aurorauna

Just when I thought I was ready to book @ "The Hotel" At Mandalay Bay....I started reading all the messages that rave about the bellagio....It will be my first time in Vegas and we are celebrating our wedding anniversary. Like trendy hip atmosphere....trying to weigh the pros and cons...mandalay bay is far away...may be filled with kids....bellagio may be too stuffy for my taste...HELP any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Also would like to know do I need to book way in advance for Circo restaurant and what table should I request?

Dave_

I think most people would say the Bellagio is a nicer hotel. However the Mandalay Bay is right up there, maybe in the top 3 with the Venetian (have you considered here?).

I have not stayed at either MB or Bellagio but from visits to each I get the impression the Bellagio caters to an older crowd than the MB. Aside from the location I would prefer the MB because it has a younger, livelier atmosphere. Neither place would be overrun with kids but you will encounter more at the MB than Bellagio I would have thought.

The location of the Bellagio can't be beat, particularly for your first time in Vegas and for seeing everything on the Strip.

LoriNY

If it is your first time to Vegas, the Bellagio is a much better location. Centrally located on the strip, while the MB is all the way down by the airport. I have stayed at both, and prefer the Bellagio.

dekinjack

bellagio is the place...upscale....the greatest location in LV

Frank

Just for location alone, I would select the Bellagio. Have stayed at the Bellagio 3 times and never felt it was "stuffy" at all, it's too large a hotel to be stuffy.

If you choose the Bellagio, definitely get a fountain view room. Mandalay is a good hotel, probably in the top 5 Vegas hotels, but in my opinion not in the same league at the Bellagio.

travleis

I have read this comment about Bellagio being "stuffy" several times. I've stayed there at least a half dozen times and I'm still not sure where that comes from.

Can anyone provide examples of experiences at Bellagio which made them uncomfortable due to 'stuffiness'?
I'm genuinely curious.

davensteph

I'd say ditto on Bellagio, but with a caveat: If you don't anticipate running around all over the strip Mandalay might be for you. But on balance, Bellagio is more in the middle of the action, and has more romantic dining possibilities.

aurorauna

Thanks guys... still a bit confused.... bit I guess I am going to have to decide on whether I prefer the younger trendier crowd or being in a great hotel that in the center of it all. Do the fountain view rooms also view the strip?

troyrobt

I just received a special "spring rate" from Bellagio for a room overlooking the fountain for $139 per night.
The catch, it's only available from March 28-April 12. If you can go at this time then when you log into their website enter this discount code: C139EMAIL and it should come up. If not leave your email and I can forward to you.
In any event, I would definitely stay at Bellagio. I've stayed at both MB and Bellagio. MB is very nice but really is very far from the rest of the main hotels. THE HOTEL haven't stayed in but maybe one day would like to. Bellagio is very impressive, you will not be disappointed. This is a perfect place for anniversary or a special time. Good luck and enjoy where ever you decide to stay.

Ryan

The Bellagio is in a much better location than Mandalay Bay, relative to the rest of the Strip.

If you stay at Bellagio, I'd suggest that you spring for a Fountain View. It's a few dollars more but the view is much nicer and part of the charm of Bellagio is being able to watch the fountain shows while getting ready in the evening. I'd also suggest that you plan on a cocktail on the patio just between Prime and Picasso. A great view and good way to start an evening out.

BTW, when they say "Pool View", they really mean highway view as the interstate passes behind the hotel.

In terms of it being stuffy, that might have been true 5 years ago when Steve Wynn owned it and they wanted a certain atmosphere. I don't think that is true today under the ownership of MGM.

tom42

If you're choosing between a room in The Hotel and a room at Bellagio, and price is comparable, I would choose The Hotel, as it is brand new and they are the largest standard rooms in Las Vegas (and from the photos, the rooms look pretty cool).

Both are very good hotels. The Bellagio is beautiful and has a more "adult" feel. Mandalay Bay younger and hipper.

aurorauna

Thanks again....always so helpful the advice I can get......as soon as I am back will give full report