The Mirage

The distinctive white building of The Mirage was the first of the modern, big budget casinos that started to replace the older places in the 1990s; it opened in 1989, on the site of the former Castaways Hotel, and was at that time the most expensive hotel development ever. The main three-wing tower, adorned by gold-tinted glass, rises 30 floors above a large complex that includes a garden containing swimming pools, waterfalls, a cafe/bar and many exotic plants, in keeping with the South Sea Island theme of the property - something visible most spectacularly at the front, where a forceful volcano erupts several times each night, surrounded by a three acre lagoon. Inside, other Polynesian influences are an indoor tropical rainforest under a huge glass dome, a 20,000 gallon lobby aquarium, and Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Amongst other animals this houses the royal white tigers that appeared in The Mirage's most famous show, until its closure in 2003.

The two resident live entertainment acts at Mirage are Terry Fator and the Beatles-themed LOVE by Cirque du Soleil; this group also designed the REVOLUTION lounge that promises a 'psychedelic sensory environment', again inspired by the music of the Beatles. The hotel also offers all the expected facilities for gaming, shopping, dining and meeting/events, plus a fully-equipped spa.

In May 2024 the Mirage announced its closure, in July; it will be demolished, replaced with the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel.