Named after an obscure reference in a Rudyard Kipling novel, Mandalay Bay has been billed as the hip, happening, luxury link in the Mandalay Resorts corporate chain, which includes Circus Circus, Excalibur and Luxor. The goal, as I understand it, was to create a classy but fun resort that would satisfy a younger demographic looking for an upscale place to party and play. I'm happy to report that the company has created a package that should appeal to everyone, regardless of age.

Forget what the brochures say when they describe the theme as 1800s Burma. If you know what that means, you're more educated than I am. The easiest way to describe it would be a subtle South Seas look with a lot of heavy stonework, lush foliage and myriad tropical touches.

In the expansive marble lobby there are two tropical birdcages and a large fish tank. The folks at the hotel say the animals are changed out regularly and smoking is discouraged in their vicinity, so all you PETA activists can relax.

In a welcome change of pace, you don't need to go through the casino area to get to the elevators or from the elevators to the pool area. I know that flies in the face of conventional wisdom, since most places hope you'll start gambling the moment you walk in the door, but when going for the luxury market this is key, and quite a convenience to boot.

The standard rooms are comfortable, with each one covering about 500 square feet. This makes them fairly typical in terms of size, with the exception of the bathrooms. Those are generously proportioned. Each has a dual vanity, separate tub and shower, and a private water closet (room with a toilet).

Nice touches include floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic vistas, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, multiple phones (desk, bedside, bathroom), and dual-lighted closets.

There are a variety of other rooms available from small junior suites to massive, two-story affairs that wrap around the entire end of the wings, offering 180-degree views of Las Vegas. Amenities and prices go up accordingly. There is also an entire floor of rooms with a House of Blues theme to go along with the restaurant and performance venue downstairs.

New as of late 2003 are another 1,000 or so suites in a separate tower with its own check-in, pool, amenities, and name: THEhotel. No, I'm not making that up. These rooms are simply stunning, all dark wood and high-tech, gleaming surfaces with plasma TVs, plush beds and a lot of other reasons to just stay in there all day. You can request a room in this part of the building through the normal reservations number for Mandalay Bay, but be warned -- they are usually much more expensive than the regular rooms. But it can't hurt to ask; maybe you'll luck out and hit them at a slow period and get one of these fancy rooms for the same price.

If you're hungry, you really don't need to go anywhere. There are a ton of restaurants, including Border Grille, House of Blues, and Red Square, plus Charlie Palmer's Aureole (expensive but considered to be one of the best restaurants in the world) and my favorite, the Chocolate Swan.

The casino area is one of the loveliest in town with high ceilings, good spacing between the slots and table games, and a pleasing lack of flashing commotion. In the center is a large lounge, and there are several restaurants, bars, and additional lounges scattered around the premises. Although it is well laid out, I keep getting turned around in here for some reason. Perhaps it's just because I haven't ever spent a tremendous amount of time in the casino, but there are things blocking sight lines that reduce the ability to maintain landmarks. Again, this is a very minor complaint -- it's not like you're going to get lost and wander for days without food or water.

There is also a nice buffet, a showroom featuring the hit Broadway musical "Mamma Mia," an arena for big concerts and sporting events, a lot of shops, a large health club/spa, and convention and meeting space.

Of special note is Mandalay Beach, the resort's beautiful pool area. Open only to guests of the hotel and the adjoining Four Seasons, this gigantic playground offers three pools, several whirlpools, a lazy river ride and a full sand beach fronting a huge wave pool capable of generating 7-foot swells. You can rent cabanas, surf and boogie boards, and inner tubes and get beverage and food service from the beach bar. The hotel has even included a stage overlooking the beach and wave pool for concerts. It is one of the most appealing pool areas in town, although if you're not a fan of the kids you may want to go elsewhere since this pool area draws a lot of them.

The service is top notch in just about every area.

I know I have to let go of the "good old days" when you could get a nice room for $25 in Las Vegas, but it still hurts my head (and wallet) to have to pay the kinds of prices charged here. Expect a minimum of $119 on very slow weekdays, with an average in the $139 to $259 range.

Mandalay Bay has become one of the top hotels on the Strip for its combination of luxurious touches and excellent service at competitive prices (for what they offer). If you can afford it, go for it.

To find out more about this hotel and to book reservations, please visit the Mandalay Bay page on Vegas4Visitors.com.

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