The Venetian Macao is one of the best-known resorts in Macau and the one most people picture when they think of the Cotai Strip. It is a huge, themed complex styled after Venice, with painted ceilings, marble-effect floors, bridges and an indoor canal where gondolas glide past shops and cafés. The accommodation is made up of suites rather than ordinary rooms, so even the entry level gives you a separate sitting area, which is a real advantage for families and for anyone staying more than a couple of nights. The resort has pools, a spa, a large selection of restaurants and an arena that hosts concerts and sporting events. The appeal is scale and convenience. Within a few minutes of your suite you can be at a gondola ride, a food court, a fine-dining room or a theatre, and walkways link the resort to neighbouring hotels on the strip. It is a lively, busy place rather than a quiet retreat, which is exactly what many visitors want from a Macau stay, and it works well as a first base if you want to see the Cotai sights without planning transport every day.
Location and getting around
The resort stands in the middle of the Cotai Strip, between Taipa and Coloane, next to Four Seasons Hotel Macao and across the road from City of Dreams. Covered walkways and free shuttle buses link the main resorts, and the ferry terminals, the airport and the border crossings are served by shuttles, so ask at the front desk about current routes and who can ride. The historic centre on the peninsula is a taxi ride away, usually 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, so plan a day for the old town rather than trying to fit it in between meals.
Suites
The accommodation is all suites, with a sunken living area, a separate bedroom space and a large bathroom, and the layout gives families and small groups more room than a standard hotel room. Higher floors have wider views across Cotai, and quieter floors are worth requesting if you are a light sleeper because a resort this size has plenty of activity in the public areas. Check the bed types and the number of guests each suite takes when you book.
Who it suits
Families with children, first-time visitors, groups of friends and anyone who wants shopping, dining and entertainment close at hand. The gondola ride and the canal-side shops are easy to enjoy in the evening or in wet weather, and the arena makes it a natural base if a concert or event is the reason for your trip. It is less suited to travellers who want a calm, boutique atmosphere or who plan to spend most of their time in the old town.
Good to know
The resort has a casino, as well as many restaurants from casual to formal, and the pool and spa areas have their own opening hours and access rules, so check them when you book. Breakfast is usually charged separately unless it is included in your rate. Check-in is normally in the afternoon and check-out around midday, and policies on children, extra beds and parking vary. Weekend, holiday and event-night rates can be much higher, so book early and compare dates if your plans are flexible.
Why stay here
- ✓Pool area
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Many on-site restaurants and cafés
- ✓Indoor canal and shopping arcade
- ✓Arena for concerts and events
- ✓Free area shuttle
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Where is The Venetian Macao?+
It is in the middle of the Cotai Strip, next to Four Seasons Hotel Macao and across from City of Dreams. The old town on the peninsula is usually a 20 to 30 minute taxi ride away.
Are the rooms at The Venetian Macao suites?+
The accommodation is made up of suites with a separate living area, which gives families and groups more space than a standard room. Check the bed types and guest limits when you book.
Is The Venetian Macao good for families?+
It suits families who want a lively base with a pool, many places to eat and shops and attractions on site. It is busy, so ask for a quieter floor if you want less noise.
