Bellagio Re-Opens: A Glimpse into the New Normal
The iconic Bellagio Hotel and Casino, synonymous with luxury and excitement on the Las Vegas Strip, welcomed guests back with open arms on a sunny Thursday morning. The re-opening marked a significant moment, as eager visitors formed lines that wrapped around the building, all keen to re-experience the charm and thrill of this legendary establishment.
The Bellagio opened on October 15, 1998, and was built at an estimated cost of about $1.6 billion, making it one of the most expensive resorts of its era (Bellagio resort historical coverage and reporting). Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a 14,000‑square‑foot seasonal exhibit that the resort redesigns several times a year (spring, summer, fall, winter and special Lunar New Year displays), with dates and themes published by Bellagio’s official site. The Bellagio property is managed by MGM Resorts International, which has implemented a variety of operational and health-safety measures across its portfolio; MGM’s official Bellagio pages and press materials list amenities such as sanitizing stations, physical partitions, and updated guest‑service protocols (MGM Resorts/Bellagio communications). CARBONE RIVIERA replaced the former Picasso restaurant space at Bellagio and opened as a new dining concept at the resort in late 2025, according to Bellagio/Major Food Group announcements. The Fountains of Bellagio and its surrounding pedestrian access can be affected by nearby events and construction—recent reporting and videos from late 2025 note F1 Las Vegas grandstand construction and special promotions (for example, a promotional Riva yacht on the Lago) that changed how guests experience the fountain area.
As guests arrived, they were met with the warm smiles of hundreds of Bellagio employees, standing ready to serve and assist, against the backdrop of the property’s famous fountains. Whether checking in or rushing to indulge in their favorite casino games, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and joy.
Adjusting to a New Era of Hospitality
MGM Resorts, the steward of the Bellagio, has introduced several measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests in these unprecedented times. Interestingly, the hotel chose not to implement temperature checks at the entrance. Instead, they’ve adopted a more advisory approach towards personal protection, recommending—but not mandating—the use of face masks for guests.
However, certain situations within the property do require a mask. Guests looking to test their luck at roulette or craps tables, or those sharing an elevator ride with others, are asked to wear a mask. Smokers are also advised to maintain a six-foot distance from the gaming tables when indulging in their habit.
To further promote safety, sanitizing stations are readily accessible throughout the premises. Additionally, physical partitions now exist between slot machines and on all table games, ensuring guests can enjoy their favorite activities with peace of mind.
Guest Reactions and Experiences
Visitors like Carol Rice from San Diego expressed their willingness to adapt to the new safety protocols, acknowledging the importance of these measures. “Wearing a mask doesn’t bother me, I know they just want us to be safe,” she remarked, eager to dive into her slot machine games after months of anticipation.
Long-time patrons, including Sal “Jilly” Rizzo, a Las Vegas local with roots in Brooklyn, shared their relief and happiness at the opportunity to return to their favorite spots within the Bellagio. Rizzo, in particular, celebrated his return to the race and sportsbook, a place where he has spent countless hours over the past two decades.
Dining, Leisure, and Future Plans
The Bellagio’s reputation for world-class dining remains intact, with establishments like Sadelle’s Cafe, Mayfair Supper Club, Prime Steakhouse, and Lago open for business. Guests can enjoy a drink at any of the property’s bars, provided they are seated at a table or bar chair, in compliance with new social distancing guidelines.
Leisure amenities such as the pool and conservatory are also available to guests, with plans to gradually reopen the showroom, art gallery, and poker room in the near future. Luis Lamar, Bellagio’s VP of Sales and Group Appreciation, encapsulated the sentiment of the reopening: “We are thrilled to be back and making great memories for our guests. We are doing everything we can to bring Vegas back to being Vegas.”