Got to say, from the gold exterior, I didn't know what I was getting into when I heard our conference was here. But turns out Mandalay is very nice in a not Miami-trashy-classy kind of way. Sure, the convention center is hard to navigate, but the food options are pretty good (short of House of Blues and their overcooked burgers) and the decor is nice.
When I go back I'll probably stay here opposed to the MGM.