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Minus5 Ice Bar At Mandalay Bay Makeover To Debut In 2016
Minus5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay is one of the few bars that people are surprised I’ve never been to. I like the cold, I like vodka and they have both. It should be something I like, but I’m too lazy to deal with the cold temperatures.
Anyway, Minus5 Ice Bar will unveil a new look next year. Maybe it will be time for me to suit up and check it out. Here are details on the changes from the press release:
Minus5 Ice Bar, the company that launched America’s first ice bar, is gearing up for the new year with a complete makeover of its flagship location inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. Slated to be unveiled early 2016, Las Vegas’ original ice bar will offer guests a newly renovated venue with 100% new material and a frosty, winter wonderland that is double its original size.
The revamped location will feature more than 120 tons of fresh 100% pure Canadian ice and a 1,300 square-foot ice bar, making this location the largest permanent ice bar in the world. The Minus5 team of award-winning ice carvers are busy at work creating an all-new space, giving guests a new reason to visit one of the coolest bars in Sin City. Their museum-quality carvings will amaze visitors with an eclectic mix of replica-inspired sculptures such as the Las Vegas Skyline, the Iron Throne from HBO’s Game of Thrones, and much more.
“Locals and tourists alike have been huge supporters of Minus5 since we first opened our doors seven years ago and we cannot wait to showcase our brand-new space, filled with truly spectacular sculptures,” said Noel Bowman, president of Minus5 Management. “We’ve almost doubled the size of our space due to its popularity and high demand for private events.”
The warm space adjacent to Minus5 Ice Bar, known as the Ice Lounge, will also offer a new look and experience in a larger space. The newly expanded 3,000 square-foot lounge will feature seating for up to 500 guests on a flow, including a 20-seat bar and two private rooms that can accommodate up to 80 guests each, making it a great destination for private events.
“Minus5 is a totally unique location for those looking for a memorable Vegas experience with a small or large group of friends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and corporate outings,” Bowman continued. “It truly is the coolest experience in Las Vegas.”
Photo: gurutotheoutdoors.com
Mandalay Bay Sports Book On Deck For Renovations
Hidden deep inside an awesome #LongRead article called “Evolution of The Sportsbook” on Covers last week was a nugget about which MGM Resorts hotel will renovate their sports book next.
Technically it won’t be next since Monte Carlo is closing and moving their sports book but it looks like Mandalay Bay is on deck for some well deserved changes.
Rood said Mandalay Bay will hopefully get that treatment next spring or summer, with a completion date ahead of the 2016 football season.
This isn’t a proclamation that Mandalay Bay will definitely have their sports book updated but it does fit into a timeline I heard about last year. This would make sense since for MGM Resorts as they’ve updated almost every facet of Mandalay Bay in the past few years (See Delano here, Mandalay Bay here).
A Mandalay Bay renovation would also make sense since MGM Resorts has renovated their other larger sports books at The Mirage, Bellagio, Aria and (soon) Monte Carlo, in the past few years.
The Mandalay Bay sports book space is huge and could be great but is very very dated. The TV screens and seating may be the same from when the property opened in 1999.
The Mandalay Bay sports book ushered in a whole new VIP level of sports book experience years ago. They were one of the first sports books, if not the first, in Vegas to offer bottle service (see Vegas Chatter article). You now see this type of VIP service available at many different sports books around Vegas.
Photo: ATI-AV
Get Ready For Delano Las Vegas At Mandalay Bay
In case you’re not familiar with the Delano it’s a luxury boutique hotel in South Beach and it’s now another new hotel coming the Vegas Strip. Delano Las Vegas is replacing The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. Judging by the press release below and the renderings in the video it looks as if The Delano will be a nice place to relax and hide from the kids that overtake Mandalay Bay.
As I was saying at dinner last night I end up at Mandalay Bay a lot because they hold a lot of conferences which friends often attend. I rarely look forward to going there but if I have access to the Delano common spaces that might change. Check out the video and details below.
