Nothing says Las Vegas more than the Bellagio. The classically beautiful hotel, standing majestically above the iconic Bellagio Fountains, is an absolute must-see for Vegas visitors.

The Bellagio resort features in just about every movie, documentary or TV show I’ve ever watched about Las Vegas (and I’ve watched a lot of them!). It is, quite simply, the grand centerpiece of the long neon-filled, bright and glitzy Las Vegas strip. 

So, what can you expect when visiting such a well-known and much-loved Las Vegas resort? Does the visitor experience match the exquisite exterior? I went along to investigate.

Note: Read our 2024 F1 Guide to see how the event impacts your stay.

Opened in October 1998, Bellagio was the world's most expensive resort at that time. Built on the site of the former Dunes hotel and casino, the design and planning took over two years and went through a number of changes in the process.

Although a man-made lake was always intended, it was originally proposed to be large enough to allow waterskiing and windsurfing. However, due to new laws in Nevada which were aimed at reducing water usage, the plans (thankfully) changed to what we see today. 

The initial plan was to create a French-themed resort named Beau Rivage. However, during planning, owner Steve Wynn visited a small Italian village near Lake Como, called Bellagio, and the rest, as they say, is history. The original idea was still used, though, with Beau Rivage built in Atlantic City instead. 

Location

If you’re looking for a centrally positioned resort in Las Vegas, then look no further than Bellagio.

Although the hotel and casino are a little set back from the main drag, that’s purely because of the lake and fountain show in front of it, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.

Bellagio sits between the Cosmopolitan to the south and Caesars Palace to the north and its directly opposite Paris Hotel and Casino, so you are really in the thick of it.

There are three ways to access the hotel and casino from the strip. On the north side of the lake, take the internal walkway through the high-end Bellagio shops and this will bring you straight into the casino.

Alternatively, you can walk around the side of the lake on the south side which will bring you to the hotel reception.

My personal favourite though, is to take the elevated walkway in between Cosmopolitan and Bellagio. This gives you stunning views over the lake and resort so is perfect for selfies. 

The Aria Express tram is also an option, this free service runs regularly and connects Bellagio, Vdara, Park MGM, The Shops at Crystals and Aria. You can also access Bellagio from Cosmopolitan itself. 

Due to its central location, Bellagio falls within Zone 2 of the fixed rate taxi fee from Harry Reid International Airport. So, expect to pay a flat fee of $25 plus tip.

If you’re arriving by car, Bellagio offers plenty of on-site parking, however this is priced between $18 - $23 per night.

I remember watching Ocean’s Eleven for the first time, which was mostly filmed at the Bellagio back in 2001, and thinking one day I want to gamble at that casino.

It just looked so glamorous, sexy even, and it was added to my bucket list straight away.

Thankfully, I’ve now ticked it off my list, and let me tell you, even without George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt, it’s still damn impressive.

Bellagio has one of the biggest casino floors in Las Vegas at 156,000 square feet. Despite its size it doesn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating.

Walking through it, I found the casino to be light, colourful, and welcoming. Although the casino is big, slots and table games are separated into different areas with a wide walkway through the middle of the casino.

The carpets are lavish and lush, and the cream-coloured ceiling and walls are adorned with gold swirls and lighting.

I particularly liked the splashes of colour coming from various pieces of artwork, rugs, and the restaurants located around the outskirts of the casino floor.

Lavish is probably the best word to describe it. Luxurious, elegant, tasteful are others that work just as well. Either way, I love it. 

Table Games Selection

If, like me, you enjoy some table action when gambling in Las Vegas, then Bellagio has both a wide choice of games and a large number of tables.

There are over 150 table games at Bellagio plus a 36-table poker room. 

I enjoy a dabble on roulette occasionally, and I counted at least twelve roulette tables to choose from offering various bet levels and variants. 

There were even more blackjack options, at least 40 or 50, as well as different poker variations and several baccarat tables in its own lounge. 

In keeping with the general high standards of the property, the tables were all exceptionally good quality, with luxurious seating and well-presented, professional dealers. 

Classic table games:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Three Card Poker
• Pai Gow Poker

Variants: 

• Let It Ride Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Blackjack Switch
• Mini Baccarat
• Pai Gow Tiles
• Crapless Craps
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Omaha Hi/Lo

Bellagio table games usually have a minimum bet of around $15 - $50, edging towards the higher side on weekends.

Blackjack mostly pays out 6:5, but you can find some six-deck 3:2 games on the higher bet levels. 

