If you ask me, themed hotels are a stand-out feature that makes Las Vegas different from anywhere else. 

Despite the recent trend for building glass fronted non-descript towers, when I think of Vegas I think of the Luxor Pyramid, Paris Eiffel Tower, New York-New York skyline and the Excalibur castle. They just go hand in hand.

The Venetian is a themed resort that comes with its own unique splendour. I have to admit that when I first visited the Venetian, I was bowled over by the exterior architecture and aesthetics. 

But are the casino and hotel just as remarkable? I’ll take you through my experience of staying and gambling at the Venetian.

Venetian opened to the public in May 1999 on the site of the former Sands Hotel and Casino. It was a bumper year for Las Vegas properties with both Mandalay Bay and Paris opening just a few months either side of the Venetian. 

The original plan was for the resort not to be themed and for the focus to be attracting business and convention goers. 

However, developer Sheldon Adelson had honeymooned in Venice after marrying his second wife and, following her suggestion, designs were changed. 

A sister property, the Palazzo, was added in 2007, with its own hotel and casino but linked internally to the Venetian.

If you consider the Venetian - Palazzo complex to be one property, then it ranks as the second largest hotel in the world. 

Location

Venetian is positioned towards the north side of the Las Vegas strip. It is opposite Mirage and TI (that’s Treasure Island for traditionalists) and is sandwiched in between Harrah’s and the Wynn/Encore complex either side.

However, it can feel a little further away due to its set-back position and sheer scale. 

Staying there, I timed how long it took me to walk from my room to the strip and it was almost 10 minutes. I had to walk through shops, bars, restaurants and the casino, depending on which exit I took, which can feel very long when doing it several times a day.

Although no direct transportation services operate from the Venetian, next door property Harrah’s is served by the Las Vegas monorail. This is a paid service running from MGM Grand at the south end of the strip all the way to Sahara at the very north.

There are two additional things I want to mention here. One is that there aren’t any pedestrian bridges at this side of the strip. Whenever I crossed the road to Mirage, I had to navigate several pedestrian crossings that did test my patience. 

Secondly, with the development of brand new casinos Resorts World and Fontainebleau to the north, the Venetian does feel more integrated on the strip that it did previously.  

Due to its northern location, Venetian is within Zone 3 of the fixed rate taxi fee from Harry Reid International Airport. So, expect to pay a flat fee of $29 plus tip.

If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find plenty of car parking on site which costs between $18 - $23 per night. 

Making my way to the casino I walked along impeccably polished marble floors, impressive replica Italian statues and elaborate hand paintings on both the walls and ceilings. 

It felt like I’d accidentally joined a museum or art gallery tour instead of a gambling session in Sin City.

Upon reaching the main casino floor, I was greeted with gigantic chandeliers, rich red carpets, and golden lighting. It was clear to me that this wasn’t an ordinary casino. 

At just over 100,000 square feet, the casino floor is large but manageable and is well-laid out in one square space making it easy to navigate. The primary feature of the casino is the beautiful surroundings that it sits in, it really is something to see. 

Table Games Selection

Venetian holds two Las Vegas firsts when it comes to table games, but both aren’t in favour of the ordinary gambler like you and me. 

It was the first Vegas casino to introduce triple zero roulette and the first to try 6:5 blackjack on all low limit tables. Unfortunately, both increase the house edge, and both were then rolled out across most other Vegas casinos. 

If you can forgive these misdemeanours, Venetian is actually a nice place to play table games. There are around 100 games on the casino floor with more in the high-limit lounge and you can play blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and a few different poker pit variations. 

With one of the biggest poker rooms in Las Vegas (36 tables), it is open daily for both tournaments and cash games.

I enjoyed some roulette on my visit and found the dealers to be experienced and professional, while the table was immaculate and the seating very comfortable. 

Classic table games:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Texas Hold’em

Variants:

• Crazy 4 Poker
• Mississippi Stud Poker
• Crapless Craps
• Spanish 21
• Free Bet Blackjack
• Omaha Hi/Lo

Table minimums at Venetian usually range from $15 - $50 depending on when you visit.

As I mentioned earlier, I could only find 6:5 blackjack on the main casino floor, but you can play double deck and six deck 3:2 blackjack in the high limit area if your budget allows.