Press release:
Fusing the chic style of the iconic South Beach brand with the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip, Delano Las Vegas will come to life at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino later this year and is now accepting room reservations for stays beginning Sept. 1 via delanolasvegas.com or 877-632-5400.
View high-resolution photos and video here: http://prn.to/1m9v4eD
Anchored by intimate yet energetic public spaces and sophisticated accommodations, the non-smoking, all-suite boutique hotel will appeal to the most discerning travelers from around the globe. At Delano Las Vegas, guests will discover a blend of personalized service and effortless luxury coupled with unexpected elements of individuality and high-concept design.
“Delano guests will be wowed by the introduction of this very special destination,” said Matthew Chilton, general manager of Delano Las Vegas. “Dynamic public spaces will serve as social hubs where guests will want to linger and socialize while the clean design of the suites will create a quiet escape.”
Blending eclectic details to create an atmosphere that is playful and filled with energy, the stylish public spaces will be highlighted by a sleek new lobby featuring three distinct social spaces – a unique coffee bar, sophisticated lounge and café concept. Upstairs and away from the action, Delano’s 1,100 guest suites will provide a luxurious retreat.
Public Spaces
· A Grand Arrival. As guests approach Delano Las Vegas’ expansive stone entry and wood-slatted gate, they will encounter an extraordinary divided boulder from the Nevada desert, certain to become a signature element of the hotel. Guests will venture down a striking walkway featuring colors and textures inspired by the layered landscape of the Mojave Desert, inviting them to drift further into Delano Las Vegas’ alluring escape.
· The Journey Begins. Entering through an oversized etched wooden doorway, guests will see an inviting pathway of stone surrounded by towering columns enveloped in Delano’s iconic white sheers and statement mirrors. At the end of the corridor, a stunning piece of artwork comprised of small rocks suspended from the ceiling with a sculpted opening will reveal a glimpse of what lies beyond. A sleek black reception desk highlighted by a golden patchwork art piece overhead will welcome guests.
· Sunrise to Sunset. Situated just off the main lobby, 3940 Coffee + Tea will provide guests with a space to meet and mingle from day to night. The bar will serve gourmet coffee and tea from Grand Avenue Specialty Coffee, a company dedicated to providing a superior coffee and artisanal tea experience. Fresh squeezed juices and breakfast pastries such as warm scones, savory and sweet crepes, and cronuts with house-made jams will be served throughout the morning. Each afternoon, a tea cart will offer the finest selection of loose-leaf tea served alongside traditional accompaniments like petite pastries and finger sandwiches.
In the evening, guests at 3940 will enjoy craft cocktails, wine and beer complemented by signature small plates featuring organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The space will feature mid-century modern furniture, plush sofas, communal seating and an inviting marble fireplace. Inspired by the shaded area of a sun-drenched desert, the ceiling will boast a unique lighting feature that illuminates the space with a patterned glow.
· Urban Kitchen, Classic Comforts. Located just steps from the Delano lobby, a new culinary destination will blend natural design elements with industrial materials to exude a warm, comfortable simplicity that quietly entices guests to savor each bite and treasure every encounter. Creating an essence of “historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen,” this new outpost, whose name will be shared in the coming months, will serve breakfast and lunch with an elegant combination of classics, comfort food and seasonal specialties centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
· Cocktails and Conversation. An eclectic lounge with a sophisticated vibe, Franklin will feature nightly entertainment including special live performances and sounds from up-and-coming DJs in an intimate environment perfect for socializing. Craft cocktails will complement small plates such as flatbreads, hand-selected cheese and charcuterie. The lounge will incorporate gold lighting accents, deep shades of blue and bronze hues with navy sheers that drape from the ceiling and sparkle with glistening lights to create the illusion of fireflies in the evening sky.
