Mandalay Bay Next Up In Feb or March

So, My Vegas has something weird going on.  All the one or two-day comps are 50k loyalty points at all MGM properties in Vegas other than the Bellagio and ARIA.  Normally 50K LPs will get you two nights at the Luxor (at best).

Anyway, I snagged two- nights at the Mandalay Bay good through April.  I looked at the calendar once they gave me the link and there is a lot of Friday and Saturday Night stays available.  It is making me think about a two-day weekend trip for the first time. Normally, I stay at least 5 nights. 

I have never been a South Strip guy. Started staying mid-strip on my first trip and never felt the need to deviate from that location. The last time I made it all the way down to Mandalay Bay was in 2003. 

Anyway, I'd appreciate any cheap dining recommendations for the South Strip.  I will try the MGM buffet as I have a  BOGO but that is all I have penciled in at this point. 

My primary recommendation would be "make sure you have a car and plan to go somewhere else." The South Strip is not exactly synonymous with bargains, and south of Tropicana, there are only a few non-casino businesses. One exception might be South Point--their prices are reasonable, and as we all know, they have an actual buffet--which is moderately priced. Also check out Zenshin there--they have some really good happy hour specials.

Mandalay Bay is pretty isolated. Will you have a car? If not, riding the Strip bus might be doable, which would obviously extend your options.

Could have swore I posted this in LV General.  Yes, Baby has a car but I might rent one this time. I feel bad when she has to cart me around.

Plus, she is a terrible driver.

Isnt the MGM tram up and running now?  That should take you all the way to the  Bellagio area.     

For cheap dining at Mandalay Bay, I'd recommend happy hour at Ri Ra Irish Pub. And their regularly priced items are still reasonable. It's a fun place.

Do you like Asian food? The so-called "Chinatown" district, which is Spring Mountain Road between I-15 and Jones, is absolutely chock-full of great Asian restaurants, most of which are very reasonably priced. I would estimate about 10 minutes to get there from Mandalay Bay in normal traffic (hint: cross over on Russell, then head south on Valley View).