History has seen great empires literally rise from the dust. Similarly, modern day Las Vegas has been witness to the erection of colossal creations -- like The Venetian.
Opened in 1999, this megaresort, where the Sands Hotel of Rat Pack lore once stood, is situated in the center of the Strip. It's inspired by the art and architectural beauty of Venice, Italy's most romantic city. In fact, The Venetian has faithfully re-created such historic landmarks as the Campanile Tower, St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and Doge's Palace. Arched bridges, piazzas and cobblestone pathways are also incorporated throughout the property.
Among the activities offered, visitors can stroll inside and outside along canals teeming with authentic gondolas steered by singing gondoliers. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a worldwide attraction featuring celebrity wax figures, has a location at the front of the resort.
For more serious Broadway-caliber entertainment, head to one of The Venetian's custom-built theaters. "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" dazzles crowds with its tragic love story and over-the-top special effects. It will play at the resort until Sept. 2. The humorous and technologically savvy Blue Man Group are being showcased in another theater through Sept. 30. Plus, a variety of headliners and comedians -- such as Rita Rudner and David Spade -- regularly appear here.
The Venetian brings the world to your table as well. Indulge in an impressive array of culinary creations at its celebrity chef-helmed restaurants. There's the fresh seafood of AquaKnox by chef Tom Moloney, the bistro classics of Bouchon by chef Thomas Keller, the Italian delights of B & B Ristorante by chef Mario Batali and the classic meaty fare of Delmonico Steakhouse by chef Emeril Lagasse. Both Valentino by chef Luciano Pellegrini and Zeffirino by chef Zeffirino Belloni have tasting or prix fixe menus for an unforgettable food and wine experience. Feast on more casual offerings at the patio-style Trattoria Reggiano, the café-like Postrio Bar & Grill and the Old Mexico-themed Taqueria Cañonita. Select from breakfast items, seafood, burgers, chicken, salads, sandwiches and more than 20 fabulous desserts at the Grand Lux Café. Or try the newest arrival to the resort's food scene -- the Public House, where brews and spirits of all kinds are paired with a pub menu prepared with gourmet flair.
Rounding out the restaurant choices is a fabulous food court in The Grand Canal Shoppes, an impressive collection of high-end shops flaunting the hottest names in the fashion world.
Nightlife options abound all over The Venetian. V Bar is a chic, intimate spot where you can sip on a martini while relaxing in a double-sided leather chaise lounge. For a more pulsating scene, head to TAO Nightclub, which boasts gorgeous go-go dancers, the world's leading DJs and a multisensory environment, in addition to a 40-foot-long outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Strip.
For a nightlife experience during the day, check out TAO Beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing on beautiful Asian-inspired daybeds or in lavish cabanas. If you'd prefer to catch some rays without being immersed in the pool party scene, The Venetian also has a sprawling pool deck with access to seven outdoor swimming pools, four hot tubs and 41 cabanas. And Canyon Ranch SpaClub is a quiet oasis where you can be pampered from a menu of rejuvenating treatments including massages, mud masks, aromatherapy experiences, facials, body scrubs and more.
Gaming is available around the clock on the opulent and spacious casino floor. Test your luck on the latest video poker and slot machines or with a hand of blackjack and baccarat. There's an elegant 11,000-square-foot poker room, which is among the city's largest venues. The Cantor Race and Sports Book at The Venetian is home to a grand screen measuring 100 by 30 feet that can display more than 34 separate sporting events simultaneously.
And the word "grand" only begins to describe the luxury and abundance of amenities in the accommodations. There are two towers -- the 36-story Venetian Tower and the 12-story Venezia Tower -- all filled with suites. Even the smallest one measures about 650 square feet and contains a sunken living room, an entertainment center with a 32-inch flat-screen HDTV, Egyptian cotton sheets and a work desk. With fine Italian marble used for the floors, vanities, showers and Roman tubs, the spacious bathrooms are palatially appointed as well.
For business travelers, The Venetian is the ideal location because it's connected to the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Couples looking to get married, go on a honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary will revel in the Old World storybook charm. Indeed, visitors from all walks of life are sure to feel the spirit of "That's amore!" the minute they set foot in this make-believe Italian wonderland.
-- By Renée LiButti