Top Floor Dining & Lounge by Alain Ducasse
· View From Above. Situated on the 64th floor of Delano Las Vegas and boasting extraordinary views of the Las Vegas Strip, Rivea will serve French and Italian cuisine from internationally celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. Inspired by the many years Ducasse spent visiting the delectable food markets of Italy and Provence, Rivea will feature the flavors and colors of the Riviera in a smart, vibrant and casual setting. The lounge adjacent to Rivea, with its stunning panoramic views of the city visible from intimate indoor nooks and an expansive outdoor patio, also will take on a new personality. Taking over the space that is currently miX, Rivea and the new lounge are expected to open winter 2014-2015.\
Guest Suites
· A Moment to Savor. Paying homage to Delano Las Vegas’ surroundings, artwork throughout the guestroom corridors will depict classic desert roadside scenes, while deep blue and gray tones will create a hushed and mysterious aura. In contrast, the bright and airy atmosphere of the suites will make the entrance a moment for guests to savor.
· Thoughtful Luxury. Featuring a clean color palette of whites and neutrals, the suites will incorporate Delano’s iconic window sheers, crisp white linens and oversized tufted headboards, updated with playful gold accents. Anchored by a gray geometric print carpet, each room will showcase an array of rich textures and fabrics. Drawing inspiration from South Beach, photography of seductive underwater scenes will adorn the walls while floor-to-ceiling windows will provide sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline.
· Modern Touches. Boasting one of the highest standard room square footages of any hotel in the city (725 square feet), each one-bedroom suite will feature a private bedroom with contemporary light-wood armoire, bold lighting fixtures and a spacious spa-style bath. With a 46” flat-screen TV, wet bar, desk and its own powder room, the adjoining living room will offer a plush retreat that doubles as an entertaining area or impromptu meeting space.
Pool and Spa
· Under The Sun. Delano Las Vegas will feature its own private pool just steps from the sand and surf of Mandalay Bay Beach and wave pool. Embracing the laid-back South Beach lifestyle, Delano Beach Club will offer guests an exclusive locale to relax in the sun and is scheduled to open in 2015.
· A Rejuvenating Escape. With the opening of Delano Las Vegas, BATHHOUSE Spa will introduce several signature services including the Double the Pleasure Massage, performed in synchronicity by two massage therapists. BATHHOUSE also will debut a new collection of Global Journeys that will guide guests through a series of exquisite treatments reflecting traditional rituals from regions around the world including India, Asia, Europe and a “Taste From the Islands.”
Delano Las Vegas is a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Morgans Hotel Group and will come to life in place of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Design teams from both companies collaborated to create the vision for all venues and suites. The teams were led by Joyen Vakil, senior vice president of design and development for MGM Resorts International and Verena Haller, senior vice president of design for Morgans Hotel Group.
The transformation of Delano Las Vegas began earlier this month with the opening scheduled for September 2014. The debut of the boutique hotel will mark the culmination of Mandalay Bay’s property-wide evolution, which includes collaborations with brands such as Cirque du Soleil, The Light Group and Four Seasons in addition to Morgans Hotel Group.
For additional information and high-resolution images of Delano Las Vegas, please visit the Mandalay Bay digital newsroom or follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Mandalay Bay Getting Major Facelift
Mandalay Bay has been undergoing a major facelift over the past year or so and will continue through much of this year. It’s about time.
Owner MGM Resorts Internationalembarked on a massive renovation of the 3,000-room resort, the first since it opened in 1999. Construction began late last year and is expected to be completed by summer.
A second phase of construction, slated to start this summer, will rebrand The Hotel as the Delano Las Vegas, with a projected 2014 opening date. MGM officials would not disclose the cost of the projects.
Las Vegas casinos, generally, do some kind of renovation every 6 to 8 years so these changes to Mandalay Bay are a little overdue. Most of the renovations have been annouced piece by piece and none stand alone as being awesome but when but together they have a little more meaning. Vegas Chatter breaks down the changes nicely.
