Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas and cannot decide between the Venetian and Palazzo hotels? Both of these luxurious Italian-themed towers are part of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, and both give guests access to the same major resort amenities, restaurants, shopping, casino areas, pools and entertainment.
The Venetian has the stronger classic Venice theme, with canals, gondolas, frescoes and a more theatrical sense of place. The Palazzo, on the other hand, feels a little more modern, quieter and understated, with slightly larger standard suites and easier access to some newer dining and nightlife areas.
It can still be difficult to choose between the two, but this guide will help you make the right decision. In this article, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two hotel towers, and help you find the better match for your trip.
Whether you’re looking for romance, luxury, nightlife, restaurants, shopping or a spacious suite, both hotels are strong choices. The good news is that regardless of which tower you choose, you can still use the signature attractions and amenities across the larger Venetian Resort complex.
Venetian vs. Palazzo: Summary Comparison Table
| Venetian Las Vegas | Palazzo Las Vegas | |
| Address | 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard | 3325 South Las Vegas Boulevard |
| Owner and Operator | Real estate owned by VICI Properties; operated by Apollo-managed funds | Real estate owned by VICI Properties; operated by Apollo-managed funds |
| Opening Date | May 3rd 1999 | December 30th 2007 |
| Theme | Classic Venice, Italy-inspired resort theme | Modern Italian luxury |
| Room Style | All-suite hotel tower; standard suites start around 650-750 square feet | All-suite hotel tower; standard suites start around 720 square feet |
| Overall Feel | More iconic, busier, more theatrical and better for first-time visitors | More refined, quieter and better for travelers who want a calmer luxury feel |
| Main Attractions | 1. Grand Canal Shoppes
3. Atomic Saloon Show 5. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas 6. Sphere at The Venetian |
1. Palazzo Pool Deck
2. TAO Beach Dayclub 3. Electra Cocktail Club 4. LAVO Italian Restaurant 5. Easy access to Grand Canal Shoppes and Sphere |
| Best restaurants | 1. Bouchon
2. CUT by Wolfgang Puck 3. Mott 32 4. WAKUDA 5. Yardbird 6. COTE Korean Steakhouse |
1. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
2. LAVO Italian Restaurant 3. Buddy V’s Ristorante 4. SUSHISAMBA 5. BOA Steakhouse 6. Nomikai |
| Nearby attractions | 1. Sphere at The Venetian
2. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas 3. Fashion Show Las Vegas 4. Wynn and Encore 5. Forum Shops at Caesars Palace |
1. Sphere at The Venetian
2. Wynn and Encore 3. Fashion Show Las Vegas 4. Grand Canal Shoppes 5. The Strip and Caesars Palace area |
| Amenities | 1. All-suite accommodations
2. Grand Canal Shoppes 3. Gondola rides 4. Multiple pools and cabanas 5. Canyon Ranch spa + fitness 6. Restaurants, lounges, casino and entertainment |
1. All-suite accommodations
2. Palazzo Pool Deck 3. TAO Beach Dayclub 4. Canyon Ranch spa + fitness 5. Restaurants, lounges, casino and entertainment 6. Direct access to Venetian Resort amenities |
| Resort Fees (per room, per night) | $55 plus tax | $55 plus tax |
| Self-Parking Charges | $20 per day for registered hotel guests; $20 Monday-Thursday and $25 Friday-Sunday for non-hotel guests | $20 per day for registered hotel guests; $20 Monday-Thursday and $25 Friday-Sunday for non-hotel guests |
| Valet Parking Charges | $40 daily
Event parking rates may vary |
$40 daily
Event parking rates may vary |
History & Backstory of the Venetian Vs. Palazzo
The Venetian and Palazzo hotels have become synonymous with luxury and elegance, drawing in visitors from different walks of life. However, the history of these two hotel towers tells slightly different stories with the same larger ending: they now operate together as part of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
The Venetian opened in 1999 to the delight of many guests who wanted to see the hotel’s tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Old-world Venice, Italy. The design of the resort was heavily influenced by the Venetian Renaissance era, featuring ornate decor, grand colonnades, Italian marble flooring, canals and dramatic painted ceilings.
