With nearly 4,000 rooms, Bellagio is most definitely geared toward high-rollers and big spenders - or at least those celebrating special occasions. Nevertheless, at certain times of year (notably summer weekdays), you can score a standard room here for well under $200. The snazziest standard rooms are in the newer Spa Tower, where rooms have steam showers and huge tubs. Truly over-the-top, however, are Bellagio's mammoth Villas, which range from 6,500 to 8,000 square and come with 24-hour butler service, private courtyards with pools, personal workout rooms, and just about every other perk you can dream up.
Beyond the impressive rooms, Bellagio has a number of advantages, including one of the most central locations on the Strip (it's next to Caesars and across the street from Paris and Bally's, and also next to the much-awaited new City Center Las Vegas resort complex). Beyond the gleaming lobby with its larger-than-life Dale Chihuly glass sculpture, there's an indoor botanical garden, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which mounts major art exhibitions. The Cirque du Soleil show O is presented in a lavish on-site theater, and the 65,000-square-foot spa ranks among the world's most regal facilities. There are five pool areas, too.
Bellagio's known for its white-hot nightlife and acclaimed dining spots, including such notables as Caramel and Petrossian caviar and vodka bar. Top restaurants include Le Cirque, Michael Mina, Picasso, Prime Steakhouse, Sensi, Yellowtail, Fix, arguably the best buffet of any Vegas resort, and the wonderful patisserie and chocolatiere, Jean-Philippe. Many restaurants overlook Lake Bellagio, with its enchanting fountain shows.
Potential negatives are Bellagio's high rates and the fact that it books up quickly at busy times, and its popularity as not only a hotel but a tourist destination (the casino is impressive but always crowded). Also, as super-posh as it is, Bellagio isn't exactly hip or youthful - it tends to attractive an older, monied, traditional crowd.
