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Showing posts with label las vegas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label las vegas. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Great Stays: Treasure Island, Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

By Frank Macek

Photo by Frank Macek
I’ve just returned from a six-night stay in mid-September at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, and the experience—especially from my perch in the Tower Suite—was one of those trips where I felt both the highs of Strip life and the little quirks that remind you hotels are living, breathing spaces. 

Over the course of nearly a week, I came to know this property better than a quick weekend visit ever allows, and my impressions were shaped by everything from the room’s sweeping views to the hum of renovation work echoing down the hallway.

When we pulled up to the front entrance in our private shuttle from the airport, I felt the familiar pulse of Las Vegas—the lights, the neon, the unspoken promise of late nights and nonstop entertainment. Treasure Island doesn’t overwhelm you with spectacle in the way newer mega-resorts like Resorts World or The Cosmopolitan might, but it carries its own kind of classic Strip gravitas. The hotel is mid-Strip, right across from the Fashion Show Mall and within walking distance of heavy-hitters like Wynn, Venetian, and Mirage. That location makes it a strategic home base for exploring, and I was eager to see how the Tower Suite would shape my six days.

Check-in turned out to be surprisingly smooth thanks to self-serve kiosks, which let me bypass the front desk altogether. Once I figured out where they were tucked away—it took a few minutes of searching—the process was quick and efficient. Within minutes I had my key cards in hand and was gliding up the elevator, leaving the casino buzz behind for the quiet of the 34th floor.

Photo by Frank Macek
The Tower Suite is the showpiece here, and I can say it delivered. At roughly 930 square feet in a studio layout, it’s larger than many condos back home.

The entryway gives you a sense of arrival with cabinetry and storage, and from there the space opens wide: one side dominated by the king-sized SensaTIonal pillow-top bed with its padded, lighted headboard, the other given over to a lounge seating area and desk. 

The design is neutral, leaning toward understated tans, creams, and dark wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the far wall, framing a view of the Strip below and mountains on the horizon. At night, that view transformed into a stage of neon and headlights—a living painting I never tired of.

The suite comes with not one, but two marble bathrooms, a feature that truly elevates the experience. One has a whirlpool tub, the other a separate shower, and both have lighted makeup mirrors and generous counter space. I drew long baths several nights, watching the glow of the Strip flicker beyond the glass. The second bathroom made mornings easier, even though I was traveling solo. The extra space allowed me to spread out without clutter.

The first night, after settling in, I sat in the lounge chair by the window and let the city unfold beneath me. That was the moment the Tower Suite proved its worth. The Strip feels chaotic at ground level, but from thirty-four floors up, it’s a mesmerizing choreography of lights, cars, and people. That perspective never got old, and every evening, I found myself pulling the curtains wide and sinking into that view.

Over the course of the stay, I came to appreciate the little touches in the room. The bed was supportive yet soft, the linens refreshed daily. Climate control was reliable, keeping the space cool despite the late-summer desert heat. A mirrored wardrobe and closet gave me ample room for clothes, while a modest refrigerator helped keep drinks and snacks cold. Room service is also available for those nights when you’d prefer to dine in without leaving the suite.

Yet even in this spacious comfort, the Tower Suite showed some of its age. I noticed scuff marks on furniture edges, light fixtures that flickered once or twice, and carpeting that betrayed a little fading at the seams. Nothing was dramatic, but the signs of wear reminded me this property has been around since the 1990s and isn’t the shiniest newcomer on the Strip. Still, the size and comfort balanced out those imperfections.

Photo by Frank Macek
The hotel’s amenities became part of my rhythm. The outdoor pool, though seasonal, was still open during my September stay. On a couple afternoons, I took a break from walking and stretched out on a lounger, cooling off in the crisp water. 

The pool area isn’t as elaborate as some on the Strip, but it’s lively and refreshing, with cabanas available for rent. I also treated myself to a massage at the Oleksandra Spa & Salon on property. After logging several miles each day walking the Strip, that hour of quiet relief was well worth it.

