It is hard to miss the Venetian on Las Vegas’s famed Strip. The 36-story, towering resort is themed to resemble Venice, complete with gondoliers in black and white singing as they navigate guests in gondolas through the hotel’s canals and beneath bridges that look like Venice’s famed Rialto. The all-suite hotel provides some of the largest accommodations on Las Vegas Boulevard and is connected via an Italian-themed Grand Canal shopping area to its sister hotel, The Palazzo. It could be somewhat kitschy to try so hard to look like Venice, with a painted sky, the canals, and faux cobblestone streets. However, the Venetian pulls it off. It is luxurious from the first steps into the lobby. Of all of the properties on the Las Vegas Strip, we found ourselves here the most in terms of dining and shops. Maybe we are partial to the Italian backdrop and the gelato, but we love the Venetian.

The Venetian is an all-suite hotel with some of the largest standard accommodations in Las Vegas. All suites feature Wi-Fi access (fees may apply), mini-bars, two 46-inch, flat-screen TVs and 19-inch TVs in the bathroom with an oversized Roman tub and separate shower. There's also an iHome radio/docking station. Cribs are available upon request. Refrigerators are also available upon request for $25 per day.

Luxury Suites
Luxury Suites, the most standard of rooms, are divided into a sleeping area with one king bed and sunken living area with floor-to-ceiling views of the city. The 650-square-foot suites feature a full-sized sofa bed and dining table for three; they sleep up to three guests.

Bella Suites
Bella Suites feature two queen beds and are also divided into a sleeping area and a sunken living area. The rooms are slightly larger than the Luxury Suites at 700 square feet, and offer the same features, including a full-size sofa bed. These suites can accommodate up to five people.

Rialto Suites
At more than 1,000 square feet in size, the Rialto Suites feature a double-door entrance and Italian marble foyer before entering the living and sleeping space. A sunken living room features a full-sized sofa bed in most rooms (be sure to inquire when making reservations) and a dining table for three, as well as a fully stocked refreshment center. The sleeping area features two queen beds, and a family of five can comfortably fit into this space.

Piazza Suites
Piazza Suites are 1,400 square feet in size and feature an Italian marble foyer. The suite is similar to the Rialto, except this suite features a king bed and can only accommodate three people.

Prima Suites
Although they are 1,500 square feet in size, Prima Suites don't offer room for more than three. The suite can accommodate three with its sofa bed in its sunken living room, and one king bed in the sleeping space. The living room also includes a full-sized bar with stool seating and a semi-formal dining area with a table for four.

Renaissance Suites
These suites are nearly 2,000 square feet and feature a grand living room, oversized formal dining room with seating for six, and a choice of a media room or a workout room with a treadmill and sauna. An Italian marble foyer welcomes guests, and the bedroom is completely separated from the living area. Although there is tons of space, there is only one king bed and a full-sized sofa bed to accommodate three guests. The bedroom and media room feature 55-inch TVs, while a 46-inch TV is located in the living room.

Penthouse Suite
The hotel's largest suite, located on the top floor, of course, is nearly 3,000 square feet in size. A master bedroom features one king bed, while a second bedroom offers either one king or two queen beds. The master's TV is 46 inches, while the secondary bedroom TV is 40 inches. The formal living room features a sofa bed, piano and 55-inch TV. A formal dining room provides seating for eight, and two bathrooms with jetted tubs. This suite also offers a DVD player and CD player. Up to seven guests may stay in the Penthouse.

Azure
The Venetian's fourth floor rooftop pool deck is a 5-acre attraction with three swimming pools, a hot tub and a poolside café. The pools are open only Thursdays through Sundays in spring, summer and fall. While the pool deck is expansive, there are only 11 private cabanas offered, each equipped with TVs, couches and chaise loungers, water-stocked refrigerators, video games, misters in the summer months and fresh fruit.

Gondola Rides
The Venetian is famous for creating its own Grand Canal, complete with gondolas. Travel beneath a blue sky indoors or out, and float beneath bridges and near St. Mark's Square in the Venetian's version of Venice. Outdoor rides are available 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (they sell out quickly, so book in advance) and indoor rides are offered from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Gondolas fit up to four people.

