Foundation Room

Foundation Room exists in that weird Vegas space between "exclusive members-only club" and "accessible with dinner reservation." Perched on the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay, it offers multiple globally-themed rooms, an outdoor terrace with fire pits and panoramic Strip views, and one of Vegas's best-kept secrets for skyline perspectives.

The Access Situation (Read This Carefully)

Access: Previously members-only, now accessible to public via dinner reservation or cover charge ($20-40 depending on night)
Best Move: Make a dinner reservation at Foundation Room restaurant for easiest access
Sunday Brunch: Bottomless mimosas option, reservation recommended

Happy Hour: For members and dinner guests; select cocktails typically $12-14, premium spirits at reduced pricing

The access situation is confusing because it's changed over the years. Current best practice: make a dinner reservation if you want guaranteed access. Walk-ins might get in depending on night and capacity, but don't count on it.

The Outdoor Terrace Is the Crown Jewel

The massive outdoor terrace has unobstructed Strip views with fire pits, lounge seating, and a perspective that rivals anywhere in Vegas. At night when the Strip is fully lit, it's spectacular—you can see from the south Strip all the way north to the Stratosphere.

The terrace setup is comfortable—actual lounge furniture, fire pit warmth on cooler nights, and space to spread out. You're not jammed in like sardines fighting for space.

Multiple Rooms, Multiple Vibes

Inside, different rooms have different global themes—Moroccan lounge with plush seating and exotic decor, library room with dark wood and intimate atmosphere, contemporary bar area. It's eclectic luxury that somehow works.

You can explore different spaces in one venue, which adds to the discovery experience. Each room has its own personality and attracts slightly different energy.

The View Competition

Foundation Room's views compete directly with Skyfall Lounge at Delano (also 60+ floors up). Foundation Room has the advantage of the outdoor terrace and multiple rooms; Skyfall has slightly better elevation and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Both are excellent. Foundation Room feels more lounge-y and exploratory; Skyfall feels more refined and view-focused. Pick based on vibe preference.

Sunday Brunch Play

The Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas is one of the better-known access points. Make a reservation, enjoy brunch on the terrace (weather permitting), and soak in those views with unlimited bubbles.

It's popular for birthdays, celebrations, and groups looking for something special without nightclub chaos.

The Decor Is Genuinely Impressive

The global theme could easily be tacky Vegas nonsense, but the execution is actually thoughtful and high-quality. Moroccan tile work, carved wood details, international artifacts—it feels curated rather than thrown together.

Photos don't fully capture it. Exploring the different rooms in person is part of the experience.

Who You'll Find Here

More mature crowd (30s-50s) than typical Vegas nightclubs. Music industry connections (it's connected to House of Blues heritage). People who appreciate views without club chaos. Sunday brunch brings celebratory groups and families.

Less of a singles/party scene, more sophisticated lounge energy.

The Drink Situation

Cocktails are expensive even during happy hour (that $12-14 range), but you're paying for 63rd-floor views and exclusive access. The quality is solid craft-cocktail level with premium spirits.

If you're coming via dinner reservation, the restaurant menu offers full food options beyond bar snacks.

Confusion About Access (Let's Clear It Up)

Different sources give different info because the access policy has changed multiple times. As of recent information:

• Easiest: Dinner reservation at Foundation Room restaurant
• Also works: Sunday brunch reservation
• Possible: Walk-in with cover charge (not guaranteed)
• Members: Still exists but not required for general access

When in doubt, call ahead and ask current policy. Mandalay Bay concierge can clarify.

Strategic Moves

Dinner reservation route: Book a table, enjoy the meal, then transition to the lounge/terrace areas for drinks and views.

Sunday brunch: Popular option for groups and celebrations. Reserve in advance.

Weather check: The terrace is the main attraction, so verify weather before committing.

Timing: Sunset and night are peak view times. Plan accordingly.

What's Changed Over the Years

Foundation Room has gone through identity shifts—ultra-exclusive members club, opened to public, closed temporarily, reopened with different policies. The current iteration seems more accessible than the original exclusivity but maintains elevated atmosphere.

Long-time Vegas locals have varying opinions based on which era they experienced. Current version is more approachable.

The Honest Assessment

Is the access situation annoying? Kind of. The changing policies and confusion about who can enter when is frustrating.

Are the views and space worth figuring it out? Absolutely. That terrace with fire pits overlooking the Strip is genuinely special, and the multiple themed rooms offer exploration beyond typical Vegas lounges.

Comparing to Other Sky-High Spots

• vs Skyfall: Foundation Room has outdoor terrace and multiple rooms; Skyfall has better windows and simpler access
• vs Hyde Bellagio: Foundation Room higher elevation; Hyde has fountain views and easier happy hour access
• vs VooDoo Rooftop (Rio): Foundation Room more upscale; VooDoo more party-focused (also currently uncertain status)

Each has advantages. Foundation Room wins on space diversity and terrace experience.

Bottom Line

If you can navigate the access situation (dinner reservation is the clearest path), Foundation Room offers some of Vegas's best high-altitude views, multiple themed rooms worth exploring, and a sophisticated atmosphere that's rare in Vegas.

The Move: Make a dinner reservation at Foundation Room restaurant, enjoy the meal, then spend the evening exploring different rooms and claiming terrace seating for Strip views. Sunday brunch works too if you prefer daytime/bottomless mimosas route. Either way, the 63rd-floor perspective delivers something special.