Bellagion trip report, 7/31 - 8/5

We celebrated our 11th anniversary (8/1) at the Bellagio from 7/31 until 8/5. It was our first trip to LV and we had a wonderful time. We have 2 boys (ages 3 and 6). Since we’ve been married we always take one very nice trip, without the kids, for our anniversary. We’ve gone places like Hawaii, Bahamas, Cayman’s, Playa del Carmen Mexico, Jamaica, etc. We usually try to pick a cool spot since our anniversary is in the heat of the summer. We never picked Vegas because we are not big gamblers and we heard a lot about the heat. Well we are glad we decided to do it this year and sorry we took so long. We’ve had the same travel agent for a while so she knows what we like and always have excellent recommendations.
We had an 11:55 flight out of Houston on Continental and arrived about 1:20 LV time. We were about 20 minutes late (in a holding patter for about 15 minutes due to a storm that quickly passed over). This was OK because it cooled things off a great deal.
We took the Showtime shuttle to Bellagio. The ride was great. We made one stop at the Aladdin. When we stopped we looked around and Cuba Gooding Jr. was about 8 feet from our window. My wife snatched the camera and took his picture.
When we stepped into the Bellagio lobby, all we could say was “WOWâ€. Our room wasn’t quite ready, so we went walked around a little and then went to the Bellagio buffet. The food was excellent. By this time the room was ready. We went up to the 17 floor (room 17-020) and walked in and yet again, all we could say was “WOWâ€. The room was gorgeous, spacious and spotless. We were in the dead center of the fountain area so we spent a lot of time in the window (especially at night) listening to the music (piped to the TV) and watching the fountain show. It was absolutely amazing. Throughout the 6 days that we were there, they played a variety of songs. We basically spent the rest of the day admiring the beautiful lobby, pool area, taking pictures, etc. We also played a few slots (about $20 each). We were still kind of full from the late buffet so we just got a coffee and sandwich that night from the pastry shop (near the pool). The next day, Friday, was our anniversary. We took the Bellagio buffet around 10:00. It was great and held us until our anniversary dinner at Aqua at 7:30. Prior to this, we took a 3-hour walk to walk off some of the buffet before dinner. We toured several of the hotels. During the time that we were there we hit them all except the RIO and Rivera. The environment at Aqua was great. Everything was well prepared. My wife wanted the lobster pot pie and the taste menu option. So she got the lobster and I got the taste option. I liked hers and she liked mine so it worked out great.
This is getting kind of long so I am going to tri and cut it short.
- Each day we took about a 2 to 3 hour walk touring the other hotels. The weather was great (sprinkle cooled it off).
- We ate at Jasmine Sat. night. It was the best meal that we had while we were there. Everything was well prepared. We had spring rolls and lobster dumpling for appetizers and I ordered the duck and my wife had some type of shrimp dish. Everything was delicious. It was about $100 for both (including 1 drink and tip) and it was well worth it. We say the 10:30 O show. It was great. My wife fell asleep once, not because she was board, but it was the wine and the fact that it was actually 12:30 a.m. out time.
- Sunday we dressed up a little and went to the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. The food wasn’t the best, but the experience was wonderful. The entertainment was great. They got the crowd involved and everyone had a wonderful time. The group called us (all birthdays and anniversaries) on the stage and we sung the last song with the group.
- We got the 3:00 couples massage at the Bellagio. It was great! $30/day charge to use the gym, spa, etc., but on the day that you have the massage you can use the facilities for free that day. It was wonderful.
- Breakfast at the Café Bellagio was great.
- We tried the Paris breakfast buffet on Monday. It was excellent! There were lots of choices. I would rate it as #1 and the Bellagio breakfast buffet at #2.
- If you go to the Bellagio get the VIP gambling card first. Even if you don’t gamble, it gives you special privileges to the buffet and Café Bellagio. Regardless of how long the line is you can march right to the front (VIP line) and be seated.
- The Paris tower was a great experience. We got to see the whole city.
- The Freemont Street experience down town was great Monday night).
- We got the 15-minute Aqua message at Caesar’s on Sat. and it was great.
- On the last night we wanted something different so we took a taxi about 6 miles to a strip (near the Best Western) with lots of restaurants. We at it a Caribbean restaurant. It was great. We had jerk shrimp, chicken, Bahama Mama’s, etc. It was fun.
- There is a CVS near NYNY so we went and bought water and few other items.
- Overall, the Bellagio is a great place for a special occasion. You do not feel stuffy at all. It was the only place that we went where were not bugged by the time-sharing people. While gambling, ALL drinks are free. Regardless of the time of day or night. All you have to do is tip the waitress.
- On Saturday I learned to play ‘Let it Ride. Within the first hour I had a flush and won $390 (boy I wished I had bet more J). Anyway, we are not big gamblers, but I did come home with $80.
- Our flight back to Houston was great. We got in about 8:30 Tuesday night. We were glad to see the boys and they were glad to see us.

We can’t wait to go back. My wife is talking about going back for her BD in Feb. We will see.

For those basketball fans, while in the Bellagio casino one night I was a few feet from B.J. Armstrong (Chicago Bulls) and Jermaine O'Neal (Indiana Pacers). There was a couple of other bench ball player. I recognized their faces, but can't call their names.

Thanks again for everyone who communicates on this board. It was VERY helpful while we were planning out trip.
Excuse the grammar and typos, I typed this kind of fast.

 

What is the difference between a VIP players card and the regular card ? Also, how do you obtain it ?

 

At the Bellagio you go to the players club to get the regular card. During that time, they also give you a seperate VIP card for the Bellagio Buffet and the Cafe Bellagio. I'm not sure if this is the same at the other hotels. With the Bellagio MGM players card you can use it at MGM Grand, Golden Nugget, NYNY, Treasure Island, and Mirage. The VIP card is only good for the Bellagio restaurants listed on the card.

 

Not sure if I was clear in my last update. At the Bellagio there is a Players Club desk in the middle of the casino. You can't miss it.

 

I guess I am confused. I can go to the Bellagio players club desk to get my card and they will give me a VIP card to use as a line pass ? BTW, I really enjoyed your trip report. Thanks

 

Thank you for posting your report. I have been hearing nothing but praise for the Paris breaksfast buffet. I typically don't like to go out to eat breakfast, but I do like breakfast buffets. We are leaving on Sunday for Vegas. I have already told my husband this is one thing I really want to do this trip.

 

I enjoyed reading your trip report. Lobster pie sounds delicious!!