Madame Tussauds
Located within the Venetian property is one of the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museums. Open daily, the museum features life-size and lifelike celebrities. Experiences include a sports arena, a music room, a TV studio and a Marvel Super Heroes with 4D movie. Children under the age of 3 receive free admission.

Live Shows
The Venetian hosts a number of live shows, including the current running of the Broadway hit musical "Rock of Ages." The show is best suited for teens, but other shows are family friendly. As host to touring events, guests in the past have had the opportunity to see "The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses," combining the symphony and choir with video games, and the nationwide tour of "Dancing With the Stars Live!" Shows take place at the Rock of Ages Theatre, the Sands Showroom and the Venetian Theatre, with additional shows offered at the Palazzo Theatre -- the sister hotel.

The Venetian is connected to its sister property, The Palazzo. Each has its own restaurants and a combined Grande Canal shopping area and walkway between the two hotels and casinos, providing Venetian guests even more options when it comes to dining. To see more restaurants, visit The Palazzo.

AquaKnox
Located in the hotel's Restaurant Row, AquaKnox is one of its newest restaurants. Open for dinner nightly, the seafood restaurant menu features fresh catches flown in daily. A Raw Bar is available from noon to 10 p.m., while guests looking to enjoy the full fare can do so from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

B&B Burger and Beer
Tucked away off of the casino is B&B, which stands for burgers and beer. Brought to you by the same chefs who managed B&B Ristorante, the menu consists of the same quality beef as found at the upscale restaurant. The classic burger joint serves up the Royale with Cheese, the Drive-Thru and the Really Good, among other unique specialties. The menu also consists of hero sandwiches. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

B&B Ristorante
Chefs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, the B&Bs in the name, brings a New York City-styled Italian restaurant to Restaurant Row. Combining signature touches and traditional dishes, the dinner spot features dishes like Crushed Duck Liver and Beef Cheek Ravioli. If the kids don't have adventurous taste buds, you may want to reserve this for a date night. Open daily from 5 to 11 p.m.

Bouchon
This classic French restaurant is a hidden gem. Located on the 10th floor of the Venezia Tower, the award-winning Bouchon features creations by Chef Thomas Keller, once named America's Best Chef by "Time" magazine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch and dinner, with very traditional French foods. A daily raw Oyster Bar is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Breakfast is served Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the menu converting into a brunch menu for Friday and Sunday meals, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is offered nightly from 5 to 10 p.m.

Buddy V's Ristorante
TLC's "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro entered the restaurant business with his very first restaurant, Buddy V's. Inspired by his own Italian family meals, menu items feature Buddy's favorites, such as Sunday Gravy and Linguine and Clams with Lobster. Of course, the Cake Boss brings some of his sweets, as well, so save room for dessert. The restaurant serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are offered daily beginning at 11:30 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Café Presse
For grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as getting your caffeine fix, Café Presse is the hotel's busy bistro. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Canaletto
With balcony views overlooking the Grand Canal, Canaletto is a traditional Venetian restaurant with antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, beef, chicken and seafood dishes. The casual restaurant is open for lunch through dinner, 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

Canonita
If you have had enough Italian food and crave something with more spice, visit the casual Canonita, a Mexican inspired café. Authentic Mexican fare mixes with South of the Border favorites from morning until night. Breakfast is offered daily from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the full menu is offered until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Carlo's Bakery
With Cake Boss Buddy Valastro presenting his first restaurant in the Venetian, it should be no surprise that he also offers his handmade cake creations. Buddy earned his nickname for his pastries made at Carlo's Bakery, which first opened in New York in 1910. This offshoot features delicious pastries and baked good from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Casanova
Named for the famed Italian Casanova, this trattoria provides dishes found in Venice and the Italian coast. Featuring mainly seafood dishes and pastas, the casual restaurant overlooks the Grand Canal. Breakfast is provided daily from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner menu items can be found from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

Canyon Ranch Café
Within the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, guests can find healthy, homemade foods and dishes created by the world renowned Canyon Ranch. The café is open for breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Canyon Ranch Grill
For a more serene, spa-like environment featuring gourmet healthy dishes, the Canyon Ranch Grill in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub is open for breakfast and lunch, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

db Brasserie
If Bouchon is a bit too upscale for your children, enjoy a French menu at db Brasserie in the hotel's Restaurant Row. Open daily for lunch and dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., the brasserie serves traditional dishes like Coq Au Vin combined with American favorites like the Yankee Burger. db also offers a weekend brunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a prix fixe menu from 5 to 7 p.m.