Iconic features that bring out the Venetian’s roots include:
- the 25-foot Botticino Italian marble columns at the lobby
- the hand-fitted marble floor inspired by the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario in Venice
- décor and walls made of the green stone, Verde St. Denis, from the Italian Alps
- Italian hand-painted frescoes on the ceiling at the Grand Colonnade
- Laura Kimpton’s LOVE art installation that has become a selfie hotspot
- Baroque-inspired murals, and
- Italian décor covering large portions of the resort’s walls and ceilings.
The opening ceremony in May 1999 made the Venetian one of the most ambitious resort projects ever built in Las Vegas, with the original resort costing around $1.5 billion in construction. It originally consisted of more than 3,000 rooms across its 35 stories.
A few changes have been made throughout the years including the 2003 addition of the Venezia Tower on the west wing. Throughout its changes and renovations, the hotel has kept its Venice-inspired designs and features.
The Palazzo, also known as the Palazzo Tower at The Venetian Resort, was added later and opened at the end of 2007. This expanded the larger resort complex and helped make The Venetian and The Palazzo one of the largest hotel-resort combinations on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Palazzo was designed to complement the Venetian’s luxurious Italian-themed style while adding a more modern Italian touch with less focus on Venice. Also, Palazzo houses the only two-story porte-cochere in Nevada, making it an instant attraction.
Both hotel towers share a vast resort complex with casino space, shopping, restaurants, meeting areas, pools, lounges and entertainment. These areas are also home to a deep lineup of restaurants that serve a wide variety of dishes, including concepts from well-known chefs and restaurant groups.
The pairing of the Venetian and Palazzo as sister hotel towers has created a breathtaking Italian-inspired oasis, all in the middle of the desert.
With their rich history, exquisite design, spacious suites and world-class amenities, the Venetian and Palazzo are among the most remarkable resorts in Las Vegas, but what are their differences?
Key Differences Between Venetian & Palazzo
The two hotel towers are located in Paradise, Nevada but have different addresses right next to each other. They are both part of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, with the real estate owned by VICI Properties and the resort operated by Apollo-managed funds.
Buildings, Structures, & Décor
Despite being two separate hotel towers, the Venetian and Palazzo are part of the same complex, connected to one another by the Grand Canal Shoppes where you will also find the Gondola Rides.
The 25-foot Botticino Italian marble columns invite you to the Venetian lobby but the Palazzo lobby has something even more captivating, the “Acqua di Cristallo” art installation.
“Acqua di Cristallo” is the centerpiece of the Palazzo Lobby, occupying two levels. It was created by Samuel G. Bocchicchio and unveiled in 2008.
The name “Acqua di Cristallo” means “water of crystal” in Italian, which is a fitting description of the installation’s appearance. The sculpture is illuminated from within, creating a beautiful display of light and color that changes throughout the day.
The installation is designed to evoke the feeling of water cascading down from the ceiling, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing display. The glass pieces are arranged in a way that makes them appear to be floating in the air, adding to the sculpture’s ethereal beauty.
The Acqua di Cristallo installation is not only a work of art but also a symbol of the Palazzo’s commitment to sustainability. The installation is designed to conserve water by using recycled water from the hotel’s cooling system to create the water effects in the sculpture.
When it comes to the overall feel, the Venetian is the more dramatic and instantly recognizable of the two. It has the canals, gondolas, painted ceilings, St. Mark’s Square references and more obvious Venice-inspired details. The Palazzo feels more polished, modern and open, with a slightly calmer luxury atmosphere.
Also, both hotels have multiple pools, but the Palazzo side has a more relaxed, spread-out feel, while the Venetian side is more closely tied to the classic resort experience. Guests staying in either tower can still access the resort’s shared amenities.
Rooms & Suites
The standard rooms and suites in the Venetian and Palazzo are priced roughly the same and feature similar upscale all-suite layouts. However, if you want a slightly more modern and understated feel, the Palazzo is usually the better fit.
