Your Ultimate Guide to a Luxurious Stay at the Bellagio Las Vegas
Welcome back, fellow travelers! If you're planning a trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World, you've likely considered the Bellagio. Today, we're diving deep into what makes this iconic resort a must-visit, whether you're checking in for a lavish stay or just stopping by to soak in the atmosphere.
Known globally for its mesmerizing fountain show and opulent design, the Bellagio truly embodies the best of Vegas luxury.
Prefer to watch? Get the full visual experience of the Bellagio in my video below!
On this virtual tour, we'll cover everything from the stunning rooms and the serene pool area to the famous Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, explore some exquisite dining options, and even uncover a fascinating HIDDEN GEM!
And with that, let’s go ahead and start the tour!
Prime Location & Arrival
The Bellagio boasts an unbeatable central location right on the Las Vegas Strip. You couldn't ask for a better spot to explore all that Vegas has to offer.
Getting there from the Harry Reid Int’l Airport is a breeze, typically a 10-15 minute drive. When it comes to parking, self-parking is available at $20 on weekdays and $25 from Friday through Sunday. You can keep your car parked until 11:59 PM on check-out day without extra fees. Valet parking is $40 daily, though special events might see these prices increase.
A Glimpse into Bellagio's Rich History
The Bellagio opened its doors in October 1998, a monumental achievement that cost $1.6 billion, making it the world's most expensive resort at the time. In 2019, MGM sold the resort to Blackstone for a staggering $4.25 billion, though MGM continues to expertly operate the hotel.
The resort's inspiration hails from the picturesque village of Bellagio on Italy's Lake Como. Steve Wynn, the visionary behind the Bellagio, was so captivated by the village's Italian architecture that he scrapped the initial French-themed designs, instructing his team to create a hotel infused with Italian elegance.
The Grand Lobby: A Symphony of Art
As soon as you step into the Bellagio lobby, prepare for a "WOW" moment! The immediate showstopper is the breathtaking glass art ceiling, known as Fiori di Como (Flowers of Como). Created by the famed glass artist Dale Chihuly, he dedicated two years to this masterpiece. Comprising over 2,100 pieces of vibrant colored glass, it spans an impressive 65 by 29 feet (20 by 9 meters), making it the world’s largest glass sculpture, weighing over 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms).
Behind the main reception desk, you'll find another captivating art display that changes themes throughout the year, perfectly complementing the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. During my visit, it was adorned with a beautiful spring theme.
Check-in was smooth, even with an early arrival around noon. What pleasantly surprised me was the lack of an early check-in fee, a common charge at many Caesars Entertainment hotels. While always based on availability, it's a fantastic perk at MGM-operated properties. However, I am not sure if they always offered it for free when available. In any case, if your room isn't ready, the bell desk is happy to store your luggage.
Stepping Inside: The Premier King Room
The Bellagio boasts 3,933 rooms, including approximately 400 suites. My stay was in a Premier King Room, their most basic room type, which was far from basic!
Room rates fluctuate, generally being lower during the week and higher on weekends or during major events. I've seen standard rooms range from $166 to $1,025, plus a $55 resort fee and tax. Don't forget, thanks to the strategic partnership between MGM and Marriott, you can often use Marriott points to book your stay here!
The room itself was spacious and the bed incredibly comfortable. It featured a cozy couch, a practical table for work, and a large 55-inch flatscreen TV. Do note that items in the mini-fridge and bottled waters/snacks are sensor-charged upon removal.
The closet offered robes, an iron, an ironing board, a luggage rack, and a safe. The bathroom was equally impressive with a huge shower, ample counter space with two sinks, well-lit mirrors, a hairdryer, and even a phone near the toilet (for those who truly can't disconnect!).
The view from my room, overlooking the beautiful pool area, was revealed with a simple push of a button for the automatic curtains.
Click below for more hotel recommendations and to book your stay
A Walk Through Bellagio's Wonders
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
After passing a beautifully restored 19th-century fountain in the lobby, you'll arrive at the breathtaking Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This is an absolute must-see, even if you're not staying at the hotel, as it's free and open to the public. The displays are magical, with lighting that changes from day to night, and themes that rotate seasonally – Spring, Summer, Harvest, Holiday, and Chinese New Year. (Check dates here)
Each seasonal display costs around $1 million to create, with over 100 workers transforming the space over several days (hence why it's closed during transitions).
Adjacent to the Conservatory is Sadelle's Cafe, serving breakfast and lunch. They offer a unique Garden Table Experience where you can enjoy brunch right within the Conservatory itself. While pricey at $145, and only available at 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM daily, it's an incredibly unique experience that requires advance reservations.
My breakfast inside the main restaurant (Eggs Benedict with hash browns and coffee) came to over $50 + tip, which I felt was a bit steep for the value.
Next to Sadelle's is Michael Mina, a renowned fine-dining seafood restaurant open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Upstairs from the Conservatory, you'll find the massive fitness center and spa area. Even if you're not working out, the elevated view of the Conservatory from here is fantastic.
A little further past the Conservatory, you'll discover the Bellagio Patisserie, a delightful French-style bakery known for its exquisite pastries, chocolates, gelato, crepes, sandwiches, and coffee. The true showstopper, however, is the majestic chocolate fountain, once recognized as the world's largest. This floor-to-ceiling marvel circulates over two tons of melted dark, milk, and white chocolate through a network of pipes, cascading down glass vessels. It's an absolutely mesmerizing sight!
