If you enjoy luxurious rooms while vacationing on the Las Vegas strip, I found a hint of Italy at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Situated in Nevada, the Venetian Resort is a little bit Vegas and a little bit Venice, Italy. The all-suite hotel is opulent with its Renaissance frescoes and hand-painted ceiling in the Grand Colonnade.

Take advantage of The Venetian property map upon check-in for navigating the sprawling resort. With 7,000 plus suites, 7 swimming pools, 20 restaurants, a casino and spa spread out between 2 hotel towers, you’ll need this to get the lay of the land. Even with the help of the map, I still managed to get lost a couple of times. 

After checking into our king suite on the 33rd floor of the Venetian Tower, we unpacked our bags and wandered around the property. If you’ve traveled to Venice, Italy, you’ll notice the Campanile Tower outside the front of the hotel by the gondolas. Look for the Bridge of Sighs or the Rialto Bridge with the gondoliers gliding by on the artificial canal. 

Roam St. Mark’s Square and peek in the Grand Canal Shoppes. If you want to be a tourist in Italy without stamping your passport, reserve a gondola ride. The 15 minute ride is offered both inside the resort or outside. Reserve a nighttime outdoor ride if its a hot day, or enjoy the indoor ride at your leisure. Either way, order a gelato while you stroll and pretend you are in Europe. On our visit, we did hear quite a few foreign accents around us. 

Grand suites

The luxury suites at The Venetian are sure to please if you like high thread count sheets, soft white bathrobes, marble bathrooms and high-end bath amenities. While you will want to spend time in your hotel room, be mindful of the mini bar. Unless you have deep pockets or are traveling on an expense account you should know that anything you touch in the honor bar will be charged to your credit card; even if you don’t open it. 

We enjoyed our “select view” upgrade we received as IHG Rewards Club members. You may upgrade all the way to the Prestige Club Lounge, with its private check-in, complimentary breakfast, appetizers and cocktails. 

We didn’t have to upgrade to enjoy the electronic curtains, complete with black out shades. With the touch of button, we could control the lights, as well as the amount of light shining into our room.

In addition to the view of the Nevada desert, we had an immediate view of the 5-acre pool and garden deck. We never managed to make it down to the pool, Canyon Ranch Spa or the fitness center, but we did get plenty of exercise walking the strip. 

Tao Beach Dayclub, with 11 bars and lounges, had recently opened during our trip to Vegas. Unfortunately, Tao Beach wasn’t open during the two days of our visit. I’m told the Venezia Pool is a little quieter if you are not looking for the dayclub scene. 

If Las Vegas dining is your jam, there’s a restaurant for every price point. We walked by Bouchon Bakery every time we entered or exited the elevators in the Venetian Tower, so of course, I had to stop there. I am familiar with Thomas Keller’s restaurants, as Napa Valley is one of his playgrounds. His high-end French restaurant, Bouchon, is also located in The Venetian Resort. 

In addition to Bouchon, there are several signature restaurants in the resort, including Wolfgang Puck’s Cut steakhouse. We opted to dine off property as were were attending Mad Apple, a new Cirque du Soleil show. 

Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown enjoys a gondola ride in Las Vegas.

If you are into the selfie-scene or looking for Instagram spots within the resort, look for LOVE. Spanning 36 feet across and 12 feet tall, the bright red Love letters are on display in the waterfall atrium of the Las Vegas hotel. There are plenty of selfie photo opportunities in St. Mark’s Square. For the ultimate romantic photo op, take that iconic gondola shot. 

Depending on the time of year you visit, rates vary wildly. Rates start at $125, in addition to Clark County room tax and the mandatory resort fee. Book The Venetian Resort Las Vegas direct with the hotel or check prices online at Booking.com or your favorite hotel booking site. 

Review and photos by luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown who was not hosted at The Venetian. All opinions are her own.