Venetian
 

I'm scheduled to attend a conference at the Venetian in the spring. I've never been to Vegas.

The hotel rates are $210 for a room with a king size bed & $249 for two queen beds. Judging from the notes I've read here that appears to be a bit steep (but my company will pay).

How is the Venetian? Should I consider another nearby hotel? If so, which one?

This is a very large conference. To give you an idea, it takes over the Epcot resort area normally. Last year they rented out the Magic Kingdom for our group event. Or, better put, the attendees are in the 5-8k range. I've only attended the ones in Florida, and I know that getting between places can be time consuming and tiring.

So, should I just stick with the Venetian?

Mary

Las Vegas is the largest convention city in the world, and will have no trouble absorbing an event that fills Epcot.

Venetian is one of the top hotels in town. Those rates are not the cheapest, but also not unreasonable for a convention.

If you're looking to save money, stay across the street at Mirage or Treasure Island. Otherwise enjoy the V.

QL

I've frequently found that hotels don't give their best rates to conventions and was really wondering how the rate compares to other hotels in the area.

It sounds as if I should just stay at the Venetian.

Thanks.

Mary

The Venetian is one of the top 5 hotels in Vegas. $210/night ain't that bad.

Bring your significant other http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Thanks. I'll stick with it.

Significant other isn't sure he wants to use vacation time on Vegas (he doesn't like to gamble). I'll be in conference for 2 1/2 days. When it's in Disney he can easily amuse himself. Is there stuff to do for a non gambler in May? How's the weather?

Mary

Hi Mary,

May's a great time to be there. It'll start getting hot, but won't be unbearable. Your husband will find plenty to do up & down the strip without dropping a nickel in a slot, and much of it is free. There are also interesting sites within an easy day's drive, such as Hoover Dam, Mt Charleston, Red Rock National Monument, Valley of Fire State Park or even a flight over the Grand Canyon.

JP

You can sort of think of the Strip as a big theme park. Lots in interesting buildings to look at. Many of the hotels have free attractions, such as the pirate show at Treasure Island, the volcano at the Mirage, the gardens and fountains at the Bellagio. Some of the hotels are connected by monorail/tram, to help releive some of the walking.

If you will have a car, there are many more places to hit. Ethel M's factory (gourmet chocolate division of M&M's) is located just outside of LV. They offer a free tour during the day. The city has many museums and other attractions as well.

You might check out some of the many books or web sites that cover LV for more info.

------------------
Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
www.biztrip.com

Thanks much all.

I'm going to start researching before we can't get airline tickets at a reasonable price.

Mary

Just got back from the Venetian, report is at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/003359.html

Great food, tons of shows at night, the V has nice pool(s).

I'd go for the food http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Thanks again!

I enjoyed the trip report and will keep on researching.

I've just about convinced DH to join me, if only for the weekend prior to the confernece if we can get the conference rate.

Mary

everyone i know who has stayed at the venetian was very happy with their room. the regular rate is $450 per night, so your convention rate is actually quite good. a few people have been able to obtain rooms on priceline for $150/night, but it's very hit or miss.

the venetian is one of the only 5* properties in vegas, and the rooms are a big cut above the mirage, caesars, etc.

Venetian has a very popular dance club C2K if you are into dancing. The standard room there is one of the nicest and biggest standard room in Vegas. Suites at other hotels are usually better than Venetian standard room, but they also cost more.

One thing strange about Venetian is that they don't have a buffet. Every hotel on the Strip has a buffet except Venetian. One of the Italian restaurant does offer a buffet brunch but I think only during weekends.

Here are my votes for the best non-gambling things to do in Vegas:

Buffet: Bellagio. Rio Seafood Buffet is also good if you like seafood.

Show: Mystere at the Treasure Island

Free Show: Bellagio fountain

Shopping: Desert Passage at Aladan for affordable shopping. Caesar Palace for shopping after you won a Jackpot.

Day Tour: plane ride to see Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon w/ brief stop at Grand Canyon.

Must see Theme Casino/Hotel: Luxor - shape of the hotel, Bellagio - interior, fountain, swimming pools, Mirage - volcano outside at night, huge fish tank in lobby, white tigers, Venetian - canal, Caesar Palace and Aladin - shops, Paris - Tower, NYNY - outside

Roller coaster: Nascar at Sierra, NYNY one is good also.

I stayed at the V last Aug and it was great. Your rate does seem steep - is your rate for a regular "luxury suite" or an upgraded room such as a Rialto suite? Watch for internet pre-paid deals - my stay was only $99 per night. But if the company is paying ... WTH

[This message has been edited by doctajay (edited 01-03-2003).]

The only time you'll see a $99 rate is Sun-Thursday, and off peak (Like December).

Not wanting to start a holy war, but I liked "The Blue Man Group" a lot more than Mystere...