What the Bellagio is and where it sits on the Strip
The Bellagio is a casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip owned and operated by MGM Resorts International. It opened in 1998 on the site of the old Dunes Hotel and has become one of the most photographed buildings in Las Vegas, mainly because of its fountains. The resort sits at 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South, roughly in the middle of the Strip between Caesars Palace to the north and Park MGM to the south.
The building itself is 36 stories tall and holds about 3,900 guest rooms. The casino floor spans 116,000 square feet. The property also includes multiple restaurants, a shopping mall called the Bellagio Shops, a theater, and the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is a seasonal display that changes four times a year.
Key Takeaways
- The Bellagio's fountains perform free shows every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day and evening, visible from Las Vegas Boulevard at no cost.
- The resort charges room rates that typically range higher than many other Strip properties, especially during peak travel seasons.
- The casino floor uses a high-limit strategy, meaning table minimums and slot machine denominations tend to be higher than at neighboring casinos.
- The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is free to enter and displays seasonal themes that change in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
- Parking at the Bellagio requires a resort fee in addition to room charges, and self-parking and valet parking both carry daily costs.
The fountains and what they cost to visit
The Bellagio Fountains are the resort's signature attraction. They sit in a 22-acre lake in front of the building and perform choreographed water shows set to music. The fountains shoot water up to 460 feet in the air and use over 22 million gallons of water per day.
The shows run continuously throughout the day and evening. During the day, fountains perform every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the evening, they perform every 15 to 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight. The shows last between three and five minutes each. There is no charge to watch the fountains from Las Vegas Boulevard or from the resort's public areas.
Room rates and what they typically include
The Bellagio charges room rates that vary by season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Rates are highest during major events like the Super Bowl, New Year's Eve, and major conventions. Weekend rates are typically higher than weekday rates. Booking months ahead usually costs less than booking a few days before arrival.
Room rates do not include the resort fee, which is a separate daily charge added to your bill. This fee covers parking, gym access, and other amenities. The resort fee amount changes and is not included in the advertised room rate, so you will see it added when you check in or when you review your final bill. You can call the Bellagio directly at 702-693-7111 to ask about current resort fees before booking.
The casino floor and table minimums
The Bellagio positions itself as an upscale casino, which means table minimums and slot machine denominations are generally higher than at other Strip properties. Blackjack tables often have $25 or $50 minimums during the day and higher minimums in the evening. Roulette and baccarat tables typically start at $25 to $100 minimums. Craps and poker tables vary but often begin at $25 or higher.
Slot machines at the Bellagio include penny slots, but the majority of the floor is devoted to higher-denomination machines. If you are looking for lower table minimums or lower-stakes slot play, other nearby casinos like the Cosmopolitan or Aria may have more options in those ranges.
Dining and shopping at the resort
The Bellagio has multiple restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. Restaurants include Mizumi (Japanese), Picasso (French-Spanish), Circo (Italian), and Sadelle's (seafood and brunch). There is also a buffet called Bacchanal, though buffet service and pricing have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view current menus and make reservations through the Bellagio's website or by calling the resort.
The Bellagio Shops is a mall inside the resort with stores like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other luxury brands. There is also a jewelry section and a gallery featuring fine art. The shops are open to the public and do not require a hotel room to enter.
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Conservatory is a seasonal indoor garden display located inside the resort. It changes four times per year to reflect the current season. Spring displays typically feature cherry blossoms and tulips. Summer displays include tropical plants and water features. Fall displays show pumpkins and autumn foliage. Winter displays feature holiday themes and decorations.
The Conservatory is free to enter and requires no reservation. It is open to the public during casino hours. The display changes on a set schedule each year, usually in late March, late June, late September, and late November. If you want to see a specific theme, you can call ahead to confirm the current display and when the next change will occur.
Parking and transportation to the Bellagio
The Bellagio has both self-parking and valet parking. Self-parking is located in a garage structure. Valet parking is available at the front entrance. Both options charge a daily fee that is separate from your room rate. The fee structure varies and can change, so call 702-693-7111 to ask about current parking costs before your stay.
If you are traveling to the Bellagio without a car, the Las Vegas Monorail has a station at Bellagio. The monorail connects to other Strip properties and to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also serve the resort. The resort is located on the Strip, so walking from nearby properties is possible, though distances can be long depending on where you are coming from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a hotel guest to watch the fountains?
No. The fountains are visible from Las Vegas Boulevard and from public areas of the resort at no cost. You do not need a room reservation or casino account to watch the shows.
What time do the fountains stop performing?
The fountains perform until midnight every night. The last show is at midnight, and then they do not run again until 10 a.m. the next morning.
Can I bring children to the Bellagio?
Yes. Children can visit the casino resort, watch the fountains, and visit the Conservatory. However, children are not allowed on the casino floor itself. The resort has family-friendly areas including restaurants and shops.
Is there a dress code for restaurants at the Bellagio?
Dress codes vary by restaurant. Fine dining restaurants like Picasso and Mizumi typically require business casual or formal attire. Casual restaurants have no strict dress code. Call the specific restaurant or check the Bellagio website to confirm the dress code before your visit.
How far is the Bellagio from the airport?
Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) is about 4 miles south of the Bellagio. Travel time by car is typically 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing, taxi, and shuttle services are available from the airport to the resort.