Treasure Island

Huh? What happened to Treasure Island? What happened to the pirates? Why, Vegas grew up, that's what. Or, rather, it wants the kids it once actively tried to court to grow up, or at least, not come around until they are able to drink and gamble properly.

Originally the most modern family-friendly hotel, Treasure Island (commonly referred to as "TI" by most folks) was a blown-up version of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean. But that's all behind them now, and the slight name change is there to make sure you understand that this is a grown-up, sophisticated resort. One victim is the pirate stunt show out front; it's been revamped so that the pirates (and you have no idea how much we wish we were making this up) now "battle" scantily clad strippers . . . er, "sirens."

And now, a new captain has taken over the ship. Former Frontier owner Phil Ruffin threw several hundred million dollars at MGM Resorts International in 2009, and TI is no longer part of that family of hotels. Ruffin has already made changes, mostly designed to make the hotel more palatable to the mid-market with less expensive restaurants and more in-room amenities.

The good-size rooms are pleasant but not postcard-worthy, although additions of niceties like in-room refrigerators make them more comfy than they already were. Good bathrooms feature large soaking tubs -- a bather's delight. Best of all, Strip-side rooms have a view of the pirate battle -- views are best from the sixth floor on up. You know, so you can see right down the sirens' dresses.

The hotel offers half a dozen restaurants, including Dishes, The Buffet at TI; a branch of Los Angeles's Canter's Deli; and a return of the country-western favorite Gilley's. Treasure Island is home to Cirque du Soleil's Mystère, one of the best shows in town.

Neither the spa nor pool is all that memorable so if those things are important to you, stay elsewhere, like at the neighboring Mirage, which is connected to the TI by a free tram.

Facilities:
9 restaurants; casino; concierge; executive-level rooms; health club; outdoor pool; room service; showrooms; spa; wedding chapels

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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