I have been mulling back and forth over where to stay in Vegas in September.

I would LIKE to stay at Bellagio, but have hesitated because of bad reviews.

Someone mentioned it taking awhile to change hotels from Mandalay to Venetian, so I am considering just staying mid-strip in one place.

Why are reviews so all over? Is it because some people aren't used to a luxury hotel and their expections might night not be the same as a (Four)seasoned traveler?

Have the 'better' employees left for Wynn?

I don't want my trip to be a 'let down'.

Thanks!

Hi
I often think that some people expect too much from hotels that get so many good reviews or write ups. Then there are , as you say, some who are not that used to staying in 4 0r 5 star hotels and they have unreasonable expectations.
It is especially difficult in Las Vegas, the hotels are so over the top, sometimes it is easy to lose sight of what one should expect in a hotel.
I often think of what I do not want in a hotel and see if I can find one that might not cater to young party singles, ( Spring Break at the Rio was a lesson to be learned) or being unable to walk through a lobby because of screaming 4 year olds and mommies with double wide strollers blocking the doorways...(Excalibur)
We have been staying at the Bellagio for about 4-5 years now ( this year we did not go) .. we have not been disappointed once. The service, the room, the view, the small perks one gets from being a guest and a repeat guest.
Last stay I was happy to note that they are doing the beds in a more European style with many big pillows and down duvets..I could easily live in the Bellagio for a while
It just depends on what You want and what is important to you.
The more opinions you read, the more you will be confused
Sometimes, too much advice is not a good thing.
Good luck in your choosing~
(and tell me, what were the Bad reveiws? how bad can it be? they were given a room in the basement? a bellboy beat up the baby? LOL I cannot imagine what could be That bad about the Bellagio

I often read bad reviews re. the Venetian, too, which I just loved...I think when there are hundreds of rooms in a hotel, once in a while there's bound to be something wrong, and disappointed people seem more likely to write a review!
You can't go wrong with the Venetian or Bellagio, IMO.

Thank you both for putting expectations in perspective. I enjoyed staying at the Venetian in Jan.'05, and have great rates for it for my Sept. dates, but want to try Bellagio.

My other question was regarding rates. I was thinking of booking on their website and then trying to get a better view/room upon checkin. I was even considering the $20/50 bill trick to get an upgrade....thoughts?

thanks!

The best hotels and restaurants have their detractors. Perhaps some people have unrealistic expectations when they pay more for a room than they have every paid before. When we have doubts, we check comments at www.tripadvisor.com

Unless you are trying to impress somebody, stay mid-Srip in a place with a rate you like. Paris, Bally's, Caesar's, the Mirage, TI, are all comfortable places. It's hard to believe that it wouldn't be fun to stay at Bellagio or the Venetian.

I always call the 800 number and book our stay at the Bellagio.
I do the rate homework on their site first, then ask for any specials or can I have a fountain view on a high floor...We go on my birthday quite often so I always mention that, I always get a present
(I am shameless when it comes to getting presents wherever I can LOL)
I know that week days will be your best rates..talk to them, bargain a little on the phone, it works sometimes.
Good luck~

Scarlette,

I just check the website, I haven't *called* to grovel...lol...
That will be my next tactic!

thanks!

You're going to find negative reviews of any place: especially in Vegas. Don't be scared off by them. Think of a hotel like the Bellagio which has 1000+ plus rooms: some one is going to be unhappy.

I guess some people think if they pay $250/night on the weekend at the Bellagio they should be treated like a movie or music star. Wrong.

Good point dweebe. I have back up hotels reserved and will just watch rates at the Big B. I have always wanted to stay there, and I have already stayed at the Venetian.

thanks!