In early 2022, MGM Resorts International announced the sale of the Mirage Resort and Casino to Hard Rock International. Future plans for the hotel are unknown but rumours are circulating of plans to turn it into a guitar shaped rock and roll themed resort. While future plans are not yet announced to the public, it is almost certain that the resort and casino will be transformed into something very different from the tropical-themed oasis it is today.
This article discussed the 4 main ways to book the Mirage and how to get the best deal at the Mirage.
Overview of the Mirage Hotel
Travelers who have not yet had the opportunity to stay at this Las Vegas icon and seeking a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of the Strip should consider staying here before it’s transformed forever. There are many great reasons to stay at the Mirage in Vegas, including:
- Location: Located in the center of the Las Vegas Strip with easy access to most attractions by a short walk, bus or Uber ride.
- Pool: The pool at the Mirage is easily one of the best in Vegas. The tropical themed pool features multiple hot tubs, waterfalls, and palm trees. Arrive early to ensure a lounge chair. The pool deck fills up and space is limited.
- Beatles Love: This Cirque du Soleil show is right inside the resort making it very convenient for hotel guests to enjoy the show just a few steps from their hotel room.
- Affordability: Rooms at the Mirage often go for as low as $70 per night mid-week (not including resort fees) but increase significantly on weekends and during special events.
Before staying at the Mirage, there are a few things to to be aware of before booking your room at the Mirage.
- Resort fees: The Mirage charges a resort fee of around $45 per night including tax. While this is in line with other Las Vegas hotels, it is still a substantial amount.
- Aging Rooms: Rooms at the Mirage are pleasant but are becoming a little dated. The Mirage is definitely a 4-star hotel but don’t expect a newly refurbished room. They are getting a little tired and starting to show their age.
- View; The Mirage has some spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip and the hourly volcano show but be aware that some of the rooms, those facing west, have a lacklustre view of the desert. Arrive early and try using the “twenty dollar trick” to get a good view.
- Prices: Prices fluctuate wildly depending on the day of the week you are staying. Prices typically double or triple on weekends compared to mid-week rates. Other factors such as conventions and events impact demand and drive up prices.
Getting the Best Deal at the Mirage
There are essentially 4 different ways to book the Mirage:
- Online travel websites such as Booking.com, Expedia and a variety of other websites: These sites offer little to no price advantage over other booking methods and will offer you the standard rates.
- Direct through the hotel website: Booking directly through the hotel may have some advantages over booking by online travel sites like Expedia. The Mirage offers the following discounts that are not available without booking directly through the hotel:
- Senior Discount: Seniors receive an additional 5% off their flexible room rate.
- Military Discount: The Mirage offers a military discount of 10%.
- AAA Member Rate: AAA members also receive a 10% discount off standard room rates.
- Opaque booking sites such as Hotwire and Priceline: Hotwire and Priceline sell off excess hotel inventory at deep discounts but there are some drawbacks. First, the hotel does not publish the name of the hotel until after you book. Second, you cannot cancel your booking once you reserve. In other words, you don’t know what hotel you are going to get and you cannot cancel if you don’t like the hotel after the name is revealed. This is quite risky. I only recommend using Priceline or Hotwire if you are not picky about the hotel you get and you are absolutely certain you won’t need to cancel. Otherwise, the savings simply are not worth the risk involved.
- Direct through the hotel website as an MGM Rewards Member: The Mirage almost always has discounts for MGM Rewards members. Discounts range from 15% off rates to $50 per day food and beverage credit. This is a substantial discount and is absolutely the best deal at the Mirage. The food and beverage can be used at several places inside the Mirage such as Snack, California Pizza Kitchen, Paradise Cafe, poolside drinks. In addition, the resort can be used at bars and restaurants at any MGM resort throughout Las Vegas. Signing up to become an MGM Rewards Member is absolutely free.
On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I took advantage of the food and beverage credit promotion Mirage was offering to MGM Rewards members During my 5 nights, I received a total of $250 in free food and beverages, including poolside drinks, daily breakfast and other meals. It’s worth noting that the food and beverage credit cannot be carried over from one day to the next. After the end of each day, any unused credit is gone. To maximize the benefit of this offer, make sure to spend $50 each day.
Comparison of Booking Methods
| Booking Method | Discount | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Online Travel Website | none | none | no discount; pay regular room rate |
| Direct | 5-10% | discount for military, seniors and AAA members | discounts not available to everyone; only select cohorts |
| Hotwire or Priceline | 10%+ | Savings can be substantial | Cannot cancel, no refunds; don’t know hotel name up front; no guarantee you’ll get the Mirage |
| Direct as MGM Rewards Member | $50 daily food & beverage credit | Substantial savings over other methods of booking the Mirage | Need to eat and drink at the Mirage or other MGM properties to maximize benefit |
The Mirage in Las Vegas is a wonder hotel at the center of the Las Strip that offers great value. It pays to shop around. The best rates can usually be found by booking directly with MGM Resorts. Select individuals such as seniors, military and AAA members can enjoy discounts of up to 10% and the best deals are reserved for MGM Rewards members. MGM Rewards members are typically offered discounts ranging from 15% to $50 per night food and beverage credit.
