I last stayed in Vegas about 8 years ago and was really excited to come back - especially with work paying. I stayed at this hotel as it was where the event I was attending was based.
I'd certainly recommend it. It's gorgeously decorated, staff are helpful and the casino doesn't feel overwhelming (although it is undoubtedly huge) although it is a bit of a trek to actually get to the convention centre...
My main gripes were that the lifts were always heaving full of people, the queue for the buffet was ridiculous sometimes (but it's well worth the wait, actually) and the internet access was dubious at best, which was a bit frustrating when I had to do some work... But actually the thing that really wound me up was the cigarette smoke. Despite being on a non-smoking floor I could still smell it in my room. Obviously it was smoking on the casino floor but the air was so dry everywhere as a result of the aircon that I actually lost my voice after a day there - and this was despite not having it on in my room.
The view from my room was stunning - over towards the airport and the mountains and the room itself was gorgeously decorated and very spacious. I quite liked being at the end of the strip and the beach was great (but there was no chance of getting a decent spot if you ventured out after 10am). The variety of bars and restaurants meant that you really didn't have to leave (which is kind of the point) even if the quality wasn't always the best. When I go back I'd definitely consider here, but I'd probably kick up about the room/aircon/cigarette smoke issues to the management.

We loved the Mandalay Bay. The staff are courteous, though not hugely warm. The hotel is beautiful inside and out. The pool area is incredible. The best thing about the hotel for me, was the stunning spa. It was so quiet and tranquil; a great place to relax in hectic Vegas! The room was large, clean and attractive. I especially liked the bath products! The only bad comment I have to make would be that there are not many options for getting a cheap meal or drink at this hotel. Whilst most of the hotels have cheaper options, this one did not. The smart restaurants are great, but sometimes you just want a sandwich! Overall, it's a visually stunning hotel, with good service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Just back from the Mandalay with a group of friends. The review can be separated into a few very distinct parts:

1. Arrival - no bellman anywhere near the door. Had to take our own bags from the taxi into the hotel (a good 50 yards), where we had to wait on a line that was easily 15-deep - and this was at midnight! A miscommunication between Expedia and the hotel had screwed up the booking, and it took a good 20 minutes to get things resolved and check us in.

2. The room - quite comfortable and well-appointed. Beds were incredibly comfortable, HDTV worked nicely, shower and toiletries were up to par. Room came with a large soaking tub, which we never used. As with any hotel of its caliber, the minibar was overpriced, and internet was $13 a day - criminally expensive in an era where most chains offer it for free! We were placed on a low floor (told nothing else was available), which offered a fabulous view of the ventilation system.

3. The property - huge. Overblown, even. You can walk for a half hour and still be within the casino. Hotel has a huge pool complex, with a nice wave pool at the center. Get there early for chairs! Cabanas are available for rent, for hundreds of dollars a day (I'm not kidding). Drinks were $12 each, and access to the "beach club" - a separate area where topless bathing is allowed - is $50 for men. The hotel goes out of its way to rip off visitors, particularly in relation to the services involved. Nonetheless, much of it was fun.

4. The food - of all the hotel's restaurants, we only made it to the buffet, which was mediocre at best. This was highly disappointing, given the nearly $30 a head we shelled out for it.

5. Check out - super-fast. The bill was correct, we checked out on the television. Bellman came for our bags, stored them for the day. When we returned before our flight, the bags reappeared within 5 minutes, were quickly stowed in cabs, and we were off.

All in all, a nice property, but just too large to provide any real attention to the guests! Reasonable prices for amenities might be nice as well...

I was hoping for a nice business conference at a good hotel. My room was clean and confortable, and the bathroom was luxurious - but that is all the good I have to say. Here is what made my experience so unpleasant: No service, any where, any how!
When you arrive, though bellmen are in front, they do not offer to hold the door, as you struggle in with luggage
I sat at a bar by the pool for one hour. There were 14 guests, three bartenders, but not one asked me if I would like a drink. Rather, they flirted with the very young girls at the bar.
The pool was a mad house on the weekend. During the weekday, there appeared to be lots of room at one section of the pool, but to my dismay, they had cordoned off half of the pool area, and pushed everyone in one big mob!
I had to move to the Luxor my last day - really bad too. But, they claimed the move would be easy, because there was a Tram. Went to the tram station - about a 1/4 mile hike with my luggage. It was out of operation. Hiked back for a cab. The bellman were not even informed of the lack of tram service.
I hate the way cabs are managed in Las Vegas (this is not specific to the Mandalay). There are 30 people waiting in the line, and there are 50 cabs waiting, but the cab guy will only call one up at a time, for fear that he may not get his well-earned tip for opening the door for each cab. It is all about the staff, not the guest. In Chicago, they call them up - 2 or 3 at a time - and move them out fast and friendly.

And - nickel and diming you every step of the way!
No coffee, tea or water in the room
$14 for internet service!

I hope to never return, but if I must, I will stay at the Four Seasons - which is attached - and a civilized, lovely experience.