The allure of Polynesia, from lush rain forests and 60 foot (18m) rainfalls to an ever-erupting volcano in its own lagoon, is what makes the Mirage so unique to Las Vegas’s Strip. Now add in the Siegfried and Roy animal and magic park, The Royal White Tiger Habitat. Beginning to sound enticing?
But wait! Visit the Dolphin Habitat on the grounds and make sure to check out the 20,000 gallon (76,000l) ocean water aquarium that takes up a full wall in the huge lobby. The humongous aquarium is replete with multi-hued living corals and nearly 1000 types of fish, sharks included.
By the way, those striking gold windows you can’t help but notice get their color from twenty-four carat gold dust used in the tinting process. Despite its reputation, Vegas isn’t all about gambling, fun as that might be. Las Vegas is an “Experience” and the Mirage is one more testament to that.
The original 160 foot (48m) tall marquee sign in front of the hotel is the largest free standing marquee in the world. Not the tallest sign in Vegas but definitely eye catching and noteworthy.
When the Mirage as we see it opened on November 22, 1989 it literally transformed Las Vegas and brought the city back to being a prime visitor destination. Beginning in the 1970s Las Vegas was losing visitors at an increasing rate due in part to the casinos that opened in Atlantic City on the East Coast and in part to no longer being considered fashionable and exclusive.
The Mirage changed that. Overnight.
Fun fact #1:
Six rare animal breeds reside within the Royal White Tiger Habitat. The Royal White Tigers of Nevada, the White Lions of Timbayati, heterozygous Bengal Tigers (possessing both tawny and white genes), an Asian elephant, a panther and a snow leopard.
Fun Fact #2:
After dark the volcano erupts every 15 minutes. The flames appear to rise 100 feet (30m) above and across the lagoon’s waters.
