I am going to LV for the first time with my sister, a reunion of sorts. Neither of us has been to LV ( east coasters), and we have never even gambled. We are looking for very nice accommodations with a bit of class
( not too too stuffy), center strip location, great pool area, nice casino where we will be comfortable as "new" to gambling (probably stay with the slots to start.)I have been looking at various sites for ratings on these hotels and Bellagio and Venitian seem to come up most often as the nicest places, but have also seen great reviews on Paris. I would love to hear from those of you "seasoned" Vegas goers who are familiar with these properties or may have stayed at one or more. Thanks so much. I will use these comments to make my final decision.

For rooms: 1st: Bellagio, 2nd: Venetian, 3rd Paris. For overall ambience and facilities: 1st Bellagio, 2nd Paris, 3rd Venetian. For price? Anybody's guess; it just depends on what you can get. Bellagio is definitely the top choice however.

Agree with Patrick that Bellagio is number one. If the rooms at Paris are a lot cheaper, then I would go there. The rooms at Venetian are incredible, but I think the pool area is a huge disappointment there. It's very ugly with small pools and lots of concrete. The pools at Bellagio are fabulous.

I haven't stayed at Paris, but I really liked what I saw. Given a choice between the three I would say 1. Bellagio 2. Paris 3. Venetian.

WRONG! 1. Bellagio; 2. Venetian; 3. Paris (which is very UNIMPRESSIVE interior-wise, especially the casino!!). Actually, Paris isn't even on MY list!!

I agree that Bellagio is probably the top choice. Venetian is also an excellent choice (every room is a suite - very nice). I agree with Sandy that the pool area is a bit of a disappointment. Never stayed at Paris but was not overly impressed with the casino. None are too stuffy (nothing really is too stuffy in Las Vegas) and you would feel comfortable gambling in any of them (especially if you're sticking to slots). All are in a good location.

Barbara,
If cost isn't an issue, I'd say Bellagio. (Although, I think the standard room at the Venetian is a bit nicer.)

If cost is an issue, and you want a room with a view of the Strip, Bellagio may not be your best option.

At Bellagio, their least expensive rooms face the pool, the reality is they also overlook the interstate. You won't really have a view of the Strip. The standard rooms overlooking the Lake (i.e. the Strip) are more expensive.

Again, if cost and a view are both considerations, a strip view room at the Venetian or Paris, are likely to be more economical.

Anyway, have fun and good luck

If you are looking for the BEST, it's the Bellagio. Even though Patrick had problems because he didn't want to tip the bellman for valet parking.

While i think you'd be happy with any of your choices, i'd also add the Mirage to the list.

It's usually much cheaper than the Bellagio or Venetian, it's more "fun" than "stuffy" (as i think both Bellagio and Venetian can be), has a great location, and an excellent pool.

Thanks everyone for the help. Sounds like the Bellagio wins hands down. Since this is a really special trip for me and my sister, I will probabaly go with the Bellagio and maybe see what the view rooms go for. I am still checking various websites to see where I can get the better rate but the cheapest I have found is 159 per night and that was at the Bellagio's web site. Anyone have any hints on where I might get a better rate, I'm all ears! Thanks.

Bellman, if you can't read and correctly quote me then please don't attempt to. I never ever said anything about trying to stiff a bellman, and if you want to read my original post you will see that I wanted to avoid valet parking after my arrival because of the incredible delays there. You would also see that I said I wanted to tip the bellman to take my bags to self parking, but they were unable to offer this service. Why would I tip a bellman for valet parking, however???? But that was about two weeks after 9/11 and I understand they were understaffed. You will note, (if you have since learned to read) that above I made Bellagio my number one choice. I have always given them the benefit of the doubt from that unusual time period. When you learn to read, perhaps you can get a better job than being a bellman since that job seems to fill you with so much anger.

I haven't stayed at Bellagio or Venetian yet (but will be at the Venetian in June). Paris is a beautiful hotel/casino and costs MUCH less than Bellagio or Venetian. We were upgraded when we checked into Paris last Sept. The suite thay gave us was wonderful....for only $69 per night! I also like their airy casino (not so smoky), the shops and restaurants between Paris and Bally's and the beautiful bathroom fixtures and other little touches that set it apart from the average hotels. The pool area was quite large but not particularly memorable. We never used it anyway so it didn't matter to us. Bellagio is supposed to be top of the line and they certainly charge like it is. Their property is quite impressive so I'd imagine their rooms and service are of the same standard. No matter what, you will have a great time!

Barbara,
I lived in Vegas for most of my life so I'm giving you information on a place that holds a special (and odd) spot in my heart.