Dining at Treasure Island is decent, though not overwhelming in variety. There’s Phil’s Italian Steak House, Señor Frog’s, Gilley’s Saloon, and a few other casual stops. A 24-hour coffee shop and the CVS on the property proved to be reliable, especially when I needed snacks or bottled water. But over the course of six nights, I felt the dining options start to run thin. On nights when I didn’t want to trek to neighboring resorts, I wished Treasure Island had more on-site restaurants to break up the routine.

Entertainment remains part of Treasure Island’s DNA, though the days of the famous Sirens of TI pirate show are long gone. That ended back in 2013, and while you can still see pirate ships outside, they’re purely decorative now. What Treasure Island still has, however, is Mystère by Cirque du Soleil. I made sure to see the show one night, and it was worth the ticket. The theater is right inside the hotel, and the production—colorful, acrobatic, surreal—remains a staple of Vegas entertainment. Being able to walk out of the show and straight to my suite in minutes was a luxury in itself.

Because I stayed nearly a week, I also experienced the practical side of things. Housekeeping was dependable and responsive. Wi-Fi, included in the resort fee, held up well even during peak evening hours. Early check-in and late check-out are available and can be handy for travelers arriving at odd hours, though I didn’t need them during my stay. Free self-parking turned out to be one of the hotel’s most valuable perks. With so many Strip resorts now charging hefty daily parking fees, being able to pull in and out of the garage without worrying about cost felt like a genuine advantage.

I had rented a car through Hertz, expecting a simple pickup right outside the hotel. But when I arrived, I discovered the Hertz desk was closed, and I had to head to the Dollar Rental booth on the third floor instead. The lack of clear signage made this more confusing than it needed to be, and I had to ask for help before I found the right spot. Once sorted, the process was fine, but it was a hiccup I hadn’t planned for. That said, having the car gave me the freedom to explore off-Strip neighborhoods, and every time I parked back at Treasure Island without a fee, I felt the balance tip back toward satisfaction.

Not all of the inconveniences were outside my room, though. On the 34th floor, where my suite was located, the soda vending machines were empty the entire stay. I discovered this the hard way after a long night out when all I wanted was a quick soda without venturing downstairs. I was met with blinking “sold out” messages on every machine I tried. It’s a small issue, but one that repeated itself enough times to become frustrating. For a resort of this scale, keeping vending machines stocked should be basic housekeeping.

Adding to that, I happened to be staying during a round of room renovations on my floor. From time to time, I heard drilling and hammering. It was never overwhelming, but it did start fairly early in the morning. I reminded myself that renovations are necessary for a property of this age and will ultimately improve the guest experience. But the timing, for me, was less than ideal.

These inconveniences—limited dining variety, vending machines left empty, confusing car rental logistics, and renovation noise—didn’t ruin my stay, but they did shape it. They’re the kinds of things you notice more on a longer visit than on a quick weekend getaway. A three-night guest might breeze past them; after six nights, they add texture to the memory.

Still, the positives remained stronger. Every night I returned to my Tower Suite and threw open the curtains, the view washed those irritations away. I could sink into the whirlpool tub, draw a bath, and let the Strip hum far below without invading my space. I could wander next door to Wynn, cross the pedestrian bridges to Venetian, or drive out to Red Rock Canyon, all while knowing I had a spacious suite waiting when I came back.

By the time I packed up on the final morning, I realized Treasure Island is a hotel of balances. It isn’t the flashiest or the most luxurious property on the Strip, but it offers oversized rooms, fair value, and an unbeatable location with easy access to the Strip and the Las Vegas Monorail across the street.

The Tower Suite lifts the experience into something memorable, giving you the space to breathe above the chaos. The flaws—aging décor, vending machines left bare, limited dining, renovation noise—are real, but they’re balanced by the convenience of free parking, attentive service, and views that are hard to match for the price.

Frank's Final Thoughts  

If you’re looking for a polished, cutting-edge Vegas resort, Treasure Island won’t be your first choice. But if you want comfort, generous square footage, a prime Strip location, and a chance to feel like you’re living above the neon for six nights, the Tower Suite at TI makes a strong case. My stay wasn’t perfect, but it was deeply enjoyable—and for me, that’s a great stay worth remembering. 

