My wife, son, and I just got back from 5 days & nights (Sunday-Thursday) at Mirage just prior to July 4th. I got a special internet rate of $89 which initially appeared to be a good deal. However, when I called to make reservations, they added $30 a night for my 14 year-old. Normally they don't charge extra for children. It still seemed a good value compared to their regular rates of $200+. The person I dealt with on phone was borderline uncooperative and wasn't very friendly or informative. I had to keep asking questions to drag the information I needed out of her. Too bad. It's really unfortunate that this person gives you a bad first impression of such a nice property.

Once there, all the rest of the staff (with the exception of a pushy lady who insisted on cleaning my room everyday) was great! (She may have been trying to work up a good tip.) Once checked in, you better have on your walking shoes. The elevators to the rooms are a long, winding walk from the desk, as well as the front door. The path is also the main thoroughfare for arriving, departing, and current guests as well as visitors. Consequently, it is a slow, slow walk to get to the elevators. This is also frustrating when you are trying to get from your room to the front door to leave the property. The path goes through the tropical forest in the atrium. There is always someone wanting to stop and take pictures, etc. in the middle of the path. Once at the elevators though, we seldom had to wait more than 30 seconds to catch one whether going up or down. That's because they have a bank of elevators for each 5 or 6 floors.

Rooms were large and clean. They accommodated my request for a room with a view. One pleasant surprise was the in-room safe. I found it very convenient and useful for safely storing extra cash, traveler's checks, and jewelry.

While we were there they opened a newly remodeled lounge between the tropical forest and the casino. It was very comfortable with great atmosphere and free live bands. The bartenders at the sports bar were great. After midnight, The Baccarat Bar in the center of the casino seemed to attract some lovely "working girls" that were not pushy or overt in intent, but were discreet and friendly. While this type of entertainment is not my cup of tea (even if I wasn't married), their behavior and demeanor was responsible and I was not offended by their presence. Unless you were looking for that particular type of activity, you probably would never notice just passing by. I have learned everyone is in some way a special and unique creation. Wherever I travel, my most enduring and cherished memories are of the people I meet for a few moments in time, never to see again. While partaking of my evening limit of one drink (I'm not much of a drinker either), I had a rewarding, pleasant, and non-sexual conversation with one of these young ladies who sat down next to me. So personally, I don't consider their presence a negative. In fact, you can pick up a lot of useful inside information from them about the best deals and places to go around town. I found the reaction of the bartenders to the proceedings amusing, as they tried to be cool and pretend not to notice. I don't know if it still works this way, but in the old days, the girl would return to tip the bartender after a profitable "date" if he didn't report her to security.

When it comes to dining, The Mirage has plenty to choose from. We only sampled the offerings of the 24 hour "Caribe", primarily because we wanted to experience other places on the strip during our limited time and the "Caribe" was conveniently located adjacent to the elevators. I felt the food was a little overpriced, especially the $6 a slice cheesecake. They also made us wait for a seat on two occasions, even when there were plenty of seats available. This indicated to me the kitchen staff may have been shorthanded.

The gaming was excellent, especially the poker room. Although I held my own, you better be on top of your game here. There are excellent local players who frequent this poker room, including some recognizable pros. One thing I found lacking in the gaming area, is the drink service. The whole time I was there, the only place I got served was in the poker room.

The special attractions are above average. With the great pool, white tigers, dolphins, secret garden, volcano, Danny Gans, Siegfried & Roy, etc., there is a lot to see and do besides the casino. In closing, while I wouldn't pay regular rates to stay there, the Mirage is a class act!

Recommended: Yes