Treasure Island – TI Hotel & Casino, a Radisson Hotel

Home to “Mystère,” the longest running Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas, Treasure Island has shed its “Ahoy, matey!” attitude for a more contemporary outlook while blending a great location with mid-range pricing, shops and restaurants. The vibe: Conveniently placed and more contemporary than seafaring with good, solid rooms.  What we love: Location, location, location. Like the real estate mantra, this is what you get when you stay here – and it’s hard to beat. Treasure Island is the affordable option in a sea of five-star resorts (sitting just across the street are Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, The Venetian and The Palazzo). Treasure Island is also convenient to shopping (well hello there neighbor…Fashion Show mall) and other hot stuff like The Mirage’s erupting volcano. There’s a little bit of country in all of us, so you won’t have to be a country music fan to have a great time at Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Q. You’ll get your kicks line dancing, listening to live bands or just checking out the gorgeous Gilley Girls in their trademark chaps. After you’ve knocked back a few beers to fortify your courage, hop in the saddle of the mechanical bull.    Insider tips: If you’re coming to Treasure Island by car to see “Mystère,” it’s easiest to self-park because the entrance from the garage leads directly to the box office and theater. Park on level three where there’s a covered walkway that goes right into the resort. Although entering is no sweat, be forewarned because when the show lets out there’s a traffic jam of people in this area. At T.I., a major retail center literally awaits on each corner. Head through the sports book and out to Spring Mountain Road, where the escalator and pedestrian bridge will take you directly to the Fashion Show mall. On the other two corners on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard, you’ll find the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo and the Esplanades at Wynn and Encore. Treasure Island is connected to The Mirage by a free tram (a great way to save your legs and some cash). Good to know: If you’re arriving at peak check-in times (usually between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m.), be prepared to wait. Lines are often long at checkout time too. So unless you have an issue or need a receipt, it’s best to check out electronically. Treasure Island isn’t an upscale hotel brand so you won’t find celebrity chefs or high-end boutiques on the premises. But that doesn’t matter because all of those things are within walking distance. What shows and concerts are playing at Treasure Island?: Shows at Treasure Island include: Mystère by Cirque du Soleil and Drag Brunch at Senor Frog’s. What is there to do at Treasure Island?: Kids big and small will enjoy the interactive superhero attraction at Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. What makes Treasure Island unique?: The uniquely versitile Señor Frogs second story patio has become a central party hotspot. Oh, and the big pirate ship out front…we don’t have too many in the modern-day desert.