Bellagio is a luxury hotel that’s part of the MGM Resort Group and first opened it’s doors on the famous Las Vegas Strip in 1998. No surprise, its design was inspired by the idyllic village of Bellagio which overlooks Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. The environment is GORGEOUS and there are plenty of things to do and see.
Originally published: October 1, 2019
BELLAGIO LAS VEGAS
A walk around Bellagio (almost) feels like you’re taking a walk around the Tuscan village itself (minus the gambling and slots). The pool area and spa also continues this luxurious Italian look. It’s as if you are walking around one of the villages of Europe!
Want to know what one of the best perks at Bellagio? Your four-legged friends are just as welcome as you are! Click to check out Bellagio’s pet policy.
If you want to know what to do in this amazing city, check out my post on what to do in Las Vegas. For now, here’s what you should not miss at the Bellagio.
Visiting Las Vegas? Get the lowest prices on Tickets, Tours and Activities
WHERE IS BELLAGIO LAS VEGAS?
This ideal luxury “villa” is centrally located on the iconic Las Vegas Blvd S. Getting to Bellagio is pretty easy. It’s about three miles or 10 minutes from Harry Reid Airport (LAS) and all rideshare services and taxis should know the route. You can apply for an American Express right here that will you a $15 Uber credit per month, and $35 for the month of December.
If you plan on spending time off the Strip, I recommend a rental car, but see the TRAVELER’S TIP section about parking rates. And unfortunately, there isn’t an airport shuttle or easy public transportation to get to this superb resort.
Bellagio is in a prime location and staying here will give you great views of the Fountains of Bellagio at the front of the resort, and you can also gaze at the beautiful Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Hotel across the street, and even gaze at the tallest observation wheel in the world at the LINQ promenade.
I definitely recommend staying at Bellagio whether it’s your first time or hundredth time in Las Vegas. Now read on to fall in love with Bellagio just as I have!
TRAVELER‘S TIP: Since 2016, most of the hotels on the south end of Las Vegas Blvd (aka Strip) charge hefty fees for parking. One way to avoid this is if you have elite status in the World of Hyatt program as it’s an MGM Rewards partner. MGM Rewards’ Pearl status or higher which is equivalent to at least Discoverist with Hyatt, will get you free parking. MGM Rewards’ Gold status or higher which is equivalent to Explorist will get you free valet parking too. Otherwise the rates are pretty steep:
- Self Parking
- 0-60 minutes: No charge (1st day only)
- 1-4 hours: $15
- 4-24 hours: $18
- Over 24 hours: $18 each additional day or fraction thereof
- Valet Parking
- 0-2 hours: $21
- 2-4 hours: $24
- 4-24 hours: $30
- Over 24 hours: $30 each additional day or fraction thereof
How To Get To Bellagio Las Vegas
All the major U.S. airlines have direct routes to Vegas from the big cities. You can also fly internationally direct from London on Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, direct from Frankfurt on Condor Airlines and direct on Aeromexico and Voltar from Mexico City.
If you’re looking to arrive in Vegas in style, check out my post how to fly first class!
As I said, then the Bellagio Hotel is not far from the Harry Reid International Airport (Airport code: LAS), the main airport in Las Vegas. You can check for discounted airfare and book directly here at Airfare Watchdog.
Once at Bellagio, a free tram called Aria Express shuttles passengers between Bellagio to nearby Aria/Crystals, Vdara, Park MGM, and NoMad. The tram runs regularly Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday through Sunday from 6am to 2am.
The tram is an easy way to see the surrounding attractions around these hotels such as T-Mobile Arena behind Park MGM and one of my favorite places to eat, Eataly inside Park MGM.
THINGS TO DO
Bellagio Conservatory
DO NOT MISS! Bellagio houses a nearly 14,000-square-foot Conservatory and Botanical Gardens where the millions of plants, flowers and other props are arrayed in breath taking displays based on a theme that seem to come to life.
Because it’s an indoor botanical garden, you can leisurely stroll, shop and even dine at one of the restaurants attached to it. Definitely plenty of Instagram envy pics.
Regardless of the season, you will slow down for the fragrances, sights, sounds, and tones and be fully submerged in the theatrical presentation.
If that’s not enough, the displays change, not rotate, five times a year: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and a special display for Chinese New Year. Thus, the chances are low of seeing the same floral arrangement the next time you visit.
It’s a family friendly activity, it’s open 24 hours and it’s FREE!
The displays are, you can say, interactive. They move. Scare children (as I’m telling you it’s a good time for the whole family). And aren’t to be touched, but I saw some stray fingers. It’s also always crowded (because there are lots of families).
