Hotel Review: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

With European travel mostly at a standstill for the past two years, a family vacation to Italy has been a daunting prospect, if not flat-out impossible. However, my family discovered a surprisingly good alternative on a recent trip to a nearby Venice — okay, actually, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Sure, a family vacation at The Venetian — and its additional tower, The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort — is not really an equitable substitute for a trip to Venice, Italy. Yet, we found there was plenty to make for a great family stay, nonetheless.

One key reason for choosing The Venetian is that the hotel features some the largest standard suites in Las Vegas. Our basic Luxury Two Queen Suite was 750 square feet and included two double beds and a sunken living room with easy chairs, a sofa, a coffee table, a desk and more. It was extremely spacious, making us feel like we had our own apartment on The Strip. 

An even better option for families is a Prestige Club upgrade, which includes access to the Prestige Club Lounge in The Venetian tower. This 12,000-square-foot VIP space on the 23rd floor of the hotel provides a place where families can start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast, as well as enjoy afternoon coffee and tea, plus a daily cocktail reception.

Where to Eat at The Venetian in Las Vegas

The Venetian has always been known for its dining, and its current roster of eateries includes Majordomo Meat & Fish, from chef David Chang; Bouchon, offering French cuisine from chef Thomas Keller; Estiatorio Milos, featuring fresh Mediterranean seafood; Asian fine dining at Mott 32; and much more.

On our trip, my family was most excited to try Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. This Instagram-famous restaurant offers a new take on a classic burger joint, including its famous CrazyShake milkshakes. We tried the CakeShake, a vanilla-frosted rim with rainbow sprinkles topped with a full slice of funfetti cake. (Needless to say, there were many selfies taken during dessert.)

Another family favorite was Brera Osteria, located in St. Mark’s Square in the Grand Canal Shoppes. This Italian eatery serves delicious homemade pastas and brick-oven pizzas for brunch, lunch and dinner. Our favorites included the cacio e pepe pasta and the Diavolina pizza (with spicy salami and scallions).

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On-Site and Nearby Entertainment

Entertaining a family can sometimes be tough in Las Vegas, but The Venetian has a range of options. A classic attraction at the hotel is Madame Tussauds wax museum, while Virtual Room: Las Vegas offers something a bit more futuristic. With this virtual reality experience, families can go on an adventure with a team of up to four players in a dedicated room, where they will work together to solve puzzles and challenges.

For something really cool (literally), there is the minus5º Ice Experience at The Venetian. This bar uses more than 90 tons of ice to create a winter wonderland filled with interactive ice sculptures. (Kids ages 12 and up are welcome before 9 p.m. when accompanied by an adult over 21 years old.)

Float beneath bridges, beside cafes and under balconies, all while coasting down the Grand Canal accompanied by a singing gondolier.

Of course, a classic way to experience The Venetian is by taking a gondola ride around the resort. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes and under balconies, all while coasting down the Grand Canal accompanied by a singing gondolier. There is an indoor and outdoor Venetian gondola ride, and each offers its own memorable experience.

With European destinations opening this year, our family is looking into a trip to (the real) Venice, Italy. But I can guarantee we will also be back to the Las Vegas version soon.

The Details
The Venetian Resort