The Beauty Of The Venetian In Las Vegas

Since opening, the Venetian has announced a number of added attractions – the Guggenheim Las Vegas, the Hermitage-Guggenheim, plus extra eateries. Venice? Not really. But exciting – definitely! The grandeur of Venice meets Las Vegas glitz, and the results are surprisingly spectacular. True, the Grand Canal is only 1,200 ft (350 m) long as opposed to 2.5 miles (4 km), but any lack of authenticity is more than made up for by the festive Las Vegas ambience. Reproductions of frescoes framed in 24-karat gold adorn the domed and vaulted ceilings. Marble floors, classical columns, costumed courtiers, and a giant overview of the real Venice all serve to transport the imagination. You can also push the boat out and hire the Venetian’s very own Wedding Gondola for your marriage ceremony! You can even sail under the Rialto Bridge.

Stars of the Venetian’s gastronomic line-up include Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio (Asian- Mediterranean cuisine), Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse, Stephan Pyles’ Star Canyon (New Texas dishes), and Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Brasserie (French-California fare). The galaxy of goodies in the shops along the canal satisfy a wide range of tastes: there are magic tricks at Houdini’s and ice-cream cones at Haagen Däzs; there are pearls at Mikimoto and smart sportswear at banana republic. Travel by gondola or meander the (rather long) walkway linking the stores. So the geography isn’t exactly as per the original, but even if you notice you probably won’t care – the total effect is, aesthetically, extremely pleasing, perhaps more so than at any of the other new resorts.