Hotel Review

Discover the charm of the tropics -- with opportunities for both relaxation and partying (like a star!) -- at The Mirage in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. A Polynesian paradise with a contemporary collection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shows, this is one of the premier resorts in the city.

Aspiring to provide guests the best of all amenities, The Mirage never allows itself to become dated -- even though it opened in 1989. When the clock chimed midnight on New Year's Eve, the 1 OAK Las Vegas nightclub was in the midst of a celebrity-studded unveiling. Imported from New York City, it's become THE spot to gather and get down in town. At 1 Oak Las Vegas, you'll find 16,000 square feet of high-tech space that encompasses two separate rooms, each housing a bar and DJ booth. Boasting the hottest dance music around, the good times roll all night long and well into the morning here.

For more than five years, the The Beatles "LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil has been packing audiences into its circular, custom-built theater. There they are wowed not only by the music, which comes from the legendary group's original recordings, but also by imaginative props and costumes that defy description. With high-definition video projections as well, the show is a visual and aural feast.

The Mirage has all bases covered in terms of entertainment. Guests of any age will delight in ventriloquist Terry Fator's antics with his collection of puppets -- characters like the beloved Winston the Impersonating Turtle. And the hotel has hit the humor jackpot, thanks to the ongoing Aces of Comedy series. It brings such illustrious comedians as Jay Leno, Ray Romano, Kevin James and Daniel Tosh to the property during the year.

The dining experiences offered at The Mirage are also illustrious. Within a matter of steps, you'll pass by world-class eateries including Japonais by chefs Jun Ichikawa and Gene Kato, STACK Restaurant & Bar by chef Brian Massie, Fin by chef Chi Choi and Onda Ristorante & Wine Lounge, featuring a variety of Italian culinary delights. Go ahead...try and choose -- as they are all delicious! 

And Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak will be launched in summer 2013. The renowned New York chef plans to focus on preparing meats over open flames in either wood-burning ovens or on charcoal grills.

Plus, additional restaurants are tucked into every corner of The Mirage. Open to the casino, the smells coming from Samba, the Brazilian steakhouse that serves rodizio-style meals, will make your mouth water. For a sandwich stuffed beyond imagination, head to the Carnegie Deli. Burgers of all invention along with five varieties of fries are prepared at BLT Burger. Other quick and casual meals can be had in the Paradise Café or at Cravings, the resort's sprawling buffet with a street-like setting. 

Actually, if you want to spend time near a famous street, check out Rhumbar. This hip lounge has an outdoor patio showcasing fabulous views of the Las Vegas Strip. You're sure to enjoy kicking back here with a minty mojito or a cigar in hand.

For more serious relaxation, The Mirage has a lush tropical pool area surrounded by waterfalls. Adults will delight in the dayclub experience offered at  the European-style Bare Pool Lounge. And if more extreme pampering is desired, the resort has a stellar facility: the Spa and Salon.

The iconic attraction is The Mirage Volcano, set in a tranquil lagoon spanning the front of the property. At night, you can see it erupt. The fiery special effects are choreographed to an original soundtrack created by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and international superstar Zakir Hussain. Other similarly remarkable sights inside the resort include the towering tropical atrium packed with beautifully colored fauna and flora and the floor-to-ceiling aquarium in the lobby, which is home to nearly 1,000 forms of marine life.

And you won't want to leave the resort without visiting Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Built for both educational and leisure purposes, these two habitats provide the rare chance to see a family of bottlenose dolphins as well as white and golden tigers, white lions and black and spotted leopards.  

Last but not least, the casino at The Mirage has something for everyone -- from the table games and the huge variety of slots to the 10,000-square-foot race and sports book, which features an expanse of giant projection screens. Poker enthusiasts are sure to fall for the stylish 30-table poker room.

Although it's not situated in the Caribbean, The Mirage will welcome you to paradise in the center of the Strip -- for a vacation that will rank among the most luxurious and lavish in the world.

-- By Renée LiButti