Delmonico Steakhouse
As its name implies, the steaks at this steakhouse will be some of the best cuts and juiciest bites. Specialties include an in-house, dry-aged, bone-in rib eye, as well as Emeril Lagasse's famed New Orleans barbeque shrimp and double-cut pork chop with chateaubriand. The restaurant is located in Restaurant Row and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on weekends).

Grand Lux Café
Two Grand Lux Cafes exist, one within the Venetian, and one within the Palazzo. Within the Venetian, it is located near the Venetian Theatre. Similar to its sister restaurant, The Cheesecake Restaurant, the café is open from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. Families will find traditional breakfast items, as well as hearty menus with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, seafood, steaks, chicken and more.

Lobster ME
The name says it all: this is THE place for lobster. From lobster rolls to full-sized lobsters with butter, the restaurant serves fresh Maine lobster, flown in daily. The restaurant opens at 9 a.m. and remains open until 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

Noodle Asia
This noodle house features large portions of Asian noodle dishes, including fried noodles, soups and more. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria
Sit beneath the sky of St. Mark's Square at this traditional pizzeria. Wood-fired pizzas, pasta and traditional fare are available from lunch through dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Public House
Right off the streets of England, this dark, wood-and-leather decorated pub is housed on Restaurant Row. With an extensive beer collection, the Public House is home to the city's first certified beer cicerone (like a sommelier). While you enjoy the brews, the kids can enjoy the lunch and dinner menus, which consist of salads, sandwiches, beef, chicken and seafood. The pub is open daily at 11 a.m., closing at 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

TAO Asian Bistro
The famed towering Buddha statue and the multi-storied restaurant aiming to look like an Asian city can be found at the Venetian. Tao Asian Bistro is a 60,000-square-foot restaurant, nightclub and beach. The menu consists of Asian specialties from Japan, China and Thailand, as well as a full sushi bar. The restaurant opens daily at 5 p.m., staying open to the wee hours of the morning. It's best to be early birds at this Vegas hotspot when dining with children; eventually the night clubbers arrive to eat before hitting the club, which opens at 10 p.m.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Located on Restaurant Row, the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Menus include Southern favorites like fried chicken, farmer's salads, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and more.

All About the Extras
Resort Fee
Internet, including Wi-Fi, is included in the Venetian's daily resort fee. You may opt out of the resort fee and pay for Internet as needed.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but with limited daytime activities for kids at the Venetian. If you'd like to enjoy time at the hotel, visit when the pools are open, which are Thursday through Sunday, spring through fall. For the best deals, weekday stays and the winter season will garner the best rates.

Getting There
The hotel is located on the Las Vegas Strip, just minutes from the McCarran International Airport. The city operates an airport shuttle that stops at numerous resorts, including the Venetian. The shuttle is $8.50 per person. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive.

Getting Around
If you'd like to rent a car, the Venetian provides complimentary valet parking. Although with its location on the strip, attractions are within walking distance of the property.

For Mom and Dad
Want to feel less like parents for a bit? Then head over to TAO Beach, the rooftop pool above TAO Asian Bistro. Open daily for the 21-plus crowd, the pool features renowned DJs and celebrity appearances. Note: Topless "European Sunbathing" is offered Mondays through Wednesdays.

The hotel's Canyon Ranch SpaClub brings a bit of Canyon Ranch to Las Vegas, with wellness presentations and programs, fitness classes, the exclusive Aquavana thermal environment and spa treatments, including massages, facials and body treatments.