Of all the hotels that we were staying at on our USA trip, The Venetian, the Venice of Las Vegas, was the one I was most looking forward to, I was told it is one of the best family hotels in Las Vegas. The Venetian was at the end of our road trip from San Francisco through San Diego, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon and then into Las Vegas. We stayed there for 3 nights and I couldn’t have been happier.
The Venetian and Palazzo Hotel and Casino complex is the 2nd largest hotel in the world, only trumped by The Venetian in Macau (which we have also visited but didn’t have the opportunity to stay at, it did however make our top things to do in Macau post), they both use Venice, Italy as their design inspiration and that is evident the minute you walk into the foyer.
A lot of people think Las Vegas is just for adults, there is plenty for kids to do in Las Vegas and a surprising amount of free or cheap things to do to keep the kids entertained.
The complex stands on the old Sands Resort site, construction commenced in April 1997 and was opened in May 1999. The Venetian complex is an all suite hotel, with varied prices and suite sizes there’s definitely a suite that will suit your specific requirements. The Venetian Hotel also boasts the largest rooms in Vegas, now that’s a reason in itself to book yourself a room.
Contents
Location
The Venetian Hotel and Casino is at the south end of the Las Vegas strip. I elected to drive from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and pulling onto the strip was quite overwhelming for this Aussie gal and I pulled into the wrong hotel! Luckily it was the Palazzo Hotel and after a little bit of ribbing from the valet staff, they pointed us in the right direction! I was happy I didn’t have to drive too far on the strip, its a little crazy. I liked the location of the Venetian as it was a great walk up the strip and back down the other side. It’s location alone makes it one of the best family hotels in Las Vegas because nearly everything is in walking distance.
Las Vegas Airport is about 5kms from the Venetian or a 12 mins drive. We caught a taxi there when we were leaving and the cost was minimal (less than $20) and that was a large one for the 5 of us and our 6 suitcases. Everything you need to see and do in Las Vegas is pretty close and I do advise staying on the strip if you can, it’s where it all happens.
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The reason why the Venetian is one of the best family hotels in Las Vegas
The Venetian has the largest suites on the Las Vegas strip, this tells me that they were considering families and how best to accommodate them when they were building this hotel. Who ever said size doesn’t matter! This was by far the biggest room we stayed in over our 44 day visit to the USA and it was very refreshing to not be sitting on top of each other.
Here’s some ideas for the first time traveller to Vegas as a couple.Â
Our Suite
We had suite 17 142, yes that’s right, on the 17th floor, suite 142. Once you exit the lifts, of which there were 8 servicing our tower, you walk into a foyer from which 3 wings radiate .
We were at the very end of one of the wings and when we opened the door to our ‘Bella’ suite I was ecstatic.
The suite had two queen size beds and the sofa pulled out to a bed in the sunken lounge room. Up until now we had been staying in ordinary twin hotel rooms and to have this much space was just refreshing. We could move around without standing on each other. The beds were so unbelievably comfortable and plush, I never wanted to leave.
The Italian marble bathroom was bigger than my bedroom at home! I loved that it has a seperate room for the toilet, a seperate bath and stand alone shower. I loved the seperate make up mirror which meant that the girls could do their hair while I was in the shower or toilet or I could do my make up while Craig was in the shower. All this means efficiency in time, one bathroom and five people can mean a long wait getting everyone ready in the morning.
Our stay at the Venetian was nearly 2 weeks into our trip and unfortunately we had all come down with a mild cold and fever. I had the worst of it while staying at the Venetian but it was so lovely to have a comfortable pillow top queen bed to sleep in when I was feeling pretty poorly. The first night we arrived, we stayed in, I had a bath and an early night. It was just perfect, besides, it’s the type of suite you don’t want to leave!
Having the seperate sunken lounge meant that Craig was able to watch a bit of TV while the kids and I had early-ish nights as we were all a bit run down. I think he might have did a bit of a runner one night and had a little flutter at the casino as well. Easily done as we had a bit of a hallway off the entrance and I wouldn’t have heard him coming or going.
The lounge area also had a desk, a four person dining table and couch space that easily seated the 5 of us. It really was a very spacious and comfortable suite. The window overlooked the strip but the hotel is set back a bit so the view down the strip was a bit restricted. We could see Harrah’s Hotel and Casino which was next to us. It was still lovely to have a massive big window with electronic curtains (which seems to excite the kids somewhat and they now ask does it have electronic windows instead of does it have a pool) opening and letting the light in each morning.
Our suite had 3 TV’s, how awesome is that! One in the lounge which was the biggest, one where the beds were and another that could be viewed from the bath or shower. The bar fridge had a self billing system so if you moved anything from the fridge it would electronically add that product to your bill. We had to tell the kids not to go in and touch anything as once it’s lifted, you’re paying for it.
The whole suite breaths of European opulence and luxury and its so welcoming and warm, the kind of hotel suite that you wish your home was more like! I don’t think there is anything you can fault about it.
Hotel Facilities at the Venetian Hotel
I think the most spectacular feature of the Venetian Hotel is the entrance, the foyer just oozes with luxury, romance and european flare. If you can peel your eyes off the ceiling with the most amazing Italian themed murals, you’ll see the large lobby with various check in staff available at the counter. This ensures that check in is quick and seamless and before you know it you are heading to your suite. Also located here is the concierge, he’s there to help you with anything you may need and will provide you with a map of the strip to ensure you don’t miss any of the major attractions.
