Bellagio

www.bellagio.com

We cannot tell a lie, even though there are newer and bigger hotels on the strip, the Bellagio continues to be our favorite. The beauty, style, and service please us and keep us going back. From the outstanding drinks at the many bars and lounges, to the fabulous beds and bedding, to the great buffet and shops, the Bellagio does it for us. Even if you do not stay there when you visit, the atrium is a must—see along with the 10 million dollar blown glass Dale Chihuly chandelier taking up almost the entire ceiling in the lobby. If you stay there, ask for a room in the Bellagio tower facing the lake with the fountain show. You can watch the #1 attraction in Las Vegas from your window and listen to accompanying music on your TV (we think it’s channel 32). The fountains are particularly beautiful at night and no matter how many times you see them they always take your breath away–$169 and up per night

• Amenities: casino, 6 pools, 14 restaurants, nightclub, atrium, art gallery, shopping mall, health club ($25 per day), spa, salon, Lalique chocolate fountain, wedding chapels, business center, 24hr room service, laundry service
• In Room: wonderful beds and bedding, pay movies, fountain music on TV, large tubs, pay movies, mini bar and snack bar, safe, internet access (fee), ironing board, hair dryer, robes, slippers.

• Hint: we don’t know this from experience but have heard rumors that if the hotel clerk tells you there are no lake view rooms available, a $20 bill can sometimes make one appear.
• Hint #2: the best place to view the fountain show is the terrace at the Fontana lounge
• Hint #3: The best bar to sit and play (dollar machines) is the Baccarat Bar lobby side where you will meet Dorothy who is one of the most popular bartenders in LV. Get her to make you a signature Cable Car or the best Margarita in town!
• Hint #4: If you want to grab a good meal and not spend hundreds, check out Olives in the shopping promenade. If you get lucky and the weather is good, you can sit out on the terrace, get a great meal, and take in the world class view.

Attractions

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: a small but mighty museum featuring some of the 20th century’s best masters, 10am-6pm Sun-Thurs, 10am-7pm Sat-Sun, $15, $12 seniors, $10 students

Conservatory and Gardens: This is a must see at least for all “newbies” to Vegas. The Bellagio spends millions per year to maintain this huge display which changes with the season, the smell is amazing, go early in the morning (when no one is there) for some great photo opportunities, open 24 hours and FREE

Fountains of Bellagio: check out the number one tourist attraction in Vegas!  Absolutely breathtaking! We never get tired of seeing these beautiful dancing fountains. Every ½ hour from 3-8pm and every 15 min from 8pm-12am Mon-Fri, every ½ hour from noon-8pm and every 15 min from 8pm-12am Sat-Sun, FREE (Hint: best place to watch the fountain show is on the terrace of the Fontana Lounge inside the Bellagio)

The Art of Richard MacDonald Presented by Cirque du Soleil: This artist is great, the sculptures of Cirque performers are outrageously good, we spotted the artist chatting with the visitors once, in the O theatre lobby, 10am-11pm Sun-Thurs, 10am-1am Fri-Sat, FREE

The Lobby: The 10 million dollar Dale Chihuly glass flower chandelier is so over the top! Open 24 hours, FREE
Tuscany Kitchen: Groups of 15 or more can take a cooking class from a world class chef, starting at $60 per person, reservations required, 702-693-7155