"The Bellagio Hotel"

Home of the famed Cirque du Soleil show O, the Bellagio Hotel has this and much more to offer the Las Vegas guest. Opened in 1998, this luxury hotel is patterned after a Roman extravaganza, but offers everything for the modern traveler.

Sited on the shores of a 10-acre man-made lake, the hotel houses 20 restaurants and cafes, a 65,000 square foot spa and salon and a dozen other attractions.

The famed Bellagio Fountains are just outside. A thousand choreographed sprays blossom into the air in a water ballet that has to be seen and heard to be appreciated. The jets are timed to classical music and Las Vegas visitors will often stand in front of them day or night for an hour and watch the show.

The lobby alone is worth a visit. The ceiling displays 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers each hand-crafted to perfection. The Fiori di Como are multi-colored works of art that form only one astounding part of this city within a city.

Just off to the side are other fascinating things to see, such as the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Within its walls are exotic plants from all over the world. Those who have enjoyed the botanical gardens of London or New York won't be disappointed.

The Fine Arts gallery is an option, even for those not staying at the hotel. With dozens of works by Picasso, Monet, van Gogh and other masters, it's small but impressive. Easily the equal of many European art museums, art lovers will find many works to view and enjoy. An audio tour is available.

Unlike some of the hotels, the Bellagio is restricted to those over 18 unless they are guests of the hotel. One reason is the centrality of the large casino within the property. Visitors will pass through it on their way to almost any of the other attractions. Under these orange canopies you can find just about anything in the way of gambling, from $1 slot machines all the way up to $5,000 per hand poker tables.

Not inexpensive by Las Vegas standards, the Bellagio rooms can easily cost $250 a night, though discounts are a possibility during off-days or weeks. But you'll definitely get your money's worth. Whether it's the luxurious Italian provincial-decorated rooms, or the high-end spa, you'll find elegance and pampering are routine here. The spa architecture has an unusual feature to enhance the visitor's experience: walls made of water. The music and general ambiance will melt your stress away.

Even with over 3,400 rooms they offer a high staff-to-guest ratio and your every whim will be catered to quickly. Come visit the Bellagio and find out for yourself.

"The Bellagio Hotel"

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