Just stayed 2 nights at Bellagio

This was my first time trying the Bellagio. I had previously enjoyed staying at THE hotel but did not like the change to Delano (super awful pillows, spartan decor) so I am looking for a new home hotel. The Bellagio was ok but I'm not particularly inclined to go back. Kinda feel like "been there, done that" now. My two days there seemed very crowded overall. The check in line took 45 minutes to go through to get up to the counter. Checking in once at the counter was a quick 5 minutes.

I turned down a complimentary fountain view room upgrade because it was smoking optional with 2 queens and I needed 1 king, non smoking. We got a high floor pool view instead which was fine. The decor is pleasant but the room was smaller than I'm used to and the fixtures are showing their age. I accidentally pulled the towel bar too hard and one side popped off. The decorative plate around the shower handle was loose. Housekeeping has been neglecting some of the dusting and the shower head and sink faucets need some deep cleaning with CLR.

I think I've been spoiled by staying previously in Suite rooms at Vdara and THE hotel/Delano because I was missing the extra touches like dual vanity sinks, TV in the bathroom and extra wide and/or jetted bath tubs. Not to mention the obvious differences in square footage and having a separate living room area.

So I am still on the hunt for a home base hotel. I think next time I will try the Encore. I liked the similar design and vibe that Wynn/Encore had with Bellagio but it was much less crowded.

Quote: Chereya

I turned down a complimentary fountain view room upgrade because it was smoking optional with 2 queens and I needed 1 king, non smoking. We got a high floor pool view instead which was fine. The decor is pleasant but the room was smaller than I'm used to and the fixtures are showing their age. I accidentally pulled the towel bar too hard and one side popped off. The decorative plate around the shower handle was loose. Housekeeping has been neglecting some of the dusting and the shower head and sink faucets need some deep cleaning with CLR.

You seem like quite an expert at cleaning up. Did you gamble at all? Really large wagers can be fun.

Quote: RogerKint

You seem like quite an expert at cleaning up. Did you gamble at all? Really large wagers can be fun.

We recently hired a cleaning service at home so I probably noticed the dusting and mineral build up more than usual.

We spent a few hours on the slot machines. My DH does not enjoy gambling so that was a big concession on his part.

Quote: RogerKint

You seem like quite an expert at cleaning up. Did you gamble at all? Really large wagers can be fun.

Cheraya, pls allow me to be the first to welcome you to the forum. Sincerely, Welcome.
Also be advised that the Forum has experienced some turmoil lately from some new members that turned out to be unwelcome old members.
Your first response from RKent was a 'joke' whether you realized it or not. And it was actually a bit funny.
But the humor was meant for others, not a true 'new poster'.
I cannot help you with advice on accommodations in Vegas since it's been bout 10 years since I was there last.
There are existing portions of the combined Forums where you can get tons of info on each and every facility in Vegas.
You posted under Forums-Las Vegas Casinos - Bellagio so perhaps you already know your way around the Forum.
Lots of other good reviews in that same general area of the Forum, tons of info.

Quote: Chereya

So I am still on the hunt for a home base hotel. I think next time I will try the Encore. I liked the similar design and vibe that Wynn/Encore had with Bellagio but it was much less crowded.

If you like going to sleep at a reasonable time -- and if you're looking at upscale properties, you probably do -- don't stay on the inside (pool-side) of the Encore. The parties at XS are very loud and late (3-4am) and you can hear the bass thumping even from dozens of floors up. I had a room on about the 30th floor overlooking the pool a year or so ago on a Friday night and Tiesto was spinning until about 5. The Strip-view side of the Encore is fine though.

I have yet to be to Delano but I did stay at THEHotel in 2011 and it was the nicest hotel room I have stayed at. I have yet to stay at Bellagio, but from what I have heard from others seems to echo your sentiments, in that it might be time for a remodel of the rooms as they all seem to think it is dated. I think Wynn or Encore will do you just fine or the Venetian/Palazzo complex. Also you might want to try some other options like Vdara or the Signature at MGM Grand.

Chereya,

Welcome to the forum! I think you should check out the Cromwell, though I'm not sure how much noise the Drai nightclub generates for their guests. Assuming you would like a small, upscale, boutique approach, I've heard good things about it, both room amenities and service quality.