The Venetian has the stronger sense of theme, more old-world detail and more obvious Las Vegas drama. The Palazzo feels a little more spacious and refined, especially for travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
The Venetian’s standard Luxury Suites generally start around 650 square feet, while the Palazzo’s standard Luxury Suites are around 720 square feet. Both are still much larger than the average Las Vegas hotel room, and both include a separate living area, sleeping area and oversized bathroom.
The Venezia Tower is the west wing of the Venetian. It offers a quieter, more tucked-away feel while still keeping guests close to the Venetian’s restaurants, Grand Canal Shoppes and resort attractions.
A common theme is the Italian décor from the rich fabrics to the lavish finishes and ornate furnishings. They also have great views of the desert and the Strip depending on the room or suite you book. Some rooms may also offer city, mountain, pool or Sphere views.
While both hotels offer a range of luxurious rooms and suites, the Venetian has the stronger classic resort identity, while the Palazzo is known for its spacious, elegant standard suites and more modern atmosphere.
Despite the few differences, the hotels have more similarities including spaciousness, luxury amenities, great views, and Italian-inspired décor.
Rooms & Suites at the Venetian include:
- Luxury King Suite – around 650 ft² with a king-size bed, separate living space, Roman bathtub, and an oversized bathroom
- Luxury Two Queen Suite – around 750 ft² with two queen-size beds, separated living area, Roman bathtub, and an oversized bathroom
- Premium Two Queen Suite – larger suite option with two queen-size beds, separated living area, sofa sleeper, Roman bathtub, and an oversized bathroom
- Grand King Suite – larger one-bedroom-style suite with expanded living space and upgraded bathroom features
- Grand One Bedroom Suite – spacious suite with a separate bedroom and expanded living area
- Executive King Suite – larger suite option with extra living, dining and entertaining space
- Penthouse Suite – luxury multi-room suite with VIP-style amenities and upgraded service options
- Presidential Suite – expansive luxury suite with multiple bedrooms and high-end entertaining space
- Chairman Suite – one of the largest and most luxurious suite categories at the resort
- Luxury King Suite at The Venezia Tower – around 650 ft² with a king-size bed, separate living space and oversized bathroom
- Luxury Two Queen Suite at The Venezia Tower – larger two-queen suite with separate living space and oversized bathroom
Rooms & Suites at the Palazzo include:
- Luxury King Suite – around 720 ft² with a king-size bed, separate living space, Roman bathtub, and an oversized bathroom
- Luxury Two Queen Suite – around 720 ft² with two queen-size beds, separated living area, Roman bathtub, and an oversized bathroom
- Premium King Suite – larger suite option with upgraded views and more living space
- Grand One Bedroom Suite – spacious one-bedroom suite with expanded bathroom and living areas
- Executive Suites – larger one- or two-bedroom suite options with extra entertaining space
- Penthouse Suite – luxury multi-room suite with VIP-style amenities and upgraded service options
- Presidential Suite – expansive luxury suite with multiple bedrooms and high-end entertaining space
- Chairman Suite – one of the largest and most luxurious suite categories at the resort
Room pricing is another vital determinant when it comes to hotel booking. Fortunately, there is usually no major difference in base rates between the two towers on many dates. However, pricing changes constantly based on conventions, weekends, events at Sphere, holidays and room demand, so it is always worth checking both towers before booking.
Casinos
As part of The Venetian Resort, guests and players have easy access to the casino areas connected to both the Venetian and Palazzo sides. If you like casino hopping without leaving the property, this is a convenient venue to visit.
The casino experience has more similarities than differences. You will find slots, video poker, table games, high-limit areas, electronic table games, poker and sportsbook options within the larger resort complex.
The Venetian side generally feels busier, louder and more energetic because it sits closer to the most iconic resort spaces and heavy foot traffic areas. The Palazzo side often feels a bit calmer, especially around the casino-adjacent lounges and restaurants.
With that said, you won’t lack fun in either tower. Choose the Venetian if you want a bigger, busier and more classic Las Vegas casino feel. Choose the Palazzo if you prefer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still staying connected to the same resort.
Restaurants
There are dozens of restaurants in the Venetian & Palazzo Las Vegas, including casual spots, food hall concepts, fine dining restaurants, celebrity chef venues, cocktail lounges and late-night dining options.
