bellagio las vegas hotel

The Bellagio, inspired by the resort on lake Como in Italy, must be one of the world's most recognizable hotels - its fountains and Tuscan design have made it a Las Vegas landmark. Conceived by Steve Wynn, it was the most expensive hotel ever built when it opened in 1998, and set the stage for a spate of ultra-luxury Las Vegas resorts that arrived over the next decade.
The Bellagio's main attraction is its breathtaking dancing fountains. We can almost guarantee that you will come back to see them several times during your trip, even if you are staying at a different hotel. Set in a nine acre lake, the 1,200 nozzles and 4,500 lights create an awe-inspiring spectacle - the water dancing to anything from opera to modern classics and reaching up to 460 feet in height.
The lobby and public areas are styled in elegant Italian fashion, including vast amounts of marble and decorative ornaments. The Bellagio manages to maintain a classy style throughout, and if it wasn't for its large casino it would look more like a European resort than a large Las Vegas hotel.
Accommodation
You will not be surprised to hear that guest rooms at the Bellagio are designed with a demanding customer in mind - they are all elegantly appointed and give a real feeling of luxury. The beds are very comfortable and the linen and towels are some of the best you will find in Las Vegas. You will pay a bit more for a Lake view Room, which in our opinion is well worth the money. You can tune in to the hotel's own television channel, Fountain TV, to listen to the music the fountains are dancing to just outside your window.
Room amenities are of a high standard, including toiletries and plush bathrobes, and you will find an Italian marble bath with soaking tub, glass enclosed shower and sink in every room. For slightly larger budgets, the Bellagio offers suites ranging up to an astonishing 4,100 sq.ft which boasts a private solarium, verdant indoor garden and fountain, fireplace, and L-shaped bar.
Overall, we found the rooms to be warm and well appointed, although at 510 sq. ft. for a standard room, you will find more spacious accommodation elsewhere on the Strip with a similar budget. Room rates are in line with the other luxury hotels on the Strip, and special promotions throughout the year offer good value for money.
Dining & Entertainment
The hotel features an impressive list of upscale dining options, including Prime (our favorite steak on the Strip!), Circo for Tuscan specialties, and the two Michelin starred Picasso. Several restaurants offer lake view dining, which makes for unforgettable experience. There are plenty of casual dining options as well, and almost all of them have a unique and pleasant atmosphere offering excellent food and service to match. If you just want a drink, the Bellagio offers an array of bars and cafes spread across the resort. We recommend the Fontana bar - ask for a seat on the terrace and watch the fountains while enjoying one of the signature cocktails.
The Bank nightclub is one of the largest and most popular on the strip. Make sure to get there early or expect to stand in line for a long time! If you prefer quieter surroundings, Caramel lounge bar is the place to be, offering amazing cocktails and a relaxing ambiance.
Resident show "O" by Cirque du Soleil is one of our favorite productions on the Strip - the incredible set, acrobatic performances and gripping music will have you on the edge of your seat. It is an experience not to be missed.
Pool & Spa
The Bellagio features 5 outdoor pools, two of which are heated throughout the winter. They are perhaps the most attractive on the Strip, and create a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. Set in a Roman garden, it feels like a real getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, and it's a great spot to wind down after a day out, or just to soak up the Vegas sun.
Like all major Las Vegas resorts Bellagio features a large Health Club offering treatments, relaxation rooms, plunge pools and saunas. Treatments are pricey, and the club could do with an upgrade if it wants to compete with the newer upscale resorts on the Strip. A $25 pass will give you all-day access to the gym and Health Club.
Casino
The casino was updated in 2006, and offers a pleasant gaming experience. Drinks service is good and there are plenty of games to play, including over 2,300 slot machines! We found the dealers and attendants to be friendly and attentive. Don't expect to find low-limit tables at the Bellagio - $10 blackjack tables are hard to find during busy periods, and daily poker tournaments start at buy-ins of $540 USD. Many poker players call the Bellagio their second home, so expect to find tough competition at the tables.