Vegas Trip report LONG! :)
 

We just got back Sept. 8. Whew.

We arrrived last Sunday night using Alligent Air. Easy flight, but getting bags was an ordeal. The belt didn't work and after half the bags came up it stopped. A teenage boy from our flight got down into the chute and threw bags up that were stuck and Alligent people didn't really do much to get things going. We stood around for 30 min. waiting. Finally a burly employee got down into the chute and pulled bags out! We were on our way!

We cabbed it to the Bellagio and traffic on the strip was very heavy being Labor day weekend! We checked in, no line at 11pm and were upgraded to Lakefront, but it was smoking. I was grateful to get Lakefront and didn't think it would be bad.

Room was beautiful! Our view from the 20th floor was fabulous. We changed and went to forge for food. When you're tired and hungry, pushing through crowds of drunk people isn't very pleasant but we finally got a table at the Cafe at Bellagio. Had sandwiches and I went to bed, dh walked around a little (his first vegas trip).

We were awakened at 8:30am by slamming doors and LOUD chatter of the maids right outside our door. This routine was repeated EVERY morning. They talked loud right outside our door, then yelled down the hall at each other!
HELLO! Most people stay UP LATE HERE! I was shocked that this behavior as 'allowed' at the Bellagio. I got up one morning to say something but they had just walked off.
I didn't call the front desk, but probably should have. You could hear every time they opened doors to clean and SLAMMED them shut...
OK, I had to vent about that.

Monday,
We toured many of the hotels on the strip and had breakfast at "America" at NY, NY. Dh wanted "traditional breakfast" and we had eggs, biscuts/gravy. Walked and walked. It was about 100 degrees and you literally felt like you were going to melt on the strip. I would never go during this season again. I was dehydrated all the time due to cold meds and the dry air. I was always thirsty.

We rested in the room then went out to have a drink at the tequila bar at Treasure Island and ate their great guacamole.
dh went to see a sexy vampire show, "Bite" and said it was fun. My cold meds knocked me out and I went to bed.

Tueday, we took an expensive cab ride to go eat Cuban food at the Florida Cafe. It was just like Cuba. It was a far trip from the Bellagio to the Howard Johnson's which housed the restaurant, but it was a good reminder about the huge division of class in Las Vegas. We saw a wedding taking place at the HoJo's chapel by none other than Elvis. It was probably our one true glimpse of Las Vegas kitch while we were in town! We shopped at the Fashion show mall and rested in the room.

We never made it to the pool at Bellagio because it was so hot outside. There wasn't much shade. So we had a lot of time to kill. We don't gamble but did throw away $50 on slots...hey, when in Vegas....

Tuesday night dinner, we went to "rum jungle" at Mandalay Bay. The atmosphere was fun,food was good. Our waiter was a pretty good hustler because he talked us into trying some exotic rums that were very expensive. I didn't drink as much as dh and he didn't feel well! The rums were the quality that you sip, not add Pepsi to...so it was a very "rich". Then after desert, the waiter brought us another shot of a rum that was 160 proof! I took two sips and that was it. We went to Studio 54 and that was fun. It was mostly people 30-40. Fun music and it was "eden" night. Not sure what that meant but it was fun. Left about 1AM.

Wed, skipped breakfast and went straight to lunch over at "P.F.Chang" I know, a chain, but everything is so far apart in Las Vegas. When you are hungry, sometimes you just stop and eat where you can find something good. Lunch was great. Walked around the Desert Passage mall, and couldn't figure out the "target" audience for the shops. It was a odd mix of stores. It was very expensive stuff mixed in with cheesy tourist stuff.

Toured the "Paris" hotel and had a coffee and pastry there. I like the concept and it seemed like a nice place but not much going on. Am I missing something? It seemed their circulation was bad. The corridor to the room elevators was packed with people trying to get around.

Dinner that night was at Roy's on Flamingo. We had great service and great food. Maybe more people should try things off of the strip. Took a cab to the Palms jus to see it and it was pretty small. The interior was fun and funky. There was even a movie theater there. Almost had desert at the Funky Budda? but it was crowded.

Went back to the Bellagio and went to "Fix" restaurant. Sat at a table on the edge in the bar and had coffee/desert and people watched. Went to the 10:30 showing of "O" and it was amazing. Last time I sat on the front row, far right. This time we were on the front row of the second section. PERFECT seats! Wow. I could see the show as it was intended to be seen. Dh LOVED it! I was happy. We had a post show drink at the nice cocktail bar that is open to the casino. Not sure the name. Great jazz and nice colors: dark taupe, mohair sofas, cream faux leather...good drinks. Our last night!

