Please ADD your own Las Vegas Trip Report. Date of Trip: January 22, 2005 to January 30, 2005 Hotel Stayed At: Bellagio & Mirage Report by: Vegasvirgin2005 <> From: East Coast - Canada

As a preambule, this website was very helpful in making plans for our trip to Vegas. Below is our trip report. We hope our report will be helpful for others. As a warning, this report is long.

The travel party consisted of me (AP) and my fiancee (SP). We were also meeting SP's father (EM) and mother (BM) who reside in Vegas part time along with SP's sister (SK) and her husband (JK). For both SP and myself, this was our first trip to Vegas.

TRAVEL TO LAS VEGAS

Due to prior travel committments, our trip to Vegas originated from Atlanta. We had a lay over at the Westin Airport hotel in Atlanta so we could catch the early flight. The heavenly bed and shower at the Westin made sure we had good rest before leaving for Vegas. Got to the Atlanta airport early enough and checked in using Delta's express service which is very convenient. Had breakfast at the airport and then boarded our flight. Flew a Boeing 767 which was full. In flight movie sucked (Sky Captain??) so we didn't bother buying the 2 dollar headset. We did buy a sandwich and salad catered by the Atlanta Bread Company. Both were good. Funny thing is that the flight attendant never came by to collect the $18 for the food purchased on the flight. As we began our descent, we flew over the Grand Canyon. Neither SP or I had seen it before so it definitely was a neat sight. Plane landed safely and before we knew it, we deplaned and heard what would become a familiar sound, those slot machines right by the gate! First thing I noticed was that my digital camera was not working so we bought some disposables at the WH Smith store at the airport. Price was decent for sundries here.
Took a few snapshots of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign at the airport and we then went to collect our bags.

After waiting 20 minutes, the carousel started to spit out bags and we collected ours and then joined the long taxi line to get to our home for the week, the Bellagio. As we entered the line, SP was ahead of me while I struggled with one of the carry-ons. A lady coming from a different exit tried to cut-in the line but SP stood her ground. The line moved fast enough and we got a taxi that was driven by a fellow who looked and sounded like a former KGB operative. He grunted when I said that that we wanted to get to the Bellagio but that we didn't want to use the tunnel. For some reason, the fare still ended up being around $17 as we waited forever at traffic lights. Was neat to finally see Vegas firsthand. Gave Boris the KGB man a $20 bill and we then had our bags picked up by the bellman at the Bellagio.

CHECK-IN AT BELLAGIO

We checked in right away at the Bellagio lobby. No line ups whatsoever. We were lucky as we later noticed that the check-in lines were often busy. I had made a booking through Expedia 3 months ahead of time and was assigned a standard deluxe room with Mountain View at the rate of $159 per night for 7 nights. Decided to upgrade to a Partial Lakeview room at an additional cost of $30 per night. (NOTE: Forget about trying the $20 trick at the Bellagio).

It was definitely worth the extra money as our room on the 24th floor in the New Spa Tower offered a great view of the fountains and Lake Bellagio, along with the strip (Paris, Alladin, etc.). Called the bellman and had our bags delivered right to our room within 20 minutes. A $20 tip was given and a request to get a mini-fridge was taken care of right away. (NOTE: Upon check-in, a message was waiting for me from the concierge. The message confirmed all of the reservations made in advance for shows, dining and the Spa. I thought that this was a nice touch).

BELLAGIO ROOM & AMENITIES

We were impressed with the room & amenities at the Bellagio. Great furnishings, a fantastic bathroom, a great view (with floor to ceiling window). When we got to the room, the first thing we noticed was the electronic controls for the sheer and curtains. Channel 31 carries the music to the Bellagio fountains. The room has a convenient in-room safe that was easy to use. Two robes were provided but we didn't have the slippers. We had to call the front desk to have them delivered. The robes were comfy although not as plush as the robes at the Westin. Bed was extremely comfortable with little reading lights above. The only real complaint about the Bellagio was the TV. It seemed to have very little in terms of viewing options (no HBO and not enough sport or news channels). TV remote was also stubborn. Did notice a large selection of Asian TV channels. In-room movies were available and I must say that the selection was wide and varied.