Best dining options in the Venetian & Palazzo are:
- Bouchon – French cuisine by Thomas Keller, also features Bouchon Bakery for Parisian pastries
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck – upscale steakhouse by Wolfgang Puck with dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list
- Mott 32 – Modern Hong Kong cuisine, including regional and rustic dishes using high-end ingredients
- WAKUDA – Japanese dining from Chef Tetsuya Wakuda with omakase, izakaya-style dishes and striking interiors
- Bazaar Meat by José Andrés – a bold steakhouse and tasting-menu destination now located at The Venetian Resort
- COTE Korean Steakhouse – a Korean steakhouse experience combining tabletop grilling, premium meats and a polished Vegas atmosphere
- BOA Steakhouse – a sleek steakhouse at Grand Canal Shoppes with premium cuts, seafood and a lively Strip-side setting
- Nomikai – Japanese-inspired sushi, drinks and a hidden speakeasy-style experience
- The X Pot – Offers a diverse American and Asian menu that is complimented by stunning interactive light shows, thematic soundscapes, and 360 projections on the walls.
- Estiatorio Milos – serves authentic Greek food with a focus on seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
- Grand Lux Café at the Venetian – serves American breakfasts, dinner, late night, and casual dishes.
- Miznon – serves a great combo of Israeli and Mediterranean dishes including vegetarian and vegan options.
- Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano – one of the top Italian restaurants in Vegas serving Chef Angelo Auriana’s dynamic menu.
- Flight Club Social Darts – play Social Darts while feasting on quick bites from beef tacos to chicken sausage flatbreads.
- LAVO Italian Restaurant – Italian dining with a lively atmosphere and a popular outdoor terrace.
- Zeppola Café – serves Italian restaurant dishes as well as Italian bakery items.
- Truth & Tonic Wellness Café – a plant-forward wellness café with vegan-friendly options.
- Trattoria Reggiano – serves classic Italian trattoria dishes and other authentic Italian specialties.
- Hong Kong Café – casual Asian dishes, including noodles, rice plates and late-night-friendly comfort food.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Italian cuisine in a warm and intimate setting, perfect for casual dining.
- SUGARCANE Raw Bar Grill – brasserie-style restaurant with sushi, small plates, and open fire-grilled fare
- SUSHISAMBA – Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors with seafood, sushi and late-night energy.
- PrimeBurger – all about gourmet burgers, breakfast, steaks, and sandwiches.
- Mercato della Pescheria – specializes in seafood platters and Italian cuisines.
- Delmonico Steakhouse – another world-class steakhouse with high-end cuts and fine dining options including rare wines.
- Smith & Wollensky – An American steakhouse with premium steaks, seafood and classic steakhouse sides.
- Canyon Ranch Grill – A casual dining American restaurant for classic weekend brunches and egg-filled breakfasts.
- Rockhouse – casual sports-bar food, drinks and a lively party atmosphere.
- Noodle Asia – Many flavorful noodle dishes and other offerings including dumplings, fried rice, and dim sum.
- Buddy V’s Ristorante – casual Italian dining with large portions and an impressive dessert selection
- Canaletto – Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Try their exciting happy hour offerings.
- Casanova – Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
- Cañonita – traditional Mexican favorites with a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- TAO Asian Bistro – combines Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, popular for fine dining and nightlife energy
- Yardbird – classic Southern cooking with farm-fresh ingredients, such as chicken biscuits and watermelon waffles.
- CHICA – Latin fusion cuisine with influences from Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.
- BRERA osteria – honoring Italy with homemade pastas, wood oven-baked breads, and dry-aged ribeye.
- Grand Lux Café at the Palazzo – serves American breakfasts, dinner, late night, and casual dishes.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Let’s dive into the shared fun zones since you can enjoy entertainment options in Venetian & Palazzo regardless of where you stay.
The nightlife at the resort is best described by the Electra Cocktail Club, Rosina Cocktail Lounge, The Dorsey Cocktail Bar, Bar Luca, Bellini Bar and other stylish lounges across the property. The Dorsey, Rosina and Electra are especially useful if you want an upscale cocktail night without leaving the resort.