The smoking room was fine during our stay until someone came home next door at 3am and smoked. It came right into the room. I gagged for an hour and coughed loud.

Oops, got cut off.
Overall, good trip, but would try to go when it's cooler next time. If I could have got a refund on our "O" tickets, I would have postponed the trip.
I signed up for Bellagio specials last spring and jumped on the summer special rate of $149 per night (all four nights) WELL worth it.

I would definately stay at Bellagio again, but would prefer non-smoking.

Never made it down to Wynn! Cabbies said that it is losing money big time.

Ok, that's all I can think of!

HI--a nice report, but I cannot help but wonder *why* you would stay at Bellagio again if the maids make noise every morning?? Hotels that are well-designed have a longish corridor as you come into the room to shield you from hallway noise...If you do decide to stay there again, check out the AC and see if the fan can be set to "On". Then it runs continuously and provides white noise to help block out other sounds....

Hi beachkomer,

Next time, go to the Downtown Fremont St. area and see the laser light show in the dome that covers the street. Also, go up to the top of the Stratosphere and have a drink and see the 360 degree view - amazing!

Your hubby would've liked the ESPN Zone sports bar and restaurant in the NY NY Casino - you can sit in these lounge chairs (with the footrest up, of course) and they bring food to you on trays. The row of loungers face these huge tvs that play sports, of course... it's a guy thing.

Go across the strip (west) over to the Rio where they have the only sand-bottom swimming pool. Like being at the beach.

I like to walk around inside the Venetian - they often have weddings going on in the middle of the little bridge walkways.

Next time, get one of this little belt things that hold a water bottle so you can carry it around - you need a LOT of water in the desert. Also... don't hesitate to complain to management about noisy maids -- they are very good about responding to your complaints and you are likely to get either a room upgrade or free room next time you visit.

socialworker,

I have stayed at hundreds of hotels all over the world, and the design of the Bellagio's entrance to the room could not have been any better. I have never been awakened anywhere else, Venetian, Hilton in Paris, Marriott in Cario, etc; I think the fault lies within Bellagio's lack of insulation in the walls (I work for architects that design hotels) and in the practices by the hotel- policies regarding customer satisfaction.

It always amazes me on this board how
people are so quick to criticize. Yes, we had the AC on "Fan" to keep air moving. (since it was a smoking room)

I would stay here again, because I feel like the hotel *overall* was a pleasant experience, despite the smoke and maids' loud talking.

cheeze,

I WISH my dh liked sport! I could park him in front of a screen at a sports bar and shop! He grew up overseas and doesn't like any sports except watching the Olympics. I am not a Football widow, and don't understand that whole thing women go through.

Can you do the Rio thing if you don't stay there? Sounds fun! We had on our list to go to the Fremont light show. It would have had to be after studio 54 or "O". It will have to be saved for next time. It is on a list I have been making while researching on Fodors.

Thanks!

Hmmm... I don't know about the Rio pool for the general public. You might ask them. Studio 54 and "O" were great choices. Also nice to save something for next time.

Hi beachkomer--I am sorry if you took my confusion and my attempts to be helpful for criticism. However, if you notice, the first thing I said was "nice report"--I would have no way of knowing what your previous experience was and I was just trying to pass on a tip that I use for drowning out hotel noise...Also, for me, the main thing that would keep me from returning to a hotel would be noise, and so I was just *very* curious how one might decide to return to a place that was noisy.

We have stayed at Caesar's, Paris, Alladin, Luxor and Venetian. The only hotel where we had the same experience you describe--the noise of constant slamming of doors from the hallway--was Caesar's and therefore we have never gone back.....Honestly, I was confused, not critical....:)

No harm no foul, I am just used to reading posts where people are flamed for having an opinion.

I guess my point is the good out weighs the bad at the Bellagio.

I have been designing my bathroom remodel for a while now, and the B inspired me to go forward with using a black vanity that I purchased. Their bathroom used black with the marble I am using on the floor and they pulled it off, so I am hoping for the same success.

Next time I will call the front desk,
if it's noisy...I hate getting anyone into trouble! :(

Missed this report when it was first posted. Thanks for posting it!

