Few hotels are more renowned throughout Las Vegas than the Bellagio. Its majestic, slightly curved structure is a prominent feature along the Strip, courtesy of its distinctive look. The architects drew inspiration from Lake Como and the town of Bellagio in Lombardy, Italy.
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Close to 4,000 Rooms and a $1.5 Million Robbery
The Bellagio was inaugurated on October 15, 1988, at the location of the once also legendary Dunes Hotel, which was ceremoniously demolished in 1993. The Bellagio complex was designed for a wealthy clientele right from the start, and the entire project was marked by luxury and elegance. For instance, in 2006, all staff uniforms were replaced simply because the original ones did not meet the elegance standard.
Today, the entire Bellagio complex comprises approximately 3,950 rooms, a large number of which were renovated in December 2011 for $70,000,000.
On December 15, 2010, the hotel was robbed of $1.50 in chips by an armed man donning a motorcycle helmet, who stormed the Bellagio casino before 4 a.m. He collected the chips at the craps table, mounted his motorcycle, and fled. However, he didn’t get to enjoy the chips, which needed to be exchanged for cash. In August 2011, he was apprehended and convicted.
Dazzling Fountains of Bellagio
In Las Vegas, it’s an unspoken rule that each hotel must feature a breathtaking attraction. A casino isn’t sufficient; even the smallest hotel has one. Hence, the Stratosphere features adrenaline-pumping rides on its rooftop, Paris Las Vegas boasts its own Eiffel Tower, New York, New York offers a roller coaster, and the Bellagio delights with its fountains.
The Fountains of Bellagio are not just any fountains; they’re synchronized with lighting and music. The music varies throughout the show and includes Time To Say Goodbye, My Heart Will Go On, and Billy Jean by Michael Jackson. The construction of the fountains cost an estimated $40 million, with the most potent nozzle able to project water up to 459 ft.
The Bellagio Water Show is free of charge, and one does not have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy it. From Monday to Friday, the shows start every half an hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m., and every fifteen minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the shows start every thirty minutes from 12:00 to 6:30 p.m. and every fifteen minutes from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.
A fountain similar to the one in Las Vegas can also be admired at the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai.
Cirque du Soleil at Bellagio
The Bellagio Hotel is also the residence of the circus troupe Cirque du Soleil. The group has been regularly performing the show O at the complex since 1998. The name is a pun, as it’s pronounced the same way as eau in French, which translates to water.
Water is the primary element of the performance, which takes place on a stage by a 5,700m3 pool. Up to 1,800 visitors at a time can marvel at synchronised swimming, aerial acrobatics, and classic circus elements.
The cheapest tickets, offering a limited view, cost $103. Main stage tickets with a good view are sold for approximately $188. If you wish to enjoy the best view, the tickets will set you back $440. All ticket options can be purchased on the hotel’s website, and it is advisable to act well in advance.
Bellagio in Movies: Ocean’s Eleven, Hangover, and More
The Bellagio and its fountains have frequently been featured in some of the most popular Hollywood movies.
The Bellagio complex was featured extensively in Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Thirteen. In the first movie, the all-star cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts plan a heist on the Bellagio casino, and in the third sequel, the main characters are seen chatting by the famous fountains.
The Bellagio fountains also feature in the opening scene of the 2009 comedy The Hangover; at the end of the movie, one of the members of the misadventurous gang finds a casino chip from the Bellagio in his pocket.
Bellagio and its fountains have also been featured in movies like 2012, What Happens in Vegas, Rush Hour 2, and Lucky You.
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