Review of Bellagio

Bellagio Buffet -A don't miss. CasinoJudge's favorite buffet in Vegas. From the Alaskan King crab legs to the plentiful gourmet desserts. Although slightly more expensive than the average buffets, it's well worth it. The line extended out to the first cattle shoot and was about a 15-20 minute wait. Mounds of Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo peeled shrimp, prime rib, lamb chops, pork tenderloins, turkey, chicken, mussels, clams, salmon, and tuna appeared nightly. (The crab legs were served cold, but can be heated per your request) Fine assortments of breads were available. Fresh fruit bars, salad bars, pasta bars, a pizza bar, and a desert bar accompanied the nightly selection. In addition to that, there was a large choice of side dishes. You may watch, as some of the foods are prepared on the spot. We sampled everything listed plus more. The food is of the highest quality I have ever seen at a buffet. Save room for desert. The chocolate brownie is incredible, as well as the rest of the deserts. Service was excellent.

Again, DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!! Breakfast served (M-Th) 7:00-10:30 $11.95, Lunch served (M-TH) 11:00 . 3:30 $13.50, Dinner served (M-Th) 4:00-10:00 (F) 4:00-11:00 $23.95. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 8-4 $20.50, Saturday Dinner 4:30-11:00, Sunday Dinner 4:30-10:00 $23.95.

Insiders tip to buffets given by a fellow jury member: Buffets are typically more expensive as the day goes on. (Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch, lunch is cheaper than dinner) (Example) If you enter a buffet at the end of breakfast, you get to have the lunch buffet at the price of breakfast.

P.S.- We sat in the dessert shop next to the arcade for frozen gelatti (Italian ice-cream) available in many interesting flavors. I highly recommend it on a really hot day!

Olives - One of the best views of the dancing fountains - Get there early 11:00 am or 3 pm to get a good seat. Moderately priced, especially for the view and atmosphere.

Sam's - The food here was just average. For the price and what I had come to expect of the Bellagio, I was not impressed. I had a Strip steak ( slightly over done) and cheddar mashed potatoes. There just didn't seem to be much food for the buck, but the flavor was pretty good and service was great.

Attractions -
The Dancing Fountain.- In our opinion, the water show in front of the hotel was the most relaxing and enjoyable of all attractions. The best suggestion we have is to sit on the patio of the Fontana Bar, which overlooks the water show. Order a few drinks and enjoy the show. We sat there for a couple hours admiring the choreographed "Dancing Fountains" and musical themes. Shows run every 30 minutes 3 pm to 8 pm and then run every 15 minutes from 8 pm to 12am.

A confidential source said the first showing of the fountains (a high-class affair) soaked the crowd due to high winds. Make-up dripped from the rafters and women ran to their cars in hopes that no one would see through their evening attire. The same source also told of a drunken guy that swam from one side of the fountain to the other. Security quickly escorted him out and called a friend to take him home.

Click on the links below to see some great shots of the Bellagio Fountain.
Bellagio Fountain Shot #1
Bellagio Fountain Shot #2
Bellagio Fountain Shot #3
Bellagio Fountain Shot #4

Check-in Lobby - The Flowers of Como or Fiori di Como was specifically made for the marble lobby and covers approximately 2000 square feet of ceiling space. It took artist Dale Chihuly two years to complete - mostly because each flower is individually blown. Don't be surpised to see a fully lobby when you visit here - not everyone is checking in, but rather checking out the ceiling!

Gardens - Fantastic arrangement of colors and a dreamlike aroma of smells in the Bellagio Gardens.
Bellagio Gardens

Art Museum - Check out the art at Bellagio. Some $300 million was spent to obtain this art.