You can also play single, double, and triple zero roulette here. However, be aware that the single zero roulette is only for high-stakes players, and it does not follow European rules.

Poker is taken seriously at Venetian, so it is more suited to the experienced player. It has a huge variety of cash games, with buy-ins starting from $100 up to $2400.

You can also find DeepStack tournaments almost daily with buys-ins from $500. 

Slots

Playing loud and garish slot machines surrounded by intricate Italian architecture and artwork does sound a bit like a contradiction but, hey, this is Las Vegas.

And if you can play slots in a black Eqyptian pyramid, then you can play slots anywhere! 

Personally, I liked it. I found it to be quite a pleasant and serene place to gamble, apart from the odd loud victory squeal as is standard. 

There are over 1,000 slot machines to choose from, for players of all budgets, including video and reel slots, penny slots, progressives, and high-limit games too. 

Many of the games are categorized into zones. For example, the Buffalo Zone for Buffalo game enthusiasts. It’s a nice touch and one not really replicated elsewhere in Vegas. You will also find other favourites such as:

• Wheel of Fortune
• Dragon Link
• Quick Hits
• Huff n More Puff
• Monopoly
• 88 Fortunes
• Lightning Dollar Link

I tried my luck, low rolling on a Whales of Cash machine which gave me 50 free games but not a lot of winnings. Well, you win some you lose some, and that definitely felt like a loser. 

For slots players who still dream of becoming a millionaire from a single spin, (that’s all of us right?), you can try your luck at one of the wide-area progressives. 

In March 2024, a Venetian player hit a $1,635,693 jackpot playing IGT's Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Gold on a $10 bet. One day, Lynsey, one day!

Bar-Top Gaming

Bar-top gaming is such a fun and social way to enjoy a Las Vegas casino. You can play leisurely over a drink and a chat with other patrons or bartenders. And better still, the drinks are usually comped.

I visited the sportsbook at the Venetian and played some video poker while enjoying a drink. It was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere to pass the time. 

If you haven’t played bar top games before, just pull up a seat, put your money in the slot and choose your game. Depending on whatever system the specific bar use, you should be offered complimentary drinks while you bet. If not, just ask your bartender. 

Looking around the Venetian casino floor, I also saw bar top gaming at the Bellini Bar and Juliet Cocktail Room.

Venetian Sportsbook

The Yahoo Sportsbook at the Venetian is newly renovated as of August 2023 and is operated by William Hill betting.

I found the bar easily with it being located right on the casino floor and was impressed with the 1,770 square foot LED video wall showing all kinds of sports.

You can play games around the bar, like me, or enjoy a comfier lounge space with big plush sofas. If you want snacks with your sports, then food can be ordered from Black Tap or Noodle Asia to eat in the bar.  

While I was there, I found out that you can actually book a private ‘fan cave’ if you want a more exclusive sportsbook experience at Venetian. 

Seating up to 12, each cave comes with its own 98-inch TV to watch up to eight games and you get personal food and drinks service too. That’s one to try in the future. 

Waitress Service

If you’re gambling in Las Vegas, then, theoretically, you should be able to enjoy complimentary drinks via the waitress service.

Casino waitresses circulate around the slots and table games offering comped drinks to all players, regardless of spend, in return for tips.

The service, though, can vary from casino to casino, with some offering a more high-end drinks selection and more frequent service than others. 

I got offered one drink while playing slots and another while on the tables and the waitress that served me was friendly and chatty. I have gambled in the Venetian a handful of times before, and always found the waitress service to be not overly generous, but reasonably good.   

In case you’re not sure, you can ask for beers, red or white wine, cocktails or spirits and mixers as a general rule. But if you have a favourite drink, just ask and if they can make it, they will. 

Tipping is vital, not only so that the waitress gets something back for her efforts, but also if you want return service. Tip well, and they’ll return more regularly. I usually tip between $2 - $5 per drink depending on what I order. 

High Limit Gaming at Venetian Casino

You can play both high-limit slots and high-stakes table games at the Venetian.

Situated at opposite ends of the casino, both private lounges cater for those who like to add a little more spice to each deal or spin. And as you would expect, both are as exquisite and extravagant in design as the rest of the resort. 