Any pictures?

Keith

What a shame! I have had that maid noise in plenty of other hotels, including Paris hotels when we are jet lagged and dying to sleep!! but never at the Bellagio :)
We stay on a high floor non smoking overlooking the Lake. I have never had a bad room or bad time.
I think you should definitely send a letter to the management, telling them this complaint..I mean really, it is Las Vegas, many people want to sleep during the day or at least late in the morning!

Too bad about Wynn, what an awful lot of money to spend and not to be a success.

If I were to repeat a Cirque show, I think Mystere would be it. I thought O was amazing but did not thrill me ... maybe it was just sort of constricted by being all water?
I know just what you mean about Paris. . bad design I think..

Las Vegas is one of those destinations when you know you are gonna walk til you drop..just the casinos/hotels are huge and then you walk up and down the Strip..
We have gone in August...want me to tell you about hot? LOL
Yes, March is a perfect time to go, we have gone many times around the end of the month (my birthday) and the temps are in the 70s and chilly at night.

Thanks for the report!
Oh and no , you cannot use the Rio pool unless you are staying there..I believe that applies to all of the hotels.

Scarlett,

Yes, I should complain about the maid noise. If they had just come on duty and were 'catching up' can't they do that in the elevator area? I mean- it was loud! As I stumbled to the door to 'shooosh'them, they were yelling at each other down the hall! Gone...as was my sleep...

I too loved "Mystere" BUT my husband had never been to Vegas or any Cirque show. I started him off with "O". Next time we will do Mystere and if we are feeling naughty, Zumanity.

A girlfriend just came back from Vegas on Monday and hung out at Wynn. She said she loved it. She loved the pool...but she didn't stay there.

I asked her today at lunch, "so,when you go back, where do you want to stay?" she said, "Caesars or Wynn".
(she was staying at Bellagio..and she is 26)

Night travelers...zzz

beachkomer: I too am planning on staying at Bellagio in November and was wondering, how do you get a free room upgrade? Do you ask when checking in or is that something that is offered to you for whatever reason? Thanks for the report, I enjoyed reading it.

Enjoyed your report Beachkomer.

I too am staying at The Bellagio in Nov. I had signed up for their e-mail promotions and managed to snag Oct. 31, and Nov. 1 at $179 per. I asked about the next two nights and, yikes, they would be $399 per ... a little "rich" for my budget.

Our last two nights therefore are across the strip at Bally's. I spent one night at Bally's last summer and we were given a north tower room which was perfectly fine ... hopefully I can request the same this time and get it.

But back to The Bellagio ... I am really quite excited to stay there for two nights. I have no idea what kind of room I will be given ... I asked for a "spa tower" room to be noted on my reservation but ... getting it may be another story. I SO hope the pools are open as that is almost my "main" reason for wanting to stay at The Bellagio. My husband and I are from Vancouver, British Columbia and I will be laying out by those beautiful looking pools even if the temperature is in the low 60's 'cause us Canadians just DON'T CARE.

Beachkomer ... last year husband and I had a great dinner at "Fix". Sat at the bar and ate ... nice bartenders and very good food we thought. It had only been open approx. 6 weeks at that time.

We have reservations for dinner at The Commander's Palace at the Alladin. I would like to have done lunch instead (I hear there are 25 cent martinis) but husband is at a convention and won't be available to me for lunch ... don't think I should go alone what with 25 cent martinis ... could be trouble (oops, too much information ... tee hee).

Re the noisy maids ... I can see where that would be annoying but, on the bright side, at least they weren't drunken 20 something's screaming and swearing right outside our door, which is what we had at approx. 4:45 a.m. at the MGM Grand a year ago. OMG!!!! I know its Las Vegas but really ... they were more than annoying and the kind of people you don't really want to engage in any kind of conversation so we just had to wait until they finally made their way to their rooms. Ugh.

Will post a report of my Bellagio experience.

Boxer,

I signed up for Bellagio specials last spring, and received a "summer special" email for $149 per night with *free* upgrade to Lake Front IF available. Only smoking was available, but the fountain show was amazing from our window. It was worth the smoke one night.

Have you thought about using Priceline for your two "bally" nights? I have booked there for $120 per night. It was the best bargain in Vegas! The room and bathroom are amazing!
It would put you on a different part of the strip. I have read on biddingfortravel.com that you can get the Venetian for $99 per night.
If you haven't done Priceline read all about it on that website.