If you’re really serious about your blackjack, then Bellagio offers an impressive double-deck game which stands on soft 17, but the minimum bet is $500. 

The same goes for roulette, where most tables offer the American Roulette double zero wheel, but high stakes players can access single zero European Roulette games. 

If poker is your game, then Bellagio won’t disappoint. The 36-table poker room is open 24 hours a day and hosts both cash games and tournaments. 

The most popular cash game is 1/3 no-limit Texas Hold’em with a minimum $100 buy-in. Tournaments are held on Tuesdays and Sundays with a $200 buy-in.

Slots

Walking around the slot machines at Bellagio, I couldn’t help but be impressed. The vast range of games, the spacious layout, and the general surroundings and atmosphere make for a pleasant gambling experience.

In a beautiful but discreetly decorated room, you might think the bright and loud slot machines work against the soft elegance of the backdrop, but you’d be wrong. In fact, they provide a complimentary and contrasting vibrance that just seems to work. 

There are over 2,300 slot games in total including reel, video reel and video poker games at the Bellagio. That is comparable with some of the very best online casinos.

I found some of my favourite slots here, along with all the highly popular games you would expect including: 

• Buffalo
• Dragon Link
• Prosperity Pearl
• Huff n More Puff
• Quick Hits
• Planet Moolah
• Coin Combo

Personally, I’m a sucker for a slot machine with some great music and fun bonus features so I had some fun on the Little Shop of Horrors slot while there. Due to my singing along, perhaps those on neighbouring machines didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I did! Well, you’ve got to try out the machines, right?

Bellagio offer regular slot tournaments for visitors. Participation is usually free, and you are given a set number of free spins to ‘win’ as much as possible. The players who have the highest ‘win’ and top the leaderboard then take away some cash prizes. 

If, like me, you’re still dreaming that one day, you will hit the big one in Vegas, there’s also some linked games offering jackpots and progressives into the millions.

In February 2023, a Bellagio slots player won an incredible $3.2M playing Wheel Of Fortune Triple Gold Spins. Surely, that’s worth a spin or two?

Bar-Top Gaming

Bar-top gaming is more popular than ever in Las Vegas right now. At least it seems that way to me. Almost every new bar that pops up includes some form of bar top terminals.

I enjoy an afternoon playing bar top games. It’s social, it’s fun, and you have direct access to comped drinks – so what’s not to love?

Bellagio offers bar top gaming at the Baccarat Bar and the sports bar. The Baccarat bar is a particular favourite of mine as the drinks are awesome and it has a great view over the casino floor.

Bar-top games usually include video poker, blackjack, keno, and a selection of slots and often have low minimum bets of 50c or $1. 

Complimentary drinks are offered while playing bar top games. Different bars operate various systems for identifying how frequently you get the drinks. Usually, it is at the bartenders discretion or on a lights or ticket-based system. 

To play, just pull up a stool, insert your money and enjoy playing until a bartender offers you a drink. You can usually get beers, wins, spirits, or cocktails. The longer you play, the more the drinks will keep coming. 

Bellagio Sportsbook

The Bellagio sportsbook is a 5,600 square-foot venue with low leather seating, 38 flatscreens, and six large screens showing all the biggest sporting events.

If you’re into horse racing, then there’s an additional seven large screens and an impressive 99 individual racing monitors in separate stalls.  

Operated by BetMGM, you can place bets in person at the kiosks or in the electronic terminals that are dotted about.

The sportsbook has its own bar and lounge area which is an ideal place to sit back and watch your favourite sports. I played a little video poker at the bar and saw guests ordering food from other eateries around the Bellagio which was then brought to their seats. I thought this was a great touch and something I might take advantage of on my next visit. 

Waitress Service 

One of the big perks of gambling in Las Vegas is the complimentary drinks waitress service. It certainly softens the blow when you’re losing money. If you’ve been playing long enough, it might even help you forget your losses entirely!

Waitress service differs greatly between resorts, both in the quality and quantity of drinks you can receive. But I have to say, in my experience, Bellagio is right up there with the best. 

I didn’t have to wait long to be offered a drink while playing slots. In fact, I’d barely sat down. My waitress was friendly, and efficient, returning pretty quickly with my drink.

The best bit of Las Vegas waitress service is that its not dependent on your bet level. Whether you’re low rolling on 50c spins or high rolling on much more, it makes no difference. As long as you’re spinning, you are entitled to comped drinks. 

