Established In: 1998
Former Names: None
Owner: MGM Resorts
Number of Rooms: 3,950
Location: Las Vegas Boulevard at Flamingo.
One of the most traveled to destinations in Las Vegas since it opened, Bellagio continues to be one of the top properties in Vegas. Opulent when it opened, the resort continues to be at the top of the pack from an entertainment and gambling perspective.
A brief history of Bellagio
Bellagio is the brainchild of Las Vegas legend Steve Wynn. The property was once the home of the famous Dunes Resort and Casino, which was purchased by Wynn and a partnership group of Mirage Resorts in 1993. The Dunes was demolished to make way for Bellagio, and after five years of construction, the hotel was ready to be opened on October 15, 1998. The opening ceremony was lavish, fitting with the Bellagio brand, costing tens of millions of dollars.
Arriving at the hotel is the first sign that you are not dealing with a typical resort. Starting with the huge lagoon and fountains out front, and moving into the lavish lobby area featuring millions of dollars of art installations, this is a resort for those looking to live the high life (although you don’t have to pay through the nose for that privilege). The hotel has almost 4,000 rooms, which at the time of opening made it one of the largest hotels in all of Las Vegas.
In 2000, Mirage merged with MGM, bringing Bellagio under the umbrella. The action was hot over the next twenty years, with the hotel becoming the backdrop for many movies, most notably the remake of Ocean’s Eleven. The hotel has also had a couple of high-profile robberies over the years and has seen a rooftop fire as well. Regardless, the amount of visitors that stop, stay, and play at Bellagio is a testament to Wynn’s vision.
Gaming at Bellagio
Bellagio is known for many things, but one that stands out is the sheer size of its casino floor. Starting right off the main lobby, the casino stretches all the way across the main floor, encompassing 116,000 square feet. Included in this sizeable casino are over 2,300 slot machines, spread out very nicely, so they don’t seem overpowering. You will also find well over 100 table games buzzing with activity around the casino, with a VIP room right in the middle of the action for those wanting a little more space when they gamble.
The crown jewel of Bellagio’s casino is the poker room. When it opened, this 40 table room quickly became the place to be for amateur and professional players alike. It was rare when you walked in and didn’t see the likes of Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Daniel Negreanu, and other top pros playing in the private game in Bobby’s Room. There are all types of cash games played in the room at all stakes levels, and the nightly tournaments can reach some huge prize pools. Bellagio has also been the host of multiple World Poker Tour events each year, including the Tournament of Champions. For poker fans, Bellagio is a must-see when visiting Las Vegas.
Top 3 Suites at Bellagio
When it comes to accommodations, Bellagio has a spectacular array of rooms for guests. However, if you are looking to take your stay to the next level, then one of these three suites may be more to your liking:
#1: The Presidential Suite
This luxurious 2 Bedroom suite features your own indoor garden and tranquility pool, and spectacular views of the city from the top of Bellagio. The room is approximately 4,000 square feet and comes with a butler available 24 hours a day.
#2. Penthouse Suite
These 1,500 square-foot suites are covered in Bellagio-themed art and feature the same level of detail that you will find all over the property. They can also be attached to another room to expand the overall size, and for the price actually provide decent value for what you get.
#3. Lakeview Suites
With the popularity of the Bellagio fountain show, it is no surprise that these suites are in high demand. They come with a balcony to allow you to watch and hear the show every 30 minutes but bear in mind that the show can be bright and loud, so if you are trying to go to bed at a decent hour, this may not be the best choice for you.
Top 3 Dining Options at Bellagio
Bellagio has some amazing options when it comes to dining, and it seems unfair to focus on only three, but we will do our best.
Lago
This Italian staple at Bellagio is one you simply have to try if you are planning a visit. The Julian Serrano menu is to die for, but the ambiance in the restaurant helps to make the meal. Floor to ceiling windows with a view of the lake and fountain make this one part restaurant, one part show.
Prime
If you are a steak lover, then you are going to have a hard time beating Prime when it comes to meals. This gem from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten features some incredible cuts of meat, and a patio overlooking the lagoon that is one of the most sought-after spots to sit and enjoy a meal.
Le Cirque
As you can imagine from the name, this upscale restaurant is French-themed, with exquisite menu choices complemented by gallery-worthy décor and art. This is a fancier meal, so be prepared, but your taste buds will be left wowed by the overall experience.
The One Thing You Can’t Miss at Bellagio
With so much to see and do at Bellagio, it was difficult to pick the one “can’t miss” option. While the fountain show is spectacular, it can be seen all day and night whenever you want. We think the one thing you should see when at Bellagio is the amazing “O” Cirque Du Soleil show. The circus shows put on by Guy Laliberte are nothing short of amazing, but “O” takes things to another level with this water-based theme. The theater itself is a marvel, and of all the incredible entertainment Vegas puts out every year for guests, “O” has been a mainstay since it opened with the resort itself. Do yourself a favor and book this as soon as you have your Las Vegas travel dates – you will not be disappointed!