After countless trips to Las Vegas and staying from one end of the strip to the other, I managed to stay at the Bellagio for a well-deserved mini vacation with my friends.  It's been roughly 6 years since I last stayed at the Bellagio, and even on the countless past trips, I always find the Bellagio as a landmark of the strip--the water show at night, the intricate architecture, and the amenities that the resort offers--shopping/gaming.  \n\nMy friends and I had long planned for this fun mini-vacation.  It all started out on a Friday afternoon, departing Los Angeles traffic at around 14:00, and somehow managing to arrive at the Bellagio's valet driveway by 19:15, including a  1/2 break in Barstow.  Upon arrival, I was in complete bliss--a friendly and warm welcome as the valet attendant opened up my car, and had the cart ready, to be brought up to the room.  \n\nCheck in couldn't have been any smoother--again, a warm welcome and no problems.  After getting the keys, we headed up to the room.  Well, while I find that security is top notch, with a ground staff making sure that you are a guest of the hotel, heading up to the elevators, I found that the distance from the front desk to the elevators were quite far, but then again, it's like that at every other Vegas hotel. \n\nUpon arriving to the room, my friends and I were in awe.  We've stayed at high end hotels--don't get me wrong--Venetian, Palazzo, Caesars, PH, you name it, but there's something about the Bellagio that makes you not want to leave the rooms.  The size of the rooms feels a little bigger than some of the other properties, and the bathrooms were gorgeous--oversized with dual vanities, nice large shower--something that you just won't find in a typical Vegas room.  The beds were comfortable, and TV/Mini bar area was quite nice.  We also requested for a mini-fridge (to store beer/booze) and best of all, they threw it in for free!  Most importantly, the room was in perfect condition and super clean--not like my experience at the Luxor--a complete dump!  \n\nThe casino is super awesome there--plus I won big which definitely helped.  The location is the main reason why I chose to stay here--walking distance to both north and south ends of the strip.  There is absolutely no reason to use a car, with the exception of driving up to the outlets.  \n\nI am the type of traveler that cannot go without a day of exercising--and even though the $25 resort fee is a little steep, it's worth it.  Trust me.  The Bellagio gym is a state of the art gym--you'll find the machines that you'll typically use at your local gym--and not just a few, but there's rows of tread mills--and yoga classes, and much, much more.  Take my word--if you ever stay here, hit the gym!!\n\nEven though the hotel rates are slightly higher than some of the others, it's worth every penny, and you will not regret it for sure.  You will want to return, as I will be very soon-rooms booked.  It's the hotel that you wouldn't mind living in one--cleanliness, and service at its finest. \n\nMy overall grade:    A+