If you like Vegas, think Valentine’s Day at the Mandarin

The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas is, to me, an island of elegance in the city of seemingly endless hotels. The luxury brand in one of the Strip’s shiny CityCenter high-rises snagged a five-star rating last year from Forbes Travel Guide. And what better time to check in and check it out than Valentine’s Day?

The deal: I found a few deals for a mid-February stay, depending on how much you want to pay. Note that standard amenities at the Mandarin include free Wi-Fi, gym passes, free morning coffee and tea, and more. (Prices exclude tax and a $24 nightly resort fee.)

--The best rate of the day: $205 for a single night Feb. 13 or 14 in a standard room with king-sized or double bed (Delight Rate).
--The splurge: $500 for a single night Feb. 14 in a standard room (Celebrate the Stars package) that includes two unlimited passes to the Tian Quan Thermal Experiences and a three-course tasting menu for two at the hotel’s Twist restaurant.

When: The Delight Rate is offered daily and subject to availability; the Celebrate the Stars package is good through the end of the year.

Tested: I found availability for a single night on Feb. 14 at the $205 rate ($254 with tax and fee) and the $500 rate ($584 with tax and fee) that comes with the spa and restaurant extras.

As a comparison, best room rates at the Mandarin, particularly on weekends, often start at $225 a night. And the $500 package saves a little on the extras -- the tasting menu usually costs $105 per person and the thermal treatment $50 to $60 per person for a pass.

Contact: Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, (702) 590-8888.