay is known for being one of the best family-friendly resorts in Las Vegas, thanks to its beach-style pool area and large, comfortable rooms.

Luxor, on the other hand, stands out as one of the best budget-friendly hotels in Las Vegas, consistently offering lower rates and a themed experience that delivers on comfort in a prime location.

In this guide, we’ll compare the two across rooms, pools, casino offerings, entertainment, and value, so you can choose the hotel that fits your Vegas trip best.

This is a lengthy read, so if you’re looking for key takeaways, here they are:

• Luxor is better for budget-conscious travelers.
• Mandalay Bay offers a resort-style experience ideal for families.
• Room sizes: Luxor rooms go up to 450 sq. ft; Mandalay Bay rooms start at 550 sq.ft and suites go over 2,000 sq. ft.
• Pools: Luxor is quieter, laid-back, and calmer. Mandalay Bay has a beach, wave pool, and lazy river.
• Casino vibe: Luxor feels more intimate; Mandalay Bay is bigger, livelier, and more modern.
• Entertainment: Luxor features Blue Man Group and Carrot Top; Mandalay Bay hosts Cirque’s Michael Jackson ONE and Shark Reef Aquarium.
• Dining: Luxor sticks to casual and budget-friendly. Mandalay Bay has a broader range, including fine dining.

Luxor vs Mandalay Bay: Location & Getting Around

First things first, let’s talk about their location.

Both hotels are located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, just a few minutes from Harry Reid International Airport and within walking distance of Allegiant Stadium.

They’re connected by a free tram that also stops at Excalibur, making it easy to move between properties without needing a rideshare. You can also walk between the two via an indoor shopping corridor, so staying at either one gives you access to shared restaurants, shows, and casino space.

If you’re planning to explore other parts of the Strip, both hotels offer quick access to taxis, rideshares and public transport. Just keep in mind that the southern location means a longer walk or ride to center-Strip landmarks like Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and The Venetian.

FYI, here are some tips on how to get around Vegas without a car.

In terms of convenience, this location works great if you’re here to catch an event or a Raiders game at the Allegiant Stadium. If you’re planning to spend more time in the center of the strip, then you should expect to use transport. 

Now, let’s review the rooms.

Luxor vs Mandalay Bay Room Comparison

For rooms at both hotels, we’ll break down each hotel’s room types, sizes, and bed options.

This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or sharing with friends.

We’ll begin with Luxor’s rooms.

Luxor’s Rooms

Luxor offers two main room types: Pyramid Rooms and Tower Rooms.

Pyramid Rooms (pictured below) are located inside the iconic black pyramid and feature angled walls and slanted windows. The decor is older and leans into the Egyptian theme, which some guests find charming, but others find dated.

Tower Rooms (pictured below), on the other hand, are more modern. 

They have a traditional layout, upgraded design, and slightly more square footage.

Most travelers prefer the tower rooms.

Here’s a quick look at all the different rooms available at Luxor.

Mandalay Bay’s Rooms

Compared to Luxor, Mandalay Bay offers larger, more modern rooms across the board. 

Even the entry-level rooms are spacious by Vegas standards, and the resort’s range of suites gives guests options to upgrade into nearly double the size of Luxor’s rooms.

The suite is pictured below, and the room above is the Resort King.

You can see that the style here is clean and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, media hubs, and upgraded furnishings. 

Whether you’re after a simple king room or need space to host a group, Mandalay Bay has a room type to match.

Here’s a breakdown of all the different room types you’ll find at Mandalay Bay.

Which Hotel Has Better Rooms?

Both hotels offer a comfortable stay, but when it comes to overall quality, Mandalay Bay wins. 

The biggest difference is in room size. 

While Luxor’s Tower Rooms are great for their price (and we’ll get to that later), even the standard Resort Room at Mandalay Bay is larger. 

This extra space can make a difference if you’re sharing a room or just prefer a bit more room to move around.

Looking at guest feedback, Mandalay Bay has a 4.5 rating from over 68,000 reviews, while Luxor has a 4.1 rating from nearly 100,000 reviews.

So while Luxor works well for travelers on a budget, Mandalay Bay’s rooms are more spacious and consistently rated higher by guests.

Luxor vs Mandalay Bay Pool Comparison

Now, let’s move on to comparing the pools. After all, visiting a pool is just one of the many things everyone loves to do in Vegas.

Both hotels offer large pool areas with plenty of space to relax, but the overall pool experience is very different depending on where you stay (and what you’re looking for).

Luxor’s Pool

Luxor’s pool deck is built for laid-back lounging. 

With four pools and a combined 19,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty of room to spread out. You’ll find complimentary lounge chairs, towels, and poolside beverage service from attendants making their rounds.

Compared to other hotels on the Strip, Luxor’s pool scene is quieter and more relaxed. 

It’s not a party pool, and that’s part of its appeal for guests looking to cool off without the crowds. For the 2025 season, the pool is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Mandalay Bay’s Pool

Mandalay Bay is home to one of the most impressive pool complexes in Las Vegas. 

