By Sun Staff

Wed, Oct 15, 2003 (11:17 a.m.)

Mandalay Resort Group on Tuesday announced the final name for its new 1,122-suite hotel tower at Mandalay Bay along with further details on the project on the Las Vegas Strip. "THEhotel at Mandalay Bay" is expected to open before the end of the year and will be marketed as a separate hotel from the Mandalay Bay casino resort.

The company has previously mentioned the name of the resort but hasn't officially released the spelling of the name until now, hotel tower spokeswoman Eileen Colavita said.

In a statement, Mandalay Resort Group said the tower will offer a "completely different" experience from the Mandalay Bay resort yet will have "all the perks and amenities upscale travelers crave."

"While Mandalay Bay represents an idyllic tropical paradise, THEhotel embraces modern architecture, contemporary design and comfortable surroundings," the company said.

About 700 people will staff the new tower.

The second floor will have a 13,000 square foot spa and gym. Floors three through six will offer "business suites" adjacent to 5,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. Floors 7 through 38 will feature suites with separate living and sleeping areas including tile entry, wet bar, plasma screen televisions and sitting rooms. Floors 39 through 41 will offer more bedrooms, upscale touches and more space for VIP gatherings. The 43rd floor will feature a 220-seat restaurant and a 200-seat lounge with patio dining.