The Mirage, a landmark Las Vegas resort that played a pivotal role in the rise of mega-resorts on the Strip, is set to close its doors to make way for a guitar-shaped hotel. The Mirage, first opened by casino magnate Steve Wynn in 1989, was renowned not only for its 3,044 guest rooms spread across 31 floors but also for its unique volcano attraction that erupts fire and water in nightly displays set to music.
Since the Mirage’s debut, the Strip has seen the opening of more mega-resorts, each with their own distinctive features, such as the Fountains of Bellagio or the newly opened 735-foot-tall Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The Mirage’s role in the Strip’s expansion was a key inspiration for other resorts, according to Grant Fisher, CEO of VAI Resort.
The Mirage is set to close on July 17, with its last guests checking out on July 14. The closure is part of a rebranding effort to transform the resort into Hard Rock Las Vegas, which will feature a 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower. The new tower is expected to change the Las Vegas skyline and is scheduled to open in 2027.
Hard Rock International acquired the Mirage from MGM Resorts International in December 2022 for $1.08 billion. The company plans to rebrand the hotel and build a guitar-shaped tower, similar to the one at its Hollywood, Florida hotel and casino. It is not yet known if the Mirage will be demolished as part of this transformation.
Guests who have reservations after July 14 and booked directly with the hotel will receive refunds on their deposits within seven to 10 days. Those who booked through a third party will need to contact the website they booked with for information on refunds and rebooking options.
Source: azcentral.com