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To B Not To B

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Monkeyman, Feb 3, 2025.

  1. Monkeyman

    Monkeyman Tourist

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    My Trip Report

    DETAILS: I stayed two nights on a comp in a king fountain view room 01-22 to 01-25. This was an annual guys trip and the priority was to stay centre strip and after a less than stellar stay at Aria last year we decided to stay at The Bellagio. Check in at 12:30 pm couldn't have be smoother . The room was was pretty much as advertised but I feel more could have been done to really update the rooms when they renovated. I think more modern furnishings,new bathrooms and art could have really restored the property to the crown jewel in the MGM portfolio.
    PROS: Service was excellent everywhere . Genuine hospitality was on display and there's a reason why so many of the staff have been there since Steve Wynn opened the property. We chose Bellagio for action and it didn't disappoint. Drinks at The Vault are a must . The room is gorgeous, discreet and no more expensive than going to Petrossian unless of course you order of the specialty cocktail list. Dealers were a blast and we even found a $15.00 00 roulette table on Wednesday night !
    CONS: Brunch at Sadelle's was just average . The coffee was lukewarm and the oj in the mimosas was not fresh squeezed. The House Salmon tower was a great presentation but I guess I'm spoiled as I've had a lot better elsewhere. The clientele at the hotel was a mix or boomers and retirees many of whom were using walkers or wheelchairs and it just gave the overall vibe of a high end old folks home . For context , I am 58 years old and I have nothing against our aging population but this demographic seemed grumpy and entitled . Didn't you come to Vegas for fun?
    SIDE NOTES: The burger at Peter Luger lives up to the hype and no condiments are needed. Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars is still the most civilized place to enjoy a cigar and an old fashioned . IMHO Don's Prime is the best steakhouse in Vegas. This was my last time eating at Carbone. The food was ok but our server had an attitude and went M.I.A. for about 45 minutes.
    FINAL THOUGHTS: I give The Bellagio a sold 3 stars out of five. The rooms are serviceable but not what I would call luxury. The service is where the property really shines and obviously the location can't be beat. I would like to see a couple of new restaurant offerings. It will be interesting to see what opens in The Picasso space . Unlike Aria, Fontainebleau or The Cosmopolitan I don't view Bellagio as a dining destination.
    Would I stay again? I'm honestly not sure. I get comped at the other properties noted above so it's not like I don't have a choice.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2025
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  2. LowRollinLarry

    LowRollinLarry Tinhorn Gambler

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    Agreed that Don's Prime is excellent. Although the comp value of the room would be higher and the whole place would be more crowded, I do think you see more age diversity on a weekend.
     
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  3. Magna Tauras

    Magna Tauras Tourist

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    Agreed on Sadelle's, can't believe it does so much business. Love Bellagio, but the dining scene is just stale at this point.
     
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  4. mickyblueeyes

    mickyblueeyes VIP Whale

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    Michael Mina and Le Cirque are two of my favorite places to dine in MGM World but they are pricey and it would be nice to see something exciting replace Picasso.
     
  5. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Nice concise recap! Thanks for taking the time to write it up!
     
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  6. Jsmile898

    Jsmile898 #FBAmbassador

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    Along with Sadelle's, I think Salt N Ivy is pretty basic as well. I think Sadelle's is a bit better.
     
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  7. julia

    julia VIP Whale

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    I had a great breakfast at Sadelle’s last week—I love that they get my bacon perfectly crispy. I did not like Salt & Ivy, very disappointed there.

    I ate more meals at Cosmo than Bellagio on my stay. The bridge makes that easy.
     
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  8. MohrPfun

    MohrPfun VIP Kitty

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    It’s like we were separated at birth.

    While my renovated suite at the B was very nice (shout out to the his & his bathrooms, robo toilet and steam shower), I have no desire to stay there again. It doesn’t hold a candle to the Sky Suite Penthouses at Aria.

    Sadelle’s was ok, but it’s a very well done upscale diner, which is fine. Great service.

    I hate the crowds and the smoke (and I’m a smoker), at the Bellagio, it’s just all a bit much for me.

    Carbone is overrated. So is Salt & Ivy.

    Peter Luger for lunch is amazing, I’ve never had the burger, but that lump crabmeat cocktail is the stuff of dreams, as is the blue cheese wedge.
     
  9. Monkeyman

    Monkeyman Tourist

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    I agree on the Sky Suites but I find the service is not where it needs to be for an elevated offering. I also hate the lounge. It's cramped, too bright and the guests who just hang out their to get a complimentary soda and a piece of cheese really get under my skin. Grab a coffee and a mini croissant and keep moving please. Good observations on the Bellagio smoke. I social smoke when I drink in Vegas and the air quality at the Bellagio is awful compared to other properties.
     
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  10. OlyPhotog

    OlyPhotog Low rolling for the grand

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    Just curious @Monkeyman, how would you rate Aria, FB and Cosmo out of 5 stars?
     
  11. Monkeyman

    Monkeyman Tourist

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    @OlyPhotog
    Aria - 3.5 Stars: They need to update and renovate the base rooms and lighten things up similar to the Sky Sutes. Service can be inconsistent at times.
    FB -4.5 Stars: I find it hard to fault. A fantastic property but suffers from being to far north which might have something to do with the lack of an identity and vibe.
    Cosmo- 3 Stars: Great restaurant selection and decent rooms but I'm not a fan of the layout or the casino.
    This is purely personal of course. I have friends who love Cosmo and hate Fontainebleau or don't like the lack of theme or the location of Aria. The great thing about Vegas is we have as consumers have choice based on our budgets and personal preferences.
     
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  12. OlyPhotog

    OlyPhotog Low rolling for the grand

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    Thanks for your thoughts. I was more curious than anything else; certainly not challenging your opinions. Between Aria, B, FB and Cosmo, Cosmo is my least favorite.

    Btw, I just got back from snowy Vancouver.
     
  13. smartone

    smartone Sunshine Pumper

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    I'm sorry to hear this. I'm a little older than you (66), but this is exactly how I felt the couple times I've visited South Point. Mentally, I've not progressed much past 25 or so and am uncomfortable around crabby seniors.
     
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