Visitor Information: Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
  • Address: 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
  • Phone: (702) 894-7111
  • Website: treasureisland.com
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM (early check in/out available for a fee)
  • Dining: Phil’s Italian Steak House, Gilley’s Saloon, Señor Frog’s, Pizzeria Francesco’s, Coffee Shop, CVS on property, room service available
  • Amenities: Tower Suites, Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, outdoor pool, Oleksandra Spa & Salon, fitness center, meeting/event space, casino, free self-parking
  • Resort Fee: $44.95 plus tax per night, includes Wi-Fi, fitness center access, in-room bottled water, and more
  • Room Rates: Standard rooms typically range from $90–$160 per night, Tower Suites from $150–$250+ per night depending on season and availability
  • Nearby: Fashion Show Mall, The Venetian, Wynn/Encore, Mirage, LINQ Promenade, the Sphere, Las Vegas Monorail access

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Great Stays: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas

By Frank Macek

Mandalay Bay Resort, Courtesy: Frank Macek
I rolled into Mandalay Bay at the very end of July with the hum of Las Vegas twinkling all around me after arriving at Harry Reid International Airport on late Sunday evening. The shimmering gold façade stood out against the neon chaos of the Strip, a shimmering beacon you could spot from miles away. As my ride pulled up to the entrance, the energy of the place hit me instantly—buzzing, lively, and full of promise. This wasn’t just a hotel stay; it was a mini-resort experience waiting to unfold.

The first thing you notice walking inside is the scale—everything feels larger-than-life, yet somehow inviting. The lobby is a blend of cool stone, warm lighting, and splashes of desert-inspired décor. The smell is something unique - like flowers. Mandalay Bay has this way of mixing contemporary style with a hint of tropical escapism. Even with a steady stream of guests moving through, the space never felt chaotic—more like an organized dance of arrivals and departures. The check-in process was efficient and friendly, and the front desk agent greeted me with that signature Vegas hospitality: a smile, a map of the property, and a quick run-through of my resort credits and amenities.

My room for the stay was an Executive King, and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the trip. Spacious and thoughtfully designed, it featured an oversized living area with a plush sectional sofa, a generous workspace, and a dining table perfect for in-room breakfasts. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed sweeping views of the Strip and the hotel’s sprawling pool complex, offering a panoramic display of both desert daylight and neon night. The king bed, dressed in crisp linens and topped with a mountain of pillows, was as indulgent as it looked. The bathroom was equally impressive—double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and small luxuries like premium toiletries and under-sink night lighting that made even quick stops feel elegant.

Mandalay Bay Pool Complex, Courtesy: Frank Macek
Before unpacking, I decided to explore the crown jewel of Mandalay Bay—the pool complex. Often described as one of the best in Las Vegas, it didn’t disappoint. Spread over 11 acres, it’s less a pool area and more a tropical water park for adults. Palm trees swayed in the light breeze, waterfalls tumbled into turquoise lagoons, and the sound of the wave pool’s rolling surf created a soundtrack that made it easy to forget I was in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The lazy river quickly became my personal favorite; I floated for what felt like hours, letting the current carry me along as the sun shifted and cast golden light over the entire scene.

The poolside service was just as impressive. Within minutes of settling into a lounger, I had a chilled drink in hand—a tall coconut mojito—along with a fresh fruit plate that was almost too pretty to eat. Staff made the rounds regularly, ensuring everyone stayed comfortable with ice water refills and cooling towels.

Back inside, it was time to explore Mandalay Bay’s dining options—something the resort is well-known for. My first dinner was at Lupo by Wolfgang Puck, a stylish Italian spot with an open kitchen and a warm, inviting ambiance. I started with burrata drizzled in olive oil, followed by a plate of hand-cut tagliolini tossed with fresh seafood. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the sauce light yet flavorful—a simple reminder of how powerful well-executed classics can be.