The high-limit slots salon is suitable for mid-level gamblers as well as high-rollers and I played a little in here, spinning at $5 a press. The casino was quite busy when I visited so the high-limit area gave me a little more peace while playing.  

Meanwhile, the high-limit table salon offers roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. I didn’t quite have the budget to try this out on my last visit, but it looked like minimum bets started around $100. 

Cash and Payment Options

It’s all about the green when it comes to casino currency. Cash is king in Vegas casinos and must be used when gambling at the tables and the slots.

Digital payments can be used for all other transactions – hotel payments, drinks, dining, and shopping. But when it comes to gambling and tipping, cash is what you need.

Unfortunately, ATM fees in Las Vegas are high, specifically if you use the casino ATMS, which can charge up to $10 per withdrawal.

I always recommended bringing the cash you’re willing to lose with you to a casino session. Any wins are then a bonus.

Those winnings will be available immeditely too, which puts even fast payout online casinos to shame. Table games winnings are paid in chips which you exchange for cash at the cage. 

Slots winnings are paid by TITO (ticket in, ticket out) which you redeem at the cage or a redemption point. Fast payout online casinos are good, but there's nothing like being able to immediately get your actual hands on your winnings. 

The only exception to this is if you win a jackpot handpay which is currently classed as $1,200 or more in a single win. This requires some additional admin from the casino, but you still get paid in cash. 

For many Las Vegas visitors, the Venetian is their favourite looking resort on the Strip and its easy to see why. It’s certainly in my top three. 

The outside façade is spectacular, while the inside is just as impressive, with both featuring astonishing tributes to the Italian city.

With the distinct Doge Palace frontage, a replica of the famous Rialto Bridge, and the Campanile Tower, the externals are breathtakingly beautiful. And of course, the canals of Venice are replicated outside too, with live gondola rides for guests. 

When I first visited, I thought it would be impossible to continue such grand theming inside the property, but I was wrong. Walking through the hotel lobby, which looks like it belongs in the Sisteen Chapel, my jaw dropped when I saw the recreation of St. Marks Square within the resort. 

Complete with painted blue skies, art installations, restaurants, bars, shops, and the reverberation of opera-singing gondoliers steering through the internal Grand Canal, it blew my mind. And actually, still impresses every time I visit. 

For theming, beauty, and that wow factor, Venetian is hard to beat. What is it actually like to stay there, though?

Venetian Rooms

There is no such thing as a room when it comes to the Venetian. They only offer suites, as I found out when I stayed as a guest.

There are 4049 suites just at the Venetian, showing the sheer size of the resort. When you add this to Palazzo, the combined total is around 7,100 suites, which is extraordinary.

The smallest, most basic suite they have is the Luxury King Suite which is 650 square feet and includes a separate living area, sleeping area and an oversized luxurious bathroom.

That probably tells you all you need to know about the standard of the rooms. But just to confirm, I adored my room, oops I mean suite, at the Venetian.

Extravagant and lavish, I felt like a VIP. Goodness knows how I’d feel if I was staying in one of the Premier or Prestige suites that you can also choose.

The living area, which was set a couple of steps down from the bedroom, included a large floor to ceiling window, TV, sofa and an office space with a desk and chair.

The bedroom had a large soft and comfortable bed with a thick quilt and a chaise longue at the bottom with another TV. While the fabulous marbled bathroom featured an oversized Roman tub as well as a large shower.

I found all the usual amenities including safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board and some fancy toiletries in the bathroom too. While the décor throughout was stylish with deep purples, velvets, and creams, just adding to the renaissance feel.  

If you want to bring your furry friend to Las Vegas, then Venetian is not the resort for you. Dogs are not allowed unless they are trained service dogs. 

Bars

With such a large resort as the Venetian, the bar options are plentiful. Whether you enjoy casual drinks or more high-end affairs, you’ll find something here.   

Some of the most popular include: 

• Bellini Bar – central casino bar specialising in Bellini’s  
• Juliet Cocktail Room – expertly crafted cocktails and live music 
• Yahoo Sportsbook – lively casual bar with bar top gaming and sports
• Sala118 – stylish cocktail lounge with curated Italian cocktails

Tao nightclub is a big favourite with the younger Las Vegas crowd. With top DJ’s, state of the art audio and lighting and often celebrity guest spots, there is usually a queue to get in, especially on weekends. 