If you are in for a show then the Atomic Saloon Show is a great place to start. Its acrobatics, adult humor and rowdy saloon setting make it a fun late-night option at the Grand Canal Shoppes. The Tao Nightclub is the party place to be, accessible from the Venetian side and a long-running hotspot for celebrities in Vegas.
The resort also has strong access to Sphere at The Venetian, which has become one of the biggest entertainment draws on the Strip. Depending on your travel dates, you may also find concerts, magic shows, Broadway-style shows and events at Voltaire or The Palazzo Theatre.
Swimming Pools
Both the Palazzo and Venetian have exquisite and quite admirable pool options for their guests. They offer a variety of daybeds, cabanas, pool chairs and loungers where you can relax stress-free in the sun as the afternoon sails on.
Guests staying at either tower can generally enjoy the larger pool experience across The Venetian Resort. If you want a quieter luxury pool day, Palazzo is often the better fit. If you want a more classic Venetian Resort pool experience with easy access to the main resort areas, the Venetian side is a strong choice.
The resort is also home to TAO Beach Dayclub, an adults-only dayclub experience with cabanas, plunge pools, DJs and a more energetic party atmosphere.
The Venetian Pool Deck
The Venetian Pool Deck is one of the resort’s signature outdoor spaces. You will find multiple pools, cabanas, loungers and shaded areas, making it a convenient choice for guests who want a resort-style pool day without leaving the property.
The Canyon Ranch spa is close for a relaxing massage session near the pool action. They offer a large menu of treatments and wellness services, including massages, body treatments, salon services, fitness options and relaxation areas. It’s one of the most complete spa and wellness facilities on the Strip.
Cabana and daybed at the Venetian:
Venetian cabana – can fit up to 12 people. Cabana amenities may include shade, seating, food and beverage service, towel service, storage, charging stations and dedicated service depending on the specific cabana type booked.
Venetian daybed – offering shade, comfort, and privacy. Daybeds are a good option if you want a more comfortable pool experience without booking a full cabana.
Venetian cabana & plunge – larger cabana options may include extra space, upgraded seating, a more private setup and plunge-pool-style features depending on availability.
The Palazzo Pool Deck
Palazzo offers a relaxed pool deck experience with a more understated luxury feel. The pool areas are a strong fit for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, book a cabana, sip cocktails or spend a quieter afternoon away from the busiest parts of the resort.
Palazzo cabanas can accommodate groups and may include amenities such as shaded seating, food and beverage service, Wi-Fi, fans, towel service and a host to attend to your needs. Exact cabana inclusions and pricing can vary by season and demand.
Spa & Gondolas
The Gondola Rides are one of the most famous attractions at the resort, and they are a true depiction of the 1,000+ year old means of enjoyment and transportation with authentic designs and operations. You can choose indoor or outdoor rides depending on availability, weather and the experience you prefer.
The Canyon Ranch spa + fitness at The Venetian Resort stands out as one of the best wellness and relaxation centers on the Strip. Located within the resort complex, the spa features a large space with a variety of amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, experiential showers, treatment rooms and fitness areas.
In addition to traditional spa services, Canyon Ranch offers a range of wellness programs and classes, including yoga, Pilates, meditation, nutrition-focused services and fitness options. One of the unique features of the spa experience is that it pairs luxury relaxation with a serious wellness focus, making it useful for both vacation pampering and health-minded travelers.
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Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
The Venetian and Palazzo are similar in many ways. They share the same larger resort complex, which makes it easier to choose one or the other without worrying too much about missing major amenities.
Choose the Venetian if this is your first stay at the resort, you want the classic Venice theme, you care about gondolas and Grand Canal Shoppes, or you want a busier and more iconic Las Vegas atmosphere.
Choose the Palazzo if you prefer a calmer, more modern-feeling luxury stay, want a slightly larger standard suite, or like being closer to some of the resort’s newer restaurants, lounges and pool areas.
Overall, the Venetian stands out for theme, energy and first-time visitor appeal, while the Palazzo is usually the better choice for travelers who want a quieter, more refined version of the same resort experience.