In terms of what drinks you can order, in most resorts you can ask for beers, wines, spirits and basic cocktails. Bellagio take this a little further and actually offer mini bottles of champagne and prosecco and some more specialist cocktails too. Just ask your waitress what they offer. 

I ordered a bottle of Angry Orchard cider, which is one of my favourite tipples, and is only offered at a couple of Las Vegas resorts. 

My top tip to getting offered more drinks is to tip your waitress well. If you make it worth their while to serve you, you will get much more frequent one-to-one attention. 

Anything from $2 - $5 dollars per drink, depending on the drink, will usually see them return. Remember this is still only a fraction of what you would pay if you bought directly at the bar. 

High Limit Gaming at Bellagio Casino

In a quality resort such as Bellagio, you would expect high limit gaming to be top-notch, and you’d be right.

The Bellagio high limit gaming areas are particularly decadent with spectacular surroundings and impeccable customer service. 

Club Privé is the high limit gaming lounge offering high stakes tables for blackjack and roulette. The private bar is opulent with a specialist selection of top-range whiskeys and, I’m told, an impressive cigar selection, if that’s your kind of thing.

The high limit slots lounge is situated in the middle of the casino floor and, although it is separated off, it is open to all as long as you’re willing to bet the required amounts.

I played a little in here, doing $5 and $10 spins, which is more mid-level gambling in my books. 

If this is a level you’re comfortable betting at, then don’t be scared to try out the high limit area. It can offer some peace and quiet from the main casino floor and a more dedicated waitress service too. 

Cash and Payment Options

On the casino floor, it’s all about the cash. 

You can use digital payments when doing virtually everything else in Las Vegas but not for gambling (except at Resorts World). So don’t expect to be able to hand over a payment card and play. 

It’s always a good idea to arrive at the casino with the cash you plan to gamble with rather than rely on casino ATM’s that will charge up to $10 per withdrawal.

I usually bring along a set amount of dollars in cash that I’m comfortable losing, and then anything I take home feels like a bonus. 

Any winnings you receive while gambling comes with an instant payout. If playing at the tables, you’ll receive chips which can be redeemed at the cashier’s cage. On slots, meanwhile, you’ll receive a TITO (ticket in, ticket out) which you then cash out at one of the ticket redemption machines around the casino. Even fast payout online casinos can't match that speed when withdrawing winnings.

The only exception to this is if you win a jackpot handpay on a slot machine. The current threshold for a handpay is set as $1,200. If you win this amount or more in a single spin or single bonus, then you must wait for a slot attendant to complete some paperwork and pay you out in cash. 

Of course, if you win one of the mega linked jackpots, then higher levels of admin are required and, hopefully, quite a lot of champagne too!

Despite a spate of brand new casinos in Vegas now, Bellagio still looks as beautiful today, 25 years after it opened, as it did when it was completed.

In a landscape of spectacular neon, unique themed hotels, and constant innovative new-builds, Bellagio offers a timeless classic that still wows Vegas visitors to this day. 

For me, it is one of my top three best looking hotels on the strip and feels special every time I visit. 

Entering the hotel lobby is just as breathtakingly stunning as the outside. I remember walking into the Bellagio for the first time and seeing the captivating Fiori di Como art sculpture and being wowed.

The magnificent and intricate artwork on the ceiling of the hotel lobby is the world’s largest glass sculpture and is estimated to be worth around $8 million dollars.

It undoubtedly sets the tone of what Bellagio visitors can expect from staying at the hotel, but can the rest deliver upon it? There’s only one way of finding out if that is the case, so I booked a room. 

Bellagio Rooms

There are 3,933 rooms at Bellagio, made up of 3,005 in the Resort Tower and 928 in the Spa Tower, which was built six years after the original hotel opened. 

There are seven different types of rooms, even just at the basic level. Starting from Remodelled Spa Tower Rooms to Resort Tower Premier Rooms and, for an additional cost, Fountain View Rooms too.

I stayed in a Fountain View King, because if I’m staying at the Bellagio, you can bet I’m going to make the most of my front row seat to the Bellagio Fountain Show. 

While we’re on the subject, we might as well start with the view - it’s nothing short of magnificent. Not just the fountains below, but also the central location gives stunning views of the strip both ways. And the floor to ceilings window help you enjoy it. 

The room itself was elegantly decorated, as you would imagine. Creams, golds, and pastel colours on the walls and finishings, with sleek furniture and attractive artwork. 