The newest lounge at the Venetian is the Voltaire, an exclusive cocktail lounge featuring intimate performances from headliners such as Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera in a VIP setting with a VIP price to match. 

Buffets and Restaurants

Whatever cuisine you fancy, you’re going to find it at the Venetian. With food from almost every corner of the world, you’ll not be disappointed.

Some fine dining options include French restaurant Bouchon by Thomas Keller, who was named “America’s Best Chef” by Time Magazine. Other high-end options include HaSalon, WAKUDA, Mott32 and CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

Popular restaurant options with a reasonable price tag includes Buddy V's Ristorante, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Yardbird, Sugercane, and Grimaldi's Pizzeria.

My personal recommendation is Black Tap, not only for the great food but the incredible view. I asked to sit on the terrace outside, which directly overlooks the Venetian canal. As I ate my crispy chicken sandwich, I got to enjoy the spectacular view and was serenaded by singing gondoliers too. What more could you want?

Black Tap is also known for its crazy shakes selection. One of those bad boys costs between $17 – $19 but they are totally worth it. The biggest hit of the meal though, which came as a huge shock to me, was the Teriyaki Broccoli – surprisingly delicious. 

There are simply just too many restaurants to mention at the Venetian. Remember some also offer fantastic views over St. Mark’s Square and the indoor Grand Canal, so they are definitely worth trying. 

Quick eat options are also in abundance. Just off the casino floor is a food hall offering everything from pizza, burgers, taco’s, sandwiches, salads, pasta, fried chicken, and Chinese food. 

While either side of St Mark’s Square are winding walkways full of bakeries, cafes and delicatessens offering crepes, desserts, ice creams, coffees, and pastries. 

Although the Venetian doesn’t have its own buffet, the Grand Lux Café is open 24 hours a day and offers a breakfast buffet. I have enjoyed breakfast here; the food was great quality, and the cost was very reasonable. I recommend trying it. 

Shows and Entertainment

Las Vegas’s newest toy is the Sphere, the world’s largest spherical structure featuring 580,000 square foot of LED exterior.

Officially called ‘Sphere at the Venetian’, the architectural wonder sits just behind the Venetian with internal walkways between. 

Offering something totally extraordinary and unique to the Las Vegas skyline, the Sphere has been a huge hit since it opened in September 2023. 

So far, U2 have been the only residency, however, other headliners are sure to follow. The attraction also features robots, avatar captures, holograms, and a multi-sensory film called Postcard from Earth. I went to see the show and was completely mesmerized by it. It’s a must-see, if not for the content, for the immersive experience and visual spectacle alone.

Venetian is also home to Atomic Saloon, Spiegelworld’s raunchy Wild West show featuring acrobats, showgirls, cowboys and even some nuns. This is an adult-only show, if you hadn’t already worked that out!

The Venetian theatre has also hosted shows from some of the biggest music artists around including Bryan Adams, Foreigner and Smokey Robinson. While the Summit Showroom hosts comedians and magic acts on a regular basis.  

Don’t forget you can take a gondola ride too, either inside or outside, but you can’t do both, unless you pay twice. Rides start from $34.

There’s also PanIQ Escape Rooms, the minus5º Ice Experience, and Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Museum at Venetian. In other words, you’re spoilt for choice. You’re just spoilt full-stop at Venetian really.

As with everything else at the Venetian, the pool deck is themed and opulent.

I spent a couple of hours here soaking up the sun, surrounded by neo classical columns, statues, and large palm trees.

There are four pools to choose from, three of which are infinity pools. As well as plenty of free day beds, I also enjoyed using the in-pool loungers which help you stay cool even when its scorching.

Of course, there are also private cabanas and day beds for hire for anyone who wants to treat themselves.

Spritz Restaurant and Bar is a fabulous place to get refreshments around the pool and had a really relaxing cool ambience when I visited. 

Although the pools are family friendly, with the kids particularly loving the splash pad, there is also something here for the party crowd too.

Tao Beach Dayclub features big name DJ’s, glitzy cocktails, and a much more upbeat atmosphere for those who want it. 

Venetian Spa

The Venetian boasts a world class Spa in Canyon Ranch, which is claims to offer 'hundreds of facial, massage, and body treatments.'

