Treasure Island Hotel & Casino

Treasure Island opened in 1993 and the property completed its most recent renovation in 2002. Unfortunately, the hotel -- which often gets crowded -- hasn’t kept up with with the rigors of its popularity. Wear and tear is visible throughout, especially in guest rooms. Like most Vegas hotels, Treasure Island’s heart is its casino, and the offerings throughout the property are about as big-ticket as you'd expect from a property on The Strip. The casino is quite dark and gets incredibly smoky -- though there are, of course, travelers who appreciate the lenient smoker's policy. That fact aside, what stands out is the hotel’s unintentionally kitschy treasure- and pirate-themed decor. Expect ornamental ceilings, a huge treasure map on the lobby floor, nautically-themed carpets, and a wall sculpture of shipwrecked, scantily-clad damsels above the entryway. Out front, two life-size galleons used to entertain guests with mechanized shows, but are no longer active. It’s a missed opportunity and reinforces the feeling that the property is just cashing in on its location, rather than maintaining and improving itself. Given its popular on-site shows and often low rates, Treasure Island attracts guests from across the world and the United States, including couples and families of all ages.  

Treasure Island is located on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, across the street (and a five-minute walk from) Fashion Show Mall. There’s a pharmacy and ATM in the hotel and restaurants serving sushi, Italian, steaks, seafood, and vegetarian cuisines are all within a five-minute walk. The Venetian and Wynn Las Vegas are within a five- to 10-minute walk as well, but the bulk of the glitziest casinos in town are a bit farther south. The Mob Museum and Neon Museum are both an eight-minute drive from the hotel, as are the fountains at the Bellagio. Downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience are a 10-minute drive away. The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign takes 10 minutes to reach by car, and McCarran International Airport is also a 10-minute drive from Treasure Island, depending on traffic.

Treasure Island’s air-conditioned rooms are a decent budget-friendly option if you can overlook their often worn interiors. Decor is nominally modern, but bland, with either a king or two queen beds plus accents like maroon bed runners, plush tan headboards, and dark wood nightstands. Abstract modern art adorns the tan walls, but overall, not much stands out. Views are definitely a plus, with plush armchairs situated near floor-to-ceiling windows that have gorgeous vantages across The Strip or the desert. Rooms also have a wall of often scuffed up built-ins that include desks, mirrors, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Closets have mirrored sliding doors and hold safes, mini-fridges, irons and ironing boards, and luggage racks. Bathrooms are relatively spacious and feature long marble vanities plus marble-walled shower/tub combos. They include hairdryers, beauty mirrors, and basic toiletries. The hotel’s pricier suites have swisher amenities like jetted tubs, and full-size couches. It's worth noting that rooms can be loud. Between the audible street noise and late-night partiers in the hallways, light sleepers shouldn't forget their ear plugs. Wi-Fi is included in Treasure Island’s mandatory resort fee. 

There's a wealth of features here that help this somewhat tired property compete with the tonier properties elsewhere in Vegas (though the relatively low rates also do their fair share at keeping the hotel busy). Treasure Island's huge pirate-themed casino ambles that through the ground floor. Expect slot machines, table games, a sports and race book, and lots of cigarette smoke -- especially when its crowded. The hotel definitely needs to upgrade their ventilation system.Access to most of the hotel's amenities -- including the pool -- are included in the mandatory resort fee. The ground-level freshwater pool has tropical vibe, with its greenery and tall palm trees. It also has a huge 25-person hot tub and a DJ spinning pop music. The pool deck can feel a bit cramped, as rows of lounge chairs are tightly packed together. In the mornings, the deck is shade,d but afternoons are hot and sunny -- and umbrellas aren't available. Cabanas and plush round couches can be rented.Oleksandra Spa provides standard services like massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and a Russian-style Banya. They also offer kid-centric spa treatments. It's a small space, and treatment times can be booked out, so schedule ahead of time. The sleek, mirror-walled gym features a Pilates reformer, Cybex treadmills, Precor stationary bicycles, and weight machines. There are also dumbbells and free weights. It's located inside of the spa and closes when the spa closes, which is surprisingly early. Personal trainers are available for a fee. Treasure Island’s entertainment is top notch. Mystere by Cirque du Soleil provides more an adult-oriented option, while Marvel’s Avenger Station -- an interactive experience for guests to become part of the Avengers super hero team -- is better suited to families. Comedy acts also pass through, including the occasional big name (like Whoopi Goldberg). A wedding chapel fits up to 65 people and ordained Elvis impersonators are available to officiate. Other amenities include a car-rental office, shops, a pharmacy, ATMs, and meeting and convention space that can fit up to 1,500 people. Valet parking is included in the resort fee, as is Wi-Fi. 

Restaurants and bars are scattered throughout this sprawling property. Gilley’s Saloon is a huge country-western spot with a mechanical bull, beer pong tables and big live-music area. During the week admission is free, but a cover is charged for out-of-towners on weekends (locals are free). Food-wise, Treasure Island’s 13 restaurant get mostly positive reviews. The Buffet at TI is the hotel’s tasty buffet that serves American and seafood. The restaurant has live cooking stations and an unlimited wine, beer, sparkling wine, and mimosas option (for a fee). Phil’s Italian Steakhouse has a classy interior of intricately carved wood panels and serves up pricy steaks and seafood. Seafood Shack is a casual dinner restaurant (they also have a mojito bar that’s open early). A Senor Frog's serves as a go-to party-centric Mexican grill. The Coffee Shop is a 24-hour diner with a special Vietnamese menu. Lil Richie’s Chicago Style Beef and Dogs serves up hot dogs and Chicago-style deli sandwiches. Frozen yogurt, pizza, and coffee shops are also found on-site.