A little long but what can you do Bellagio 1/2/07-1/5/07 We had planned on canceling this trip because we had just stayed at Mirage 2 weeks earlier, where I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Schmo and a buddy of his(nice to meet you Joe) but we had the week off anyway so we thought Lets do it Usually we have a lot more lead time to get worked up over the trip so we were not as excited as we usually get but it might have been for the better as we did not run around like maniacs but just enjoyed the Bellagio and what it has to offer. We only hit Paris, Aladdin and Caesars and just for food as we did all gambling at B to keep those offers coming in. This trip was all about great food, drinking and drinking and gambling also(no shows this time). I’m going to lean on the food side so if your not interested in that you might want to skip this. We arrived around 11:30am and within 15 minutes from parking we were checked in with an upgrade to Lake view room for $25 more. We were in for a $109 rate so we were happy campers. Headed to ABC @ Desert Passage to get some supplies and back to the B. for more drinking and gambling. Dinner @ Fix (excellent) My special, Horseradish crusted filet over kale and a Lobster potato (a lot of lobster was devoured this trip) cooked to perfection. Sally went with a small Ultimate Shell fix which consisted of Lobster, tiger prawns, crab, oysters and clams. 4 pomegranate martinis later we waddled out of Fix a lot lighter in the wallet but a lot heavier in the belly. Back to the Casino for more typical Vegas buffoonery Day 2 Upon rising and shaking the cobwebs loose we headed to Paris for the breakfast buffet, got to love them crepes and assorted other goodies. Did a little shopping around and back to B for some more people watching, booze and well you know the routine. Did someone say lunch? Sensi here we come. Sally is still raving about her lunch putting it as one of the best she has had and she does not take her food lightly. A beautiful place and here is what we had: Sally went with the Sensi 41 (the main ingredient changes daily) which consisted of, Spicy lobster miso soup, Kobe beef tartar, lobster rolls (spicy), lobster ravioli with creamy silky butter sauce and a lobster and avocado salad. I went with the Thai marinated crab and lobster rolls. Good but not exactly my cup of tea and of course the martinis. Sensi is a beautiful place and we both highly recommend it. That evening we spent a lot of time having drinks listening to the band and watching the fountains from Fontana patio. Very nice evening indeed. Getting a little hungry we headed to Fix again for a late snack, The Bobby Baldwin burgers which consist of 3 kobe sliders, aged cheddar, grilled onions and spiced fries. The place was packed and I got the feeling the waiter was a little upset that we did not order more expensive food as to keep his tips up. But the food was good and just the right amount that we needed. Day 3 Went for a small breakfast @Jean-Philippe Patisserie where we split a Bananas Foster crepe as we had plans for Commanders Palace for lunch and did not want to eat too much for breakfast. Headed to the Fontana bar for some more VP, a few mimosas and a couple of bloody marys just the usual morning wake up in Vegas. Damn getting close to lunch, need food so we headed over to C.P. I tried to get the info of new location but was just told talks in the works. I went with a Po-Boy Ya-Ya, Pecan wood smoked chicken and housemade andouille sausage smothered in a rich "ya-ya" gravy and drizzled with charred green onion emulsion. Very messy and very tasty. Sally went with the Blue Crab Cobb salad which she enjoyed and of course the 25ct. martinis. Anyhow back to the VP @ Bellagio where I hit a couple of 4 of a kind and left with a few more bucks than I started with. What about dinner you ask, glad you brought it up. Olives for dinner was not in the plan as we were headed to Joes Steak and Seafood but we got lazy so we hit Olives since we could get in quickly. Sally went with appetizers starting with the Grilled Squid and Octopus and the Kobe Beef Carpaccio (awesome). I tried the Grilled double pork chop .I have eaten at Olives for lunch but this was the 1st dinner and it was very good. We will have to try Joes on next trip their lunch runs to 4pm if I remember right and the menu looks sweet. Observations, 1. Either I’m getting less smoke tolerant as I get older or the smoke in the casinos is getting worse. Seems like a lot of smoker lately. 2. Too many strollers! I don’t get it. Just my 2cents 3. Bellagio is still one of my favorite hotels, great restaurants, Lake view room, Fontana bar, Conservatory and of course the fountains. I have seen a few bad reviews on B and I don’t understand it but maybe I’m just easy to please but I don’t think that’s the case. They have not disappointed me yet. 4.After staying in 2 suites TheHotel and Mirage Tower suite last time I think I'm getting spoiled. Photos here http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2097211329
Sally & Mike -- great trip report! Agree about the Bellagio -- still our favorite place to stay in Vegas. We had a view similar to yours during our stay last December. Enjoyed your awesome photos. Thanks for sharing.
alikeith, I use a Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 but it has been discontinued but some of the pics look a little fuzzy but thats my fault to many martinis I guess
Thanks for the report: we have yet to stay at Bellagio, but your pictures are making me think that we have to get there and get the lake view room--so great!
Great TR. We'll be staying at the B in August so it's nice to hear that people still like it and think it's top draw.
thanks for the report, mike and sally! who was playing at the fontana, i have only heard clockwork, and love em, but would be interested in your review of any of the other bands, too!
Thanks for the great TR, mesa. Love the food descriptions. I feel you about the smoke. Since I smell it less, I've become more sensitive to it, and can't stand it now...whereas before it wasn't preferable, but at least tolerable. The pictures are beautiful.
Isis was playing ,I have heard them at Mirage and they sounded great but this time we were seated outside so we heard them through speakers which makes a difference.
Great report, loved reading about the meals.........We love Bellagio and are staying there in June, unless an offer from Wynn comes our way. We will probably try Sensi, as I like the look of the menu there. Your pictures were great, we had a similar view in August. Nothing like a lakeview room in my opinion.
Once again a very enjoyable trip report but why am I getting hungry? I always enjoy your photos...they are awesome.
Thanks for all the kind words.I learned a lot off of this board and try to give some back. Plus it's hell having to go to Vegas, Yeah right:wink Already trying to get back to see Spamalot.
I stayed at Bellagio on my last trip. I definately endorse Olives for the Carpaccio. I had it as an appetizer for diner, and went right back and made it my lunch the next day. I was told it is the number one requested item on their menu. I have no doubts about that statement!
