Las Vegas' Mirage Hotel to Close After 34 Years, Transforming into Hard Rock Resort

The Mirage Hotel and Casino, a landmark on the Las Vegas Strip, will close its doors for good on July 17, 2024, marking the end of an era for a property that has been a significant part of the city’s transformation into a luxury resort destination. Opened in 1989, the Mirage was the first megaresort on the Strip, setting a precedent for the extravagant developments that followed in the 1990s. Its closure will pave the way for a major redevelopment project that will see the site transformed into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, featuring a striking 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower.

The Mirage, known for its iconic volcano that erupted nightly and its lush tropical theme, was a pioneer in creating sidewalk attractions that drew visitors from around the world. It was home to legendary performances, including the famous magic act of Siegfried and Roy, who captivated audiences with their exotic animals. The hotel also hosted a Cirque du Soleil show featuring music by The Beatles, which has been a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for nearly two decades.

The decision to close the Mirage comes after its acquisition by Hard Rock International in 2022 for over $1 billion. The company announced that the last day for hotel guests will be July 14, with all reservations beyond that date being canceled and refunded. The closure will result in the layoff of more than 3,000 employees, with the company committing to pay approximately $80 million in severance packages. The Culinary Workers Union, representing many of the affected employees, has stated that workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service, along with options for future employment when the new hotel opens.

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, expressed gratitude to the Las Vegas community and the Mirage staff, stating, “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage.” This sentiment reflects the deep ties the hotel has forged with both its employees and the local community over the decades.

The Mirage was developed by casino mogul Steve Wynn and opened with a Polynesian theme, quickly becoming a symbol of luxury and innovation. It was the most expensive hotel ever built at the time, costing $630 million. The success of the Mirage spurred a building boom on the Strip, leading to the creation of other iconic resorts such as the Luxor and the Bellagio.

As the Mirage prepares to close, it follows the recent shuttering of the Tropicana Las Vegas, which closed in April 2024 to make way for a new baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics. This trend of redevelopment reflects a broader shift in Las Vegas, where older properties are being replaced with new developments that cater to changing consumer preferences and the evolving entertainment landscape.

The new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is expected to open in 2027, promising to bring a fresh wave of entertainment and hospitality to the Strip. The redevelopment will not only transform the physical space but is also projected to create thousands of new jobs, with the construction phase alone expected to generate over 2,500 jobs.

The Mirage’s closure signifies more than just the end of a hotel; it represents a shift in the narrative of Las Vegas itself. As the city continues to evolve, the legacy of the Mirage will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the story of one of the world’s most famous entertainment destinations. The final performances of its beloved shows and the last eruptions of its volcano will soon be memories, as the Strip prepares for a new era of hospitality and entertainment.