Bellagio or The Venetian: Which Hotel Is Better?

Overall Winner: The Venetian.

In our deep-dive analysis below, The Venetian won in five categories (rooms, amenities / entertainment, restaurants, price, and user reviews), and Bellagio won in one category (location).

Bellagio is the better option if your top two criteria are staying in newer rooms and being situated in the Center Strip area. Bellagio is also the more refined of the two. 

The Venetian is the better option for people who like massive rooms or are traveling with a larger group. And with direct access to so many upscale nightclubs, it’s the better home base if you plan on doing a lot of partying. We’d go as far as to say it’s the more budget-friendly of the two.

If you ask us, we like The Venetian better.

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Bellagio Hotel & Casino, a 5-star oasis on the Las Vegas Strip, has been enchanting guests since its grand opening in 1998. As an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, Bellagio stands as a AAA Five Diamond resort, epitomizing luxury and sophistication.

We’ve explored Bellagio more times than we can count. Bellagio is not just some hotel that you pop into for 20 minutes and move on to the next. There are so many cool things to see and do within the hotel — it’s one of the best hotels on the Strip to make your home base.

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is a 5-star luxury hotel that officially opened in 1999, designed to replicate the beauty and grandeur of Venice, Italy. 

With the addition of The Palazzo Tower in 2008, the combined properties have more than 7,000 suites, making this “under one roof” complex the largest hotel in the world.

The “better” hotel for you will depend mostly on:

• whether you care about your room size
• how much you’re willing to spend on accommodations
• what you plan to do during your stay (what shows, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars you plan on checking out)

Let’s talk about it in detail!

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Rooms

For an apples-to-apples comparison, we’ll be comparing the resorts’ standard suites here.

Rooms at Bellagio

Bellagio is always updating to stay on top of trends in Las Vegas. Back in 2015, they gave all of their nearly 4,000 rooms a big makeover, and just a few years later, they refreshed 2,568 rooms in the main tower.

The Spa Tower is currently being renovated with jewel tones inspired by Lake Como and the Alps, giving it a cozy, residential vibe.

If you’re a fan of good lighting, you’ll love the backlit mirrors surrounded by mother of pearl in the bathrooms. They’ve replaced bathtubs with spacious marble showers, and the whole redesign, inspired by Bellagio’s famous fountains, natural light, and the beauty of nature, gives the rooms a light and modern feel that’s a bit unexpected for Vegas.

The standard rooms are pretty spacious too, starting at 510 square feet.

Standard Suites: What most people will end up booking.

• Standard 1-King Rooms at Bellagio are 510 sq ft.
• Standard 2-Queen Rooms at Bellagio are 510 sq ft.

Rooms at The Venetian

First off, let me start by stating that we LOVE the standard suites at Venetian/Palazzo. They’re the largest we’ve experienced on the Strip.

These rooms come with either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds, plus a living room with a full-size sofa-sleeper and a spacious Italian marble bathroom. Within the bathrooms, you’ll find a double-sink vanity and a glass-enclosed shower separate from the soaking tub.

If you opt for the 2-queen room, you can actually accommodate 6 people because of that extra sofa bed.

A standard suite that can fit up to six people? That’s unheard of on the Strip! In fact, this is the #1 reason why we love The Venetian Resort for large groups.

Traveling with more than six and need another room? Both The Venetian and The Palazzo offer adjoining rooms, which means you can leave the connecting door open and essentially hang out together the whole time.

Standard Suites: What most people will end up booking. These rooms have a sleeping area, a living room with a full-size sofa-sleeper, and a spacious Italian marble bathroom.

• Standard 1-King Suites at The Venetian are 650 sq ft.
• Standard 2-Queen Suites at The Venetian are 750 sq ft.
• Standard 1-King Suites at The Palazzo are 720 sq ft.
• Standard 2-Queen Suites at The Palazzo are 720 sq ft.

Winner: The Venetian.

While the rooms at Bellagio are certainly prettier and newer given their recent renovation, they’re better suited for solo travelers and couples. With more than 4 people, it would make more sense to go with The Venetian since there’s just a lot more space.

Standard rooms at The Venetian/Palazzo are 140 to 240 square feet larger compared to Bellagio, which means WAY more room to stretch out.

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Location

Bellagio and The Venetian are about a 5-minute drive (30-minute walk) away from each other.

