Spotlight: Las Vegas - The Venetian

Spotlight: Modeled after the streets of Venice, Italy, the Venetian is one of the top hotels along the Vegas strip. Among its attractions, visitors can visit replicas of famous landmarks including: The Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Campanile and the Rialto Bridge. The 5-diamond rated hotel is known for its rooms which are both spacious and elegant. The hotel complex, which includes the adjacent Sands Expo Convention Center and the Palazzo Hotel and Casino Resort, is the second largest hotel complex in the world, with thousands of rooms and suites ranging from $169 to $10,000 per night. The complex includes a museum, the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, a wedding chapel and four theaters. It is also home to dozens of restaurants serving food from all over the globe.

Location: The Venetian is located at 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Cost: Shared Gondola ride - $29/person (seats 4); Private Gondola ride - $116

Time: Indoor Gondola rides run from 10:00 am - 11:00 pm daily (until midnight on weekends). Outdoor Gondola rides run from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (weather permitting).

Description: Gondola rides float visitors down the Grand Canal in authentic Venetian gondolas. Riders are virtually transported to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe as they float beneath bridges, past Italian style cafes, under balconies, or along a replica of St. Mark's Square. Both the indoor ride and the outdoor ride offer unique experiences with different sights and sounds.

     Among the annual events that are hosted at the Venetian is the celebration of the Chinese New Year. We were there for the Year of the Goat (or Sheep). The decorations were exquisite, but if you go in February, you can also witness the dances and ceremonies that accompany the decorations.

Things You Should Know: - Reservations must be made in person at the ticket booth.
- The Venetian offers a class on how to pilot a gondola in a program they call the Gondola University. Participants learn the ins and outs of piloting a gondola, receive a gondola hat and t-shirt, a souvenir photo and a degree certificate from Gondola University. For questions or requests, call 702.414.4300.
- This year, they are celebrating the Year of the Dog.
- The legendary band Chicago will be performing at the Venetian this year from Feb. 7-24.

Nearby: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, The Mirage, The Bellagio, The Stratosphere