Treasure Island Review

Treasure Island, Las Vegas - by Vegas Reviews

[Note: Even though the post says 2011 - We have visit T.I once again in 2012 and 2013.

 The photos are from 2012.  Check out more recent reviews 2014/2015 for Vegas Resorts]

Treasure Island was previously owned by MGM Mirage, recently in 2008, taken over by Phil Ruffin.

Phil Ruffin is a well known friend of Donald Trump who sold Phil 3.5 acres of land in order to build the Trump International close to the Las Vegas Strip.

With that purchase, Donald Trump became business partners with Phil Ruffin. The Trump International Hotel Tower is a successful business attracting visitors across the world, but Phil wanted sole ownership of T.I.  So, in 2008 Phil Ruffin made a deal with MGM Mirage buying the Treasure Island Casino Resort for a mere $775 million. The sale of Treasure Island had ease financial risk for their biggest investment ever - the 9.1 billion City Center development. 

Phil Ruffin made a great deal with MGM Mirage, due to the fact Treasure Island was worth one billion.

Vegas Reviews had the opportunity to visit Treasure Island Resort in 2008, 2012 and 2013.

Our first impression of Treasure Island had sparked interest as we passed by the famous pirates ship called Sirens of TI. An enchanting show featuring a band of renegade pirates from the 17th century with a story of seduction, dancing along with captivating songs and clashing fun filled danger.

Within minutes we were confronted with a steady long line-up at check-in, noting that the lobby needed some TLC. It wasn't long before we were up front with our hotel guest server with an wonderful smile. A quick and painless invitation to our room looking out at the pirate ship below.

Our room was clean with a tasteful decor making anyone relax in a perfect setting. Trust me when I say I'm fussy when it comes to a clean room.  T.I. did not disappoint with a very clear appearance throughout the bedroom and washroom facilities. 

Choppers on display at T.I. Las Vegas

As night settled in we decided to take in the colorful tropical restaurant where," It's always a party at Kahunaville!  We order an exotic island-infused drink where the glasses were as tall as us.

I ordered the steak dinner while my wife had the Piña Colada Chicken. But first we had to have the popular Calypso Calamari while sipping on our flaming drinks. The steak was a little under cooked but was quickly resolved with a fresh cooked steak just exactly how I wanted it - medium rare. The whole experience was worth it and highly recommended.

After our entertaining meal at Kahunaville we headed over to the casino, where a grandmother passed by us on a scooter. I thought that was interesting to know that complimentary wheelchairs and rental scooters were available with the TI Bell Desk. 

 Personally never had any use for this, but it sure is an important factor for those that have trouble getting around a vast impressive resort. In fact, I have had Vegas Reviews followers ask this very question " My mom can't get around very well - do they offer assistance?"

During the afternoon, we took some photos of the new Senor Frogs, which we tried out during the evening.  It wasn't the service we expected and were placed in a very dark location, where we both couldn't even read the menu.  The young female server was more interested in serving us drinks, then answering our questions about the menu AND the terrible lights predicament.  Due not being able to read the menu in the dark, I asked if they had a cheeseburger. She nodded. We asked for two and left at that.  Maybe because we are older folks, her service wasn't particularly the best.  The rest of the crowd were mostly in their twenties. Anyway, we left it at that and we won't be back for Mr. Senior Frogs.  There are so many restaurants to choose from along the Vegas Strip, there's no point in bothering with bad food or service - just move on. 

This also doesn't imply any wrong doing with T.I. Treasure Island Resort personal were cheerful and accomendating, providing us with wonderful service throughout. 

The next impressive hot spot was the nationally acclaimed metal artist Scott Cawood teamed with Metropolitan Choppers to create the custom Sirens of TI chopper on display in the TI Casino lobby. One word " Wow!"

Of course, we had to take in the took in the Sirens of TI with performance times:

5:30 p.m. (winter only)
7:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
11:30 p.m. (summer only)

What a fun way to spend the evening. To top it off we had a late luncheon at the Canter’s Delicatessen which has been a landmark establishment in L.A. since 1931, now serving at Treasure Island. Quoted by TI, "...Serving fresh, homemade specialties such as hot pastrami, corned beef, roast turkey and authentic matzo ball soup, Canter’s Deli offers delicious casual fare daily."

Update 2013 : the Canter's Deli has been replaced by :  Little Richies Chicago Style Beef & Dogs

We shared the corned beef sandwich with the largest pickle I have ever seen. This one sandwich was more than enough and well worth the price of $15.

Of course, like ever other resort in Las Vegas, we had to enjoy the pool scene.  It was an awesome experience with wonderful servers. 

Overall our stay at T.I. was indeed enjoyable and would suggest this great fun-filled experience at Treasure Island Resort and Casino.

Unfortunately we never had a chance to enjoy Mystère at TI due to other plans, but you can enjoy this show for as low as $60 with up-front seats for $109. 

By Bari Demers

Have you been to TI ? Come join the "fun" with Vegas Reviews on Facebook


Check out our most recent review of The Venetian, Las Vegas ( August 2013) 

The Venetian Las Vegas

About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.
When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

Also - Vegas Reviews is not a company. Just a fun social Facebook Page having fun in Vegas. It would be nice to be paid for reviews, but this is just not the case here. So - if you enjoy all the fun in Vegas and would like to join our fun social page - please come on by : Vegas Reviews

Please share the fun and tell your friends about Vegas Reviews - Let's see how many friends of Vegas - are there?