SP was only mildly impressed with the Bellagio soap and shampoo bottles. I thought that they were okay. The shower is a sight to see. Huge glass encased shower with marble tiles. Towels were plentiful and plush enough. SP loved the separate bath. The size of the bathroom was bigger than we expected and we loved taking our time to shower and change and do other things in there. (NOTE: The new Spa Tower rooms have dual sinks as opposed to the rooms in the main building which only have one).

DAY ONE (Saturday, Jan. 22)

Gambling:

We didn't have any plans for our first day at the Bellagio. First thing we did was get each an MGM Players' Card at the casino. Took only 5 minutes and we were offered a line-pass for the buffet and Cafe Bellagio without even asking. Since our hotel was already pre-paid, the Players Card representative suggested we charge all our meals and beverages to the room. We spent some time at the casino and SP soon found a slot machine that she liked. SP first started playing a nickel game with frogs. Then she went to the Wheel of Fortune game. I found myself playing some blackjack ($25 min. table - 8 deck shoe game). I had good fortune playing blackjack at the Bellagio on my 1st night. Came away with about $350 in winnings after playing only 3 hours. Drink service was excellent and the blackjack dealers at Bellagio were both fun and very easy to get along with. SP hit a bonus round on a slot machine and came away with $190. She also told me that she played slots "for a long time" without losing any money. I figured she played alot on her winnings. Since we were still on eastern time, we decided to go try the famous Bellagio buffet and head back to the room.

Dining:

Using our line-pass, we bypassed a bunch of hungry looking people and were seated within 10 minutes. Saturday Buffet at Bellagio was $75 dollars for 2. Very good selection of food. Huge Alaskan crab legs, good selection of oysters, mussels, smoked salmon. Sushi was good. Pizza was excellent. Salads were fair. There were long line-ups for the venison and rack of lamb. I am not a big fan of either so I just had some roast beef. Desserts at the Bellagio buffet were outstanding! Good coffee at Bellagio also. We were impressed with the Bellagio buffet but one must go there very hungry as it was by far the most expensive buffet we saw. Don't go if you just want to snack. Drink service was also spotty. Overall, we recommend it.

Shopping:

We didn't do much shopping our first day. We did venture out to the Alladin to hit the ABC Store in order to get some water and beer for our room, along with snacks, etc. Got our first taste of the porn slappers as we ventured out of the Bellagio.

Entertainment:

Since we were still on eastern time, we turned in "early" and enjoyed our first evening in our room. We caught a few fountain shows from our window. My favorite was Sinatra's "Luck Be a Lady Tonight" and SP loved the "Star Spangled Banner" from Whitney Houston. SP took a Diet Coke from the mini-bar fridge ($4) while I enjoyed some cold beer bought at the ABC Store.

DAY TWO (Sunday, Jan. 23)

Got up at 5:00 a.m. Vegas time. We were not too hungry so we hung out in the room and got ourselves organized for the day. One thing I didn't like about the Bellagio was the lack of a coffee maker in the room so I was abit grouchy each morning. Hunger finally sets in and we decide to try the Paris breakfast buffet.

Dining:

Breakfast:

We head out to Paris at around 7:30 a.m. and after looking everywhere in the fake French village, we find the buffet! At $12 per person, this buffet was a great value. Each table is given a pot of coffee and you can get orange juice, milk, ice water, etc. Breakfast was delicious here. Great variety of eggs (scrambled, eggs benedict, quiches, eggs with smoked salmon, etc.) and meats (bacon, sausages, patties, smoked salmon, etc.). Great pastries and wonderful croissants. Good selection of cereals and fresh fruit and a huge selection of fine french cheeses. I liked how how the Village Buffet was separated into distinct French regions and how the food was representative of each region. Had a delicious crepe made with blueberries and smothered in chocolate sauce. SP had one also and was mad that she didn't see the chocolate sauce when she had hers made.

