History of The Venetian & Palazzo Hotels
The history of the Venetian and Palazzo hotels is a captivating tale of luxury and innovation in Las Vegas’ hospitality industry. Together, these two properties create a lavish resort complex that emulates the grandeur of Venice, Italy, and has become an iconic destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino was first conceived by Sheldon Adelson, the late billionaire and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Adelson’s vision was to create a resort that would transport its guests to the magical city of Venice, complete with canals, gondolas, and an authentic Venetian ambiance. In order to bring this vision to life, he decided to demolish the historic Sands Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1952 and was one of the “Rat Pack’s” favorite hangouts.
The construction of the Venetian began in 1997, and it officially opened its doors on May 3, 1999. The resort cost a staggering $1.5 billion to build, making it one of the most expensive hotel-casino projects in Las Vegas at the time. The Venetian occupies a sprawling 10.5 million square feet, featuring a 120,000 square-foot casino, over 4,000 suites, and a 1.2 million square-foot convention center. It also boasts a 63,000 square-foot shopping mall called the Grand Canal Shoppes, which houses high-end retailers and restaurants.
One of the most notable aspects of the Venetian is its canals, which are designed to replicate the famous waterways of Venice. The resort features three miles of canals, complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers who serenade guests as they float along the water. Additionally, the Venetian’s architecture and design are heavily inspired by the Italian Renaissance, with hand-painted frescoes, marble floors, and intricate stonework adorning the property.
The success of the Venetian inspired Adelson to expand the resort further, and thus, the Palazzo was conceived. The Palazzo opened on December 30, 2007, and is situated adjacent to the Venetian. The construction of the Palazzo cost $1.8 billion and took nearly four years to complete. The hotel tower stands 642 feet tall, making it the tallest completed building in Nevada at the time of its opening. The Palazzo features over 3,000 suites, a 105,000 square-foot casino, and a 450,000 square-foot shopping mall called The Shoppes at The Palazzo.
Together, the Venetian and Palazzo create a resort complex that has a combined total of over 7,000 suites, making it the second-largest hotel in the world. The two properties are connected by the Grand Canal Shoppes, creating a seamless and immersive experience for guests as they traverse from one hotel to the other. The resort complex offers a wide variety of dining options, from celebrity chef restaurants to casual eateries, as well as world-class entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy performances.
Throughout its history, the Venetian and Palazzo hotels have won numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional design, luxury accommodations, and customer service. Some notable awards include the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award. The resort has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as water conservation, recycling, and energy-efficient technologies.
Venetian & Palazzo Hotel Details
Rooms at Venetian and Palazzo Hotel
The Venetian/Palazzo is renowned for its all-suite accommodations, providing guests with spacious and elegantly-appointed living spaces. Each suite is designed with a distinct Italian flair, featuring plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and high-end amenities. The sunken living rooms, multiple flat-screen TVs, and breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip add to the overall allure of these suites.
For an even more exclusive experience, the Prestige Club at the Palazzo offers a range of upgraded suites with additional perks, such as private check-in, a dedicated concierge, and access to the Prestige Lounge, where complimentary food and beverages are served throughout the day.
The Venetian and Palazzo hotels are part of the same luxury resort complex in Las Vegas, offering an extensive selection of room types to suit the needs of every guest. Here is a list of some of the most popular room types, with brief descriptions of each:
- Venetian Luxury Suite: The Venetian Luxury Suite is a spacious and elegantly designed suite that spans approximately 650 square feet. It features a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, a sunken living area with an HD TV, and a marble bathroom with a Roman tub and separate glass-enclosed shower.
- Venetian Bella Suite: Similar in size to the Luxury Suite, the Bella Suite offers the additional comfort of two queen-sized beds, making it an excellent choice for families or groups. It also includes a sunken living area, an HD TV, and a luxurious marble bathroom with a Roman tub and separate shower.
- Venetian Rialto Suite: The Rialto Suite offers a more spacious layout, with approximately 1,100 square feet of living space. It includes a king-sized bed, a separate living area, a dining area, and a work space. The elegant marble bathroom comes with a double-sink vanity, a Roman tub, and a separate glass-enclosed shower.
- Palazzo Luxury Suite: The Palazzo Luxury Suite is an expansive and beautifully appointed suite that spans approximately 720 square feet. It features a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, a sunken living area, an HD TV, and a marble bathroom with a Roman tub and separate glass-enclosed shower.
- Palazzo Bella Suite: The Bella Suite in the Palazzo offers a similar layout to the Palazzo Luxury Suite, but with the added convenience of two queen-sized beds. It is perfect for families or friends traveling together, and includes a sunken living area, an HD TV, and a marble bathroom with a Roman tub and separate shower.
