Vegas is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the United States, and with good reason!
If you’re looking to stay at one of the nicest hotels on the Strip, you’ll want to consider both the Bellagio and the Venetian. These two hotels will provide the kind of luxury Las Vegas experience you’ve been dreaming of. But when it comes down to choosing between the Bellagio or Venetian, how will you decide which one is the best choice for your stay?
Choosing between two of the most famous resort hotels in Vegas, the Bellagio or the Venetian, is a matter of preference. All the rooms at the Venetian are larger suites, while the Bellagio is less expensive and has a slightly better location on the Strip. Both have easy access to many other casinos and attractions nearby.
First, let me say that you really can’t go wrong with either of these choices. The Bellagio and the Venetian both make the list of the top 10 best Las Vegas hotels on the Strip.
Famous for its fountains, the Bellagio is a hot spot on the Strip. Situated right in the middle of all of the action, for many, it’s the best place to be.
The Venetian is practically a city of its own, replicating the streets of Venice, Italy. You can easily spend several days at the Venetian without ever leaving the property unless you desire to.
But before you get swept away daydreaming about your escape to paradise, there are a few meaningful comparisons to make. We’ll start with location and room prices first.
The 4-mile-long Las Vegas Strip is essentially divided into three sections: The North Strip, the Mid Strip, and the South Strip.
The Bellagio and the Venetian are both located in the mid-strip section, a little over a mile from one another. On average, it would be about a 20 – 25 minute walk to reach one resort from the other.
The beautiful part about being in the mid-strip area is that, regardless of what hotel you choose, you’re situated right in the center, putting you in a perfect location to explore both the northern and southern ends of the strip.
Because both hotels are in a prime location, deciding which hotel is better will probably be more dependent on the price and design of the rooms, the restaurants, and other entertainment options and attractions.
Prices for rooms are going to vary depending on the time of year you’re traveling, the number of people in the room, as well as the size and number of beds. Below is an average reflection of prices based on occupancy and room size for the Bellagio.
| Room Size/Occupancy | Room Prices at The Bellagio Per Night |
|---|---|
| Resort King Rooms – Sleeps 2-3 people | $129 -$179 |
| Resort Queen Rooms – Sleeps 2-4 people | $149-$249 |
| Stay Well Resort Room/King – Sleeps 2-3 people | $159-$209 |
| Stay Well Resort Room/Queen – Sleeps 2-4 people | $179-$279 |
| Fountain View King Room – Sleeps 2-3 people | $189-$239 |
| Fountain View Queen Room – Sleeps 2-4 people | $204-$304 |
| Salone Suite (Double Bed) – Sleeps 2-3 people | $229-$279 |
| Bellagio Suite (Double Bed) – Sleeps 2-4 people | $299-$399 |
| Bellagio Two Queen Suite – Sleeps 2-5 people | $369-$519 |
| Penthouse Suite – Sleeps 2-4 people | $429-$529 |
| Two Bedroom Penthouse Suite – Sleeps up to 6 people in some rooms | $665-$865 |
Below is an average reflection of prices based on occupancy and room size for the Venetian.
| Room Size/Occupancy | Room Prices at The Venetian Per Night |
|---|---|
| Luxury King Suites – Sleeps up to 6 people in some rooms | $223-$323 |
| Luxury Two Queen/King Suites – Sleeps up to 8 people in some rooms | $253-$453 |
| Luxury Queen Suites – Sleeps up to 8 people in some rooms | $283-483 |
| Luxury King Suite with a view of the Vegas Strip – Can sleep up to 6 people in some rooms | $323-$483 |
| Luxury Queen with a view of the Vegas Strip – Can sleep up to 8 people in some rooms | $353-$583 |
| Grand King Suite/Luxury Queen – Can sleep up to 6 people in some rooms | $423-$653 |
| Grand King/Queen with a view of the Vegas Strip – Can sleep up to 6 people in some rooms | $523-$753 |
At first glance, you can see that the Venetian is a bit more expensive than the Bellagio when it comes to room prices, but one thing to keep in mind is that the rooms at the Venetian are all suites and tend to be a little larger than those at the Bellagio.
The Venetian is also a better choice if have a large family or you’re traveling with more people, as each room can sleep several individuals at a time.
Still, there are more factors to consider before you ultimately decide, including what makes each hotel unique — whether you prefer fountains or canals — and a few other luxuries surrounding your stay.
When it comes to shows and entertainment, you’ll find that the options are plentiful at both the Bellagio and the Venetian. Each location is known for its own distinct style, starting with the fountains at the Bellagio and the Italian-themed canals at the Venetian.
I’d be remiss to start discussing entertainment at the Bellagio without first mentioning the famous fountains. The iconic fountains are part of an 8-acre lake that sits immediately in front of the hotel.
Visitors to the Las Vegas strip pause to take in the immaculate display of water shooting into the sky, choreographed to music and light.
