HOTEL REVIEW: THE VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL AND CASINO
HOTEL REVIEW: THE VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL AND CASINO, Macau, China
Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora de Eseranca, Taipa, Macau, People's Republic of China
BY: Ysabs Villaflor
the Sistine at the Venetian
the tree in the Great Hall
the golden orb that welcomes you to the Venetian
LOCATION: is located on Cotai Strip, a reclaimed area, where all the other big casinos such as Plaza, Galaxy, Sands, Hard Rock etc are located. It is a taxi ride away from the main city which is on another island. And very much near the airport. Around 10minute ride on taxi or on their free shuttle bus.
getting the luggage in the shuttle bus
FEEL: it's grandiose, it's loud, it's golden, it's huge (area is equivalent to 56 American football fields).
waiting for the elevator to go down the lower levels the Grand Canals, winding.
the Venetian facade
waiting for the elevator to go down the lower levels the Grand Canals, winding.
the Venetian facade
PERSONAL: I spent Christmas here with my whole family and got 3 Bella Suites where all the kids lost their minds upon entering. You can't help but say WOW every turn.
my family at the Venetian. Our departing shot. All smiling!
THE WELCOME MAT: the hotel has 2 lobbies. One for the arriving guests and another for departing guests. The west lobby is for guests checking in. The bell boys are attentive enough to spot those who needed help with their luggage. Our group had 20 luggage bags and it was a feat for one bell boy to handle. The checking out guests depart from the Main Lobby. However, to get to the Main lobby from the west lobby, you would have to cross the casino floor. The only glitch in this set up is when you are travelling with kids since they are not allowed to cross the floor. The best bet is to go through a confusing maze of lefts and turns from the upper floor. In short, to get to the main lobby if you're travelling with kids, it would be an inconvenience. Which, i think the hotel has failed to foresee and must do something about.
The main lobby, however, is filled with festive paintings on the ceiling. Reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and a golden globe.
the Christmas tree in the Great Hall
Reception at the Main Lobby
my family at the Venetian. Our departing shot. All smiling!
THE WELCOME MAT: the hotel has 2 lobbies. One for the arriving guests and another for departing guests. The west lobby is for guests checking in. The bell boys are attentive enough to spot those who needed help with their luggage. Our group had 20 luggage bags and it was a feat for one bell boy to handle. The checking out guests depart from the Main Lobby. However, to get to the Main lobby from the west lobby, you would have to cross the casino floor. The only glitch in this set up is when you are travelling with kids since they are not allowed to cross the floor. The best bet is to go through a confusing maze of lefts and turns from the upper floor. In short, to get to the main lobby if you're travelling with kids, it would be an inconvenience. Which, i think the hotel has failed to foresee and must do something about.
The main lobby, however, is filled with festive paintings on the ceiling. Reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and a golden globe.
the Christmas tree in the Great Hall
Reception at the Main Lobby
THE ROOMS: The Bella Suites are spacious! A separate area for entertaining, and a separate area for sleeping. There are 2 television sets: one for the entertaining area and another in front of the beds, a table good for 4 where you can take your meals, a desk area where a fax machine is located, and a huge bay window to appreciate the view outside. The beds are the most comfortable beds ever with extra pillows and curtains on the bed can be drawn to help you sleep at night. It also has a safe and teapot for complimentary coffee and tea. The curtains and decors were designed to imitate an Italian, luxury feel - It was rich, it was thick, and super soft to the touch with the golden accents.
Two Queen sized beds fit 3 comfortably.
the entertaining area
the hall in our suite
note the brochures which are very helpful. Don't forget to grab one!
coffee anyone? :)
the mini-bar
TOP: free mags and one of two tv sets in the suites
BOTTOM: Tito Gering, waiting for tonight's itinerary.
the Bay Window of our Suite. The view is amazing at night with our room fronting the lights of the casinos outside
It was enough for us to lounge around more in the hotel room than go down and explore the 330 stores that the hotel has to offer. The kids had a blast playing around and it was nice to see them hyper about a room. It really is a kid's fantasy room. (As you can see, the kids got a little crazy when they walked in the room!)
the beds have curtains that can be drawn for a more deep sleep.
all the kids love the bath tub!
THE BATHROOM: is luxurious with a separate bath area, a bath tub, and toilet. The dresser is also located in the bathroom, his and hers sinks, a hamper for extra towels, and extra tissue rolls. it has 4 electrical outlets and an ample supply of toiletries to choose from. All the necessities are provided and those which are not, only takes a phone call away from room service.
THE COST: is not cheap. It costs around more than $250 a room per night (Bella Suite). But, however, there are promos around.
the Venetian's attempt at being green conscious
THE FOOD: The hotel offers complimentary breakfast at Cafe Deco, one of the many restaurants in the hotel. It has the continental standards - breads, salads, bacon, hash browns, egg station, waffle and pancake station. It does lack additional flavors. Some of the dishes are forgettable. And additional congee station is also available, which is sort of standard in Asian Hotels. Thank God for the food court and the many other restaurants located there because the buffet needs a lot of improving.
TOP: Cafe Deco- leaves much to be desired.
BOTTOM: Dining "Al fresco" at the Venetian Food Court
the food court saved us a number of hungry times
TOP: Cafe Deco- leaves much to be desired.
BOTTOM: Dining "Al fresco" at the Venetian Food Court
the food court saved us a number of hungry times
THE SERVICE: One thing that needs work in the Venetian is the service. I've had the unfortunate experience of being given bad information with regard to a city tour which i arranged pre-trip. However, I do not entirely fault the concierge for this miscommunication but partly on the travel agent since they gave out very vague answer to how everything to be arranged. SO, a tip to anyone who is planning a TOUR with another company at the Venetian --- make sure you tell your travel agent to make sure your travel guides get in touch with you as soon as you arrive at the hotel because all the concierge can do is show you a phone for you to get in contact with your agency.
Plus, the language barrier can also be a big problem. Thank God for some Filipinos who work for the Venetian who gladly spoke English. Though visitors abound this majestic hotel, a lot of the staff (and around Macau) hardly speak English. And if they spoke English, be patient and be attentive because the accent in this country is very thick.
Plus, the language barrier can also be a big problem. Thank God for some Filipinos who work for the Venetian who gladly spoke English. Though visitors abound this majestic hotel, a lot of the staff (and around Macau) hardly speak English. And if they spoke English, be patient and be attentive because the accent in this country is very thick.
the biggest casino in Asia. a mini-golf course, a swimming pool named Lagoon, a Starbucks, 330 shopping stores, 51 gondolas at your service with matching serenades, the live performances on Di Mark's Square which are on 3 times an hour, all the 4 well-known Egg Tart bakeries, a connection to the Four Seasons Hotel where most of the high end name brand stores like Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Chanel etc. are housed.
RATING: if not for the service which is just average, this hotel might get a higher rating. But the rooms make up for the short coming. 3 out of 5 stars.
