Jim

If you are bringing the wife to the convention, you might want to consider The Venetian. We have stayed at both the Bellagio and the Venetian, and both myself and my wife prefer the Venetian over the Bellagio.

We both (and the kids) thought the rooms were much nicer (and larger) at the Venetian. If you have kids, you may want to also factor in that the Bellagio is not a "kid friendly" hotel. Both have great restaurants (not for the frugal at heart). IMHO, along with the rooms, I like the overall decor of the Venetian better. Room keys are nicer there too along with their cocktail waitresses.

Of course a room at the Bellagio with a view facing the fountains is very nice too.

I don't recall, but I think rates are a tad lower at the Venetian.

Hope this helps.