Myself and my girlfriend spent 3 nights in Bellagio Hotel in January 2005. There are many check-in counters and we waited for around 10 minutes and we were greeted by a very courteous staff.
We booked a standard room but were offered upgrade to a lakeview room (for free). We had been given 2 sets of keys for our room.
To get to our room, we had to walk through the casino - it was not easy to find but we had been given a map as well as good instructions from the staff so we had no problem to reach to the guest lifts.
There is a security staff standing outside the lifts 24 hours to check for room key before you are allow to go into the lift. Next to the lift - there are a key drop box and a letter box which we found them very useful.
The express lift took us straight to level 23 with no wait. It even played music just in case you get bored with your lift journey. We were greeted by the cleaning staff on our way to the room !
Our room faced right in the middle of the lake and fountain and opposite paris with a good view of the strip. It was at that moment that I realise why they charged $100+ extra per night for lakeview room - Trust me its worth !
The room is classy and clean. Very tasefully decorated. The curtain is electronic. The TV has numerous channels (including asian channels). It also has a music channel that related to the fountain show.
The bed is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in... and the pillow too ! It was so comfortable that getting out of bed was a painful exercise.
The room also has a key-locked electronic fridge and a key-locked safe.
The bathroom is clean and modern. With a huge sink, bath tub and shower. It also comes with shower gels, bath gels, sewer kits, mouth freasher, shampoo and conditioners. Numerous towels, dryers and even a electronic weight scale. The water pressure was great and you can have as much hot water as you like.
Airconditioning was controlled by a switch which allows you to change temperature and fan speed.
Check-Out was easy - Switch on the TV, Click Check-Out and 3 seconds later you are done !
** The Casino **
The casino is beautiful. Although the slot machines are a bit tight - but it feels comfortable to stay here and play. Table-games are great - not too many people but it does has a high minimum.
** The Restaurant **
We tried the buffet and it was excellent. It has a variety of food ranging from Alaska Crabs to Boar Meat and Sushi. You also have unlimited drinks and you can play keno while you eat.
**** HINTS ****
1. Try to check in early or late - avoid checking in between 1pm and 4pm when everyone is doing the same thing.
2. Tip the check-in staff before you tell him/her your name ! If you are lucky, you may get a free upgrade.
3. If you arent lucky enough to get a free upgrade because the hotel is quite full, try and get a fountain view room (even if you have to pay extra $) - its definitely worth it. The show is different everytime and everytime is a different experience. You can watch the show 10 times without getting bored and if each show cost $10 each - you already saved yourself $200+
4. Go to the buffet early, there is no time limit and if you go there during bunch- you can stay for dinner as well and you will beat the queue.
5. Watch the O show, its expensive but its worthwhile. You can get good seat well in advance by booking online and you know exactly where you will be seating. (save yourself tippings). go to the bellagio website
6. For cheap eats and eating in odd hours, walk towards Monte Carlo near Broadwalk there is 24 hour buffet at around $6.00 and also there are hotdogs and burgers for cheap price.
7. For excursion tours e.g. to Grand Canyon, dont book it at the hotel, book it on internet - all tours are the same and it save you $$
8. The fridge is extremely sensitive - dont touch it unless you want to pay for the stuff inside.
9. If you are after casino experience (i.e. dont mind losing but just for fun) then bellagio casino is the best. If you are after winning (i.e. dont mind heavy black smoke and dirty machines), then head downtown.
+++ Things I like +++
* The Bed and Pillows
* The O Show
* The Fountain Show and the Lake View
* The electric curtain
* The check-out
* The electronic weight scale
* The room declaration
+++ Things I dont like +++
* The lightings
* Missing coffee maker
* Missing Wirelesss Lan Internet
* Missing In-room PC
* Spa too far and closed too early
+++ Overall Comments +++
Bellagio looks small in Vegas Standard but it's a truely 5 stars hotel. It offers 5 stars standard with the price of a 4 stars hotel. If you think you will only visit Vegas once in your lifetime and you can afford it, Bellagio is the hotel for you.
