I was a guest at Treasure Island in Las Vegas December 12, 13 and 14, 2007.
You're a valued guest!
The designation of "GUEST" has always puzzled me, since I think of guests as being invited and not charged a fee. Treasure Island did not invite me, and they did charge me a fee to stay there; so I think of myself as their customer rather than guest. But if they want to call me a guest, it's not a problem.
Steve Wynn's empire
Initially planned as a second room tower to be incorporated with Steve Wynn's Mirage (now owned by MGM Mirage Resorts) in 1993; Treasure Island instead was built as a standalone hotel resort property intended to attract families. The skull logo in front (first photo below) testified to the fact that Treasure Island was not targeting the high roller demographic.
Las Vegas was trying to be a family destination during the mid to late 1990's. In 2003 they gave up on that idea and Treasure Island removed the ridiculous skull; replacing it with elegant looking color changing letters T and I (second photo below.) Treasure Island is now often referred to as "TI" (tee eye). They also revised their famous pirate battle show which takes place at the main entrance with a production called "Sirens of Treasure Island" (third photo below.)
Since TI was originally intended to be a second room tower for the Mirage, its design is nearly identical; with three wings of rooms radiating from the center in a tri-spoke pattern. Standard (what they call "deluxe") rooms in both hotels are a bit smaller than average.
Treasure Island rooms
When I made my reservation online, I paid the higher price for what they call a "view room." I was expecting the room to be larger or nicer in some way than the less expensive standard (deluxe) rooms; but they are not. The view rooms are simply higher up (20th floor and above) and offer your choice of a strip view (fourth photo below) or mountain view to the west.
The room itself was so unimpressive that I didn't shoot a photo of it, as I often do to show other tourists exactly what to expect. Imagining a basic plain generic hotel room will illustrate what the TI deluxe rooms are like.
You don't even get a full window with your view room. The window seems to be shared with the room next door, you only get half a window. But it's still large enough to enjoy the view.
Location & atmosphere
The primary appeal of TI lies in the atmosphere of its casino and its location.
The casino is large, elegant and luxurious without being overly ornate or pompous; very similar to Mandalay Bay and Wynn. And it is an adult crowd, you don't have to dodge babies in strollers like you inevitably will if you ever stay at Circus Circus or Excalibur. Gaming odds, however, are on a par with the rest of the strip; not being attractive to serious gamblers. 8 deck blackjack shoes, 6/5 video poker. Serious gamblers are advised to do their gambling downtown or off the strip.
TI is a great choice for an "upscale" vacation, not only for the upscale atmosphere it possesses but also for its location. Directly to the south is Mirage, another upscale property; across the street are Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, and Encore at Wynn; which are four of the five most upscale Las Vegas strip resorts (Bellagio is the fifth); and directly to the north is the Fashion Show Mall. You'll encounter far less of the "family vacation" mom, dad, two strollers, three toddlers, grandma and grandpa crowd in this area than you will in any other area of the strip.
Not that there's anything wrong with a family vacation in Las Vegas. It's all about atmosphere and different types of tourists. Some want a Disneyland kind of fun atmosphere; others want more of a "playing baccarat in a tuxedo" kind of atmosphere.
A free tram runs south from TI to Mirage, and it's a short walk to the heart of the strip (Caesars Palace, Flamingo) from Mirage. To the north of TI, a pedestrian bridge connects to Fashion Show Mall; which is a fairly standard shopping mall except for the large, open air "plaza" in front where huge TV screens advertise products and upbeat music fills the air (fifth photo below). Although it's been nine months since I was there, I can still hear the odd Calypso type music they played frequently during a commercial for Apple iPods. Is it just me or do some of your most vivid vacation memories consist of totally insignificant events?
A second pedestrian bridge constructed in 2001 connects TI to the Venetian across the street; providing safe and easy access to Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, and Encore at Wynn. Crossing streets in the Las Vegas strip area can be dangerous due to the number of tourists who are distracted by the bright neon lights while driving, and the large clusters of pedestrians who jaywalk. It's quite a phenomenon to observe... 20 to 50 people can be standing on a corner waiting for the WALK sign; but if one person starts crossing, the rest will often follow like lemmings.
TI has a Starbucks on site, a Caribbean style restaurant, the standard gift shops you'll find in most hotels, and Canter's Deli as well as more upscale dining options I didn't consider. I ate at Canter's 3 times because I like the speed and convenience... you order at the register, then sit down with a plastic number and your food is brought over. It's very good reasonably priced deli style food.
In conclusion...
If you've read my other Las Vegas resort hotel reviews you may have noticed they're not typical. I rarely gamble or do other "touristy" type things like visit the Grand Canyon or go to shows. I mainly visit Las Vegas to shoot photos. The vividly colored, gigantic neon light displays and massive architecture almost fascinate me. A typical day in Las Vegas for me involves walking about 10 miles and eating at fast food joints or wherever there isn't a long line.
I highly recommend TI for its location and atmosphere. As far as room size and room amenities, TI is only average. Online reviews even complain about their suites being too small... that they are the same as basic rooms but have "his and hers" bathrooms.
Please visit Treasure Island's web site for more details. And don't forget to view the photos below.
UPDATE: December 2008, MGM Mirage sold Treasure Island to Phil Ruffin, ex-owner of the New Frontier.