After check in you walk through the Grand Collonade past the luxury brand stores to the casino floor, this will lead you to the elevators to take you up to the hotel suites. I was quite surprised to see that kids were able to walk through the casinos as long as they stay on the defined walkways and this was the same at all the casinos we visited.
This is very different to Australia were kids aren’t able enter casinos at all. I was also surprised to see that patrons are still allowed to smoke in American casinos, my kids would run through the casino and wait at the other end because they hate the smell of cigarettes.
There are 8 pools at the Venetian Hotel and guests are able to use any of the pools at the Palazzo free of charge as well. I would love to tell you that we tried out the pool but our visit was in mid December and while the weather was mild during the day, it was far from swimming weather. I did take some photos for you though and I can imagine it would be amazing in the summer.
Now we know that the Venetian doesn’t do things by halves so the Canyon Ranch Spa Club is of course, one of the world’s largest day spas. The kids were pretty impressed with the 40 foot rock climbing wall outside the entrance to the fitness centre. I was unable to take a sneaky photo as the fitness centre was very busy when I visited. Â It even has a hair salon and barber just in case your ‘do’ is looking a little untidy! There are 90 treatment rooms so I am fairly certain you wouldn’t have to wait long for a massage from one of the treatment experts that are available on site. Just when you think they have thought of everything, you see the sign for the bridal suite for pre-wedding pampering.
The Grand Canal Shoppes
You can’t go past exploring the Grand Canal Shoppes, a premier destination for luxury shopping in Las Vegas. It really is impressive, with the ceiling painted in blue with clouds and cobblestone pathways, it actually does feel like you strolling the piazza in Venice on a beautiful sunny day.
As stated the shoppes are luxury brands that we know and love, ones that I would never consider shopping at but we did go to the Pandora store and Alannah spent her birthday money on a Vegas charm for her bracelet. We stopped and had gelato in St Mark’s Square and you could be forgiven for actually believing you were in Italy and having not been to Italy yet, it might be the closest I get for a while!
There are so many options for dining at the Venetian Hotel complex, my favourite would have to be the restaurants around St Mark’s Square. These were very authentic Italian restaurants and the tables outside the restaurants made you feel like you were dining along the canals in Venice. The meals were on the expensive side for our budget and the kids weren’t allowed to sit at the bar so we didn’t stop for a drink. They have everything from top celebrity chef restaurants right through to a food hall with your usual ‘go-to’ American fast food options. Something to fit every budget.
I think the photos say it all, much more than I can put into pretty words.
A Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal
No visit to the Venetian would be complete without a gondola ride through the Grand Canal by gondoliers in traditional attire serenading us ladies with Amore. There is a canal on the inside and the outside of the building which you can choose from during the summer. As we were there mid December the outside canal was closed so we travelled the 1/2 mile on the indoor canal.
You can purchase you tickets on site at the Emporio D’Gondola located near where you board the gondola. I do advise that if you are visiting Las Vegas during peak seasons that you purchase online to save you queuing, this is an attraction that gets pretty busy and during busy times those that haven’t pre-purchased tickets will miss out. The kids loved this activity, that is why it is ranked as one of the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids!
You are able to purchase your tickets online at a discounted rate through this link.
Cost
The rates at the Venetian vary depending on the size of the suite you choose. I think the rates are reasonable considering the quality of the suites. Las Vegas is also very competitive during peak times while during the off season you can get a great price. Mid week is always cheaper than weekends as you would expect. The size of the suites highlights to me that the Venetian is definitely one of the most kid friendly hotels in Las Vegas.
Verdict
We loved the Venetian, it was perfect for a splash of luxury that I really needed right then. I had wanted to stay at the Venetian since I first visited the Venetian in Macau in 2013. I’m so glad I got to live out that dream. The hotel is amazing and really does have an opulent, luxurious tone to the overall environment.
We treated this hotel as a little bit of down time, we had been on the road for nearly 2 weeks and had another 4 weeks ahead of us. We slowed down a little at the Venetian and slept in a little later than we had been which was nice. The Venetian delivered exactly what I had hoped it would and I definitely rate it as one of the best family hotels in Las Vegas. As I said previously, it was the best hotel we stayed in during our 6 or so weeks in the USA.
I would love to go back to Vegas and the Venetian. It really is a city that comes alive after dark and while there is plenty to do with kids, there’s so much more that you can do without them. Don’t get me wrong, it was always going to be on the itinerary but you are very limited in what you can do when travelling to Las Vegas with kids in general. Even so there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas with kids so don’t take it off you itinerary because the kids will love the bright lights and glitz and glamour that is Las Vegas.
I have to share some the ceilings, I had my head in the air half the time!
Next up on our trip is Washington DC, where we started our east coast USA tour taking in Washington DC, Boston and New York City, hope you click through and see what we got up to.
Have you had the opportunity to stay at the Venetian? How did you enjoy it? I would love to hear in the comments and even others opinions about travelling to Vegas with kids.
Safe travels,
Sal, Craig & our 3 kids
Disclaimer: We had a mutually beneficial arrangement with the Venetian Hotel although our opinion as always is our own.
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