Such a disappointment… that I didn’t stay at the Bellagio in Las Vegas instead of the Venetian that is!  The Bellagio is a class act, from their professional and courteous staff to their immaculately decorated hotel and casino. The minute you walk into the hotel entrance, you are surrounded by the scents of hyacinths, lilies, and more.  The famous Bellagio Conservatory is a magnificent atrium; probably one of the most amazing garden exhibits I have ever seen.  Who would have expected to find this on the Las Vegas strip?  Changing seasonally, the Conservatory is open to all, and by midday, it’s filled with tourists taking advantage of easy photo ops.   Cute shops nearby include the Giardini Garden Store, where I picked up the happiest Buddha statue I’ve ever seen.  There’s also the Jean Philippe Patisserie, featuring the Guinness record holding “largest chocolate fountain in the world.”  This fountain is quite a show-stopper, but I was even more impressed with the absolutely divine chocolate they make.  I’m actually eating their “chocolate caviar” while writing this post.  Move over Swiss chocolate- Jean Philippe is in a league of their own!

Bellagio Fine Art Gallery

I almost cried when I discovered the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery was closed while I was there.  I’m certain I’ll catch it in the next few months, but in the meantime, I had fun talking with some of the staff.  The current collection is planned to continue through January of 2011 and includes works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas and Fernand Leger.  Admission is $15, which I heard people complaining about, but come on- it’s a once in a lifetime experience!

Bellagio Restaurants

I was told the Bellagio BUFFET was the best on the strip and had to be checked out. Now, I haven’t been to a buffet in years, possibly since I was a kid, but I’d have to say this one was pretty impressive. Less than $25 per person, young child eat free, and so many choices, they’re sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater (points at self.) We also had a great waiter- a busy waiter, but on top of his game considering the crowd he was serving. I would definitely recommend choosing off-peak dining times to avoid a crowd.

Noodles was another restaurant I had a chance to hit. The last time I was here, I met up with my Uncle who insisted we go to his favorite, The Noodle Shop in Mandalay Bay. I’m not sure which I liked better, but I’d say the service was a bit slow in both. Good thing the food more than made up for it!

THE SPA & SALON at the Bellagio.

I’ve saved the best for last…. While I was strolling in awe of the incredible gardens in the Bellagio Conservatory, I noticed a woman coming out of the Bellagio Spa & Salon with perfect hair.  I all but ran inside asking, “who did that woman’s hair?”  A few minutes later, the very nice receptionist had me lined up for a Saturday appointment with Julie, a talented colorist, and Hillary; my new favorite  stylist and colorist of all time.  I was so pleased with the final results of my hair, I made yet another appointment, coming back for a Brazilian Blowout.

I spent around $1,000 on my hair that weekend, but walked out of the Bellagio salon with model hair that didn’t frizz even after returning to my home in extremely humid Puerto Vallarta.  If you have curly hair like I do, you know this is worth every penny.  Great hair, and such professional service, they’re actually shipping my hair products internationally.  I’ve already let Hillary know I’ll be back for my next hair treatment and for another of Micheal’s fabulous lattes!

Las Vegas April 28 2010 180″ width=”225″ height=”300″ class=”alignleft size-medium wp-image-187″ />Las Vegas transportation suggestions: taxi? yes! limo? hell yes! avis car rental- dear god no!

First things first, 3 weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas and was shocked when Avis ran a credit check to rent a car to me. A hard credit inquiry; the kind that dings your credit, and they don’t even ask first! Since I’ve gotten in the habit of buying houses these days, I’ve been guarding my credit like a hound, wanting to get those fab interest rates. Who wants to potentially lose 10′s of thousands of dollars paid to interest to rent from Avis car rental? Not I! Plenty of car rental companies in Las Vegas that don’t resort to this shady stuff.

Anyway, back to my experience with Vegas transportation…
After a shocking $1,000+ car rental bill from my Vegas trip 3 weeks ago (those extra fees seriously add up) I opted to take taxis and even try a limo service for this Vegas trip. Smart. Cabs were cheap; around 5-8 dollars for transport around the strip and were available just about everywhere. Even the taxi lines weren’t that bad.

Las Vegas Limos are a bargain, I’ve decided: $15 flat rate for transport anywhere along, or just off the strip. Hourly rates, I was quoted anywhere from $45 to $60 an hour as a start. $25 for airport transportation. Not bad. Not bad at all. If you’re looking for a really great limo service, I have to recommend the company I used; National Transportation Services. I hope you get Ken or Kenny, the limo drivers I had. These guys were great- professional, yet friendly, helpful, and honest. Ken even gave me a hug when he came to pick me up the 2nd time, telling me how grateful he was for the tip I’d given him before. Hey, he deserved that tip- he got me to Coach for a hold pick-up, and back to my Westin spa appointment just in time!

Happiest Buddha Ever!

A man came to my door this morning, riding a bicycle with a bucket hanging off the handlebar.  He very kindly, asked if he could wash my Grand Jeep Cherokee.  When I hesitated to assess how dirty it was, he quickly added, “Please, I need to eat.”   It brought tears to my eyes.  I agreed, immediately, giving him everything I had in my wallet when he was finished.

It made me think.  I’ve always been an overly generous individual, even when I couldn’t afford to be.  Now, I can afford to give quite a lot, and I do.  My mother, a huge Oprah fan, had brought this up while we were in Vegas this week:  “Oprah says the more she gives the more that comes back to her and that she just can’t give it away fast enough.  I think this is why you have become so successful.  You have always done the same thing.”   It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?  Is this the reason I’m making 7 figures this year for doing next to nothing, aside from traveling around and having fun?  I help friends who need money.  I help strangers who need food.  I help family members who aren’t even my family members.  I ask nothing in return, but I do this out of complete selfishness- giving makes me feel good.

I’m in the process of planning a spa vacation to San Francisco for next month.  The Brilliant Society, (all my girlfriends from Rutgers) were looking over the various spa options in and around San Fran and Napa Valley.  One of the destinations we had our eye on was the Calistoga Ranch, an ultra exclusive spa getaway only an hour away from San Francisco and offering just about everything you could possibly want.  The price tag…. $17,000.   I’ll admit, this was still a consideration until this morning.  Now however, I think I’ll stick to my beloved Westin or St. Regis for about half the price and give a little (ok, a lot) extra to charitable causes this month.

Anyway… San Francisco already has me excited.  5 girls, from all over the country (and me from Puerto Vallarta) hitting the spa for a week or so.  I can’t wait!