Bringing “Minnesota Nice” to the Bellagio 10/16–10/19

You expecting a lot of traffic?

 

As others have mentioned, your writing style is amazing! Following along, go get ‘em!!!!

 

Birthday girl gets what she wants........ now that's interesting

 

No comment lol

 

Ever since watching Ocean's 11 for the first time in my much younger years, the Bellagio has always defined what I perceived quintessential Vegas to be. Luxury, grandeur and the romanticism of the small guy taking the casino for everything they had. When I am in town I always find myself wandering up from the mayhem of the strip into the splendid faux Italian getaway at least once. The conservatory is a perennial favorite of mine and even though I have seen dozens of the iconic fountain shows, their majestic beauty never ceases to memorize me.

Surprisingly enough, I have always hesitated when debating whether to indulge and stay here for a trip. In my voluminous Vegas research, I have been dismayed to find Bellagio's reputation as the queen of the strip slipping in recent years. With the idealistic pedestal, I have placed the Bellagio on, I feared anything less then perfection would tarnish my view of it forever. So ironically I have kept the destination I loved an arm's length away. While I have only been in residence for a brief few moments, Bellagio is living up to the standards I have dreamed of.

For a Vegas fanatic like me, pulling up the driveway and rolling under the iconic glass framed porte-cochere in a limousine was a surreal experience. Sauntering in the door after being welcomed by staff curbside, I couldn't help feeling like I think Terry Benedict did as he arrived every day in Oceans 11.

We were ushered past the throngs of humanity at the main desk into the Chairman's lounge. Check in was quick and efficient with desk staff as courteous as one would expect for the upgraded experience. There is a small refreshment area comparable to what is offered at the Sky Suites. I wouldn't make a long trek just to take advantage of it but if I happen to be near it will be nice to stop in and grab some goodies. If nothing else, the single largest advantage is an expedited registration process.

While not as technologically advanced as Aria, the accommodations make up for it in luxury. Our particular room appears to be holding up well considering Bellagio's age. After doing my standard thorough initial room inspection I did not see anything worth even a petty complaint. Housekeeping was immaculate and everything in good condition and working order. The ample living space with tastefully elegant décor will prove useful for social hangouts during breaks in the action. I look forward to sipping a cocktail while taking in some fountain shows from my grand perch. The view is breathtaking and astounding.

I initially thought it was overkill to have 5 bathrooms for our group of four, but this particular amenity proved to be invaluable when we all realized the effect of several cocktails after getting settled in the room. Not having to wait to use a bathroom is a luxury in of itself. The steam showers and being able to sweat out the demons of the night before will likely be sweet, sweet redemption in the mornings. Until moments ago I have never seen a traditional bidet in real life. When staying at the Aria I discovered the life-changing experience of a Toto washlet: refreshing, to say the least. What I didn't really consider at the time is they are toned down, user-friendly bidets. To familiarize myself with the fixture I did a "non-use" test run....and it absolutely terrified me. With the acrobatics, I judge to be involved along with the dangerous potential for overzealous misjudgments on pressure and temp....I think I will be staying away from these devilish contraptions.

At this point in time, I find myself content and pleased with our current situation. Surrounded by incredible friends, in an incredible room, in an incredible city. Right now....I have the world on a string.

As I have mentioned, my goal is to make this report as "live" as possible, but intentions don't always translate into reality. While further updates will be undoubtedly less verbose, I will put forth a valiant effort in keeping the report interesting in the literary sense along with the photographic bombardment that is sure to follow.

 

Good luck...go quadruple that bankroll!!

 

What an amazing view you have of the fountains! I learned something new this evening; had never heard of the bidet concept till you posted a pic and I researched the concept. Very Interesting!

 

hope you enjoy your trip!

 

At the VIP penthouse check in lounge/ Chairmen lounge the Butler will bring you a nice 18 year old scotch if you tip him $10 and it will be a few oz. They bring different snacks at different times of day. The bathrooms in there are awesome

 

Fifteen years ago when the Wynn’s were still running the joint I splurged on the Bellagio for our tenth anniversary. I had my wife convinced that we were staying at the Trop. She was talking about hoping to see the fountains when the limo turned up the drive. She was still in tears when an employee grabbed our bags and led us to the check in. Ten minutes after we got to our room there was a knock at the door. It was a bellhop with a fountain music CD in a gift bag. Very classy, I took credit for that for years.

 

I have fallen in love with your very gifted writing style and with the commencement of your adventures to boot. I hope you have a spectacular trip. Looking forward to following along.

 

It's a pretty damn fun trip when you actually do it! Even without a handpay!

Good luck @Mnguy763!

 

Ended up getting slauced. Had a productive run at the tables even though I swore I wouldn’t end up there. Update tomorrow as sobriety and time allows

 

I love that one!!

 

If VMB had a Best Seller list, this one would win for the writing style. Good luck and looking forward to reading more. If nothing else, this report is helping me strengthen my vocabulary!!!

 

Had an amazing first day, but was in bed by midnight. The compounding effect of minimual sleep and partaking in a plethora of cocktails was felt and ushered me into bed rather early.

I wasn’t planning on hitting the tables this trip but in a booze induced moment of weakness I ended bellying up to one of bellagio tables. After laying a few crisp bills down I was in for a wild ride. I ended up walking away 400 up. I am not a huge fan of playing while not in the right frame of mind and I took some rather idiotic risks in plays but ended up doing ok.

We saw the infamous volcano show and wandered aimslessly seeing the sights. Today will be the real start of adventure time now that we are settled in.

After sleeping like a rock for the best nights rest I had in a long while, I am wide awake and amazingly with no hangover whatsoever. It is time to test out and enjoy a rejuvenating steam shower.

 

Awesome! What were you playing?

 

Blackjack. Table was running well and had a good groups of players who were fun to be around and the dealers were phenomenal in terms of personality.

 

Spent a good part of the morning walking around half the strip. Has been enjoyable playing tour guide. The Vegas virgins are in awe and I think I may have them hooked on the city already! Adding more degenerates to the group!

Time to grab a light lunch of delicious pizza and have the first cocktail of the day

 

A mojito is a damn good way to start the day. Nice and refreshing to get the blood moving. Bring on the buzz!