The Venetian, Las Vegas

The Grand Venetian and Palazzo Hotel- possibly the most impressive hotel I’ve seen in Las Vegas. That’s saying a lot, when you consider the impressive structures lining the Las Vegas Strip.

My overall impression and recommendations: Shop here, enjoy the charming gondola rides, marvel at the talented opera singers amidst the Canal Shop Square… then stay elsewhere. I checked out of the hotel nearly a week ago and I’m still spending a few hours a day trying to get out of $5400+ in duplicate charges for my $1600 hotel bill. No, I’m not joking. My billing was not only screwed up multiple times, but Rudy in their billing department has little concern for the matter. Honestly, I’m not bitter. It’s been so ridiculous, I’ve resorted to actually laughing about it! In the meantime, I’m thankful for Chase Bank, and their amazing ability to match the numbers on hotel statements with bank charges, which the Venetian can’t seem to do. 😛

If you do plan on staying at the Venetian, here’s my advice- use only ONE credit card and make sure they offer super spectacular consumer protection. When you check out, opt out of express check out and get a statement you can triple check for duplicate billing (or triplicate billing in my case.) And finally, be sure and check your bank activity over the next few days- I was charged again for another $1,280+ 2 days after checking out of the hotel.

The Venetian Hotel and Casino:
Billing disasters aside, the Venetian was beautiful, with an unbeatable atmosphere starting with an elaborate foyer and grand hallway. I’m a sucker for musicians and beautiful fountains in the entry you know. Be sure and watch your step coming from the front desk, you don’t want to trip over the line of tourists taking photos along the way to their rooms.

The Venetian Hotel Rooms
The Venetian is a true all-suite, luxury Las Vegas hotel. Their rooms are anything but ordinary with sunken living areas, luxury linens, multiple flat screens and huge bathrooms complete with over sized marble tubs. Everything you could possibly need, including a weight-censored minibar to alert staff for quick refills. If you need an extra bed in your room, come early- these are first come, first serve with limited availability. They’re also only available up to the 12th floor- just an fyi for those of you who like to high views of the strip. Humidifiers are available, and just about any toiletry you left behind. Quick note though, bring your own blow dryer; they’ve stocked bottom of the line, frizz-causing conair hair dryers with no cool button. So close to being the perfect accommodations! 2 large flat screens with disappointing channels but plenty of movies to rent (coincidence? I think not! I like movies anyway.) I really appreciated the in room multitask printers; trips to the business center weren’t even necessary. My favorite amenity at this hotel- FREE WIFI – only at the Las Vegas Venetian!

As impressive as your room may be, you won’t want to waste time seeing more of this hotel. A quick stroll brings you to the Canal Shops. Expect to gawk- the Venetian has one of the most incredible shopping areas I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Upscale shops in Venetian style facades around the indoor canals, complete with gondoliers passing by. Gondolier rides are available for $15 per person and it seemed the average appointment was an hour’s wait. Venetian hotel guests are given “buy one, get one half off” gondola ride coupons. If you want a cute keepsake, the gondola rides have photographers on hand and plenty of framing options. I’ll admit, I left with a few 5 x 8’s in a silly Venetian paper frame, a keychain photo, and a few in magnets. Hey, my grandmother loved them! The shopping… oh the shopping… I hit Burberry, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Anne Taylor, Brighten and several others. There’s even a Barneys New York tucked between the Venetian and the Palazzo. If you’re a shopper, go nuts! Just remember almost all of these shops are at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet Mall offering significant discounts.

The Venetian Staff:
Professional doormen, courteous front desk, and helpful concierge staff. The gentlemen working the transportation area always have a smile on their face and are happy to offer advice and directions. The Venetian offers great customer service in their hotel. Their billing department… well, maybe they’re overworked. 😉