Take a quick loop that can either end at the salon and spa for relaxation and pampering. Or at Michael Mina restaurant or Sadelle’s for a food coma. The choice is yours, my friend.
Bellagio Fountains
Located in “Lake Como,” more than 1,200 streams of water dance to lights and music in front of the the hotel. These famous dancing fountains spans more than 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. It is especially beautiful at night.
Be aware that you can see the show from the streets of Las Vegas Blvd. Not only do pedestrians stop in their tracks to view this event, but even the cars! At times the music is accompanied by blaring horns!
A great view of the Fountain show can be seen right from the sidewalk of Las Vegas Blvd directly in front of the eight-acre lake. You know, like at the end of the film Ocean Eleven. But be ware that because there’s so many spectators flocked here, the street performers, various characters and “show dancers” do the same. They can be pushy for tips, but not near the aggression level as NYC’s Times Square.
**And the lengths some people will go to in order to get the perfect shot!
TRAVELER’S TIP: One of the best places to enjoy the Fountains is across the street at the patio of one of the Paris hotel eateries. Mon Ami Gabi is a French café serving delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, and is street level. Alexxa’s Bar and Hexx Kitchen and Bar are both Strip front and provide great views to the Fountain show too.
Rising above the Strip, Beer Park is a rooftop bar with better views and the Eiffel Tower restaurant is high above Las Vegas Blvd where you can not only catch the Fountain show, but also panoramic views of Las Vegas.
The fountains danced to this today. Pure poetry. I believe ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ is their official song….
The show is every 30 minutes from 3pm to 8pm Monday through Friday. Then every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight. On Sundays the show starts at 11am every 30 minutes until 7pm. Then the show goes on every 15 minutes until midnight.
On Saturdays and Holidays the shows start at noon every 30 minutes and change to every 15 minutes at from 8pm to midnight.
It’s family friendly and FREE!
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
You can see the works of some of the most compelling artists at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The featured exhibits are rotated, and usually has works of Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Monet, Georgia O’Keefe. Check Bellagio’s website to see what’s on display.
The Gallery is open 10am to 6pm and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets range from $16 for adults, $13 for seniors, students and military (FREE for 5 and under), and $8 for Nevada residents.
You Might See Elvis
On the rare occasion (scoff), Elvis comes back to life to do a performance. Of course his grand entrance is in none other than…a pink Cadillac!
There’s definitely much more to experience at the Bellagio. But guess you’ll have to come and find out.
Shopping
Luxury shopping one of your favorite things? You’ve come to the right place.
Head to the Via Bellagio corridor for designer shops and expensive boutiques. You’ll find an array of designer brands such as BVLGARI, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hermes, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino just to name a few!
And for a further treat, as Bellagio so aptly states: “Move over Manolo – SJP shoes are the newest designer collection in Las Vegas!” SJP has her own luxury shoe collection right in this corridor.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
O by Cirque du Soleil at the BELLAGIO. To start, I recommend any Cirque du Soleil show as the ones I’ve seen do not disappoint. O is a water feature show that is full of acrobatics, high diving, synchronized swimming that is truly virtually stunning. It’s an aquatic adventure that follows a beautiful romance that’s definitely worth the plunge (pun intended).
There’s a few half price ticket booths spread across the Strip. Check these booths for discount same day tickets.
WHERE TO EAT AT BELLAGIO
There are definitely abundant dining options. Whether you want a casual fare, Bellagio patisserie or a prime steakhouse. Here are a few of my favorites.
Sadelle’s Café
Sadelle’s is located right off the Conservatory so you can enjoy the flora and fauna as you dine or grab a window seat and get a pool view. More than a fresh bakeshop, the atmosphere is inviting with pastel poppy colors and the food is that good that it will make you get excited about it. Not to mention the café us just outright pretty! Definitely try the pastries and anything else that is recommended!
Mayfair Supper Club
There’s a few restaurants that provide a view of the Fountains. For an exceptional experience, I recommend the Mayfair Supper Club.
Not our average restaurant, the energy here is vibrant and up tempo. Freely feast on the food and sip on the spirits while enjoying the nightly performances at this good old fashioned supper club set against the backdrop of the Fountains.
Lago
James Beard award-winning chef Julian Serrano heads Lago creating a mouth watering special menu focusing on Italian tapas. It’s catch phrase is “small plates, bold flavors,” and the phrase is so spot on!
