Las Vegas has plenty of high-end hotels, but Bellagio sits in a league of its own.
Between the world-class casino, the legendary restaurants, and the over-the-top décor, it’s the definition of luxury.
Inspired by Lake Como in Italy, it’s got European elegance with a full-throttle Vegas twist. That said, this self-described downtown player wanted to see if the strip stunner lived up to the hype – so I booked a stay and ate, bet, and boozed my way through the property.
Let’s see what I uncovered with this review of the Bellagio Las Vegas.
Why Stay at the Bellagio?
Some real talk here: I’ve been picking mid-range hotels ever since I started coming to Vegas. I’m happy with a basic bed, a solid steakhouse, and a decent list of imported beers.
To put it lightly, Bellagio ain’t this kind of player.
If you’re going to splurge in Vegas though, the Bellagio is one of the main places to do it. In fact, my friend told me that the Bellagio isn’t just a hotel: it’s an experience.
Most players will rave to you about:
- The Casino: A gaming floor that stretches over 156,000 square feet, packed with high-limit tables, exclusive poker rooms, and some of the best service on the Strip.
- The Restaurants: You’ll find Michelin-starred dining, celebrity chefs, and some of the best buffets in town.
- The Shopping: Bellagio shops bring Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and other luxury brands under one (very expensive) roof
- The Atmosphere: From the Chihuly glass ceiling in the lobby to the synchronized fountains, every inch of this place screams elegance.
In all, it’s grand, it’s polished, and it somehow still feels welcoming despite the price tag.
But did all of this really ring true for me?
The Bellagio Casino Floor: Massive + High Limit
Bellagio’s casino is a player’s paradise.
The layout is spacious, the dealers are true professionals, and the crowd is a mix of seasoned gamblers and well-dressed tourists.
- Slot Machines – Over 2,700 machines, with everything from penny slots to $5,000-per-spin high-limit options.
- Table Games – Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps – you name it, it’s here. Minimum bets are higher than most casinos, but the vibe is high-end, not rowdy.
- Poker Room – This is where legends play. Bellagio’s poker room has hosted some of the biggest games in the world, and even the lower-stakes tables have a serious crowd.
I’ll be real though: if you’re a low-limit blackjack player like me, this place can feel intimidating. The cheapest blackjack table I saw was $25 a hand, and most were much higher.
The poker room? Massive, with 40 tables. You’ll find some 1-3 tables here, which is good for a guy like me, but it slants toward higher buy-ins up to $10/$20. But even if you’re not betting big, there’s something about playing here that feels different.
The dealers are fast, friendly, and professional – the kind even Joe Pesci would hesitate to smack with a phone.
Even the chips are clean and heavy.
Heck, even the cocktail waitresses actually bring drinks quickly (which isn’t always the case on the Strip) as long as you’re happy tipping out a bit higher than your downtown dive.
Bellagio Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Dream
The food scene at Bellagio is next level.
Whether you want a casual bite or a Michelin-star experience, you’ll find it here.
- Le Cirque: French fine dining at its best. It’s intimate, elegant, and one of the best meals I’ve had in Vegas.
- Michael Mina: Flown-in-daily seafood, a fresh raw bar, and innovative dishes. With tableside preparations, expert pairings, and craft cocktails you can’t go wrong.
- Yellowtail: High-end Japanese with a flare of Korean essence – and a great view of the fountains, if I don’t say so myself. Their sushi is fresh, and the cocktails are strong.
- Prime Steakhouse: A Jean-Georges classic. The steaks are perfectly aged, and the service and wine list are basically flawless.
- The Buffet: It’s not cheap ($70+ per person), but the seafood and dessert sections are worth it. Not to mention the live-action cooking station.
I get it though: not everyone is looking to drop $300+ on dinner. If you’re the kind of person who prefers fast food or casual eats, Bellagio’s options are limited.
But, if you’ve ever wanted to see what a truly world-class meal tastes like, this is your chance.
The buffet? Yeah, it’s expensive.
But when you can load up on as many king crab legs as you like, you can earn back that value pretty quickly. Just skip the rice and pasta.
The Shopping: Luxury at Every Corner
Bellagio’s shopping arcade isn’t for casual browsing – it’s for serious spending.
Don’t expect to see H&M or Old Navy here, though maybe they were hidden in a corner that I never got to explore.
At the end of the day, this is a place with every luxury brand that you can think of, and here’s a quick preview of the ones I saw:
- Chanel, Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Valentino, Louis Vuitton: If you forgot to pack designer shoes or your jacket, Bellagio’s got you covered.
- Tiffany & Co., Rolex: Window shopping here makes other malls feel basic.
- Art Gallery & Boutiques: There’s even an art gallery featuring pieces from world-famous artists.
Again, I mentioned up top that I’m a steakhouse and blackjack guy – don’t expect me to get too personal with the shopping aspect of this Bellagio review.
That said, I did stop to check out a Rolex just for fun.
The salesperson knew I wasn’t buying, but they still treated me like a VIP: that’s the Bellagio difference.
Bellagio Rooms: The Peak of Luxury
I should note that in 2015 Bellagio revamped all 4,000 rooms for $165 million.
Now, its 2,568-room main tower has been refreshed with modern, water-inspired designs, courtesy of The Gettys Group and MGM Resorts.
Bathtubs are out, marble showers are in, and backlit mirrors add a luxe touch.
Quite frankly, if you value your room more than the gaming floor you can’t go much better in Las Vegas.
I’ve stayed in my fair share of $100-per-night Vegas hotels, and while they’re fine, you really feel the difference at Bellagio.
One little tip? Ask the front desk if they can arrange a room with fountain views.
If you’re there on a weekday and play your politeness cards right – or bluff all-in that you’re on your honeymoon – you just might get one.
Is the Bellagio Worth It?
Look, nobody said that staying here is cheap.
A standard room at Bellagio starts at around $300 to $500 per night, depending on the season.
Compare that to an average Strip hotel, which runs $100 to $250 per night, and it’s clear you’re paying a premium.
But what does that extra cash get you?
- Better service: Everything is polished, from the concierge to the dealers. You won’t find the chaos of budget hotels here.
- Location: You’re right in the middle of the strip and all its action, with the best casinos and restaurants within walking distance.
- Room quality: The standard rooms are like the premium ones offered off-strip, but if you go for a suite, you’re really getting some of the best views in Vegas.
At Bellagio, there’s no long check-in line full of people dragging coolers in from the last gas station on Highway 15.
No sticky carpet in the hallways.
No broken ice machines.
Everything here is smooth, quiet, and high-end.
I would recommend splurging just once to find out if it fits for you.
That said, if you’re coming to Vegas just to gamble on $5 blackjack tables and grab a cheap burger between sessions, Bellagio might not be for you.