I wasn't impressed with the overall decor of the room, its appearance sort of gave me the impression of a tropical theme to it. Nonetheless, if you want action then this is the place - there are TONS of games going on all the time, as the place is usually packed with players. You'll usually get a list of games to choose from besides hold'em (omaha 8/b and stud were offered when I was there, but I didn't play since both games consisted mostly of elderly locals). The Mirage is a more 'serious' poker room. It's worth checking out, although it wouldn't be first on my list necessarily when looking for easier games at limits above 3/6. Three and a half rating.
Regarding competition, it depends... I had played at the Mirage on a couple of occasions at 3/6 and 6/12. On 3/6 I'd have to rate it as easy pickings. But for 6/12 it can be tougher. The first time I played 6/12 it was a total rock fest, and the players were more serious. There was nothing I hadn't seen before playing online, but I got out after only two hours as I wasn't having much fun. On the second occasion the table was a little bit easier and more easygoing and not too much different from what you would find on 3/6. So for 6/12, the competition can be tougher, but your mileage may vary.
Dealers at the Mirage tend to be older than what you would find at other poker rooms. I guess that sort of points to the fact that the room here is more established. I wasn't too crazy about the dealers, as the older dealers I find tend to be a bit slower than what you would find elsewhere (say at Bellagio). I would like to get in as many hands per hour as possible. One dealer must have been close to sixty years old. But apart from that they were okay I guess.
Okay I guess. Older servers and my water took a little bit of time to arrive. I don't know if it was because the room was busy or if they were just slow. Getting drinks for me wasn't a big priority on that day, so it wasn't a big deal for me. It might be for someone else though.
Management seemed to be pretty well organized. They must have been, because of all the different games that were being spread (Mirage as you may know is a big poker room in Vegas and is always busy). They were able to get me listed and to put me in a seat as soon as was reasonably possible. I didn't realize walking was such a big part of the job, since they always have to be on the lookout for open seats.
Dunno - I didn't inquire about them so I remained blissfully ignorant of whatever was out there. :-)