Bellagio Hotel
Penthouse Suite $1450. per night

Mention Las Vegas, and I have previously held opinions. There are games of chance, accommodations that are affordable and barely comfortable. The fast foods merely feed the energy level to continue the games. I remember entertainment as scantily attired performers move to very loud music. Mediocrity ruled on the "Strip". All these previously held notions were about to change. My recent visit to the new Las Vegas, (September, 2002), would prove this to be so.

Bellagio, Las Vegas, was and is designed for the discriminating visitor. The exquisite elegance contained within the Italian Renaissance architecture, the fountains and Botanical Gardens, appeal to everyone. Arrival is a statement. The fountain located in front of the main entrance, displays a flowing water show, with synchronized music from Pavarotti, Bocelli, Sinatra and others. This awakens the soul. There is something about the contrast of waterfalls in the desert that makes one appreciate the technology that allows this phenomenon. The front lobby in the Bellagio, contains an eye-catching glass sculpture chandelier by Dale Chihuly, "Fiori de Como", and hangs within an 18-foot ceiling skylight of stained glass. The flowers in the sculpture are rich and vibrant in color. The light penetrates in a way to enrich each petal.

Pleasant and efficient service by the staff at Bellagio begins immediately upon entrance through the revolving door. After registering, suitcases are taken and later delivered to the suite. Room keys allow use of the VIP Elevators. Once inside, the floor indicators are encased in a gilt frame. Mirrors and wall texture surround the guest and there is plush carpet blending with the walls. The hallways in the Bellagio, contain the same special detail of textured walls, gilt framed artwork within crown moldings. Sculptures are on pedestals, plants are in Romanesque urns, and the walkways are plush carpet throughout.

The Penthouse Suite
Entrance to my 2,000 square foot suite, which was located on the 35th floor, was in the evening. The drapes were open allowing a fabulous view of Bellagio's flowing fountain located in front of the golden-lit Eiffel Tower, across the street. The suite's foyer had a marble floor, textured walls, gilt framed art, and to the side, one lavatory. Operation of the drapes and sheer panels is made push button perfect by a side panel. The great room was furnished with a comfortable beige sofa, two blue velvet Italian style side chairs located at each end of a large coffee table. The entertainment center contained a wide screen television. Along the side was a fully stocked refrigerator containing alcoholic beverages and soft drinks along with the usual mini-bar choices. In the corner, a round table with fresh flowers in a vase, linen napkins and place settings for two was noted.

The bedroom drapes were open allowing an even closer view of the dancing water fountain and tower. The headboard consisted of a padded fabric matching the drapes. The design was encased in a gilt frame of Roman origin. There was another entertainment center along one wall with a large screen television contained in an armoire. A large blue velvet chair faced the window view. In close proximity a table had carved legs and contained an ornate ceramic lamp. A writing table in the corner contained a phone and leather bound writing pad and pen with Bellagio, printed in gold. In the closet there was a safe, two plush white terry cloth robes with matching slippers, and the logo "B", embossed in white satin. One simply can't forget this location. The convenience of an iron with board was appreciated.

There were two full bathrooms in this suite.
Both had marble floors, partial marble walls combined with textured paper and gilt framed art located within moldings of Roman design. There was an ample supply of towels and articles necessary for proper hygiene, right down to the two toothbrushes and toothpaste. There were also magnifying mirrors to ease placement of vanity concerns. Both bathrooms had televisions with remote controls. One bathroom had a glass-encased shower. The other contained a sunken Jacuzzi tub encased in marble. All of the plumbing was Kohler design, always the best at Bellagio.

The lighting system throughout the suite contained dimming devices so as not to interfere with the view. One of the creature comforts at Bellagio must be commented on. At the return to the suite on my first evening, there was a platter assortment of fresh fruit placed on the table set for two. The turndown service had arrived, revealing textured linens and
a nest of pillows. So far, in terms of service, I must say that Bellagio guests are treated in
a luxury manner beyond ordinary. A full Las Vegas, Sunday, begins with a proper brunch
at the Cafe Bellagio. VIP guests do not wait in line; we are escorted immediately to be seated. The service was immediately responsive. Compliments to the creator of the best ever Reymous Fizz. Tradition is not lost in Las Vegas, smoked salmon and bagels, but have course.

