I am planning our first trip to Las Vegas this April as a birthday gift to my wife. It will be for just a couple of nights, since we both have to get back because of work. But being for her birthday, I would like to try and make it something special. Neither of us are big gamblers, so I would like to fit in a show and a nice birthday dinner. As far as hotels go, I have read and heard such great things about Bellagio and have reservations for a lakeveiw room, but after seeing things on the travel channel and reading the info on cheapovegas.com, I wonder if it might not b a bit swanky for my taste. Might the Mirage, or a petite suite at the Treasure Island or MGM (both about $70 a night cheaper than Bellagio) be more comfortable? Any recommendations on shows or restaurants?

Too swanky? Not really. All those Vegas places are a bit "over the top", but for your special first time in Vegas I say go for Bellagio. And get tickets immediately for O at the Bellagio. Do it through the hotel since you're staying there --you can do it 90 days ahead so do!

I agree with Patrick. I've stayed at the Mirage before and if you want to make it special for your wife, try Bellagio. I was surprisingly disappointed with Mirage. The rooms were nothing special at all...I'd go as far to say only slightly better than the rooms at Circus Circus. Its redeeming features are its lush public spaces, pool, and central location. And yes, go see O. We saw it once and tried to see it again the last time we were in Vegas (Oct), but couldn't get tix. That is a special show. We ate at some pretty nice places; one that really stood out was Red Square at Mandalay Bay. Good for you to plan something sweet for your wife...you must be a good guy

Mike: Yes, try and get your tickets to O NOW...they can be hard to get!

Have fun - and go for the Bellagio!

Spent my honeymoon in Vegas in late september. If your looking for tasteful accomodations and yet a little bit of vegas glitz there's only Ceasars Palace. The palace tower room's will run about $100, with a hot tub, huge bathroom, and bellagio fountain pool. Not to mention a great pool, nice restaruants, and good gaming. I do recommend going to "O", incredible. Ceasars is the only way.

If you can afford it or can get upgraded, get a suite at the Bellagio. Your wife will never forget it. Just had the fortune of getting upgraded to a suite there and was so impressed with the Jacuzzi in the Female bathroom and the steamroom in the mens bathroom.
The livingroom of the suite was bigger than my whole apartment. Fabulous....
So is "O".