Dinner:

The buffet was so good that we didn't get hungry until much later in the day. We did enjoy a nice late dinner at FIX at Bellagio. Had 9:30 reservations. Good thing that we did. The place was packed. I ordered the chicken wings (excellent) with the adult macaroni and cheese (also excellent). SP had the scallops which were fabulous. Service and ambience was very good. Dinner tab was $85 with food and drink. When we left, we were given a card that allowed for a free drink at Caramel. Funny thing is that we never used it. (NOTE: While waiting to be seated, a man was waiting behind us to get a table. When told the place was full, he began a tirade about how he thought the Bellagio was full of $%^#*. The maitre "D" said a table could be found in about 25-30 minutes but the idiot didn't want to hear about that. Never seen someone so pissed about not being able to get a seat!).

Gambling:

After our breakfast buffet at Paris, I spotted a few $10 blackjack tables (8 deck shoe game) and decide to sit down for a few minutes. There was no problem getting a seat at the $10 table. SP got bored watching me so she hits a few slot machines. She loses about $50 while I win $80 playing blackjack.

After being slightly ahead, we both decvide to call it quite for now at Paris. We did gamble abit on Sunday afternoon at the Bellagio. SP played some slots again while I sat down at the Baccarat bar and played Video Poker. I spent $100 after playing for about 2 hours. SP spends another $150 playing an assortment of slot machines. We were now losing money so we called it quits for the day.

We also ventured out to Excalibur to meet SP's parents, who were playing poker there. We walked down the strip to Excalibur and encountered the porn slappers (which are not so bad) and the irritating time share salesman. EM was playing a 1-3 Hold'em game with the fellow who played "Al" on Happy Days. Didn't recognize him right away but upon closer inspection, it was him allright (ie: the nose gives him away). Excalibur seemed tackier to me than most of the other hotels we saw in Vegas. Casino was also smokier. Took the tram to Mandalay Bay to pick up our show tickets for Mamma Mia. Didn't stay at Mandalay Bay for long but we did like the hotel and casino. Beautiful cocktail waitresses there also. We didn't gamble there as we had to get back to Bellagio as we had show tickets for "O" at 7:30.

Entertainment:

The highlight of the trip for both SP and I was seeing "O", the water based production by Cirque de Soleil at the Bellagio. We were seated in row G in section 103, near the aisle. Seat prices were $150 per person. This section (along with section 102 I believe) are reserved for Bellagio guests. I dare say that its worth spending a night at the Bellagio so one can get seats in these sections. We were close enough to see the expression of the performers and also appreciate how the stage was a big part of the show. We loved the clowns, we loved the music, we loved the water performers and the divers. We thought the whole production was wonderful. During the scene called "Bateau", we did see two aerial artists fall into the netting. The Mongolian contortionists blew us away also. And the high divers were spectacular. SP and I would definitely go see "O" again and again. Highly recommend the show! (NOTE: The popcorn is good also!).

DAY THREE (Monday, Jan. 24)

SP was spending the day with her mother (BM) and sister (SK) while I was spending the day with her father (EM) and brother in law (JK). SP and I didn't have breakfast as I was having something to eat with the boys while SP was going to have an early lunch with the girls.

Me and the boys:

EM and JK are both Vegas veterans. EM drove while JK was the navigator. My job was to keep them out of trouble. First stop was Texas Station. I liked this casino. Had breakfast at the cafe and it was excellent. Had scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, hashbrowns and texas toast. Very delicious! EM and JK both had chicken fried steak and eggs. Portions were huge! They could hardly finish their breakfast. My breakfast tab was only $7 but I didn't object when EM offered to pick up the bill.

While at Texas Station, EM and JK fiddled around playing Video poker and I ventured onto the blackjack table. Played heads-up with the dealer in a $10 min. table (double deck game). After about 40 minutes, I came out ahead by $100. Dealer was nice. Got signed up at Texas Station at the insistence of EM and I then dropped about $40 in the slots. Didn't hit anything there but I had fun.