Enjoy your stay in Las Vegas

Make Your Stay in Vegas an Enjoyable Experience

Bellagio Las Vegas - Looking down 27th Floor

My wife and I have had the opportunity to see Las Vegas, visiting finer hotels, such as Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Treasure Island and The Mirage. All within a four year period. 

By following a few easy tips you won't leave Vegas disappointed.

About Vegas

Sin City is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week with over 36 million visitors per year. Las Vegas is a fast pace non-stop city of entertainment where you can enjoy the nightlife or just relax by the pool. Take in the fun attractions, such as the Grand Canyon Tour to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Las Vegas has a lot to offer but can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the fast pace of Vegas.


Plan Ahead

Enjoy your stay by planning as much as you can in a 3-4 day excursion. Vegas is not only for adults, but for the whole family with fun-filled packages at Circus Circus, Excalibur and New York New York. Don't try to visit all of Vegas in just one trip, plan to spend time at your hotel, go on a Grand Canyon Tour, shopping and maybe see a few other hotels. But the key is not to try everything at once. Vegas is way too big and requires a few trips.

Common Mistakes

A newcomer will try to see all the sites during their first visit and find it overwhelming after the second day. They find themselves stuck in traffic with the famous deuce bus system deuce bus packed like a can of sardines. Some will seek the Las Vegas monorail thinking this form of transportation will solve their problems.Las Vegas Monorail is faster but because the drop-offs are at the very back of the mega hotels, you end up walking just as much. But Las Vegas Monorail can be a quick form of transportation, starting point at MGM Grand to as far as the Sahara Vegas Station.The last thing you want is become caught up in the maze of traffic or bombarded by wall to wall people.

Vegas Tips

Las Vegas is like enjoying a glass of red wine. You don’t gulp down an expensive wine – you sip it slowly, taking in all the flavors it has to offer.
Here are some tips to help you out:
1. Plan to visit Vegas a few times with intervals from two to four days, preferably from Sunday to Thursday allowing for the best rates. Weekends are always busy with rising rates to suit the crowd.
2. Months before your trip, sign-up to various newsletters offered by Vegas Hotels.
3. Keep up on what other are saying on Vegas Reviews.
4. Plan a Budget that suits your lifestyle

Check your local Airline packages: You can spend from $600 - $3500 for two during 3-4 nights stay. Of course this includes airfare + rooms + flight taxes. This does not include user fees depending on the resort you’re staying. 

Even though other resorts claim no user fees – you still are pay at least $65 per night – but just remember – you can’t use internet or fitness room without an extra charge with add on taxes. As long as you’re aware of extra charges and taxes, it won’t come as a surprise on your credit card later.


· Check out Las Vegas Resorts Promotions on Facebook or twitter

· Be aware meals are no longer dirt cheap in Vegas but they still are reasonable. For best value look for promotions like the All Day Buffets from $24.99 - $50 per person. Spending $80.00 per day for two is really not that bad considering you can spend as much as $300 per day for two. Take advantage of using your All Day Buffets promotions or holiday Buffet offers.

· Entertainment Attractions on a budget,whichever entertainment attractions you pick – make sure they are close together. For example the Shark Reef , Bodies, Titanic and The Roller Coaster is all in close proximate to each other.

Shopping or Gambling Budget: Find a budget that suits your lifestyle.


5. Explore your Resort: Get to know your hotel with all its amenities, including obtaining a Players Card of your choice.
6. Player Cards: You can only get your card once you are in Las Vegas. Once you have your card or cards you can go on-line to check out all the promotions. You must be legal age of 21 years old to obtain a card.
7. Once you can find yourself around the hotel, now it’s time to adventure out to other hotels to see what you are missing. Go out and enjoy all the Free Entertainment, such as: Fountains of the Bellagio, The Sirens of T.I. ( Treasure Island) or the Volcano at the Mirage.

Wear Good Walking Shoes
Plan ahead, wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water.
Monte Carlo is center within the Vegas Strip with easy access to a complimentary tram service heading directly to CityCenter which includes Aria, Vdara, Veer Tower, Mandarin Oriental and the shops with Crystals; not to mention all the restaurant choices.

Staying at Excalibur  It has easy access to with a complimentary tram to Luxor and Mandalay Bay, which offers the Shark Reef.

Staying at Caesars Palace? It has easy access to the Colosseum and elaborate shops & restaurants to choose from.

Important to take your time and just visit a few.

If you have kids, one of the best places for kids are New York New York and Circus Circus.Your kids will love you with all the great entertainment possibilities for kids, from the roller coaster to exciting rides and quick bites.

The Key
The key is to keep coming back and get to know Vegas. With good planning along with a life style budget you are sure to enjoy the many opportunities in Las Vegas.

 Check out our most recent  Vegas Reviews at the Venetian Las Vegas - One Word: Wonderful - Be sure to join Vegas Reviews on facebook and check out what all the "fun" is about at the hotels, restaurants and entertainment in Vegas.