- Palazzo Fortuna Suite: The Fortuna Suite is a spacious 940-square-foot suite that features a king-sized bed, a separate living area with a full-sized sofa sleeper, and a dining area. The marble bathroom is equipped with a double-sink vanity, a Roman tub, and a separate glass-enclosed shower.
- Palazzo Siena Suite: The Siena Suite is a lavish 1,280-square-foot suite that boasts a king-sized bed, a separate living area, a dining area, a wet bar, and a powder room. The marble bathroom features a double-sink vanity, a jetted tub, and a separate glass-enclosed shower.
Restaurant Options
The Venetian/Palazzo boasts an extensive selection of over 40 fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and quick-service options, ensuring guests have a diverse array of culinary experiences to choose from. Notable restaurants include Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, a classic French bistro, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck, an upscale steakhouse. For a more casual dining experience, try the Grand Lux Café or the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar.
Additionally, the hotel’s food court offers a variety of fast-food and international cuisine options for those on-the-go. For dessert, Carlo’s Bakery, made famous by the TV show Cake Boss, serves up delicious pastries and custom cakes. Here is a list of some of the restaurants available in The Venetian and The Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas, along with a short description of each:
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck – A contemporary steakhouse offering an extensive menu of classic and modern cuts of beef, along with seafood, salads, and other side dishes.
- Bouchon – A French bistro-style restaurant that features traditional French dishes, including steak frites, escargots, and onion soup, in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
- Buddy V’s Ristorante – A family-friendly Italian restaurant that offers traditional Italian-American dishes, including pizza, pasta, and classic Italian desserts.
- Chica – A Latin-inspired restaurant that serves up a variety of dishes from across South America, including ceviche, empanadas, and grilled meats.
- Mott 32 – A contemporary Chinese restaurant that offers modern twists on traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, Peking duck, and wok-fried lobster.
- Yardbird Southern Table & Bar – A Southern-style restaurant that offers a variety of comfort food dishes, including fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits.
- LAVO Italian Restaurant – A modern Italian restaurant that features an extensive menu of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood, along with a full bar and nightclub.
- SUGARCANE raw bar grill – A restaurant that features a variety of global cuisine, including sushi, small plates, and grilled dishes, along with an extensive selection of cocktails and wines.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer – A restaurant that offers a variety of gourmet burgers, fries, and milkshakes, along with an extensive selection of craft beers.
- Grand Lux Cafe – A casual American-style cafe that serves up a variety of dishes from around the world, including pizza, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, along with an extensive dessert menu.
Entertainment
Entertainment at the Venetian/Palazzo is vast and varied, catering to a wide range of interests. The hotel houses several theaters, which host world-class performances, such as the mesmerizing aquatic show, “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular,” and the timeless musical, “Phantom of the Opera.”
The hotel’s casino is a gambler’s paradise, featuring thousands of slot machines, table games, and a dedicated poker room. The resort also offers an array of shopping options at the Grand Canal Shoppes, where one can find luxury brands and unique boutiques.
For relaxation, guests can visit the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a renowned wellness center offering an extensive menu of treatments, fitness classes, and spa facilities. Lastly, the hotel’s multiple pools and lounges, including the adults-only TAO Beach Club, provide a perfect escape from the bustling Las Vegas Strip.
Venetian & Palazzo Overall
The Venetian/Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino offers an exceptional experience for guests seeking luxury, elegance, and entertainment in the heart of Las Vegas. The hotel’s stunning architecture and design transport guests to the romantic streets of Venice, providing an enchanting and memorable escape from the everyday. With spacious, all-suite accommodations that blend comfort and sophistication, visitors can indulge in the finer things in life while enjoying panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip.
The resort’s wide-ranging dining options ensure that even the most discerning foodies will find something to please their palate, from world-class fine dining to casual eateries and grab-and-go options. Entertainment is abundant, with shows and performances catering to diverse tastes, as well as a top-notch casino that will delight gambling enthusiasts.
Guests can indulge in retail therapy at the Grand Canal Shoppes, pamper themselves at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, or simply unwind by the luxurious pools and lounges. With attentive service and an array of amenities, the Venetian/Palazzo has truly mastered the art of providing an unforgettable Las Vegas experience.
In summary, the Venetian/Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Las Vegas. Its timeless elegance, superior accommodations, diverse culinary offerings, and world-class entertainment make it a standout among the city’s many luxury hotels. Whether for a romantic getaway, a thrilling vacation, or a business trip, the Venetian/Palazzo will exceed expectations and create lasting memories.