Vegas Hotel - Caesars Palace or Bellagio?
 

DH and I will be in Vegas for the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament this coming March. We've been to Vegas several times before and have always stayed at the Mirage. This time, we want to try someplace new. My DH has been doing the research and has read some mixed reviews about both Caesars and Bellagio. We like their location so I thought I'd post here to get Fodorite opinions. Any thoughts on either hotel or suggestions for others in this area? We'd like to keep it under $1k for the 4 nights we will stay (which we can do with both Caesars and Bellagio). Thanks.

Both are very nice. Caesars is huuuuge and rooms may vary significantly based on which Tower you get. I stay there a lot b/c it is a Harrah's property but if I had to pay for a room, I probably would choose Bellagio over Caesars. Don't get me wrong, I do like Caesars and the rooms in the newer Towers are great, as are the restaurant selections at the hotel and in the Forum Shoppes. But sometimes it all gets a bit tooooo much.

We really like Caesar's. Yes, it is big, but the proximity to the Forum Shoppes and all of the excellent restaurants make it our favorite!

In my opinion, it's a no-brainer, stay at the Bellagio. But only if you stay in the original building with a view of the lake and fountains out front. One of the best hotels views you will ever experience, especially at night. The entire hotel has a luxurious feel, even the casino.

The location can't be beat, easy walking distance to Ceasar's and the new City Center complex, in addition to Paris, Flamingo, and Planet Hollywood.

Whether you stay or not, don't miss the Fontana Lounge, great drinks and live music, along with a great view of the fountains. You can step outside on the terrace and see and hear the fountain show. You can also dance if you care to.

Heck just commenting on it makes me want to go back.

Another vote for Bellagio. If you choose Caesars, take care in selecting a room category: many of the cheaper rooms aren't so nice. The (more expensive) Augustus and Palace Towers are the best.

I agree with lgott - Augustus and Palace Tower rooms are the best of the lot. However, the Forum Tower rooms have all been renovated and also are very nice, if somewhat smaller than the rooms in the newer towers.

Thanks for the replies! Your comments on Caesars are consistent with what my DH read. Always get good advice here.

If I can make a suggestion – you may consider the two newer hotel/towers in Vegas – Vdara and/or Aria. They are both MGM properties (as is Bellagio and Caesars). Centrally located. Not sure if they're casino hotels, but you may get a better rate from either of these.

A correction: Caesars is not an MGM property - it's part of the Harrah's empire.

Again, thanks everyone for the replies. We booked a lake view room at Bellagio. The rate for the room just came down, so it was within what we wanted to spend. Plus, we have a 48 hour cancellation. As you probably know, the rates on these rooms go up and down all the time. If we watch the rates, we may even get a better deal :).