Feel free to curate your own special meal. Combine your own plates of soups, salads, crostinis, pizzettes, and seafood, or choose vegetarian delights. Another way to sample a few delicious foods, including dessert, is to try a 3-course menu for $55 per person.
Every table offers its own unique view. Either sit inside by the floor to ceiling windows and watch the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. Or sit on the patio and watch the fountains dance rhythmically to music.
Although Lago specializes in tapas, the environment and dishes are definitely perfect for any special occasion.
ROOMS AND AMENITIES AT BELLAGIO
The Bellagio is in a great location if you plan spend a majority of your time on Las Vegas Blvd. It is currently open and posted their COVID-19 policies and practices online.
During the off-peak (mid-week) season, the room rates at the Bellagio are usually moderately priced at around $200 per night, with about a $45 daily resort fee that includes free wi-fi. BUT, if you are at least Gold level in the MGM Resorts program, daily resort fees will be waived!
I also recommend you sign up for the MGM Rewards program because you get access to discounted rooms and perks such as dining and spa discounts on top of the better room price.
Fiori di como
Checking in at this Las Vegas hotel is an experience. Artist Chihuly’s 40,000 pound sculpture of colorful glass flowers suspend from the ceiling at the front desk. This masterpiece consists of 2,000 handblown glass pieces and was installed in 1998 at a price of $10 million.
Even if you are not staying at Bellagio, don’t skip out on seeing these glass blossoms. Let’s just say Bellagio knows how to keep it glassy!
Bellagio Guest Rooms
Bellagio rooms start at 510 square feet (47 sq m) of modern luxuries. The room categories are based on your view. The Resort room is standard with either two queen beds or a single king bed. The Fountain View rooms face the dancing water fountains and so do some of the luxury Premiere rooms. Both of these upgraded rooms are in Bellagio Tower.
Bellagio suites start at 853 square feet (79 sq m) to over 3,000 square feet (278 sq m). My favorite feature is the bath is also a hot tub! If that’s not enough, for an additional $100 per night, some of the suites offer a VIP lounge access that includes private check in, concierge service and morning and evening delicacies.
All of Bellagio’s elegantly decorated rooms come with all your needed amenities, and then some. There’s room service, a 40-inch flat-screen tv, in-room bar options, pay movies, private bathroom with oversized showers and extensive use of marble and granite, and most have floor to ceiling windows. All ready to greet you for a sophisticated stay.
Also, it also never hurts to ask for an upgrade, especially since Bellagio just completed the renovation of the 2,568 rooms in the main tower.
Bellagio Salon and Spa
With an entrance off the Conservatory, you will find Bellagio’s luxury spa and salon. The Spa is fully equipped to pamper you from head to toe. Your complete luxurious experience includes four whirlpools, a cold plunge pool, a sauna, steam room, and all the necessary amenities to go from indulging in your relaxing experience to being ready for your dinner reservations at Lago.
Treatments range from massage therapies to facials to airbrush tanning. Don’t feel like going to the Spa? Well then the Spa can come to you! Choose poolside massages or in your room.
The skilled stylists in the Salon will provide you with an array of services. Cut, color, and deep treatments to cater to your lovely locks. You can also get makeup, brow waxing and false lashes applied. You are now ready for your dinner date at Lago!
Bellagio also has a fitness center…somewhere. Between checking out this massive gorgeously laid out luxurious property and walking the Las Vegas Strip, I doubt your Lululemons will miss not having seen the fitness center.
*Credits in your Mlife account can be used for Spa and Salon services.
Bellagio Pool
The pool also gives Mediterranean vibes. The main pool can be seen from various areas on the hotel, such as at Sadelle’s Café and from the floor to ceiling windows as you walk to the conference rooms, which instantly makes you jealous of all the mid-day pool loungers.
The large main pool is flanked by smaller pools and jacuzzies, retail areas to replenish on sunscreen, and the pool bar and café to replenish on sustenance and adult beverages.
You can also rent cabanas, day beds and special lounge chairs. They start at $40 and can be booked online in advance.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BELLAGIO
One of my favorite resorts in Las Vegas. Definitely take the time to spend a day in at least one of the five pools and award winning spa. You will feel nothing but tranquility basking in a cabana under the elegant Italian themed architecture with an Aperol spritz.
BOOK YOUR BELLAGIO STAY RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW!
And if you plan on doing more sightseeing and activities in Las Vegas, I highly recommend the Las Vegas Pass.
Have you checked out Bellagio Las Vegas? If so, what were some of your favorites things here?
Feel free to check out these other posts on what to do in Vegas:
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