Las Vegas is a city celebrated for its nightlife, its impressive casinos, and the fact that there is no shortage of things to do. There's a common saying "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," and there are many things that people would like to forget about their trip; however, a visit to the impressive Bellagio hotel is not one of them.
The iconic property first opened in 1998, and it has continued to withstand the test of time. It's a spot where you can go and see one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, but it is also home to a chocolate fountain, impressive gardens, and a world-famous poker room. Over the years, the hotel has undergone expansions and upgrades. Still, there are other things that have stayed the same, including the quality and high expectations visitors have when they visit.
10 Named After A Beautiful Village Overlooking Lake Como, Italy, The Bellagio Has Withstood The Test Of Time Since 1998
The Bellagio Hotel is one of the most iconic properties in Las Vegas and has been since it was built in 1998. According to Hotel Management, the construction of the hotel started in 1995. But what about the name? The unusual name was inspired by the beautiful Italian village, Bellagio, which overlooks Lake Como.
9 The Spa Tower of Bellagio Was First Opened In 2004, And Millions Have Been Spent On Its Renovation
The Bellagio certainly has no shortage of facilities, including a casino, an exclusive VIP room for players, and world-class restaurants. In 2004, the hotel became even more grand thanks to the addition of the Spa Tower. According to Hotel Online, the Spa Tower added 928 rooms to the property and cost $375 million to complete.
8 The Hotel Is Now Home To The World's Largest Chocolate Fountain
The Bellagio hotel attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom come to see the Fountains of Bellagio (more on that later), but there is another, lesser-known fountain that is just as fascinating. ChocoFountain notes that this is considered to be the "World's Largest Chocolate Fountain" and was created by Jean-Philippe Patisserie. This impressive structure circulates "more than 2,100 pounds of melted milk, dark, and white chocolate," and it's something chocolate lovers will want to see!
7 The Dedicated Horticulture Staff Maintain The Botanical Gardens And The Themes Change Regularly
A skilled team of horticulturists is employed by The Bellagio hotel to help create another must-see sight, their 14,000-square-foot floral gardens. These magnificent gardens are regularly updated for host special displays, including the Year of The Rat in celebration of the Chinese New Year. According to the hotel's website, the display consisted of more than 32,000 flowers!
6 The Hotel Has Undergone A Major Remodel, Including Snazzy New Carpets
The Bellagio has held its position in the Entertainment Capital of the World for decades, but some things have changed since it first opened. As to be expected, the hotel has had a major remodel, and it has cost millions. Vegas24Seven has noted that the rooms and suites were given a face-lift, which started in 2011. It is believed to have cost around $165 million to complete. The remodel saw rooms fitted with luxury furnishings, exotic wood graining, and bright, modern carpets.
5 Some Things Haven't Changed, Like The Picasso Restaurant, Which Continues To Win AAA Five-Diamond Awards Every Year
Although there have been several things about the hotel that have changed, some things have stayed the same. This has always been a luxurious spot, and the hotel has worked hard to offer its guests an experience they won't forget. If you want to treat yourself to an exceptional meal, Julian Serrano's Picasso restaurant is the place to do it because it has been the recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award several times. According to PR Newswire, in 2010, the Bellagio was the first Las Vegas casino hotel to win the AAA Five Diamond Award for the tenth consecutive year.
4 It's One Of The Most Famous Hotels In Las Vegas And Has Come Under New Management
The Bellagio Hotel was the brainchild of developer Steve Wynn (of Mirage Resorts Inc), but according to Hotel Management, in 2000, Wynn sold Mirage Resorts, including his famous Bellagio property, to MGM Grand for an impressive $4.4 billion. In 2005, the MGM Mirage merged with the Mandalay Resort Group in another multi-billion dollar deal.
3 The Bellagio Is Not Just Reserved For Las Vegas Anymore And Is Becoming An International Name (Next Up Is Dubai)
When thinking of The Bellagio Hotel, most people would immediately think of Las Vegas, but the name is going international. Hotelier Middle East reported that MGM Resorts International would make its debut in Dubai with two hotels, an MGM and Bellagio. The publication notes that the beachfront development is believed to be ready to open in 2021, and "will feature an MGM Hotel, MGM Residences, and a Bellagio Hotel."
2 The World-Famous Poker Space, Bobby's Room, Has Hosted The Five Diamond World Poker Classic Since 2002
Poker plays may have heard of the world-famous space, Bobby's Room, a spot where high-stakes games are played. The room is named in honor of Bobby Baldwin, the 1978 World Series of Poker Champion, and is only available to a privileged few. Buy-in starts at a minimum of $20,000. The room has hosted many famous players and top tournaments, including the Five Diamond World Poker Classic, Casino Schedule Ease reports.
1 Fun Fact: A Catfish Was Once Found In The Spectacular Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains have become a popular tourist destination, which is unsurprising, considering it is one of the biggest fountains in the world, and the daily shows are expertly choreographed to music and lights. There is also a dedicated team on hand to make sure things go as planned, and they have a few stories to share about their experience. They've probably found many unusual things in the water, but one that sticks out is when someone set a big catfish free in the fountain, Reno Gazette-Journal reports.