At around 510 square feet, its not as big as some other standard rooms offered in Vegas, but still bigger than most. I found all the usual amenities such as safe, 55" flat screen TV, iron/ironing board and hairdryer. I did really enjoy wearing the robes too which I thought were a nice touch. 

The bathroom, although not as big as some others I’ve had, was truly luxurious. The oversized shower, his and hers sinks, and large light-up mirrors all furnished in marble made it feel very extravagant and a real treat to use. Personally, I would have liked a bathtub, too, but this comes with an upgrade. 

Higher budget rooms include ‘Stay Well’ rooms with increased wellbeing technologies, and suites which range from 1530 to 3001 square feet. 

As soon as I hit that big dream jackpot that I mentioned earlier, I’ll be adding one of those suites to my bucket list!

If you want to share the sights of Vegas with your furry friend, then dog-friendly rooms are available at Bellagio. There are various conditions and guidelines you have to follow and an additional $150 (plus tax) per dog per night is also required. That cost increases as the square-footage of your room does. 

Bars

Bellagio provides a selection of bars. However, be prepared that most of them are aimed at the more high-end guest, with the subsequent price point to match. Some favourites include: 

• Petrossian Bar – enjoy a Bellagio Martini accompanied by a live classical pianist  
• Baccarat Bar – lively centre casino bar serving exotic martinis 
• Sportsbook bar – casual bar offering drinks and sports
• The Vault – exclusive reservation only lounge with handcrafted cocktails 

A new addition to Bellagio, as of February 2024, is The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars which is a glamourous late night cocktail lounge with live music. 

I personally preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the sportsbook bar and also sitting around Baccarat Bar taking in the casino sights and sounds while playing the bar top games. If high-end is your thing, though, you won’t be short on choice.

Buffets and Restaurants

Similar to the bars, Bellagio restaurants tend to lean more towards fine-dining options than casual ones. But when it comes to diversity of cuisines, there’s plenty to choose from.

The unrivalled benefit that Bellagio can bring, of course, is plenty of restaurants giving extraordinary views of the fountain show. This can really add some Xfactor to your dinner.

Fountain side restaurants include Prime Steakhouse, Spago, Picasso, Lago by Julian Serrano, Jasmine, Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant, Le Cirque and Mayfair Supper Club.

As well as incredible fountain show views, the majority of these have outside terraces too, so not only can you see the show, but you can fully immerse yourself in it. 

I’ve eaten at four of these restaurants and, let me tell you, I’ve found it to be a truly special experience each time. Both the view and the food were exquisite at Prime, Lago, and Le Cirque. 

I have to say, though, I experienced a totally unique dining experience at Mayfair Supper Club, where you will be entertained by a classic Vegas live cabaret show while you eat.  

Quick eats are limited at Bellagio. There is a Starbucks, Bellagio Patisserie and Juice Press offering light bites, while Snacks and Noodles offer more moderately priced food. 

Finally, the Bellagio Buffet is still as hugely popular as ever. Offering dishes from around the world, it is one of the best buffets in Las Vegas and really has to be experienced to be believed. Just make sure you arrive hungry to fully enjoy it!

During my visit I chose to eat at Sadelles Café, and thoroughly enjoyed my French toast brunch while overlooking the Bellagio Conservatory. 

Shows and Entertainment

I still find the Bellagio Fountain show breathtaking, and easily the most iconic show in Las Vegas, even after all of these years.

Performances take place every 30 minutes through the day and every 15 minutes every evening until midnight.

This outstanding aquatic masterpiece is the most complex water feature ever conceived and features choreographed water and light displays to hundreds of music pieces. 

Better still, its completely free. Which is also true of the Bellagio Conservatory which offers stunning seasonal displays of plants, flowers, and various art installations. 

This is a hugely popular attraction that can get extremely busy. A good tip is to go very early in the morning or very late at night so you can avoid the crowds and take all the photos you want. 

Bellagio is also home to ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil showcasing all the usual acrobatics and incredible feats you expect from a Cirque show but in a water setting. When I visited, I found this show to be intimate, mesmerizing and actually quite profound. If you get a chance to see it, do.  

The pool complex at Bellagio is one of my favourites in Las Vegas. It offers a truly picturesque and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the strip.

Walking around the Italian themed courtyard, I loved the pretty walkways, sculptures, water fountains and architecture set in lush, landscaped gardens. 

There are five different pools to choose from with two heated pools, four whirlpools and two lap pools.

Free day beds are available, as are private cabanas for an additional fee. Plus, you can get food and drink from either the waitress service or at one of the pool-side snack bars. 