The fountain shows occur every 30 minutes in both the afternoons and evenings and more frequently from 8 p.m. to midnight (source). Guests can even request personalized shows for special occasions, including weddings and engagements.
You’ll no doubt recognize some of the iconic songs that the fountains are set to, including “Luck be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra and “Your Song” by Elton John. Other favorites include “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Viva Las Vegas.”
For detailed Bellagio Fountain showtimes and a complete song list, you’ll want to check out our article here.
Another big attraction at the Bellagio is the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Each season, the hotel staff completely transforms the Conservatory into an otherworldly wonder full of flowers and seasonal decorations.
Adjacent to the conservatory is the spa and salon. You’ll find plenty of full-service amenities as you lounge next to the six garden swimming pools featuring relaxation, private cabanas, and numerous cafes (source).
The pools at the Bellagio differ from other resorts in that they are each surrounded by beautiful gardens that give each a distinctive feel from one another. Most resorts have an open courtyard pool area, while the Bellagio offers a bit more tranquility and quiet.
Finally, in addition to the expansive casino, the Bellagio displays beautiful works of art in both an exhibition space as well as throughout the hotel. Many of the artworks are from private collections from around the world, offering guests a museum experience and a fine art gallery all in one.
It’s not just the fountain show you’ll want to check out at the Bellagio. One of the most famous shows of all time, ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil, performs at the Bellagio on a revolving stage. The theatrical performance is both on the stage as well as in and above water, making this show one you’ll not want to miss.
The Venetian is not to be considered second-best by any means. This luxurious, beautifully designed hotel is an escape from reality that places you directly in the midst of Venice, Italy.
The artistry that adorns both the walls and ceilings is reminiscent of the Renaissance, and the architecture features replicas of many of the famous landmarks you’d see in the heart of Venice.
You won’t want to miss taking a moment to admire some of the most famous works of art and architecture, including the Acqua di Cristallo, the Armillary Sphere, and the Campanile Tower.
They regularly add new art in the Venetian’s St. Mark’s square, reflective of both the past and more contemporary, modern works of art.
When it comes to entertainment, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to see one of the many shows available at the Venetian.
There’s a rotating variety to choose from, including performances by favorites of the music industry, comedians, as well as uniquely talented performers.
The main show at the Venetian is called Atomic Saloon. It’s a variety show set in a Wild West saloon. Lots of acts…lots of laughs!
Another draw to the Venetian is its vibrant nightlife which includes various cocktail lounges to enjoy as you head out for the evening and nightclubs that will keep your energy high well into the early morning hours!
The Tao nightclub is touted as one of the best in Vegas, with private skyboxes overlooking the dance floor and a 40-square-foot terrace, where you can dance the night away while enjoying one of the best views of the Strip (source).
During the day, you’ll have an opportunity to soak up the sun while relaxing amid four large pool areas, a splash pad for the kids — who are also welcome — and abundant private cabanas.
And once you’re done with the pool, check out the variety of spa packages, including personal massages and private yoga classes.
One of the best parts about your Las Vegas trip will doubtless be the dining experiences that are abundant at both hotels, as well as up and down the Strip.
You’ll find world-renowned master chefs and dining experiences that allow you to explore foods from around the world.
The Bellagio boasts an abundant list of famous restaurants that cater to every appetite, morning, noon, and night. You’ll find fine dining at the five-diamond award-winning Le Cirque and the best brunch in Vegas at Sadelle’s Café.
If you’d rather explore a multitude of foods and a variety of cuisines, you’ll want to check out The Buffet at Bellagio, bringing together pairings from around the world.
There are quick-eat options, a spot to sip a freshly made organic juice smoothie, and a variety of poolside cafes and bars so that you don’t have to go very far at all to quench your thirst and re-energize.
A few of the most famous restaurants at the Venetian include Mott 32 — a fully immersive Asian-themed dining experience, Chica, with a uniquely inspired Latin menu — and Cut, for when you are craving the best mouthwatering steak you’ll likely ever have.
However, these are just a few of the selections available among the 40-plus restaurants at the Venetian — the only hotel on the Strip with so many dining options.
Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience or a casual burger and brew, you’ll find plenty of choices to quench every palate.
Both the Bellagio and the Venetian have a lot to offer. I’d recommend choosing the Venetian if you need the additional space afforded by the all-suite rooms or choosing the Bellagio if you’d like to save a few bucks while you enjoy the slightly more central location.
Whether you choose the Bellagio or the Venetian, your Vegas vacation will not be one to forget. And remember, no matter where you stay, a quick walk down the Strip will bring you to many other resorts as well as additional entertainment and dining options.
Check out these other comparisons of Las Vegas Hotels.
Aria vs. Bellagio: Which Las Vegas Hotel is Better? – Find out here
Venetian or Palazzo: Which one’s best? – We’ll tell you here
MGM Grand vs Venetian: Which to choose? – Read article here
Mirage vs. Bellagio: Who’s the best? – See here!
Wynn vs. Bellagio: Which is Better? – Find out here
This content was originally published here.