The slogan Treasure Island uses to position itself its "Adventure Resort". With this information alone, anyone who has never set foot on the property but is experienced in the ways of Las Vegas would probably anticipate an environment supercharged with low-end glitz and faux symbolism. After all, the single fact that most visitors to Las Vegas know about Treasure Island is that every evening a series of mock sea battles between romanticized pirates and the evil British navy are staged.

The truth about Treasure Island is more complex. Yes, the casino areas are decked with pirate motifs and treasure chests. But the room designs, parts of the internal architecture and even the artwork selected for public areas give the impression of an upmarket hotel designed more with an eye for style then glitz. In fact, the property seems to be making a transition attracting more upscale clientele. This is not such a surprise. The property’s full name is Treasure Island at the Mirage, thus associating the hotel even more closely with its sister property and, by extension, with the company’s forthcoming mega-luxury Bellagio Hotel. The trend is further confirmed by the property’s forthcoming room renovation, set to last for two months and cover the entire hotel.

Already, the hotel’s public spaces, including a new lobby and registration desk overlooking the tropical pool, have undergone renovations to the tune of $25 million.

Clientele

The resort appeals to guests ranging from middle market to low upper end. This is the spot to attract more sophisticated guests. It is also a good choice for families - kids will be delighted by the hotel’s pirate theme.

Accommodations

The hotel’s 2,679 guest rooms and 212 suites convey the boutique feeling. Many of the cornerstones are already in place. For example, the peach pink facade of Treasure Island creates an optical illusion from street level that each guest room is bordered by white shutters, in the French colonial style. Guest room decor, done in earth tones, reflect the tasteful design and elegance expressed in the stylish new lobby area. The nautical prints, maps and Turner reproductions on the wall are a pleasant departure from the pastel abstracts usually featured in hotel rooms. Each room offers floor-to-ceiling glass, affording views of the mountains, the Strip or the pool area.

Public Areas

The hotel has two main entrances. The street-level face of the casino property has all the cartoonish stylization one would expect of a Vegas recreation of a Caribbean pirate village, heavy on colored colonial facades, shutters and terra-cota fixtures. The famous "sea" battle that employs 56 actors, divers, technicians and stuntmen takes place in a large pool. This is divided by wooden bridges that lead into the main 95,000-square-foot casino, where backlit chests spill "treasure" into alcoves above the gaming tables.

Meanwhile, the hotel property entrance leads directly into environment that recalls a luxury Old World-style hotel in Europe. The new lobby, thanks to renovation completed October 1997, is a crescent sweep of marble countertop backed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The area in front of thecounter is open and inviting, free from dividing ropes. The result is a far more airy, relaxed and free-flowing space. The entire arrival experience is enhanced further by the enormous fresh flower arrangements.

Treasure Island offers casino-weary guests a pool with cabanas, as well as a health club and spa. Shiny new fitness machines fill up a huge, state-of-the-art exercise room. Staffed by experts, the health club also offers a sauna, steambath, whirpool and massages. The beauty salon offers a range of services as well. Guests pay $17 to use the spa facility, although this is deducted from any additional service purchased, such as massage or facial.

The property offers 18,000 square feet of meeting space, and can accommodate groups as small as 5 or as large as 1,000. Two wedding chapels, appointed in European style, seat 30 and 60 people, respectively. The hotel can provide video and photography, dressing rooms and other last-minute needs, such as bouquets and champagne glasses. Guests can use a conveniently located monorail to travel between Treasure Island and the adjacent Mirage.

Dining

The range of food outlets covers most tastes and budgets. Francescois - a new Italian-style restaurant - was opened as part of the renovation. The Buccaneer Bay Club serves continental cuisine, along with a view of the battle taking place in the front of the property. Dinner seatings are timed around the onset of the fight. The show can be watched from the Battle Bar.

The Plank specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood and steak. Other dining options include a Chinese restaurant, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a coffee shop.

Strongest Selling Points

Treasure Island is one of Las Vegas’s most popular properties, and the ongoing renovations can only increase its appeal to an upscale market. An added feature it brings to the table is Cirque du Soleil, currently performing its show Mystere. Book well in advance on this popular performance.