Alongside that there is also the Canyon Ranch Fitness Center with its 150 services. It all adds up to form an outstanding 134,000 square feet of relaxation for the health-conscious. 

There are special packages on offer too so guests can eek out some extra value. However, bear in mind that Canyon Ranch at the Venetian is a Forbes Travel Guide Four Star spa, so expect prices to reflect that. 

As of 1 March 2024, Venetian operates the Venetian Rewards program, which was formerly known as Grazie Rewards.

There are two important distinctions when it comes to the Venetian Rewards program – Rewards Points and Tier Points. 

You can earn both types of points by gambling and spending in the resort. The difference is Rewards Points can be used to redeem benefits, while Tier Points help you climb the tiers and increase your benefit eligibility.

These are the levels and the types of benefits you can receive: 

• Jade (0 – 2,999 Tier Points) – members hotel rates, free play, and resort credit
• Sapphire (3,000 – 19,999 Tier Points) – all of the above plus complimentary early check-in and self-parking, 15% retail discount and 2-4-1 gondola rides
• Ruby (20,000 – 49,999 Tier Points) – all of the above plus complimentary suites, dining and spa credit, complimentary gondola, and golf
• Diamond (50,000 + Tier Points) – all of the above plus airline credit and complimentary Sphere tickets
• Chairman (invite only) – all of the above plus VIP check-in, airport transportation, and Prestige Lounge access

The good news for lower-level gamblers is that you can receive some great benefits even on the lowest tiers.

To sign up for the program, just visit the Venetian Rewards Desk. You must be 21 or over and have some photographic ID with you. 

New members can take advantage of a couple of incentives to kick-start your Venetian Rewards program. I tried the Earn and Spin wheel, which meant I got my Jade Rewards Card, played $200 in the casino (earning 50 Rewards Points) and that gave me a spin on the wheel back at the Rewards Desk. 

Although I could have won anything from $20 to $10,000 in slot credits, unfortunately I only got $20! 

I could have also taken part in the Earn and Win promotion, earning both slot credits and resort comps for totting up 400 and 3000 Rewards Points. If you’re going to spend this type of money gambling anyway, its worth getting rewarded for it. Just remember, this promotion only applies to the first visit in the casino. 

Should you join Venetian Rewards?

I’m a firm believer in joining Las Vegas rewards programs. While some might see it as a cynical way to get your data or make sure you don’t win too often, (seriously, some people actually believe this!), I just see it as a way to get something back.

Does it increase the amount I spend? Not really. I did initially spend more trying to chase higher tier statuses if I’m honest. But then I realized I could get great rewards whatever my level, so I’ve stopped doing this and I would advise you to do the same.

The Venetian Rewards program is very transparent with how you earn points. On slot play you earn 1 point for every $4 of coin-in; for video poker its 1 point for every $10 coin-in and for hotel, dining, shows, retail, and spa its 2 points for every $1 spent. 

With table games, points are awarded based on average bet size, duration of play and the type of game you’re playing. 

I just show my card whenever I’m spending money in the casino. That means when gambling, dining, drinking, shopping or when buying tickets for shows, it all adds up. 

You can check your rewards anytime by going online, at a slot machine or at the Rewards Desk. 

The added bonus of joining Venetian Rewards is that it is linked to sister property Palazzo, meaning all spend at that resort can build up your points too. 

The Venetian has everything and more you could want in terms of the room (suite!), the casino, the food and drink options, the shows and entertainment, and not to mention the beauty.

When I stayed there it felt special, as if it was a real extravagance I’d afforded myself. I’d challenge anyone to not find it impressive. 

To play devils advocate, I’d say that the resort size was probably my least favourite part. The place is so vast that it did take a while to get to the Strip from my room and, in fact, anywhere within the property. 

It’s not best situated on the strip for me either. Vegas has three distinct areas North Strip, Centre Strip, and South Strip, each with their own individual style and personality. As I personally prefer a more relaxed gambling environment, I’m more of a Centre/South Strip gambler. 

That’s not to say that the North Strip isn’t fabulous, it just maybe suits a more discerning clientele, and the casinos are more spaced out too.

My personal opinion is that the Venetian suits visitors who don’t plan on casino hopping too much.

If that’s the case, then the casino certainly has enough quality and quantity of games to keep you entertained. And the resort is so magnificent, you might not want to leave too much anyway.