The hotel at Mandalay Bay

The rather clumsy name of this property has reputedly caused cab drivers no end of confusion, to the point where a change has been rumored. The hotel itself, though, needs no such alterations. Located around the back of Mandalay Bay (follow the signs carefully), Thehotel has filled a gap in the market that most major cities have plugged with a W. Which is to say that it’s chic without being too high fashion, and a big hit with hipsters in their late twenties while being careful not to exclude everyone else.

The rooms here are all suites, decorated in rich colors and furnished with chairs and beds that manage to be both stylish and extremely comfortable. The restaurants, shows and gaming at Mandalay Bay are just a corridor away, but the handsome hotel lobby is slot-free. Atop the hotel tower is Alain Ducasse’s ultra-posh restaurant Mix, and its attached lounge. The Bathhouse spa is also excellent. The whole place doesn’t feel like Vegas, which, for many guests, is part of the appeal. Recommended.