Inspired by the Italian village of Bellagio that overlooks Lake Como, the Bellagio casino features the gardens and red-tiled roofs of a lakeside Italian Villa. With a 36-story tower featuring 2,600 rooms and 400 suites, this resort is big enough to hold the entire population of the Italian village after which it was named (including their pets). Centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio is one of the most expensive resorts ever built.

Each room has traditionally styled furnishings, European artwork, and antiquities that give it a comfortable and residential feel. Impressive views are abundant throughout the resort, especially outside the front of the property, where a large lake features the "dancing waters" - a choreographed ballet of water, music, and lights. This $30 million fountain show takes place at regular intervals daily. Recordings of artists like Pavarotti and Sinatra serve as background music for the event. This wonder of water, light, and sound is quickly becoming one of Las Vegas' favorite outdoor attractions (the evening shows are superb).

The interior of the Bellagio is grand in both scale and design. Above the 18-foot ceiling in the lobby is a coffer filled with an extraordinary glass sculpture called "Fiori di Como" by Dale Chihuly. Comprised of ornate glass flowers, this sculpture erupts with color. Such embellishments are why the Bellagio is considered one of the more reputable establishments on the Strip. It is almost like going to Monte Carlo, only you do not have to wear a jacket and tie. The resort also features a botanical garden where special lighting fixtures illuminate each flower to create an exciting show of colors that will have a different theatrical presentation with the change of each season. This is exciting to see, unless you suffer from very sensitive allergies, in which case you might want to check out the Bellagio art collection. With a reported $300 million invested in this impressive display of European and American works of art, it is nothing to sneeze at.

With more than a dozen restaurants, visitors can enjoy cuisine from around the world, suitable for any budget. Other amenities include a European spa, six outdoor pools, a salon, upscale shopping, and fine entertainment. An Old World porte cochere leads the way to an elegant shopping promenade with an unrivaled collection of fine fashion boutiques.

A free monorail runs from the Bellagio to the Monte Carlo.