Left out of the local LV media (probably due to all the newcomers) is an interesting fact. In the late 80s a new Strip hotel was being built and the owner held a contest as to what to name it. The problem was that the winning name was already being used by another casino (later renamed Key Largo). What was the name which was bought from the owners of Key Largo for $250,000? The Mirage!
I thought the motel taht became known as 'The Glass Pool Inn' was the original Mirage, or so went the story told to me by a cab driver.
http://www.lvlife.com/2003/12/feature3.html
I'm, also sceptical of whether a contest was held to name the hotel that is now the Mirage. I wouldn't think you'd spend $600-700 million on a casino resort and let a contest winner decide the name. I could be wrong, though. I've never built a casino megaresort:-)
I was here and remember the ongoing contest and all the possible names suggested. When the winner was eventually picked Wynn paid for the name and I remember that the former hotel which later became Key Largo did changed its name. I had heard about the glass bottom pool story before but was told that they changed that name long before because of their special pool. I will look into which one Wynn worked with. I will also check the property and business license records for the name at the time.
http://www.stevefriess.com/archive/bostonglobe/glasspoolgone.htm
But I had always wanted to stay at the glass pool inn, alas I have missed my chance :(
