Mirage

You may not believe your eyes upon encountering a tropical oasis in the desert, but this hotel is no mirage -- it's The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip. Timeless beauty, tropical surroundings and exceptional service make The Mirage one of the most beloved hotels in the city.

Guests who stay at The Mirage feel like they've escaped to the islands. Outside the hotel are beautiful waterfalls and an erupting volcano. Upon entering the iconic property, visitors hear the soothing sounds of more waterfalls, smell the exotic flora and can stand on a bridge under a 90-foot-tall glass atrium while taking in the tropical surroundings. You may be in The Mirage, but it feels more like Polynesia.

In the lobby, guests waiting to check in are entertained by the aquatic life in a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium behind the front desk. Nearly 1,000 forms of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, porcupine fish, eels, sea bass and puffer fish call this place home. 

The hotel rooms are nicely appointed, while the beautifully landscaped pool area is the ideal place to spend afternoons. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy VIP service and topless sunbathing at the secluded Bare Pool Lounge. Nearby, the majestic wildcats -- tigers, lions and leopards -- and playful bottlenose dolphins in Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat feel right at home in their tropical environment.

True to its history as a pioneer in the gaming and hospitality industry, The Mirage's casino is large, easy to navigate and home to thousands of slot machines, dozens of table games, an enormous race and sports book and one of the city's most popular poker rooms. Contemporary glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly decorate the exclusive Baccarat Lounge and adjacent high-limit lounge.

Numerous restaurants -- including the delightful Carnegie Deli, the elegant Japonais, the innovative Cravings, the high-end Fin, the hip STACK and the spirited Samba Brazilian Steakhouse -- await hungry patrons. You can indulge in fine steak and exotic seafood at kokomo's, creatively crafted hamburgers at BLT Burger and classic regional dishes of Italy at Onda Ristorante. Plus, eat to your heart's content at Cravings, a buffet featuring 11 live-action stations representing different culinary regions or cooking styles. 

The Mirage spa boasts relaxing body treatments, while the Kim Vō Salon and barbershop provides high-quality treatments for the tresses.

Entertainment is second-to-none at The Mirage. Cirque du Soleil's magical "The Beatles LOVE" causes quite a revolution nightly inside its custom-built theater with 360-degree seating. After the show, the Revolution Lounge and adjoining Abbey Road bar keep The Beatles vibe and music going strong.

Celebrity impressionist and ventriloquist Terry Fator is a big draw among visitors of all ages, thanks to the fun he has onstage with his puppets -- Walter T. Airdale, Emma Taylor and Winston the Impersonating Turtle.

Plus, the Mirage recently unveiled it newest nightclub: the NYC import 1 OAK Las Vegas. Or head outdoors to Rhumbar, a casual cocktail and cigar lounge, to enjoy the cool mood of the Caribbean and amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Rounding out the experience is plenty of shopping and more than 90,000 square feet of convention space. Guests can also easily hop on an air-conditioned tram for a free ride to the neighboring Treasure Island.

With its many offerings, The Mirage sets a high standard for itself and for every other luxury hotel in Vegas.