- Michael Jackson Cirque Du Soleil Production
- Light
- The Delano
- A New Adult Day Club Experience
- Citizens Kitchen
- Another Light Group Restaurant
- A New Food Court
- Resto Redos
- The Casino
- A “Lobby-Lounge Experience”
Unfortunately the Mandalay Bay hotel rooms will NOT be renovated as part of the overall updates to the property. I guess that’s a good incentive to spend money on the more expensive rooms at The Delano or Four Seasons.
When I first started visiting Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay was my go-to casino to stay. They had beautiful and large rooms that were always a decent price. The rooms had an amazing oatmeal soap that I’ll never forget. They also had a light in the closet that turned on when the doors were opened. These two things were luxurious to me at the time.
Since I moved to Las Vegas I’ve barely spent time at Mandalay Bay because it’s secluded from the rest of the strip. Having low to mid tier properties (Luxor and Excalibur) blocking it from the rest of the strip does not help. Hopefully these renovations build a new life into Mandalay Bay and give me an excuse to go back in time.
Photo: flickr – judithlynn
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Santana Moves To Mandalay Bay
Santana moving from The Joint at the Hard Rock to House of Blues at Mandalay Bay wouldn’t really be something I’m normally interested in, but I am. As last year ended, Tiesto left his DJ residency at The Joint and moved to a more appropriate venue, XS at Wynn.
The Joint has a capacity of over 4,000 while House of Blues holds just over 1,000 and XS capacity is around 3,000. (UPDATE: I’m told XS has cap of 5,000+) The Joint is huge and was definitely too large for both artists. While a DJ, Tiesto, moving to a nightclub of a similar size and more appropriate venue for the music doesn’t say major failure, Santana moving to a tiny venue does seem like a failure.
House of Blues is a great place to see a rock show in Las Vegas but it’s much less than half the size of The Joint. House of Blues is being “reconfigured” (think made smaller) for Santana. Santana’s music doesn’t do much for me, but it doesn’t bother me. I just can’t imagine that tickets starting at $100 are going to sell very well. According to the press release Santana signed a two year deal but I don’t see this show lasting that long.
The press release touts the show as “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.” If you’re a fan of Carlos Santana, and in Vegas, I recommend you get tickets to earlier shows. I’d also check the return policy if you buy tickets beyond the beginning batch of shows.
Photo (above): bmoorevisuals.com
3 Card Poker Face Up at Mandalay Bay
I saw a post on the board at Vegas Tripping over the weekend that they are now dealing 3 Card Poker with the cards face up at Mandalay Bay.
3 card poker is now dealt face up to all players at Mandalay Bay. The players hate it. The dealers hate. I cycled through two dealers and they both asked if we’d write a letter to complain. Apparently the decision was made to increase the number of hands dealt per hour.
At first glance I wasn’t bothered by this because I don’t really care much about the surprise, but after thinking about it…I do care about the surprise. Actually, I care more about the option to be surprised by the cards than I do the surprise.
Besides the fun of the game being altered the speed of the game is being altered in the houses favor, of course. Even though the odds in Three Card Poker aren’t very good, I play it every now and again because it’s a pretty brainless game and the pace it pretty relaxed.
I’m hoping this change is only being tested at Mandalay Bay and doesn’t spread across to other casinos. Adding pace to 3 Card Poker is only bad for the player and I’ll probably stop playing.
Rumor: Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas Hilton For Sale?
Robin Leach has been on fire with somewhat interesting rumors this past week. One of his quick hits this week is that Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas Hilton may have new owners soon.
I’m hearing that a group of well-heeled moneymen has decided that it’s time to start buying again in Las Vegas, and they have started discussions to bid on Mandalay Bay or the Las Vegas Hilton
There seems to be a few investors looking to get into Las Vegas casinos with properties being available at bottom dollar. Investor John Paulson has been the most recent money man getting in on the action, purchasing almost 10% of Harrah’s.
This is only rumor and it’s from Robin Leach, so I’m not going spend much thought on what the future may hold for the properties. I wonder who else is sniffing around.
Burger Bar and Mandalay Bay
I used to stay at Mandalay Bay pretty often when I used to go to House of Blues to see concerts.
I haven’t gone to Las Vegas to see bands in the past few years so I’ve decided to expand my horizons and have been hotel hopping for most trips. I still like Mandalay Bay and miss the oatmeal soap in the rooms more than most room amenities.
I decided to spend an afternoon at the opposite end of the strip to see how things have changed. As I expected, some things changed and some things remained the same.
The Burger Bar is one of my favorite burgers in Vegas. One thing I remember was how the staff had a holier than thou attitude and that attitude still remains. Chill out, it’s a friggin burger joint.
I laughed at the hostess after she told me it was 20 minutes for a table for one. When I started to walk away she alerted me that I could sit at the bar if I liked. I happily took her up on that offer.
Lunch started with a fantastic pint of Blue Moon. This glass of beer set things right. It was the perfect temperature and had a substantial orange wedge. I’d rather have too much orange than too little. I’m the same with Corona. The beer lasted just long enough for an awesome bacon cheeseburger to arrive.
The burger was packed with one of two types of “Jack” cheese (I told them to surprise me and I don’t remember which I had) and accompanied by a side of skinny fries. The burger was prepared medium and was nice and juicy. The bacon was fantastic and although I’m not much of a fry guy, the fries were nice, crisp and tasty.
I’m sure I need to explore other fancy burger places on the strip, but Burger Bar still holds up as a favorite.
After the burger I went out to explore the casino at Mandalay Bay. It has definitely changed since the last time I was there. There is a go-go party pit, new bars in the middle of the casino, a tattoo shop and a zillion more slot machines than I remember.
The bar at the sportsbook seemed different too. I can swear there used to be a top on the bar that impeded views of the TV’s at the sportsbook. I’m not sure about that as I usually had a few too many when watching football.
This time I had a mediocre and overpriced Grey Goose and soda. I was also sipping on an iced coffee from Starbucks while I watched a couple of games I bet and waited to meet someone IRL that I’d met on twitter. The drive-by meeting was kind of funny as it lasted all of 30 seconds.
Back to the games. I won both. It seemed like the only thing I could win on this trip were sports bets. I played and lost $300 in 3 card poker and about another $100 in various slots before decided to leave.
After I decided that I’d lost enough I tried to go back to Palazzo to cash my tickets, but the cab line outside of Mandalay Bay was insane so I decided to take the tram to Excalibur where there would certainly be no line for cabs. This surely wouldn’t save time, but at least I would be moving.
My guess was right. There were no people in line for cabs at Excalibur. I haven’t been in Excalibur since one of my first trips to Las Vegas. I don’t think I’ll be there again any time soon, but it was nice to walk around.
I had a fun time at Mandalay Bay and wouldn’t mind staying their again. The people are what I expected. They were the middle class Las Vegas vacationers. Somewhere between the type of people I’d see at Harrah’s and Palazzo. Nothing wrong with that at all. That seems to be the demographic MGM is marketing the hotel to and judging by the crowd they’re doing a good job.
Las Vegas ATM Fees
Here’s a list of Las Vegas ATM fees in casinos right now. I’ll update this list as I gather more information. Casinos might change fees, so this may not always be totally accurate.
- Caesars Entertainment – $9.99 (Bally’s, The Cromwell, Flamingo, Harrah’s, The Linq, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Rio)
- MGM Resorts – $7.99 (Bellagio, Luxor, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, Park MGM, The Mirage)
- Venetian, Palazzo – $7.99
- Golden Nugget – $5
- The D, Golden Gate – $5.99
- Station Casinos – $4.99 (Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Palms, Red Rock, etc.)
- Plaza – $4.50
- Boyd Gaming – $4 (Aliante, California, Fremont, Gold Coast, Main Street Station, The Orleans, Sam’s Town, Suncoast)
- Downtown Grand – $3.50
- El Cortez – $3.50
- Four Queens, Binions – $3.75