The next day, lunch at Border Grill provided a colorful, casual counterpoint. Bright interiors, upbeat music, and bold flavors made it a standout. I went for the fish tacos, paired with a tangy mango salsa, and washed it down with a tart, icy margarita. Dining here feels celebratory, whether you’re coming straight from the pool or stopping in before a night on the Strip.

Speaking of drinks, one of Mandalay Bay’s most unique spots is the Aquarium Bar. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a sleek lounge where one wall is a massive tank filled with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Sitting there, cocktail in hand, watching these creatures glide effortlessly past, was oddly relaxing—like a front-row seat to a private underwater show.

My mornings started with a quick workout at the MOPOP Spa & Fitness Center, located on an upper level of the resort. The gym was well-equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and stretching areas, all kept spotless. On one afternoon, I treated myself to a massage in the spa—a deep tissue session that left me feeling like I’d dropped a year’s worth of stress. The spa spaces were tranquil, with low lighting, calming music, and herbal tea waiting after the treatment.

Shark Reef Aquarium, Courtesy: Frank Macek
Of course, you can’t talk about Mandalay Bay without mentioning its signature attraction—the Shark Reef Aquarium. Tucked inside the property, it’s a dimly lit series of winding pathways that lead you past massive tanks filled with everything from piranhas to green sea turtles. The shark tunnel, where you walk beneath a curved tank as hammerheads and sand tiger sharks cruise overhead, was a surreal experience. It’s a reminder that Mandalay Bay isn’t just about gaming and nightlife—it’s a multi-sensory destination.

Evenings at the resort offer endless possibilities. On my first night, I caught a live concert at the Michelob Ultra Arena, which regularly hosts big-name performers and sporting events. Another night, I wandered over to House of Blues for an intimate live music set—one of those unplanned detours that ends up being a highlight. If entertainment isn’t your focus, the casino floor is a universe unto itself, with a mix of slots, table games, and a lively sports book buzzing with energy.

In between adventures, I discovered quiet corners of the resort—small seating areas near the convention center, an outdoor terrace with views of the Strip, and tucked-away hallways lined with art. These moments of calm made it possible to enjoy the high-energy atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. A tram also can be accessed for free to take you to the neighboring Luxor and Excalibus hotels, also owned by MGM Resorts. 

Service across the board was consistently polished. From the bell staff who whisked my bags away at arrival to the pool attendants who remembered my drink order on day two, there was an effortless professionalism that made the stay feel personal. Even at peak hours, the team moved quickly, ensuring guests felt cared for without being rushed.

One afternoon, I ventured just outside Mandalay Bay to the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, the connecting promenade between Mandalay Bay and Luxor. Here you’ll find unique boutiques, bars, and casual eateries, perfect for an air-conditioned stroll away from the midday heat. 

By the time I checked out, I realized Mandalay Bay had delivered the perfect Vegas trifecta: a place to relax, a hub for entertainment, and a launchpad for exploring the Strip. It’s the kind of resort where you can spend your entire trip without ever feeling the need to leave, yet it’s connected enough to everything else that you’re never far from the action.

If you want to feel the rush of Las Vegas but still have a serene escape at day’s end, Mandalay Bay hits that balance beautifully. From its golden exterior to the endless options within, it’s more than a stay—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left.


Visitor Information: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

  • Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
  • Website: https://www.mandalaybay.com
  • Check-in / Check-out: Check-in at 4 PM / Check-out at 11 AM
  • Typical Rates: $200–$450+ per night, depending on season and room type
Amenities & Services:
  • Expansive 11-acre tropical pool complex with wave pool and lazy river
  • Multiple on-site restaurants featuring casual and fine dining options
  • Aquarium Bar with shark and marine life views
  • MOPOP Spa & Fitness Center: full-service spa, sauna, 24-hour gym
  • Shark Reef Aquarium featuring 2,000+ animals
  • Live entertainment venues including Michelob Ultra Arena & House of Blues
  • Casino with slots, table games, poker, and sports book
  • Valet and bell service, concierge assistance
  • In-room mini-bar, coffee maker, oversized plush beds, premium linens
Accessibility: ADA-compliant rooms and elevators; wheelchair-accessible public spaces