The Hotel really offers the best of both worlds. While it is connected to Mandalay Bay and the casino is only a short walk away, it is separated in a way that you don't have to see or hear anything in the casino if you don't want to. It is extremely convenient to get in and out of since you don't have to walk through the casino to get to valet parking or the parking garage. Also, since Mandalay Bay is basically at the end of the strip, it is easy to avoid all the stip traffic if you know your way around a bit, and if you don't, it's very easy to figure out.
We got a smokin deal here for New Year's 2011 with a great view of the Strip where we were able to the fireworks in the quite of our own room.
The decor is modern yet tasteful. It is very clean and the staff are all professional and friendly. I loved our bathroom specifically and the room was overall very comfortable. My only complaint about our suite was that the fridge was packed with items to pay for so there really was no place to store the liquor we had brought ourselves other than in the sink on ice.
The Hotel offers just as much as many competitors on the stip but often times offers way better rates. I would recommend it to anyone and I'm sure we will stay here again.