We then made it out towards downtown. EM and JK suggested we park at the Plaza as we were going to have dinner there later that night. I was content with that. AFter all, my job consisted of rubbernecking and keeping EM and JK out of trouble. We walked along Fremont St. and stopped along the various casinos. Spent some time at Binions where EM checked out the poker action. JK won $500 playing Video poker. I played blackjack at a $10 table (double deck game). The blackjack dealer here was terrific (Johnny from Boston). He and the Pit Boss (from Philadelphia) carried on a vivid conversation about the upcoming Superbowl. Despite the presence of an elderly lady at the table, the conversation was very "colorful" and entertaining. Broke even after playing an hour or so. EM came to get me just as I collected my black chip.

We head out of Binions and then stop at the Las Vegas Club. Along the way, we check out some of the trinkets being sold on Fremont Street. Good deals to be had here as merchandise is cheaper here than on the strip (example: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign souvenir was $34 compared to $40 on the strip).

I play some blackjack at a $10 table (double deck game) with some locals. At one point, there was a fellow who kept betting big on each hand ($100 and up). That was not a good idea as he was losing hand after hand after hand. The dealer suggested he "get some fresh air" but he didn't listen. Finally, after dropping a few more hands, he quits and says loudly how he "lost" 4 thousand dollars in one day at the LVC. He must have brought a bad vibe as I too lost my $100 buy-in. So I decide to try some Video poker. Sat down and spent $50 but it was more enjoyable as I conversed with a nice fellow from Minnesota who was playing next to my machine. EM and JK don't hit anything. We then decide to head out to the Plaza as we were meeting the girls before having some dinner.

We meet up at the Plaza and we all try the free slot pull at the entrance. Prizes varied and mine was a free sweater. Everybody else won a deck of cards. I go to redeem my free sweater and learn that they only have the sweater in a small size (and I mean, it was really small!). I ask for something else and they tell me to go check out the gift shop where they have t-shirts. I walk over to the gift shop by the food court area at the Plaza and was given a nice red Plaza t-shirt in the appropriate large size. SP is jealous cause she only won a deck of cards. To appease her, I drop $20 in the Elvis slot machine and win $60. I cash out and give her the TITO ticket (SP calls the ticket the "check"). SP spends the "check" on other machines in the Plaza while I play a few hands of blackjack (and promptly lost $60).

Dining:

Dinner was at Center Stage at the Plaza and was really good. Great service and ambience. Had wonderful view of the Fremont Street Experience from our table (reservations made long in advance are highly recommended if you want similar seating). I had a delicious bowl of french onion soup as an appetizer and SP had a salad. For the main course, I had chicken with pasta with a mushroom sauce that was delicious. SP had a salad and then the porterhouse steak that was big enough to feed a horse. She only ate half of the thing. We were all too full for some dessert despite the best efforts of our waiter to entice us into have some chocolate cake. Food tab for SP and I at Center Stage was a little over $100. (NOTE: Center Stage has a nice collection of caricature portraits of celebrities. Some are very good while others were way off. Also, what is the deal with Larry Manetti? Is he a Vegas local? Saw some ads about having brunch with him and other celebrities. To those who don't know, Larry was on the TV Show Magnum, P.I.)

SP and the girls:

SP's day with the girls consisted of shopping at the Ceasar's Palace Forum Shops and the Fashion Show Mall. They all had a nice lunch at Spago's. SP's lunch tab was $12. SP loved the Ceasar's Palace but found that the prices were outrageous in many of the higher end stores. She thought the Fashion Show Mall had a great selection but at more reasonable prices. All I know is that SP didn't even buy me a pair of socks at Ceasar's Palace.

After a long day, SP and I were glad to return to the Bellagio for some rest and relaxation. I felt like going for a drink at Fontana Bar but SP was not up to it. So I went down and played some Video poker at Fontana Bar and caught a few songs and fountain shows while SP took a bath. Didn't win anything (-$100.00).

