When it opened in 1998, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino was the most expensive hotel ever built, having cost over $1.6 billion. Bellagio has over 4,000 rooms and suites, and employs a staff of over 10,000 persons. This very high-end resort hotel is a landmark on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Upon arrival, the Bellagio guest is transported into an elegant northern Italian resort, inspired by the Bellagio resort at Lake Como. The Las Vegas Bellagio comes complete with an astounding art gallery collection, elegant gaming facilities, lavish accommodations, award-winning restaurants and a luxurious spa. Throughout the resort, the guest is surrounded by masterpieces of some of the world's most famous artists. Many visitors choose Bellagio as the site of a wedding, a planned marriage proposal, a birthday or anniversary party, or other romantic occasions. (Note: Children under 18 are only allowed on the property if staying at the hotel, and families with children are encouraged to stay elsewhere.)

The Lobby

The adventure starts right at the entrance, where overhead the famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly, has created a breathtaking collection of more than 2,000 flowers called "i Fiori di Como" - each one made from hand-blown glass.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Just past the lobby the visitor will find Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a magnificent garden bathed in fragrance and color. Flowers and plants of all sorts immerse the guest in the beauty of nature. This facility is a quiet retreat from the noise and excitement of the pools and gaming rooms. Guests can create their own photo essays of some of the planet's most exotic and beautiful flora.

The Fountain Show at Bellagio

The Fountains at Bellagio is a "must see" spectacular for the visitor. The water-shoots up from the fountains as much as 245 in the air over the eight-acre lake in front of the entrance to the Bellagio. Lit up by thousands of lights, the water seems to dance in rhythm to classical and popular music. The fountain show is scheduled for several convenient times every day.

Art Gallery

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art boasts works of many renowned artists through the centuries, both in a permanent collection and in exhibitions that run for several months at a time. The art gallery has exhibited works by Monet, Picasso, Ansel Adams, Fabergé and many others.

Casino

Bellagio's casino floor is an expanse of elegant gambling. Low ceilings and fabric over the gaming tables make small canopies, to create more intimate space area for gamblers. Both the serious player and the casual gambler can play poker, either high limit or low limit, in a luxurious, separate poker room. The Bellagio Poker Room is a smoke-free environment. There the player will find games like Texas Hold 'em and 7 Card Stud. The casino also offers non-stop blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and newer games like Caribbean stud, Pai Gow tiles and Let it Ride. A full array of innovative slot machines is found throughout the facility. Bellagio also offers an exclusive "Players Club" that provides premium gaming privileges for its members. Guests can make sportsbook and racebook wagers in style and luxury in a 200-seat facility, watching all the action on 137 TV's and on Bellagio's four state-of-the-art display screens.

The Show: "O" -- Cirque de Soleil

"O" - Cirque du Soleil -- pays homage to the magic of the theatre - from the simplest street performance to the most lavish of operas , where life plays itself out as a drama before the audience's very eyes. This is only one of two permanent shows in the world performed by the world-famous French troupe. The showroom seats 1,800 people, and is often sold out, so early reservations are recommended.

The Nightclub: Light

The nightclub Light creates an exhilarating, yet elegant hot spot for night club life, imported directly from New York City to Las Vegas. It's plush, rich décor is the backdrop for an animated dance party. The sound and lighting system set the mood for an evening of dance and excitement.

Fine Dining

Bellagio is the only resort in North American with two AAA Five-Diamond Award winning restaurants. Le Cirque, a culinary landmark of New York City, moved to Bellagio when it opened. Le Cirque offers luxuriant surroundings and the best of French cuisine, both rustic and elegant. Le Cirque is joined by the other award winner, Picasso, and the unusual Mediterranean-American fare of Todd English's Olives.

Bars

The Fontana Bar is central to all other activities, with live entertainment and a wide view of Lake Bellagio. The Caramel Bar & Lounge specializes in fine cocktails and special drinks, all in an intimate atmosphere. The music is a diverse array of hip-hop, classic rock, Sinatra and Bennett, and more. The Petrossian Bar just off the lobby is a sophisticated meeting place, offering such delights as smoked salmon and Petrossian Caviar, accompanied by champagne, of course. Another pleasure stop is the Baccarat Bar, next to the Baccarat Saloon and in the middle of the casino action. Exotic specialties and favorite drink classics are served to the mellow accompaniment of a baby grand piano. Liquid chocolate fountains greet the visitor to at the Jean-Philippe Patesserie. This location offers a wide selection of tempting sweets and other items including cakes, cookies and chocolates as well as sandwiches and salads.

Shopping

The Shops at Via Bellagio include such fashion names as Tiffany, Hermes, Armani, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Fred Leighton, Dior, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci. Many other shops are found on the "Via Fiori" and the "Pool Promendade".

Spa

Spa Bellagio allows the guest to be pampered by a full offering of body treatments and facials, including unique offerings like Thai Yoga Massage and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. The Spa at Bellagio offers a complete exercise facility (both genders) with weight machines, free weights, and the latest in cardiovascular equipment. A complete staff of fitness instructors and spa attendants is on hand. Personalized training is available.

Golf

Bellagio guests may go for a round of golf at the acclaimed Shadow Creek course. Designed by well-known golf architect Tom Fazio, Shadow Creek provides the golfer the natural beauty of rolling terrain, running creeks, gardens and views of the mountains. Limousine transportation and a personal caddie are provided as part of the golfing package.

Pools

Bellagio offers five pools and four Jacuzzis in a Mediterranean-style setting.. The visitor can enjoy relaxing pools in a classical setting, surrounded by garden views and cabanas. Adding to the decorative theme is a fountain in the middle of each pool, reminiscent of the fountains in Rome.

Elegant Accommodations

The standard rooms (all 4,000 of them) have all the amenities one would expect from the top of the high-end hotel, including a fully-stocked minibar, beautiful views, bathrobes and whirlpool tubs. Bellagio's penthouse suites occupy the top seven floors and are designed like villas, ranging from 1,500- to 2,000-square feet. They have his-and-hers bathrooms (his with a steam shower, hers with a soaking whirpool tub), a wet bar, 24-hour butler service and complimentary limousine transport to and from the airport.

Weddings

The Bellagio Wedding is designed as the top of the line. Two European-style wedding chapels are available (reserve them well in advance!). The South Chapel will seat over 130 guests. Packages include all the necessaries: precision photography, videotape, broadcasting, flowers and gourmet catering.

Meetings and Conventions

Facilities include the Grand Ballroom (45,000 square feet), the Ballagio Ballroom (22,000 square feet), and 14 meeting rooms of from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet. Each meeting room is equipped with speakerphones and data ports. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available. Bellagio also provides a professional support staff to deliver faxes, send mail and assist with word processing.