The allure of a luxury casino is something few can resist, and with their opulent facilities and vast array of gaming tables and slots, it’s easy to see why. Having long been associated with glitz and glamour and frequented by the rich and famous, an evening at the roulette wheel or practicing your poker face promises to make for an adrenaline-packed, edge-of-your-seat experience, with luxury guaranteed – but with a growing number of online casinos making a name for themselves, can land-based casinos keep up with our changing habits?
Over the course of the past two years, big name establishments have been repeatedly forced to close their doors, leaving the world’s biggest high rollers and amateur casino fans alike to seek out their entertainment elsewhere. And while online casinos are nothing new, it’s fair to say that they have well and truly upped their game in a bid to keep up with the increased demand, with technological advances elevating the experience and allowing virtual platforms to recreate the real-life experience in a more convincing way than ever before.
Nevertheless, months of being locked up at home have left us eager to return to our social habits and experience some real life entertainment once more, and it seems that the appeal of the land-based casino is just too strong to keep us away for long. The bright lights of Vegas, in particular, are calling many gaming enthusiasts from across the globe, and with its flurry of extravagant resorts, many home to their own sprawling casinos and hosting a vibrant line-up of entertainment acts throughout the year, there’s no better place to go and let off some steam.
A cornerstone of opulence
The jewel in Sin City’s crown, The Bellagio – is still one of the most luxurious casino resorts in the world and promises guests a memorable experience that is unlike any other.
The setting for 2001 Hollywood blockbuster Ocean’s Eleven, starring the likes of A-listers George Clooney and Brad Pitt, it certainly isn’t one to do things by halves, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen as the backdrop. This breath-taking five AAA Diamond hotel is a cornerstone of luxury in the city and features 3,000 palatial suites and a huge casino spanning over 115,000 square feet, and was considered the most expensive hotel ever built when it was constructed back in 1998. Although other resorts have since eclipsed it in that respect, it still remains as impressive as ever, with a next-level philosophy on luxury elevating it above the competition with ease.
Inspired by the small towns and villages of Europe, it overlooks a Mediterranean-blue lake that comes alive at night with a magnificent display that sees its fountains perform a show-stopping dance amidst a rainbow of lights. An elaborate, Italian-themed courtyard featuring five large pools stands at the centre of the resort, surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens that showcase jaw-dropping seasonal displays, and with a full-service spa and fitness centre on sight, along with a plethora of mouth-watering foodie options, there’s barely any reason to leave the grounds.
Eateries worth trying include fine dining hotspots Le Cirque, Lago, Spago and Picasso, and those with larger appetites can enjoy a feast at one of the most luxurious buffets in Vegas – all washed down with fine champagne, of course.
After an adrenaline-fuelled evening at the casino – which, by the way, boasts an impressive range of casino games that attract a high-rolling crowd year-round – head upstairs to your suite and you can expect to luxuriate on soft and sumptuous beds whilst enjoying all the high-end facilities you could imagine.
Marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and glass showers, stylish, hand-picked furniture and extravagant décor all come as standard – because this place is all about going above and beyond the five-star experience. Opt for the Presidential Suite if you want the very best of the best, with a range of plush little extras to be enjoyed, including premium seating at some of MGM Resorts’ highly sought-after range of restaurants, clubs and shows.
While it’s clear that the demand for online casinos is at an all time high, land-based casinos still retain all of the luxury appeal they once did, and The Bellagio is a shining example of just why. It’s true that you can enjoy a high-end experience from the comfort of your sofa and your mobile phone these days – but when it comes to an evening that takes your breath away, the centrepiece of Sin City is the place to be.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
