Las Vegas: The Mirage, what a name
We have not seen everything or stayed everywhere; we will only offer our opinion on those features we have experienced. We are much more interested in educating our readers on their options.
The Mirage
Address: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Phone: 702-791-7111, Web site: www.mirage.com
Quick facts
The Mirage opened its doors in 1989 and helped usher in a new era for Las Vegas. The prominent property on the Strip began a generation-defining trend of large, luxurious resorts with splashy spectacles and memorable shows. With Siegfried and Roy gone, the property is now run by MGM Resorts International and retains much of its luster. With more than 3,000 guest rooms, one of the best shows in town and an iconic volcano that explodes multiple times every night, The Mirage represents Las Vegas better than most other resorts, both old and new.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Cirque du Soleil unofficially owns Las Vegas. The Canadian company has rarely experienced a theatrical bomb, especially in Sin City. Viva Elvis closed at the Aria, marking the first time in history that a Cirque show closes in Las Vegas, but there’s no time to frown, because Zarkana, a hit show in New York City, moved right in after Elvis finally left the building.
The Mirage has one of the better Cirque offerings in Love, the Beatles extravaganza that features a 90-minute spectacle with plenty of memorable scenes. It’s one of the harder tickets to nab in Vegas, but it’s well worth the extra price. The show is original, creative and oozing with artistic beauty. For many visitors it’s a must-see, and this coveted status is well-earned.
Terry Fator, winner of America’s Got Talent, is also delighting audiences with his world-renowed ventriloquism.
Dining
The dining options are numerous and varied, everything from B.B. King’s Blues Club to BLT Burger and STACK, an American steakhouse. Cravings is The Mirage’s buffet.
Atmosphere
The Mirage shows its age, but still holds onto those unique qualities that made it such an enjoyable resort in the 1990s. For those whose pocketbook can’t quite compete at the Encore or Wynn, The Mirage is not a shabby alternative.
Location
The Mirage is truly a mirage. It sits comfortably in the northern stretches of the Strip, sandwiched between Treasure Island and Caesars Palace, but somehow it gets lost on the boulevard. Perhaps this is intentional, or perhaps this is the reality of Vegas in the 21st century. There are taller, splashier buildings all around, so it’s easy to overlook this fine, fine resort.
Gambling Options
The gaming area is more than 100,000 square feet, featuring all the usual games. There’s not much additional character that sets this gaming area apart from the others in town.
Room & Pool Options
Of the more 3,000 rooms, there are 281 suites. Many of these rooms were revamped in 2008, so there should be a feeling of freshness. The pool has a tropical atmosphere with waterfalls and private cabanas. We haven’t stayed here, so let us know what you think.
Shopping, Spas & Salons
The shops are basic for a Las Vegas resort, but the hotel is within walking distance of the middle-of-the-Strip malls.
Attractions
The exploding volcano and Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat are some of the more iconic attractions in Las Vegas. A visit to Sin City without seeing the spewing of the lava is incomplete. Although spectators are unable to experience Siegfried and Roy’s celebrated show, the animals are still present. The white tigers are majestic and beautiful. Too bad they couldn’t be in the wild, rather than housed in the middle of Nevada.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Please note: All of this information is subject to change. This is Las Vegas, after all. Restaurants, lounges, attractions and shows open and close almost every single day. Be sure to check official Web sites and call the resort for details.
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