The Great Venetian

Some months after the opening of Bellagio (see pp14–15), Sheldon Adelson was ready to unveil the Venetian. Everyone held their breath. Could anyone possibly replicate Venice? Of course not: Adelson imitated this most romantic of Italian cities just enough to catch the flavor but without sacrificing Las Vegas pizzazz. 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. For the lobby, the 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. Push the boat out and hire the Venetian’s very own Wedding Gondola for your marriage ceremony in Grand Canal! You can even sail under the Rialto Bridge.

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. It is almost as much fun – and a lot less expensive – to watch the gondoliers from land as it is to actually ride in the gondolas. If possible, visit the Venetian when there is a full moon and the crowds have thinned: by moonlight it is breathtaking.