Continuing along the pathway, you'll pass Harvest, an American cuisine restaurant open for dinner, featuring an inviting open kitchen concept. Further on, past the Bellagio Convention Center, you have options: a walkway leading to the Cosmopolitan and Vdara, or an upstairs tram connection to the Shops at Crystals, the Aria Resort & Casino, and Park MGM.
The Buzzing Bellagio Casino
At the casino entrance from the lobby, you'll find the elegant Petrossian Bar & Lounge, perfect for enjoying live piano music, cocktails, and even Caviar Tacos.
The Bellagio casino is expansive, offering a vast array of slots and table games. If you're a regular visitor to MGM Resorts, I highly recommend signing up for their free MGM Rewards loyalty program. You earn points on stays, dining, slots, and table games, which can be redeemed for free meals, parking, or even complimentary rooms.
Within the casino area, you'll find several dining and entertainment options:
Noodles: Authentic regional noodle dishes from across Asia, open for lunch and dinner.
The Buffet: A diverse selection of international cuisines, including Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and American. Open for brunch Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM ($54.99) and Saturday-Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM ($56.99) and Seafood Dinner from 1 PM to 8 PM ($79.99). Note: Times can change. Double check upon arrival.
Adjacent to The Buffet is the "O" Theatre, home to Cirque du Soleil's breathtaking aquatic show, "O." At the entrance of the theatre, you can admire the captivating sculptures by Richard Macdonald, a leading contemporary artist.
Further along, there's the Sports Bar Lounge with the Bet MGM Sportsbook, ideal for placing your bets on sporting events.
On the other side of the casino floor, more culinary delights await:
Yellowtail: An innovative Japanese Restaurant & Lounge offering traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine with Korean influences, led by Michelin Star award-winning Executive Chef Akira Back. Open for dinner only.
Le Cirque: A Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rated French fine-dining experience. Choose from a four-course meal ($255 per person) or an eight-course journey ($385 per person), with optional wine pairings. Open for dinner only. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lago by Julian Serrano: An Italian fine-dining restaurant specializing in shareable dishes, with brunch, lunch, and dinner, all enjoyed with stunning views of the Fountains of Bellagio.
The Mayfair Supper Club: American cuisine set against the backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio. The restaurant is only open for dinner, but they also offer late-hour performances during "Mayfair After Dark" on Friday and Saturday nights from 11 PM to 1 AM.
Jasmine: Enjoy exquisite Cantonese cuisine, also with those desirable lake views. P[en for dinner only. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
For an overview of all restaurants, along with menus, click here.
In the center of the casino floor is The Pinky Ring, a cocktail lounge curated by Bruno Mars. Enjoy premium cocktails and entertainment from musicians and DJs. Word has it, Bruno Mars himself occasionally stops by! (Note: No photos or videos allowed inside.)
The Vault: A Hidden Gem
What might be hiding behind this mysterious door?
This was one of my personal highlights at the Bellagio: The Vault. I won't reveal its exact location, but keep an eye out for a specific door (see photo above) – behind it lies an incredibly cool speakeasy. The bartenders are fantastic, the atmosphere is chic, and the drinks are truly amazing, though be prepared for a price tag of at least $30 per cocktail. I had “The English Spy” ($35) and “The Old West” ($30). They do provide complimentary snacks and a "shot-type" drink. It's the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a sophisticated nightcap. They are open daily starting at 5 PM and close at 12 AM during the week and 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Promenade Shops & The Relaxing Pool Area
To reach the pool, take the walkway through the Promenade Shops, passing the Bellagio Tower elevators (where my room was located). Here, you'll find various boutiques and quick-eat options like Palio and Cafe Gelato.
This area also houses the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Directly across from it is the entrance to the pool area.
The Bellagio pool is a fantastic place to unwind. Unlike some of the party pools in Vegas, this one offers a wonderfully relaxing vibe. You can grab a bite at the COMO Poolside Cafe & Bar, and servers are also available to take orders poolside.
Pool hours are 9 AM to 7 PM. Free seating for hotel guests is based on availability. You can also reserve seating and cabanas here.
Via Bellagio & Iconic Fountains
Let's head to the northern part of the hotel, where you'll find Via Bellagio. This pathway is lined with several high-end designer stores and two more exceptional restaurants:
PRIME Steakhouse: Indulge in exquisite steak, seafood, and lamb, accompanied by gourmet sauces, sides, and a meticulously curated wine list, all while enjoying those stunning lake views.
Spago: Wolfgang Puck's flagship fine-dining restaurant, just steps away, offering his signature California fare, including handmade pastas, wood-oven pizzas, fresh seafood, all-natural meats, and prime steaks.
Both restaurants are only open for dinner, but Spago also offers brunch Friday-Sunday starting at 11 AM.
Continuing along Via Bellagio, you can either turn left for a walking bridge that leads to Caesars Palace or go straight ahead to cross over Las Vegas Blvd. via another walking bridge. This one takes you to the Horseshoe. If you head downstairs instead, you'll pass a Starbucks and emerge onto Las Vegas Blvd, famously known as The Strip.
From the sidewalk in front of the Bellagio, you can witness the world-famous Fountain Show. Countless fountains sway in perfect synchronization to music. I highly recommend catching a show at night when the lights make the experience even more spectacular. For show times click here.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Bellagio and can wholeheartedly recommend it for a luxurious and unforgettable Las Vegas experience!
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. I’m also curious to hear about your Bellagio experience.
Next, check out this comprehensive walking tour of the Las Vegas Strip. It will provide a great overview of what there is to see and do along this world-famous Boulevard.