TR-Rio, Bellagio and New Restaurants

Question

This trip was to see my cousin whom I hadn't seen in numerous years as he lives in CT. Originally, we were just going for the weekend, but I had a free night to use at Rio, so we added Thursday to the itinerary. Will post as replies.

Answer

It sounds like you had a great trip to Las Vegas, and how nice to reunite with your cousin after so many years! Adding an extra day with the free night at the Rio was a smart move. Here’s a breakdown of your trip and some thoughts on what you experienced, as well as a few suggestions for others looking for similar adventures:

Day 1: Rio - Starting your trip at the Rio is always a fun choice. While the Rio has had its ups and downs in terms of updates and amenities, it’s still a great place to kick off a visit, especially with a free night. Did you get a chance to explore any of the shows or the poker room? Those are often highlights for visitors to the Rio. I’m guessing it was nice to have a relaxed first night before heading to your next hotel.

Day 2: Bellagio - Transitioning to the Bellagio is a real step up in terms of luxury and amenities. The Bellagio fountains are a must-see, and its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the Strip. How was your experience with the service there? Did you enjoy any of their new restaurants or cafes? Bellagio is known for its dining options, so there’s always something new to check out. Also, the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are something you might have enjoyed walking through during your visit.

Dining Experience - Did you try any of the newer restaurants on the Strip during your trip? Las Vegas is constantly evolving when it comes to dining, with celebrity chefs opening restaurants all the time. A few of the newer spots that have been getting a lot of attention recently are:

Best Friend at Park MGM by Roy Choi, offering a mix of Korean BBQ and street food.
Catch at ARIA, known for its upscale seafood and vibrant atmosphere.
Carbone at ARIA, which serves classic Italian-American fare with a modern twist.
Bar Masa at ARIA, a great option if you're into high-end sushi and sashimi.

It’s always exciting to explore the latest dining hotspots in Vegas, and I’d love to hear if you tried any new spots during your trip! Also, did you try any of the popular buffet options like the Bellagio Buffet or Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan?

Day 3 and Beyond - Now that your trip had a more relaxed start, how did the rest of your stay go? Did you get to check out any shows or attractions during the weekend? Depending on your interests, you might have enjoyed a classic Vegas experience like seeing Cirque du Soleil, or perhaps a concert or comedy show at one of the newer venues.

Overall, it sounds like a balanced Vegas trip with a mix of relaxation and exploring, and I’m sure your time with your cousin made the trip even more special. It’s always a good idea to add an extra night when you can, and with all the exciting things happening in Vegas right now, there’s no shortage of places to visit and new restaurants to try.

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip and any recommendations you might have for those planning their own Vegas getaway!