We flew out on Tuesday morning, after a short delay at Gatwick. Once we landed, we grabbed a taxi to the hotel. We were fortunate enough to be staying at the Bellagio, one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Oh my word, this place is stunning! I wish I'd taken more photos but they wouldn't have done it justice.
After unpacking and heading across the road to Walgreens for supplies (water and snacks of course) I needed to start getting ready as it was the Stag & Hen nights. Our plan was drinks at the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel (next door to the Bellagio right side) then we'd booked our own photographer and bright pink stretch Hummer limo to drive us around the Strip. It was so much fun!
We'd then planned to head over to Omnia nightclub at Caesar's Palace (next to the Bellagio left side) however, because of the gun attack that had taken place the previous evening, the nightclubs were closed as a mark of respect. So, we decided to go to Fremont Street or Old Vegas instead and we had the best night! Why is it that some of the funniest nights are the ones that are completely unplanned?!
We hung out at cheap bars and got totally hammered. I don't even remember getting home. It was hilarious.
The following morning we all felt a bit worse for wear, Andrew included after the Stag night. We didn't leave our room until about 1! Food was the first thing on our agenda, so we headed across the road to the Paris hotel and got a table at Mon Ami Gabi, a gorgeous French Bistro style restaurant that served the most delicious steak and chips. We had a lovely table for two on the terrace looking out to the Bellagio.
We both had a drink to balance out the hangovers - I'm a firm believer in the hair-of-the-dog!
Something that was on my Must Do List Whilst In Las Vegas was to visit Sephora. Yeah I know, how cultural of me. But, I love beauty products and as we don't have Sephora in the UK, I was really excited by it. I'm going to do a Sephora Haul post soon - but if you were watching my instastories whilst I was away, you will have seen a preview of what I'd bought.
Our plan for that evening was to see 'O' - a Cirque Du Soleil show at the Bellagio Theatre, but tickets were all sold out. Gutted. If you're going out there and want to see it, book tickets before you go. we learnt the hard way. So instead, we all went for a gorgeous meal at the Eiffel Tower restaurant back at the Paris hotel. Wow, this place is spectacular! Stunning views of the Bellagio Fountains, the service was outstanding and the food was divine. I'd highly recommend eating here if you're after something special. After dinner, we headed back because the following day was the wedding day and no one wanted to feel like death.
The morning of the wedding, 8 of us were up early and decided to walk down to the Venetian to get breakfast. Their buffet breakfast was great and worth the walk. We had a stroll round the Grand Canal but sadly didn't get to go on a gondola, it didn't open until 10am and I had to be back at the Bellagio salon for a manicure. I loved walking the strip that morning, the sky was a beautiful shade of blue as the sun rose higher, there was an excitement building slowly between us as the minutes ticked by, knowing that afternoon we were going to watch two of our closest friends say their vows under the desert sun.
Anneka and I were bridesmaids, our dresses were Monsoon and just gorgeous! I loved them, such fantastic quality. We had our hair styled at the hotel salon a few hours before, excellent service in there although beauty services there are a lot pricier than the UK.
The wedding ceremony was just beautiful, John & Sam were married on the terrace overlooking the lake. It was really emotional and there were some really touching words said by the Minister. I remember being there and thinking, this would truly be a moment I'd never forget, standing on that terrace with our friends watching the fountains dance. Magical.
After a champagne reception, we dined at Lago, one of the restaurants at the hotel. Our table overlooked the fountains and it was honestly one of the best meals I've had. The concept of the restaurant is similar to tapas, a few small dishes followed by one large dish. Our waiter recommended that they bring out dishes for us to all share and it was mindblowingly good! It was such a fun way to dine, all passing plates of gorgeous Italian food to each other, it encouraged me to try everything. I don't usually eat seafood but the scallops were some of the tastiest things I'd eaten the entire trip.
After dinner, we had a few drinks, but the jetlag had started to catch up with us so we were in bed by about midnight I think. For us that was good, we were leaving the following afternoon.
Luckily I got Upper Class on the way home so managed to get a decent sleep and woke up feeling pretty refreshed! I love my job.
Recommendations:
Get water from a supermarket to take to your room - the hotel shops and minibars are ridiculously expensive.
Be prepared to do a lot of walking - it may look really close to where you're currently standing, but I promise you it isn't! The hotels are huge.
3 nights isn't long enough - stay for at least 5. We went in only 3 other hotels besides the one we stayed in.
Tipping is high and expected on everything - even drinks at a bar.
The Bellagio is central on the strip, so has an excellent location.
We will definitely be going back, hopefully for Andrew's 40th birthday in a few years time, I'm very lucky that with my job we can easily get out there again and hopefully see some more of it!
Thanks for reading,
Chloe x