I then drop a quick $300 playing blackjack at the Bellagio ($25 min. table - 8 deck shoe game). I decide (smartly) to call it a night and head back for some rest and relaxation.

DAY FOUR (Tuesday, Jan. 25)

SP had a Spa appointment at 9:30 a.m. but cancelled as soon as she woke up. Called the spa at 6:30 a.m. and cancelled right away. (NOTE: the Spa opens at 6:00 a.m. and has a 2-hour minimum cancellation policy). We spent the morning lounging in our room and then decided to check out Mandalay Bay.

Dining:

We munched lightly in the morning thanks to some food in the room (compliments of ABC Store and our mini-fridge). Finally got hungry when we got to Mandalay Bay. After searching forever (it seemed) to find a restaurant, we decided to try out the Burger Bar. SP and I both had gourmet burgers and both were excellent. One of the best burgers I have ever had! Food + drink was reasonable ($45) for the both of us.

Gambling:

We didn't gamble at Mandalay Bay as we were there to pick up our show tickets for Mamma Mia. So we returned to Bellagio and SP began playing slots like there was not tomorrow. Whatever wins she racked up were fed back in the machine. I am glad she had a players card as she was racking up points for us. That is the consolation I claim!

Blackjack for me was not great this day. I spent $350 at the $50 table (double deck game) but I did have a good time. Dealer was great and the other players were knowledgeable players. Got rated with 2.5 hours of play with average bet of $70 per hand.

With blackjack going south for me, I return to the Baccarat bar for some Video poker. After feeding the machines $200.00, I hit 4 Aces and won $800. Feeling better about things, I find SP who is still playing the slots. I had to bribe her to quit playing with some gelatto. Very good stuff!

Dinner at Prime:

SP's parents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary so this was a special dinner. Arrangements made in advance with the concierge assured us a table for 6 with a great view of the fountains. Prime did not disappoint us. Great impeccable service and the food was fabulous! We ordered several appetizers and shared this around the table (Ceasar's salad, crab cakes, plate of cheeses, fruit, seafood). The bread was also very good. For the main course, BM had the lamb and gave it thumbs up. EM had the porterhouse. SP had the salmon and loved it. JK, SK and I had the filed mignon. The sauces that accompany the meats are all wonderful (peppercorn, a house sauce made with soy and other ingredients and my favorite, the bearnaise sauce). The wine list was excellent here also. For dessert, we all had coffee and chocolate cake on the outdoor patio facing Lake Bellagio. We saw some fountains shows in a very private setting. It was a fabulous experience. (NOTE: I was later told that the patio is normally reserved for high rollers or for special occasions. The only other party on the patio when we were there was a wedding party). Food + drink bill at Prime was expensive (close to $900 for 6). Thankfully, JK took care of it!

DAY FIVE (Wednesday, Jan. 26)

This day was reserved for us to visit other casinos and to do some more gambling.

Gambing:

We first check out Paris and Alladin. I do so-so (lose about $40) playing blackjack at Paris at a $10 8 deck shoe game. Then we venture out to Alladin. I sit down at a $15 double deck game (albeit it was 6:5 and not 3:2). I start on a good run and quickly am up $250 (incidentally, I only got one blackjack, I did most of my damage with double downs and splits). Pit boss is a nice lady who asks me if I have a players card. I tell her no as I am staying at Bellagio. She signs me on the spot and rates me 3 hours at $25 a hand right away (I was there maybe 1.5 hours). I continue to play for another hour (wherein I gave back about $200 to the casino) and the pit boss comps me a free buffet for 2. I walk away with $100 and 2 free buffets so I cannot complain. During this time, SP was playing the slots for abit and won some money here and there, but of course, she promptly spent it back.

We then head off to MGM Grand. We had tickets to see La Femme and decided to see how the gambling would be at MGM Grand. Firstly, while we liked this casino, we considered it the most confusing as it is huge. It did have neat-looking restaurants.

