Top 5 Las Vegas Strip Hotels - #4: The Venetian

(Post #4 in my top 5 Strip hotels to visit in 2012-2013.  Enjoy the photos - I have lots of them for this hotel - as well as the links, and be sure to schedule a trip soon so you can visit them all!)

It's "The Venetian" - see the 'THE' at the top?

The Venetian Hotel and Casino, built by Mr. Sheldon Addelson for his wife, who loves Venice, is a beautiful place. It stands on the spot where the famous Sands Hotel once stood - the hangout of The Rat Pack in the 50's and 60's.  

Do I sometimes wish The Sands was still there?  In a way, yes.  I began my Vegas visits in 1997, right after The Sands had been imploded on live TV and construction of The Venetian began, so I didn't know about it until I started doing my research.  Still, it's a beautiful building, with lots to do and see throughout.

As soon as you walk up to The Venetian, you see something different:  a "river" out front, , with gondolas you can ride in and singing gondoliers, as well.  You'll find later that there's another gondola ride inside, going through the Grand Canal Shops under a faux blue sky.  Cheesy?  Perhaps.  Something different to do in Vegas?  Absolutely.  Here's a bit of info on the ride we took a couple of years ago: 
Gondola

Walk in the front doors and you'll be struck by beauty, and, some say, an overwhelming perfume that they find distracting.  Personally, I enjoy the scent of The Venetian, and so does my daughter.  It's her absolute favorite hotel to visit.  Look up as soon as you enter the doors and you'll see ceilings covered with beautiful Venetian reproduction paintings.  It's hard not to walk around with your mouth hanging open, gawking at everything.  It is over-the-top, but lovely.  After all, this IS Las Vegas.

Seriously, how is that not cool?

To the right is the grand lobby and registration area, beautifully done with more Venetian reproduction paintings and an interesting fountain.  While you're staring at everything, you might just encounter some of the strolling performers that make their way from the lobby area back to the Grand Canal Shops, singing and playing Venetian instruments for your entertainment, and dressed in reproduction Venetian costumes.  It adds to the aura of being transported to another place and time...except for the loud, electronic casino nearby, of course.

The lobby fountain - beautiful!

Don't forget to look up in the lobby...

...and down.
Does this remind anyone else of Q-bert?

Walk out into the casino and find every game you could want.  A poker room is off to the left; a food court is off to the right.  All the restaurants on the casino level outline the casino floor, including the Grand Lux Cafe', which is a great place to enjoy some good food in beautiful surroundings, and you can get a seat on their "patio" and people-watch others in the casino if you prefer.  Here's another restaurant review for you:
Grand Lux Cafe'

Above the casino entrance...

Their showroom recently featured Phantom of the Opera, which was a beautiful production complete with the famous falling chandelier.  They haven't announced what will replace Phantom yet, but I'm sure they will have to re-do the theater before anything is put in its place.  I was lucky enough to see the show twice, and I enjoyed it immensely.  I hope they replace it with another fantastic Broadway show.

More art heading to the Grand Canal Shops

If you head up to the shopping level, you'll be faced with the winding Grand Canal Shops.  Here you'll find the second gondola ride I mentioned before.  The famous Rialto bridge is here, and legend says that you will live happily ever after if you kiss your true love on its apex.

The bathroom inside Zefferino's Restaurant - voted the "Best Bathroom in Las Vegas" - why?

Inside the shops is a piazza mimicking St. Mark's Square, a lovely area to relax surrounded by shops and more strolling performers and artists.  More restaurants are found throughout the shopping area, including restaurants owned by Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse, just to name two.

St. Mark's Square - yes, it's inside, I swear

It is very easy to get turned around in the Grand Canal shops if you don't pay attention to where you're going or where you've been; there are a couple of different routes you can take across bridges and around corners.

Before you leave The Venetian at last, be sure to stop by Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, located near The Strip entrance (across from The Mirage).  It can be expensive, but look around for 2-for-1 coupons and take a friend for the best deal - and some great photo ops.  It's one of the only wax museums I've ever been in where you are encouraged to TOUCH the exhibits!  More info here: Madame Tussaud's

This is one of the hotels I've wanted to stay at but haven't.  The rooms are like mini-suites, with a step-down sitting area and beautiful decor.  Recently Mr. Addelson stopped giving out the great room offers as he once did, so I don't know if I'll get another chance to find a great room rate and actually stay in this lovely place.

Goodnight, everyone.

Until next time!