Spa Bellagio
Spa Bellagio offers Swedish massage combined with aromatherapy. Lavender is my favorite. The soothing music combined with just enough pressure, made for a most relaxing hour. Marble prevailed in theme throughout the spa area, showers, walls and floors. There was an abundance of fluffy large towels throughout and large ceramic urns for placement after use. The familiar “B” identified all the towels, robes and slippers. The dressing area resembled a fine salon, with hand held hair dryers, brushes, pins and other necessary items.

The gaming areas contained familiar slot machines and felt covered card tables. At BELLAGIO, these areas were located under colorful and rich fabric awnings with fringe and tussles, all blending with the rich carpet. I am not a game person so I opted to do a little window-shopping. I could not help but notice the strategic location immediately beyond the doors of the gaming rooms, taking the winnings to designer shops including Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Cartier and Tiffany. They are all here in Las Vegas, the proper upscale designers of distinction that is familiar to the urbanite. Is the image of Las Vegas changing? Yes indeed. The Conservatory Garden located just beyond the main entrance of the BELLAGIO, had on display floral designs of autumn colors, orange, yellow, brown and green tones. All of these are arranged to advantage to emphasize the tremendous Horn of Plenty, which contained various sizes and colors of pumpkins. This featured design was placed under a skylight with a flowing golden bow of fabric and ribbon. The walkways were adorned with various types of ferns and sculptured stacks of straw, all under gleaming light from above. The temperature is adjusted to the needs of particular plants and flowers, thereby respecting their environment.

Time goes quickly, there is much to observe including fellow visitors. Theatre tickets were for a 7:30 P.M. performance and dinner following. I wanted to take advantage of the sunken tub and relax before dressing for the evening.

The "O" Show, Cirque Du Soleil
The "O" Show, Cirque Du Soleil, at BELLAGIO, Las Vegas, is a journey into a magical environment that captures the audience the moment the house lights are dimmed, and literally takes one into a world of wonder. I am mesmerized by "O". I was seated in Row J, Center, Seat 16. "O", symbolic with life, also plays with death in a glint throughout. The synchronized swimming, parade of dancers around the water, covering over the water with theatrical effects, all tell a story of birth, love, humor, (clowns), and mascarade alluding to death calling. The aerial equipment and rich settings transformed the viewer into another zone. The flawless trapeze artists were wearing costumes and make up that remained unaltered in or out of the water. The diving platforms allow the performers to defy gravity. Their remarkable entry into the water from such a distance causes the audience some apprehension, wondering how deep the water is and will that depth accommodate an accurate dive. "Contortion", the four performers display elastic positions in each movement. The concept is amazing and outstanding in deliverance. I did not know the human body could withstand such extreme choreography. The rich display of "Russian Swing" stage settings and lighting combined with acrobatics, enhance the water of birth, giving to life image. The "Swimming Piano", enters from light above the water and sinks into darkness below. A brilliant concept. "Fire" spreading, does become all consuming. "Clowns", and their sinking house, pokes fun at circumstances beyond our control. "Solo Trapeze", over water, shows how accurate the performer must be to enter the water with such force.

After the final applause, I am moved to overwhelming respect for Franco Dragone and the creators of the production of "O". The fact that the exquisite costumes and make up remained intact in and out of the water must be commented on favorably. The quality of the stage settings combined with the aerial devices and lighting gave superior quality to the overall production. The musical arrangements and chanting transformed the mood, creating in each sequence, an unrelated essence.

Picasso restaurant at Bellagio
Picasso restaurant at Bellagio, and Chef, Julian Serrano, deserves the James Beard Award. It matters not which choice from the menu one selects, the preparation and service deserve highest compliments. Selection of proper wines for each course was left to the professionals. The balance in total presentation made obvious the Five Star Recommendation. The gallery arrangement of original art by Picasso was enhanced through the lighting that made each work clearly visible. Picasso's, "Fruit Dish and Yellow Vase”, oil on tile, a 3-Dimensional work, was my personal favorite. My table had proximity to the fountain display. The entire dining experience was very special, every detail presented with elegance.

My farewell lunch at Circo, Bellagio, was prepared in a delightful manner. The Tuscan Home style menu and service deserve positive comment. The decor, as in the name, "Circo", makes you feel you are under a stripped tent, at a circus. The bold colors in the fabric window coverings and trimmed awnings and furnishings are designed with intent.
The entirety of this journey makes me want to return. I would venture to say; most guests probably feel the same way.

Anne Cameron
Style Director