Whenever I can sneak off to Vegas for a night, I'm planning to stay at the Cromwell. I took a look at the layout and really don't see how one could get sleep with the nightclub going. However, it is rather new, so I want to take a look at it and maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. Additionally, I feel like I have to try it now that my offers include it... it's a case of wanting what I can't (couldn't) have.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Cheraya, pls allow me to be the first to welcome you to the forum. Sincerely, Welcome.
Also be advised that the Forum has experienced some turmoil lately from some new members that turned out to be unwelcome old members.
Your first response from RKent was a 'joke' whether you realized it or not. And it was actually a bit funny.
But the humor was meant for others, not a true 'new poster'.
I cannot help you with advice on accommodations in Vegas since it's been bout 10 years since I was there last.
There are existing portions of the combined Forums where you can get tons of info on each and every facility in Vegas.
You posted under Forums-Las Vegas Casinos - Bellagio so perhaps you already know your way around the Forum.
Lots of other good reviews in that same general area of the Forum, tons of info.

Thank you very much for the welcome, TwoFeathersATL! :) Oh gosh, thank you for pointing out the "joke". I'm not much of a gambler so it totally went over my head until I re-read it, haha! Ironically, my husband is the lucky one despite the fact that he does not enjoy gambling.

I'm new to this forum, but not messages boards in general. I have an internet "home base" for my other vacay destination obsession (Disney) so I was looking for one for Vegas. :D I understand about message board dramas and don't know how much assurance I can give that I'm truly a new member but I hope to be hanging around a little bit more as this place seems to have some cool long time members with a lot of knowledge. :) I regularly post in depth reviews of my experiences on Trip Advisor as well.

Quote: MathExtremist

If you like going to sleep at a reasonable time -- and if you're looking at upscale properties, you probably do -- don't stay on the inside (pool-side) of the Encore. The parties at XS are very loud and late (3-4am) and you can hear the bass thumping even from dozens of floors up. I had a room on about the 30th floor overlooking the pool a year or so ago on a Friday night and Tiesto was spinning until about 5. The Strip-view side of the Encore is fine though.

Thank you very much for that tip! Yes, I am not a party person. I'm old at heart, haha. Loud thumping bass and techno music into the wee hours of the morning is not my cup of tea.

Quote: Gabes22

I have yet to be to Delano but I did stay at THEHotel in 2011 and it was the nicest hotel room I have stayed at. I have yet to stay at Bellagio, but from what I have heard from others seems to echo your sentiments, in that it might be time for a remodel of the rooms as they all seem to think it is dated. I think Wynn or Encore will do you just fine or the Venetian/Palazzo complex. Also you might want to try some other options like Vdara or the Signature at MGM Grand.

Gabes22, I loved THE hotel when I stayed there and my 2nd visit there was after the Delano re-do. I have tried Vdara and loved my room and the fact that the entire hotel is non-smoking. But I didn't love the Aria casino which was the closest walk. I got a snooty vibe from the employes and, I don't know, I guess the casino floor just seems colder and less inviting than other properties with lower ceilings?

Quote: beachbumbabs

Chereya,

Welcome to the forum! I think you should check out the Cromwell, though I'm not sure how much noise the Drai nightclub generates for their guests. Assuming you would like a small, upscale, boutique approach, I've heard good things about it, both room amenities and service quality.

Thank you, beachbumbabs! I tried looking for an introduction thread in the general forum topic but didn't see one and didn't want to start a whole new thread just to say Hi. Thanks for the suggestion about the Cromwell! I don't know too much about it other than that it is trying to be the new "trendy" casino/hotel. Not sure if the photos of the room decor was quite my taste but if the price was right I'd be tempted to check it out. :)

Quote: ahiromu

Whenever I can sneak off to Vegas for a night, I'm planning to stay at the Cromwell. I took a look at the layout and really don't see how one could get sleep with the nightclub going. However, it is rather new, so I want to take a look at it and maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. Additionally, I feel like I have to try it now that my offers include it... it's a case of wanting what I can't (couldn't) have.

I am an old fogey at heart and with three youngish kids at home, I relish my sleep and down time away from them! I liked the very chill atmosphere at the Wynn/Encore and liked that both properties are more like a single entity. I'm not counting on getting any free room offers (I don't gamble enough for that) but I've gotten used to paying about $90 per night for my rooms at Vdara, THE hotel/Delano and Bellagio. I am willing to pay a little bit more for the Encore if that's the place where I'll be happiest at. :)

I do love the suite rooms with separate living room and having an extra large tub. I am a petite person so both DH and I can fit together in the extra wide tubs. It's even nicer when we can watch TV at the same time while we relax and soak.