If you want a luxury adult-only experience, then I highly recommend the Cypress Pool. It costs around $100 to reserve a pool-side bed for the day, but in return you get a parasol, side table, cold towels, and a personal host. When I did this, I felt like a VIP for the day! 

Bellagio Spa

The Bellagio Spa is known as one of the most luxurious in Las Vegas, and that's obviously a tough list to top. 

It boasts all the usual ammenities but does so whilst never breaking the opulant classic Italian-themed decor and stylings You'll lfind plunge pools, saunas, many different massages from all over the world, and a plethora of other treatments and facilities that will get you so relaxed you'll lose all track of time. 

A Kalologie Medspa is attached as well, as is a fitness center and salon. 

As an MGM owned property, Bellagio is part of the MGM Rewards program, which goes across all of the MGM properties in Las Vegas and beyond. 

The beauty of this reward scheme is that you can both earn rewards and use rewards across all MGM properties, not just Bellagio.

To register with the program, just fill in a form at any MGM rewards desk at an MGM property. As well as Bellagio, you can do this at Aria, ParkMGM, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur, or Mandalay Bay. Just make sure you’re over 21 and have some photographic ID.

Although MGM Rewards is built upon tier levels, it’s not something you have to obsess over as you can earn benefits and perks whatever tier level you are. Obviously, the higher the tier, the better the rewards, but climbing the tiers isn’t essential for you to get good value from the program. 

The tiers are broken down as follows:

• Sapphire: complimentary rooms
• Pearl (20,000 tier credits): as above with free self-parking and occasional complimentary concert tickets
• Gold (75,000 tier credits): as above with zero resort fees and free room upgrades (where available)
• Platinum (200,000 tier credits): as above with airline credit and priority lines
• Noir (Invitation only): as above with guaranteed restaurant reservations

When you register, you’ll be given your Sapphire MGM Rewards card, and you can immediately start using or showing the card every time you spend money or make a purchase in an MGM property.

So, whether you’re shopping, dining out, getting drinks at the bar or paying for your room, make sure you present your card at every opportunity to maximise your points. 

If you’re gambling at the tables, hand your card to the dealer and if you’re playing slots, insert the card into the machine before you spin. 

With every dollar you spend, you can register it on your account, which helps boost the rewards you can receive.

Should you join MGM Rewards?

I get some fantastic perks from my MGM Rewards card, so I’m always going to be an advocate of it.

With it being linked across several properties, I don’t feel restricted to spending all of my money in one resort which is a big pro for me as I like to casino hop and visit different locations in Vegas.

Although climbing the tiers can be a challenge, what I enjoy most about MGM Rewards is that you can receive benefits even on the lowest level.

I’m currently at Pearl level, which is only the second tier, but I still get offered complimentary hotel stays, waived resort fees, resort food and beverage credit and free slot play. You also build up comp dollars and slot dollars every time you gamble too. 

I would love to be able to go into details about how your rewards are calculated by MGM, but honestly, it’s a minefield, particularly when it comes to gambling.

While it was previously believed to be based purely on gambling spend, an MGM host has directly told me that a big part of the calculation is how much time you spend gambling rather than how much money you spend.

Either way, an algorithm decides what perks you get and when, based on your gambling activity. 

With other transactions, it is much clearer, as you receive four tier credits for every dollar you spend on rooms, food, drink, and retail at MGM properties.

For anyone who likes to keep on top of loyalty points and tiers, and is a bit tech-savvy, you’ll love the MGM Rewards app. You can track your progress, book rooms, shows, make restaurant reservations and even receive a digital room key.

No matter how many times I visit Bellagio, I am always impressed.

It is, without question, a special place. As themed resorts are supposed to do, it takes you to another place. One full of elegance, refinement, beauty and decadence.

However, it also doesn’t feel stuffy or pompous and I always feel comfortable walking around, drinking, dining, or gambling there. 

For special occasions, I do enjoy dining at the fountain view restaurants and the room I stayed in was both comfortable and luxurious. 

The casino floor is one my favourites in Las Vegas. Its big, but its light and welcoming too. On my last visit I particularly enjoyed drinking a comped Angry Orchard while spinning slots in the lively fun atmosphere. 

If I was going to give one criticism, it would be that everything in Bellagio is on the expensive side. Drinks, dining, and high table game minimums can hit your pockets harder in comparison to some other Vegas resorts. 

But ultimately, you get what you pay for, and Bellagio is definitely worth it in my book.