Inside, the Mirage's paradisiacal setting is replete with a huge rain forest atrium under a conservatory dome filled with jungle foliage, meandering streams and soothing cascades. Woven into the tropical waterscape are scores of bromeliads enveloped in sunlight and fed by a computerized misting system. Tropical scents also waft through the hotel lobby, which features a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with 60 species of coral-reef critters from Fiji to the Red Sea, including puffer fish, tangs and pygmy sharks.
Even more tropical greenery, meandering lagoons, poolside bars and the tiny, topless Bare daytime club make the Mirage's outdoor pool complex a Vegas classic. But the new theme here is 'remixed,' with an emphasis on innovative entertainment. Hits include Cirque du Soleil's Beatles LOVE ; the psychedelic Fab Four-inspired Revolution Lounge ; mojitos on the Strip-view patio at Rhumbar ; and an NYC-import nightclub, 1 OAK .
Out front in a lagoon splashed down beside Las Vegas Blvd, the Mirage's fiery, revamped trademark volcano erupts with a roar at the top of every hour after dark, often startling pedestrians who just happen to be passing by, lighting their faces with childish delight.
Kids will beg their parents to visit the cramped wildlife exhibits at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat . Though the dynamic duo of magicians and animal tamers is no longer performing on stage following an infamous mauling incident in 2003, you can see their royal white tigers and magical 'white lions' here, if you must.