Quote: MathExtremist

If you like going to sleep at a reasonable time -- and if you're looking at upscale properties, you probably do -- don't stay on the inside (pool-side) of the Encore. The parties at XS are very loud and late (3-4am) and you can hear the bass thumping even from dozens of floors up. I had a room on about the 30th floor overlooking the pool a year or so ago on a Friday night and Tiesto was spinning until about 5. The Strip-view side of the Encore is fine though.

That sounds brutal unless you stay out late in Vegas like I seem to. Did you get to hear his remix for "Adagio for Strings" at least?

And welcome Chereya!!! I can also send you a Disney World TR from December, if you you'd be interested. Or anyone else for that matter... ;)

Quote: tringlomane

That sounds brutal unless you stay out late in Vegas like I seem to. Did you get to hear his remix for "Adagio for Strings" at least?

And welcome Chereya!!! I can also send you a Disney World TR from December, if you you'd be interested. Or anyone else for that matter... ;)

Sure! I love reading Disney TRs! We are planning our kids' first trip to the World for April 2016! It'll be an epic 2 week long event (we'll hit Universal and take a short weekend detour to Savannah, GA) and expensive but we're all really excited about it!

I'm really surprised, cause Bellagio, as I know, is one of the expensive casinos buildings in the world. It's been mentioned here (competing website link deleted by mod). Anyway, thanks for your feedback, it was interesting.

Ian,

We do not allow spam links to competing websites and businesses from new members. Please do not do this again or your account will be cancelled. Thank you!

Quote: Chereya

So I am still on the hunt for a home base hotel. I think next time I will try the Encore. I liked the similar design and vibe that Wynn/Encore had with Bellagio but it was much less crowded.

I've never stayed at the wynn/encore.
but at the venetian every room is a suite.

if you look at the floor plans, Bellagio's rooms are small like any ordinary hotel room but at 2x+ the price.

another reason why I like the venetian is that there are 2 ways in/out of the garage.
one to Las vegas blvd and another thru the back of the hotel (forgot street name.)
so you can easily avoid the traffic backup at vegas blvd.
(it's been years so I maybe remembering a different hotel w/2 ways in/out of the garage?)

Quote: 100xOdds

I've never stayed at the wynn/encore.
but at the venetian every room is a suite.

if you look at the floor plans, Bellagio's rooms are small like any ordinary hotel room but at 2x+ the price.

another reason why I like the venetian is that there are 2 ways in/out of the garage.
one to Las vegas blvd and another thru the back of the hotel (forgot street name.)
so you can easily avoid the traffic backup at vegas blvd.
(it's been years so I maybe remembering a different hotel w/2 ways in/out of the garage?)

No, you're right. It works for all the CET casinos on the east side as well; everything spills out onto a very useful street named Koval Ln, parallel to LV Blvd, which ends behind Venetian/Palazzo. Coming out of either, Sands Ave. curls around those two resorts in back, T's with Koval to go south easily, or continue east easily via Sands.

Quote: beachbumbabs

No, you're right. It works for all the CET casinos on the east side as well; everything spills out onto a very useful street named Koval Ln, parallel to LV Blvd, which ends behind Venetian/Palazzo. Coming out of either, Sands Ave. curls around those two resorts in back, T's with Koval to go south easily, or continue east easily via Sands.

all CET on east side of the strip?
it's been a while so going by memory:
harrahs, flamingo, Linq, paris/ballys, planet Hollywood (formally Aladdin?)

I might be going to Vegas next year.
which one of those is best? (I'm Diamond)

Paris or PH it comes down to taste IMO.

I like PH better

Quote: AxelWolf

Paris or PH it comes down to taste IMO.

I like PH better

Agreed. Better vibe at PH, Paris is getting older although the new Lobby Bar was a nice addition.

Quote: 100xOdds

all CET on east side of the strip?
it's been a while so going by memory:
harrahs, flamingo, Linq, paris/ballys, planet Hollywood (formally Aladdin?)

I might be going to Vegas next year.
which one of those is best? (I'm Diamond)

I think you've got them all, though not in order, except the Cromwell is tucked in by Bally's. And I think there's a remnant of another place (O'Sheas?) inset into the Linq or Flamingo.

Staying there (also Diamond), I personally like Paris best, followed by Harrah's. PH, then Bally's, then Flamingo, then Linq. Can't speak to the Cromwell but it's supposed to be the most upscale of all of those (modelled after a boutique European hotel).

A lot depends on what's important to you and what kind of customers and "vibe" you want around you as far as recommending one over another.