First, consider Montaray Bay (sp?). Yes, it's owned by Circus Circus but it is very well done. If you'd really like to go all out on comfort and service, there's a Four Seasons attached to it as well. There's some great restaurants and clubs there too.

I agree with many, Paris is over-rated. Truth is, you'll spend so little time in your room, it's better to spend you money on other things. For instance, the restaurant selection has far surpassed the buffets and .99 shrimp cocktails of yesteryear.

I realize it's a about 1/2 mile from the strip but consider the Hard Rock, it's tops.

Have a great time!

I'd really listen to Crystal who must be a real expert. I'm pretty familiar with Vegas and I've never even heard of this wonderful place she's talking about. I know a Mandalay Bay hotel that is nice, but Montaray Bay must be a brand new place.
Does this new place beat the Bellagio? I know that Madalay Bay doesn't, which oddly enough also has a Four Seasons hotel within it, not just attached though, but on the top floors of the same building.
Since you are the expert, Crystal, please fill us in.

Barb, go to Bellagio website and sign their guestbook. I have an offer for a lakeview room for 129 sun-thurs

1. Paris' rooms are not half as nice as Bellagio's.

2. Venetian's service, pool area and ambience aren't nearly as nice as Bellagio's.

3. What in the heck is "Montaray Bay"? Someone who lives in LV doesn't even know what the place is called? Yeah, right. Good advice there.

I think that is Mandalay Bay. Anyway, take a look at http://www.indospectrum.com/travels/vegas.html for light-hearted look at your chances of striking it rich in Vegas.

I know this has nothing to do with the usual Las Vegas activites. However, inside the Venetian is the Guggenheim Museum. It is now showing one of the great exhibits of the motorcycle world. AND wonderful selecton of Impressionists paintings. Just my my input for a little culture amid the glitz.
Good luck and have fun!!!!

She's obviously got the "Mantaray Aquarium" in Northern California on her mind, although I'm sure she can't spell that one either!!

Barabar --

I stayed at Venetian, LOVED it. But I have several friends that love Bellagio. Both are annoying in that there are always tourists in the lobbies taking photographs (particulary annoying at Bellagio as they are all staring up at the magnificient blown glass ceiling and several have walked right into me). Anyhoo...

I visited this great website LVOL I think it is. It has detailed trip reports/ratings for every hotel. Also try "casino boy"'s website (cheapovegas.com). He has irrevent but savy reviews on everything from the continuity of the hotel them (ie Is it a pirate theme but the girls inside are wearing Frensh maid outfits?) to the room size, ammenitites, even the variety and luxe factor of complimentery toiletries! Very detailed, witty -- accurate. He gives a straight-up rundown of clientelle (ie. "California dot-commers" or "nightlife seeking singles"). You really get a feel for each place.

I found Bellagio to bea bit snobby, in service and guests -- but I haven't stayed there. I found Venetian (I have been a guest) to be more refined, more subtle about being such a fine hotel. Many more European guests at Veetian than Bellagio (which seemed to have a large number of wealthy-and-showing-it Californians).

# 1 Tip I got from a LV travel message board (lvol I think):

"Tip" (okay bribe) the hotel front desk clerk who is checking you in. The website gave detailed directions on how to and though I was nervous I followed their advice to a tee and we had an incredible total high roller deluxe deluxe suite almost as big as my home! When he checked me in at the Venetian, I folded a crisp $20.00 against my credit card, and displayed it in my palm, asking veerry nicely "Would you happen to have any room upgrades available? This is a very special vacation for us..." Unfortunately, the dweeb was so busy typing my room info he didn't ever look up and see my tip. However, at the end of the checking in, we were all done, he was printing up my info, when finally he asked fo my goldcard. I handed him the card with the $20, he did a double -no, a triple take and stifled the smallest gasp, then quickly pocketed the cash and began typing all over again. He made a phone call, saying theat the flowers that were to be delivered to my room now needed to be changed to a different room. He handed me a new info sheet.

Oh my lord! The room was huge, marble foyer, floor to ceiling windows, full living room, full dining room, kitchen ammenities, 3 baths, office center (fax and all that) full entertainment center, amazing bathroom, very elegant turndown service. Simply unbelievable. It was a double door entrance suite at the very end of the hallway of rooms. When I checked out, the girl looked me over with a smile and her eyes glowed "...Ohhh...you were in an xyz suite. Wow..." Best 20 bucks I ever spent.

The website said the hotels always reserve highroller suites for VIPS, but they often go unused. Sometimes they are given to eople with a valid comlaint (ie the room wasn't ready, they upgrade you). Tipping the person at the front desk arranging your room will possibly get you one. But if it is a busy holiday weekend, save your dough.