I remind SP to use her players card here as we can get rated at MGM Grand. She does and hits $350 on a slot machine. She decides to cash out the "check" and watch me play blackjack. Maybe she should have kept on playing slots as I promptly lose $350 at a $25 min. table. Got rated 1.5 hours of play. Overall, we did well at MGM Grand as SP had good luck with the slots. She later hit for $416 at a $5 slot machine at MGM Grand. Myself, I spent $350 on blackjack and another $150 on slots (SP was trying to convince me to play slots at this point and with my bad luck at blackjack, and her good luck at slots, she was beginning to win the argument).

Dining:

Dinner consisted of the Spice Market buffet at Alladin (comped). We were given a line pass and again this proved to be handy. When we got the buffet at 3:55 p.m. (buffet opens at 4:00), a long line up was already in place yet we were the first to go down the escalator as the line pass allowed us to cut the line.

I think we enjoyed this buffet more than the Bellagio buffet. The food selection was just as great and the service was better.

Entertainment:

We saw La Femme at MGM. Ticket prices were $59 dollars each and we got front of the line seats, a mere 5 feet away from the stage. SP and I both enjoyed this show. The dancers are all from the original Crazy Horse Club in Paris and are all very good. Very sexy and erotic pieces and the music and lighting is also innovative. SP and I loved the "I am a good girl" piece. Overall, we recommend the show. (NOTE: We wanted to get a coffee from the drink service while watching the show. Waitress suggests we get a shot of Baileys and we say, why not? Well, a $1.50 cup of coffee ended up being an $8.00 cup of coffee! Order a drink if you like but ask about prices first).

Gambling (part two):

Upon returning to Bellagio, SP felt like she wanted to read and relax so I decided to check out the action at the casino. I should have stayed in. Sat down at the $50 min. table and promptly lost close to $750 in less than 2 hours. The vibe was not good. This is when I noticed Barbary Coast and decided to check things out there. I find a $10 double deck game (which pays 3:2 on blackjack) along with a $25 double deck game (also 3:2). I sit down and win about $200 in an hour and decide that I should return there soon.

Head back to Bellagio for some much needed rest.

DAY SIX (Thursday, Jan. 27)

After a quick breakfast at the JP Patisserie in the new Spa Tower (consisting of coffee, pastries, fruit with yogurt), we decide to go see more casinos. We meet with BM and EM at Bellagio and they take us on a tour of various casinos in the north strip area.

Gambling:

We visit Stardust (didn't gamble there but signed up for a Players Card); Slots-o-Fun (didn't gamble there either as SP found it too smokey and slimey); Circus-Circus (didn't stay long enough to see the free show); and Westward-Ho (didn't stay long either - don't ask!). BM and EM had a poker game going at Excalibur so we left and headed off on our own to see Riveria. I sit down at a $10 double deck game and lose $100. SP spends $60 playing some slots. We found Riveria to be the least dingy of the north end casinos and yet it was still smokey. We leave Riveria and walk over to the Sahara. Saw a big sign announcing a huge condo development. The north end strip could use something new as the vibe there was not as good as mid or south strip. Never made it to the Stratosphere (which according to EM was built by the lowest bidder) as the weather was beginning to be lousy. We catch the monorail from Sahara to the Paris/Bally's stop. SP does some shopping on our way back to Bellagio. I tell her I want to return to the Barbary Coast for some more blackjack.

After some lunch at the Victoria Room, I find a seat (3rd base to boot!) at the $10 double deck game. Buy-in was $100 and after 2 hours or so, I cash out at $890. I am beginning to love this place! Having said that, SP did lose $100 in a nickel machine. I don't know how one can do that? Well, bless her heart, she got bored watching me play.

We head back to Bellagio as we have show tickets to Mamma Mia and need to get ready.

Entertainment:

We meet BM at Mandalay Bay at 6:15 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. show of Mamma Mia. We were seated in the third row in the Mezzanine area. For $85 seats, I was expecting better but they were good seats. The show was great and we all enjoyed Mamma Mia. I was especially impressed with the performance by the mother (Donna). Her number of the "Winner takes it all" was outstanding. SP makes me buy the CD and we take it back to the Bellagio where we enjoy the music on the CD player.

