Having read some of the reviews of poor service and unclean conditions, I had my reservations about this place and was prepared to keep a watchful eye out for similar issues during our trip.
Pleasantly enough, during our 4 day stay, we can say we have a new favorite in Las Vegas.
Our flight arrived late, so rather than waiting in a cab line, I called the hotel concierge and arranged for a limosine to pick us up from the airport prior to leaving my home city. Our driver was waiting for us promptly in the designated area, and was quick to navigate us to our luggage and again to the parking area. Upon arriving at the Venetian, the bellstaff took our luggage and handed us a claim ticket so we could proceed to check in. This was done practically before we exited the limo.
The check in line was a bit long for as late as it was, but it moved very quickly. Our room request was matched to perfection, and we were navigated to the appropriate elevator.
Upon arriving to the room, our expectations were easily exceeded. The suite was appointed beautifully. It is obvious that great attention to detail was made when these rooms were designed. The trim work was beautiful, and the fixtures added an unsurpassed degree of elegance. Furniture was gorgeous and in wonderful condition. The bed was very plush and easily the most comforable of any resort/hotel which I have stayed at. The bathroom was outstanding. Marble everywhere, a glass surround shower with adjacent soaking tub, dual vanities, and a separate vanity for the ladies to do their makeup, etc. There was also a separate water closet for additional privacy. Three flat panel TVs were included (sunken living room, bedroom area, and bathroom). The sunken living room had a very large sectional couch which folded out to a queen size sleeper, a separate desk/work area equipped with fax machine, printer, and internet hub, as well as a dining table. Coffee table, ottoman, and entertainment center rounded out the furnishings. All we beautiful and well kept. The entertainment center was equipped with a flat panel HDTV, DVD player, and mini-bar (**special note about the minibar - they say the items inside are on sensors, so the moment you remove them, you are charged for them. I would assume that this was true, but we were able to put our leftovers in the open space of the mini-bar one night without disturbing anything to the point of being charged).
Many people complain about the fragrance they pump in to the casino. Most casinos do this to eliminate the smell of smoke and other offensive odors in the air. Personally, neither myself of my girlfriend ever felt that this fragrance was offensive. Yes, there were times when it seemed like it was stronger than others, but we were never gagging and sneezing with watery eyes and sore throats like some people have described it. I found it to be pleasant compared to the stale smell of cigarettes if the fragrance was not used.
The gaming area was very nice, and the dealers were very attentive. Only one time during the trip did we have to wait to sit down at a table. The table minimums range anywhere from $10 on a weekday and Sunday, to $15 during the weekend/evenings. High roller areas take you all the way up to $100 and beyond. There was ALWAYS a $15 table available for those who wanted to lose their money a little bit slower. We did have the opportunity to play in the Palazzo's casino as well (which is the sister property of the Venetian, and directly connected through interior concourses) and this gaming area was obviously newer and a bit more visually appealing. Both casinos are tied into the Club Grazie program, so your play at both will earn you comps under the same account. (PS. I found that the comps were VERY fair)
The Grand Canal area, which congested at times, is stunning. The designers really did an excellent job at creating realistic facades for each shop. The simulated sky is enough to fool anyone into thinking they are outdoors. Take a gondola ride for a nice serande and a moment to relax ($16/pp).
The Venetian also has its share of excellent restaurants at every corner. The Grand Lux Cafe was nice for a standard fare, quick dining experience. It was created by the same outfit who runs the Cheesecake Factory, so the portions were very large. It is right in the casino and open 24 hours for those late night gamblers. I would recommend Enoteca San Marco (Mario Batali) to anyone wanting a european style lunch. It was an "outdoor" patio restaurant located in the Grand Canal area. Their cheese menu is outstanding, so is the pasta. Delmonico (Emeril Lagasse) was also very good. The ambiance was excellent and so was the food.
Lastly, I felt the service was on par with what you would expect out of a 5-star CASINO resort. The staff was always attentive to our needs, and went out of their way to make us happy. The pit bosses called you by name and did their best to make every player feel important. Concierge was decent, and met our needs. The front desk also went the extra mile to ensure both check-in and check-out were met to our expectations. Bell staff was also good, although we did have one problem (our luggage was delayed arriving to the room, but a call downstairs and it was moved to the top of the priority list).
This place has moved to the top of our list in Vegas hotels. We have already booked our next stay, and we will continue to book them until we fall upon one of these train wrecks that the other reviewers experienced. Honestly, I just don't anticipate that happening.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.