The Mirage Resort's volcano erupts on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Mirage Resort sitting amid a rain forest of palm trees, exotics and wild beast will always be remembered as the first ground-up super resort created by Steve Wynn. Opened in 1989, the Mirage was the first property to be billed as a destination unto its' self.

I still remember those simple billboards around Las Vegas with one large word, "Mirage" in white on a black background.

The Mirage is truly a world class resort offering the guest every possible amenity. Luxuriously landscaped grounds surround equally luxurious hotel accommodations. Constructed for a cost of $650 million, early speculation ran high about the survival over/under of such a costly resort. Needless to say, $650 million for a 3,049 luxury resort sounds rather cheap in today's multi-billion dollar projects.

The modern, plush casino is the resort's core area surrounded by a dozen restaurants and snack bars. A mix of bars and lounges are conveniently located throughout the resort. The Mirage is probably most famous for the erupting volcano sitting serenely in a lagoon out front surrounded by tropical plants and valet parking. The original volcanic eruptions were spiked with a Pina Colada fragrance personally chosen by Wynn. The erupting of the volcano is a traffic stopper with it's great special effects. Inside the hotel is the white tiger habitant providing luxurious accommodations for these regal animals. It's always a crowd pleaser to watch these huge rare cats just being cats, and when you tire of the felines you can visit the Mirage's unique Dolphin Habitant. Just being close and watching these high intelligence aquatic creatures is simply fascinating.

The Mirage is convenient to everything center strip. A short stroll takes you to many of the other major properties on the strip. Shopping is always close with plenty of shops located right on the property. The Forum Shops are next door and the Fashion Show Mall is easy walking distance along the strip.

The Mirage Poker Room has become the industry standard that other rooms are measured against. The room supports 31 tables, most with auto card shufflers, spreading everything from low-limit games all the way up to "How much you got?" Limits vary from $3-$6 up to structured buy-in, No-Limit formats. The games spread include Texas Hold'em, Omaha 8 or Better and 7 Card Stud. Favored by professional players since opening day, the Mirage Poker Room is one of the most popular in Las Vegas. Expertly managed by the Director of Poker Operations, Donna Harris, the Mirage Poker Room is the results of Donna's twenty-five years of experience with the organization, having started her gaming career at the Original Wynn property, the downtown Golden Nugget. Donna listens closely to what the players are saying and responds to make your visit to the Mirage Poker Room as enjoyable as possible.

The comp policy for the room is currently being revamped and computerized. The room has practiced a manual comp policy until now, much like the Las Vegas of old. Additionally, the room is experimenting with a few six-handed hold'em tables and early player feedback indicates the players love them, especially the more sophisticated player, so additional six handed tables with a variety of limits are on the way.

The Mirage Poker Room runs the Mirage Poker Zone Tournaments every Sunday through Thursday evenings with details as follows:

Sunday...A 5:00 pm start time No-Limit Hold'em with a $330 + 0 buy-in. Unlimited $200 buy-ins during first hour and 1 add-on.

Monday...A 7:00 pm start time Limit Hold'em with a $130 + 0 buy-in. Unlimited $100 buy-ins during the first hour and 1 add-on.

Tuesday...A 7:00 start time No-Limit Hold'em with a $130 + 0 buy-in. Unlimited $100 buy-ins during the first hour and 1 add-on.

Wednesday...A 7:00 pm start time No-Limit Hold'em with a $130 + 0 buy-in. One $100 rebuy during the first hour and 1 add-on.

Thursday...A 7:00 pm start time No-Limit Hold'em with a $230 + 0 buy-in. One $200 rebuy during the first hour.

The Mirage Poker Room also hosts two major tournaments during the year. The Poker Showdown in late May is a WPT sanctioned event that attracts large numbers of professionals and amateurs alike. The Heads-Up tournament is also a crowd pleaser and is scheduled to coincide with the Poker Showdown.

I have always enjoyed the amenities and comforts of the Mirage Poker Room. Easy parking, a short walk and you are in one of the premier poker rooms in the world. If you enjoy playing poker in plush surroundings located in the heart of a major Las Vegas resort; then, the Mirage Poker Room is the one for you.

You can contact the Mirage poker room by e-mail at: dh@mirage.com or call 702.791.2290. The toll free reservations number is 800.374.9000.