The Mirage is very much a creature of Wynn, regarded by some industry insiders as an unguided rocket more driven by ambition and ego than economics. Kerkorian is planning one of the projects at a cost of about $700 million. The Mirage is also leading the way for a new breed of monster-sized casino resorts planned for the Strip that, their promoters say, will broaden the city’s appeal beyond its present base of gambling and conventions. Scheduled to open Wednesday, the Mirage has already triggered a huge refurbishing boom by nearby competitors scrambling to keep up, as well as a protest by an Australian firm claiming that it already has the rights to the Mirage name. Regular room rates range from $89 to $129, well in excess of the citywide average. 3,049 rooms, including 260 suites and, at a cost of up to $1,250 a night, six private bungalows with swimming pools. A private gambling room, known as a salon prive, for those who bet with $1,000 chips only. The pool, which does not open until March, will also have a dolphin habitat nearby. A swimming pool a quarter mile around that has islands with palm trees on them. A habitat for white tigers used by famed magicians Siegfried and Roy, whose show will play regularly at the hotel’s 1,500-seat showroom.