It features 11 acres of pool space, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and a real sand beach. Whether you want to float, sunbathe, or grab a drink at the beachside bar, there’s something here for everyone.

Cabanas, daybeds, and bungalow rentals are available, and there’s also a separate adults-only area called Moorea Beach Club. 

It’s more of a destination than just a hotel pool, especially during the warmer months.

Which Hotel Has the Better Pool?

If you want a quiet place to relax, Luxor’s pool works just fine. But if you’re looking for a full resort-style experience, Mandalay Bay clearly stands out. 

The size, features, and beach-like atmosphere make it one of the best pool decks in Vegas.

Once you’re done lounging at the pool, the next place you might want to head to is the casino. So let’s review both casinos next.

Luxor vs Mandalay Bay Casino Comparison

Similar to the pool area, both Luxor and Mandalay Bay offer large casino floors with a mix of slots, table games, and sportsbook areas, but the size and feel of each space are noticeably different.

Luxor’s Casino

Luxor’s casino covers 120,000 square feet and features over 30 table games, a variety of slot machines, and a BetMGM Sportsbook with large screens and lounge-style seating.

The gaming area sits beneath the pyramid, giving it a dimmer, more intimate atmosphere. It’s a quieter casino overall, which some guests appreciate, especially those looking for a more relaxed pace without the overwhelming buzz of busier casinos.

Mandalay Bay’s Casino

Mandalay Bay’s casino is bigger and busier. 

At nearly 148,000 square feet, it features over 1,200 slot machines and a wide range of table games, including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette.

The sportsbook here is also a standout, offering 17 large-screen TVs and dedicated race seats with individual monitors. 

Which Casino Is Better?

If you want a quieter, more laid-back gaming experience, Luxor’s casino does the job. But if you’re after more energy, more games, and a bigger sportsbook, Mandalay Bay comes out ahead.

Dining & Entertainment at Luxor vs Mandalay Bay

Vegas is known for its food and entertainment scene, and both hotels contribute to everything Vegas is world-famous for.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning a full night out, both hotels offer a good lineup of dining options and entertainment. 

But there’s a clear difference in the overall atmosphere and variety.

Luxor

Luxor leans toward more casual and mid-range dining, with several options that are easy on the wallet.

You’ll find places like Public House, Backstage Deli, and a food court with familiar fast-food spots.

It lacks those high-end celebrity-chef restaurants, and in our opinion that’s okay. Luxor is a more comfortable, affordable option.

When it comes to shows, Luxor is home to long-running favorites like Carrot Top, Blue Man Group, and the Titanic Artifact Exhibition. There’s also Discovering King Tut’s Tomb, a walkthrough experience that’s great for families.

Overall, Luxor’s entertainment lineup is fun, family-friendly, and budget-friendly.

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay offers a wider selection of restaurants, including fine dining spots like StripSteak by Michael Mina, Kumi, and Libertine Social. If you don’t want to dine at one of the top steakhouses in Vegas, then there are also casual options like Citizens Kitchen & Bar and a food court if you’re in a rush (or travelling with picky eaters).

On the entertainment side, you’ll find Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil, which is one of the most popular shows in Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay is also home to the Shark Reef Aquarium, a walkthrough attraction featuring over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and a golden crocodile.

It’s tough to compare both with each other, but in our opinion, as both hotels are so close to each other, the dining and entertainment scene shouldn’t be the deciding factor that determines your stay. 

So, let’s move on to value and pricing.

Value and Pricing: Which Hotel Fits Your Budget?

Both Luxor and Mandalay Bay are MGM-owned, which means you can often find flexible offers, seasonal promotions, and package deals. You can also join the MGM players card program to collect points and redeem additional offers.

To help compare value, here’s a look at sample nightly rates for a 3-night stay in 2025 using the advance booking 20% off discount for both hotels.

 Prices are before resort fees and based on the lowest available standard room.

The resort fee at Mandalay Bay is $50 per night, while at Luxor it’s $45.

In general, Luxor tends to be the more budget-friendly option, especially if you’re staying midweek.

Mandalay Bay is priced higher, but the larger rooms, upgraded amenities, and resort-style pool experience reflect that difference.

If you’re looking for more deals and discounts, you’ll want to read our articles on both Luxor promo codes and Mandalay Bay promo codes.

Should You Stay at Luxor or Mandalay Bay?

Both Luxor and Mandalay Bay are great options. Your choice really depends on what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend.

Luxor is ideal if you’re on a budget, want a themed experience, or just need a comfortable base for your Vegas trip. The rates are lower, the location is convenient, and the Tower Rooms still offer solid value.

Mandalay Bay, on the other hand, delivers more across the board: larger rooms, better pools, more dining options, and one of the most family-friendly atmospheres on the Strip. 

If you’re traveling with kids or just want a more resort-style experience, Mandalay Bay is worth the upgrade.

If you still can’t decide, focus on what matters most for your trip. 

Whether that’s the price, the pool scene, or the overall vibe. 

Whichever hotel you choose, if you book through our website, you’ll know you’re getting the best hotel deal possible.

If you’re still looking for a hotel, then you might find the following comparisons useful:
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