The Spa Tower might be nice, but if you don't get it, remember this, it's a much farther walk to the restaurants and bars, and to the strip.

I have been to Vegas by myself and you will have a lot of time to kill while dh is busy. I spent time at Fashion Show mall and toured all the hotels.
I dined alone, at nice restaurants and sat up at the bar and ordered instead of getting a table. It's easier.

Oh! If you have a huge huge credit limit, go to the Forum shops mall at Caesars and knock yourself out. All the big designer stores are there.
There is a Cheesecake Factory there too.

If you have any questions, let me know.

You will love the Bellagio! Think about the Venetian priceline option.
(only if you can cancel ballys)

:)

The minute you check into the Bellagio ( or any of the hotels) to to the desk for the Players Club members and get a card. Every time you gamble and do things like shop, you will acrue points..this will get money taken off your bill at the end of your stay, you get "comped"..
When you ever want to go back, you call and book through the Players Club .. they automatically give you better prices..
You will get the "specials" but you get other treats that only a club card carrier gets :)

oops, I forgot in my Priceline paragraph to mention the "best bargain in Vegas" is for the Venetian on Priceline at $99! (not Bally)

We don't gamble so didn't do the Players club. We did go to the Concierge desk and ask for VIP free passes to the club "Light". I had been there in January. VIP means no cover or entry fee. We ended up not going. The one night we wanted to go it was closed.

I heard that the Aladin will become Planet Hollywood and will get a entire makeover. Also near Commander's Palace is P.F.Changs, I thought it was great.

My girlfriend ate dinner at "Mesa" at Caesars and said it was fabulous.

:)

Beachkomer ... thanks for your reply. We had originally booked 4 nights at Bally's at $136 per (SEMA convention rate) so we still have the $136 rate for our last two nights.

This will be our 6th trip (or maybe more) to Las Vegas. We've stayed at The Mirage, Luxor, MGM, and TI (MGM and Luxor each a few times). I spent quite some time in the new wing of the Forum shops at Caesar's last year ... wow ... fabulously fabulous but just for looking for me ... oh, wait, I think I bought some stuff at Kiehl's!! The Fashion Show mall is so much better now than when I first went to L.V. ... spent quite some time in there as well last year.

I have had meals at The Cheesecake Factory several times and they've always been very good (huge ... but, very good). Once sat at the bar with the wife of the couple we travel with and the bartender made me the BEST mojito I have ever had ...

We've done most of the Wolfgang Puck restaurants and overall I've always had a good experience ... I like the asian food at Chinois in the Forum shops mall. The first time we had dinner at Postrio in the Venetian I thought it was the best meal I'd had in Vegas. The second time I went to Postrio it was with my woman friend and it was for lunch ... we sat at the bar again ... we were treated very poorly by the "buffed up" boys behind the bar ... won't go back now.

Last year for my B-Day we ate at Emeril's in the MGM (newly renovated from the first time we ate there) ... excellent meal, fun waiter ... had rather a lot of red wine and when I went to put my glass down on the table I guess I didn't know my own strength and the stem snapped right off!!! Thankfully the glass was empty (perhaps that's why I "slammed" it down ... yikes).

Hadly a hugely overpriced meal at Aureole at Mandalay Bay a few years ago. I think it was $95 each (there were 6 of us I believe) before drinks and wine ... didn't really care for it ... the wine "angels" were interesting but not really worth the price of admission.

I do like PF Chang's ... crowded and loud but good food I thought.

Perhaps I'll make reservations at Mesa for our last night.

Scarlett - you bet I sign up for the players cards ... I think I have them for all of the above hotels. I DO play the slots and definitely use the card always ... different hotels give different levels of compensation but it's still worth it if you're going to gamble at all. My husband doesn't gamble so I do my gambling usually in the late afternoon and then again after we have dinner ... he heads off to the room and I say "I'll be up shortly ..." my "shortly" varies depending on how I'm doing ... I'm SO bad.

Oooh ... I'm getting that Vegas feeling ....

Boxer :D

I love it when my husband says he is going downstairs for something then comes back to the room with a huge grin on his face...he stopped by a table and picked up some extra money lol..

I can only "hope" to come back to the room with a huge grin ...

My motto "if at first you don't succeed ... try, try again" ... gets me into trouble ...