Going north, south, east and west - LAS VEGAS - COMPLETE About This Page:

[janicelovesmickey]

lovely pics it all looks like home sweet home to me, my second favorite place
I cant wait to see vegas since I am going in nearly 2 weeks.

[Lemap760]

Looks like you're out in the middle of nowhere on the highway.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by christiejay

Great update. First thing, I saw the Mustang and thought COOL! So I was disappointed to read that you didn't get it. About how long did it take you to drive to Vegas? Because I think, if we ever went to one we might as well do the other (Vegas and Disneyland, that is). I love the picture with the train in it. The landscape looks really awesome. Salt Lake City ... 505 miles ... I think that is the highest mileage I've ever seen on an interstate sign!

I think it took us just under four and a half hours from memory.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by HeatherD

Cheryl, the outlet mall in Barstow has been there since the early 90s, though the fast food places keep building up each year, so it's more of an eye-catcher now. We still end up stopping at Barstow Station, though - it's very rare for us to stop at the Lenwood exit (where the mall is)..

That explains it.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by Lemap760

Looks like you're out in the middle of nowhere on the highway.

That is how it feels.

[chezp]

Wednesday 29 October – part five: I thought this was our room!

Soon, we were coming into Vegas itself and we could see the city from about nine miles out. As we drove, we got some great views of places like the Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Monte Carlo.



Before we knew it, we were turning in front of the Bellagio. Just as we waited for the light to change to allow us to turn in, the fountains started. What a great welcome that was.



We parked up and were greeted by a very happy bellman, who took our bags for us. This was going to be a theme, as the people we met seemed genuinely happy to work here.

We went up to front desk and this was just as jaw dropping as I remembered from last time. I wish we had more time to take it in, but we were seen straight away. We were given room 10-010 on the 10th floor and remember this, for this is about to become important. We got there and first found that housekeeping were still in the room. “Give me a couple of minutes” she kept saying. I didn’t like to say anything, but we were both desperate by now to use the restrooms, but we tried to wait as patiently as we could.

Then things went from bad to worse, as another couple walked up and had also been allocated this room. The housekeeper called someone and asked me to come in, probably because the other couple didn’t speak very good English. I was told that it was one of the rare occasions when the computer had managed to allocate two different sets of people to the same room and she would give us another room.

We were given 18-010 on the 18th floor and the second we walked in, we could see that it was much better than the other one. Because it was much higher up, you got a much better view of the fountains and they started up almost immediately as we walked into the room. Again, it was as if they were welcoming us. We were enthralled by them and I didn’t move during the whole show, even though bell services turned up with our luggage. It was one of the most breathtaking things that I think I’ve ever seen and really has the wow factor. The extra money we spent on this room (which wasn’t that much), really was worth it. I knew then that we would be spending as much time as we could watching what was happening outside at night.



We chatted to the bell guy for a while after the fountains finished. Again, he was so chatty and helpful and when he asked if we wanted anything, I couldn’t resist asking if he could get us some ice and he happily did so. My goodness, being waited on like this is something I could get used to.

By the time I got round to taking photos of the room, it was already covered in cases.



As we were hungry, we got dressed for dinner, we headed own to the Bellagio buffet and fortunately the wait wasn’t too bad, only about 10 minutes to get in there. The last time we were here on Easter Sunday, it took us about 45 minutes to get in. When we came out of there, I guess the wait was at least 20 minutes, if not more, as it was a lot longer. It certainly pays to get there early.

It cost $28 each and it was worth every cent. This is well known as one of the best buffets in Vegas and with good reason. Some of the highlights for us included the Alaskan king crab legs and the gulf shrimp, but I also really enjoyed their salad, couscous with roasted pumpkin and their vegetables, especially the buttered carrots and the creamed spinach. The desserts were just as good, especially the chocolate raspberry mousse. All in all, it’s great value for money and you won’t leave hungry. The only problem was our server, who we barely saw all night.


The line to get in when we left

Bellagio buffet:

Food 8 8½
Service 6 7
Atmosphere 9 9
Value for money 9 9

Average score: 8.19

Next: how much development?!

[chezp]

By the way, there probably won't be an update until later in the day tomorrow - so bear with me!

[Disneybine]

Oh wow, the Bellagio looks great! I'm glad you were given a room on a higher floor after that mix-up. Being able to watch the fountains from above, in the privacy of your own room, sounds wonderful! I remember standing on the crowded sidewalk and trying to see everything The food from the buffet looks delicious!!! *drool*

[Colexis Mom]

What a great view from your room! Thank goodness you were reassigned that one!! And dinner just looked so yummy!! More please!!

[Kenny]

I felt like I was riding along with you coming into Vegas! The welcoming fountain seems just right for the last leg of your trip.

The new room sounds better, the view is fabulous, anyway! That is irritating, though, when you get to the room and it's not ready or the key doesn't work, or someone else is there... and all you want to do is use the BATHROOM!!

Can't wait for more!

[claytrgtshooter]

Glad everythingworked out on the room, amazing how that happens. Fountain shots are great. Looking forward to the next installment.

[amandal]

Well, how nice you got a better room after all. I was just watching the Travel Channel the other day and they did a special on buffets across the country and the Bellagio was right up there in the top. I hope to get there someday.

[HeatherD]

Yay! You're here! I can't wait to see my hometown through your eyes.



Did you take a bath while you were there? Their tubs, seriously, are the deepest I've ever seen. I sat in one when I stayed there once and it came to my shoulders! Of course, I'm pretty short, but still...

And did you know you could turn the music for the fountains on through the room TV, so you can hear it in sync with the water? I loved that feature....

One last thing - about the Bellagio Buffet. I go there for the desserts! For anyone who's ever frequented buffets, you know that the desserts can tend toward the generic - they have to be able to stay out for awhile and are mass produced. At Bellagio, you'll find chocolate cover strawberries, creme brulee, delectible confectionaries of every sort....OK, I may have to talk DH into going on Saturday when the kids are at his parents!

[Minnie Lor]

Super update! Yea! You're in one of my favorite destinations. I love Bellagio but sadly have never stayed there. I usually stay across the street with a view of the fountains. Still my favorite is to stand right in front of the fountains to see the shows. How cool that you can pipe the music in to your room.

I've had breakfast at the Buffet before and thought it was I need to go back just to check out dinner.

[KathleenAnn]

Your room is just beautiful and what a view! The night photos are breathtaking and the buffet photos - YUMMY! Thanks for sharing those! We'll be in Las Vegas in a couple months. I think the Bellagio Buffet will definitely be on our dining list!