Dining: Nothing fancy today, light breakfast at JP Patisserie (food bill for "light" breakfast was still $28) and a good lunch at Victoria Room at Barbary Coast. SP had a chicken salad and I had a delicious grill cheese sandwich and clam chowder. Good food and nice ambience here. Prices are good also.

DAY SEVEN (Friday, Jan. 28)

SP had thoughts of going to Spa but decided against it after hearing reports from another guest at Bellagio. SP heard that the staff was rude and thought that it would be silly to spend $300 to get rude service. SP cancelled her appointment.

Gambling:

Blackjack at Barbary Coast in the morning. This place was beginning to be my personal ATM Machine as I quickly made $200 in the $10 double deck game in less than an hour. SP calls and says that she wants to do something. Came back to Bellagio and spend the $200 winnings playing a $25 min. shoe game. Could not believe to see a fellow player stand on a soft 7 (A, 6) so I collected the remaining chips and decided to call it quits. I am mad for even dropping money at the Bellagio table as I wasn't planning on gambling there, just getting back to see what was going on with SP.

I find SP at her favorite slot machine and watch her drop about $80. We decide to spend the remaining time at or near Bellagio and head off to see the shops at Ceasars Palace and the Forum Shops.

But I would return to the Barbary Coast!

Dining:

Breakfast was at the Cafe Bellagio and it was delicious as usual. I can't get over how tasty that freshly squeezed orange juice is at this place!

We had lunch at Ceasar's Palace (Stage Deli). I had a rueben sandwich and SP had Lucille Ball salad. Both were good. Good food with only mediocre service. Food bill was $28.

While at the Forum Shops, we decide to have a cinnabon and coffee and we luck out as we are able to catch a free fashion show. The models appeared from nowhere (floor opens up and up pops up a catwalk!). Very cool. Even better was the fact that the models were doing swimsuits. SP didn't like it when I suggested we should take a picture of the models though!

Dinner was room service. Bellagio room service is something one needs to experience! Great service and the food was outstanding! I have had room service before but this was excellent, by far the best. SP and I shared a pizza and I had the french onion soup (huge portion). SP also had some salad (also a huge portion). So long as you don't order drinks or beverages, food cost was pretty good.

Shopping:

Ceasars Palace Forum Shops were cool but nothing special for me (I am not a big shopper). SP found many of the stores overly priced. We both liked the Forum Shops better.

Gambling (part two):

SP stayed in while she let me loose to play some more at Barbary Coast. I stayed 2 hours and came back with $200. By this time, the dealers were recognizing me and the pit boss also came by to say hello. Never was offered a players card though (maybe because I was winning so much?).

Spent our last night at Bellagio watching the fountains from our room. Since being back, we already miss the Bellagio. Tried to order a pay per view movie, but the "server" was down so we couldn't process the order.

DAY EIGHT (Saturday, Jan. 29)

We spent our morning lounging around the room. Our flight to Atlanta was scheduled to leave at 2:20 p.m. So we decided to pack up and get ready fairly early and have lunch at the airport.

Before checking out, I go to the casino host to get my rating and I tell SP to check out the slot host to cash in our points.

Casino host looks at my action (which was not much) and still decides to comp me $400 off of our hotel bill (room was prepaid but we were paying $30 a night extra for Partial Lakeview). So, our original bill of $700 was now $300. Casino host did give me rating of 11 hours of play at $55 average bet per hand. I was told that to get RFB, Bellagio is looking at $100 per hand at 4 hours per day minimum.

I forget to ask SP about the slot host rating as we are rushing to get to the airport. I did notice that the check out didn't mention anything about the slot rating and I figured we didn't have enough points to get anything comped.

Off to the airport we go. Got a nice cab driver who was very chatty. Told him we were heading to Atlanta via Delta and he asked if we had heard about the bad weather. Bad weather??

