The Venetian Hotel - Macau - Things To Do Reviews

Even if you've been there and done it in Vegas. A visit to the Venetian in Macao is still a worthwhile visit, cos the atmosphere and vibe is totally different.

One of the largest buildings in the world, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel is an awe inspiring site. Its sheer mass blots out the sky but it's most impressive at night when it is lit up. Modeled after Venice, there are fake canals and gondolas, which passengers can ride past the designer shops in The Grand Canal Shoppes.

There's a large foodcourt with a fake sky and gourmet cuisine from all over the world. The place is so huge, even the staff get lost in there. Unless you're staying there, you can't really access the 3,000 stuites, which are large split-level affairs with plush golden beddings, and the facilities like the mini golf and spa.

But there are still plenty of other things to see. They have a huge 24-hour gaming floor with more tables and slot machines you can play in a lifetime. I'm too scared to hit the tables, but I somehow find the noises from the slot machines soothing. Still, I have made a single dollar from them yet. Another way I prefer to blow my cash is at the bars and restaurants. Bellini Lounge within the casino itself is a cabaret bar with plenty of comfy cushioned seats. They do great specialty and in-house martinis like the Bellinitini and the Saketini - but be careful - they taste good but really pack a punch.

The manager and service staff are very attentive and kind. The entertainment itself it varied. Like many of the bars on casino floors there is a band churning out popular top 40 hits as well as retro classics. There are also scantily clad female dancers jumping and twirling around to tunes in between the band's sets. Unlike many bars in Macau, it's a very warm and family atmosphere, without being stuffy. You don't see chickens sizing up customers here or making deals.

Another great restaurant to try eating at in the casino is Imperial Restaurant which does fantastic dim sum. Their Shanghai dumplings (delicate little dumplings with pork and hot sauce inside) are better than those I've eaten in Shanghai and the price is pretty affordable.

The shopping itself however, isn't fantastic yet, unless you're into designer brands and sales, although there are a few mid-level shops like Zara and esprit there. Good for sightseeing unless there's a sale and you're flush with cash.

I have seen some interesting wining and dining concepts in there however. Buddha Bar, the famous French bar/club is opening soon and other tasty outlets like World Wide Wings (where you can dozens of different types of chicken wings prepared in a country's specialty sauce) has a great deal for about S$12 for 6 wings and 3 beers. Will be checking it out on Tuesday, and feed back then.

I'll be back with more reviews. But for more on life in Macau, the Celine Dion concert and Jay Chou click to http://eblog.macau.com/