AIRLINE DELAYS

Get to the Delta check in line. The line up is huge. We learn that Delta is cancelling all flights due to an ice storm? We can't get out to Atlanta until Tuesday (Feb. 1). We decide to fly to Orlando but we can only get a flight on Jan. 30 at midnight. That means that we must find a place to stay for yet another night in Vegas!

MIRAGE (Jan. 29 & Jan. 30)

Our first call is Bellagio. They are booked up and can only offer a room at $450 a night. We decline and decide to try the Mirage (another MGM property). Got quoted rate of $169 so we book and catch a cab to the Mirage. We go through the whole thing again. Cab to hotel, bellman, explanation regarding mini-bar fridge, etc. etc.

The room at the Mirage was nice. Bathroom was very small however. But generally, SP and I were pleased with cleanliness and appointment of room.

Dining:

Had a good lunch at Caribe Cafe. Good coffee shop and fast service. Had the southern fried chicken with mash potatoes and coleslaw. Very good!

Gambling:

Sad to report that I go back to the Barbary Coast. I should have stayed at Mirage. Promptly lost $450 playing double deck game. Could not find a good hand and dealer was hot. Then decide to stop by at Imperial Palace on my way back to Mirage. Lost $100 in less than 30 minutes at $15 double deck game. Caught a glimpse of the "Dealer entertainers". Noticed that they dealt games using the Constant Shuffling Machines (CSM). Those puppies are not good if you are a serious blackjack player.

SP stayed at Mirage and spent $150 at the slots. She did win something big but kept on spending it back. I later found out she racked up a lot of points.

I get back to the Mirage and I spend $100 playing Video poker. Did pretty well here and there but I mostly spent it back. More points racked up.

Speaking of points, this is when I noticed something funny. My players card still had the point balance from the Bellagio. Didn't SP take care of the slot points when we checked out? I gathered that she hadn't. More on that later.

We had a late night snack in the coffee shop at Mirage and then went to bed. SP convinces me to keep the room all day so that we can rest before getting to the airport.

Next morning, we wake up later than usual and head down for some breakfast. Not knowing too much about the Mirage, we just line up at the breakfast buffet at Cravings. Turns out it was a champagne brunch. SP and I were both impressed with the food and service. SP didn't have any champagne but overall, she liked the food. Cost was $22 per person (approx).

We stay at Mirage and gamble abit here and there. I try the $25 shoe game and lose about $250.

Before checking out, SP and I decide to check out the deal with our players cards. When we do, the slot host comps us our 2 nights at Mirage, together with all food and beverage, then adds another 5 nights comped for a future stay! Didn't realize we had so many points racked up (around 5000).

TRIP BACK TO ORLANDO

We boarded our flight back to Orlando at 1:00 a.m. Vegas time on Jan. 31. Flight to Orlando was good. Played Song Trivia a few times and won a few rounds. Tried to catch some sleep.

Trip is not over as we must head back home from Florida. But this concludes our Vegas travels.

CONCLUSION:

We both loved Las Vegas! Especially the hotels and restaurants and of course, the shows were fabulous! Gambling was so-so for us but we did learn as to how the comp rating systems work (for the most part).

I found blackjack to be streaky and I should have quit while I was ahead. SP would play out her winnings instead of cashing out and getting a "check". But we had fun. We didn't lose more than what we could afford and we got a free 5 night stay at the Mirage.

We plan on returning and will likely redeem our free 5 nights at the Mirage when we do so. Things we will do on our next trip will include visits to Red Rock Canyon via rental car and perhaps a day trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

I would certainly recommend the Bellagio to anyone who is considering a luxury hotel. Try to book online ahead of time (either through the Bellagio website or via Expedia or Travelocity). Partial or Lakeview rooms are worth the extra money!

SK and JK had a Lakeview room on the 15th floor that we got to see. Certainly worthwhile to spend the extra dough for that as the view from the main building is even better.

And to those seeking to see the "best" show in Vegas, go see "O"!!
Vegasvirgin2005 <> - East Coast - Canada    2281

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