Bellagio is right in the heart of the action, with major attractions like The Cosmopolitan, Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, and MGM Grand just steps away. This central location means you’re within easy walking distance of loads and loads of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The Venetian, on the other hand, is situated a bit further north on the Strip. While it might feel a bit more secluded, it’s close to newer spots like Resorts World, Fontainebleau, and Sphere as well as hotels south of its location, like Treasure Island, Harrah’s, and The LINQ.

Another plus is that The Venetian is also right next to Wynn Las Vegas. The proximity to Wynn is a pretty sweet perk if you like shows, fine dining, and nightlife. Walking to Wynn’s Awakening show, XS Nightclub, Encore Beach Club, etc. is much easier to do from The Venetian/Palazzo compared to other hotels on the Strip.

Winner: Bellagio.

For convenience to the most iconic Vegas attractions, Bellagio takes the win. Its central location makes it easier to explore the heart of the Strip without too much walking.

While we personally don’t mind the North Strip location of The Venetian, we realize that it’s a tad further from all the typical sights first-timers like to enjoy in Vegas.

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Entertainment + Amenities

This section looks at what the hotels offer in terms of things to do, pools, spas, etc. We’ll also call out all the good stuff that’s included with your nightly resort fee.

Entertainment and Amenities at Bellagio

Bellagio is all about elegance and iconic experiences. From its stunning fountains to world-class dining, there’s plenty to see and do.

Here’s an example of the resort amenities and entertainment options offered at the hotel:

• The Fountains of Bellagio: A breathtaking water show set to music and lights. It’s one of the most famous free attractions on the Strip and a must-see for first-timers.
• The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Each season, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden’s 120 horticulturists, engineers, and designers create unbelievable displays.
• Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: A curated collection of rotating exhibitions featuring works from renowned artists around the world.
• “O” by Cirque du Soleil: An aquatic masterpiece where acrobats, synchronized swimmers, and divers perform in and above a massive pool.
• Bellagio Pools: Five Mediterranean-inspired pools surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for relaxation or a refreshing swim.
• The Spa & Salon at Bellagio: Offering luxurious treatments and services, this spa is a sanctuary for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate.
• THE PINKY RING BY BRUNO MARS: A one of a kind cocktail lounge, curated by an entertainer for your entertainment pleasure.
• Mayfair Supper Club: A glamorous/swanky restaurant with live entertainment, reminiscent of the classic supper clubs of the past.
• Buffet at Bellagio: An upscale dining experience with a wide variety of gourmet dishes, including fresh seafood, prime meats, and decadent desserts.

Entertainment and Amenities at The Venetian / Palazzo

Combined, The Venetian and Palazzo house more than 2.3 million square feet of meeting space, 1 million square feet of retail space, 10 outdoor pools, and 40+ restaurants.

Here’s an example of the resort amenities and entertainment options that you’ll have easy access to no matter which tower you choose:

• Grand Canal Shoppes: An extensive shopping mall with a variety of luxury retailers, dining options, and the unique ambiance of the recreated Venice canals.
• Canal Gondola Rides: A signature experience where you can enjoy a ride on a gondola through the resort’s indoor and outdoor canals. More than 500,000 visitors ride the gondolas every year!
• Canyon Ranch Spa: One of the largest and most luxurious spas in Las Vegas, offering a wide range of wellness services, fitness classes, and a 40-foot rock climbing wall.
• Onsite dayclub and nightclub: TAO Beach Club is a hotspot during pool party season, while TAO Nightclub features top DJs and has a similar stature to other top nightclubs like XS (Wynn) and Marquee (The Cosmo).
• Endless restaurant options: There are over 40 restaurants at your doorstep. Currently, five chefs of The Venetian and The Palazzo have received the coveted James Beard Award for culinary excellence: Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller, and Daniel Boulud.
• Shin Lim: The only person ever to win America’s Got Talent not once — but twice. Since the closing of The Mirage, the close-up magician now holds his residency at The Venetian.
• Atomic Saloon Show: From the creators of Absinthe, this immersive adults-only variety show promises an unforgettable night of bold humor and outrageous entertainment.
• A total of 10 outdoor pools: There are three at The Venetian and seven at The Palazzo.
• Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum: A great little attraction for kids/teens and adults who like celebrities and pop culture.

Winner: The Venetian.

While both resorts have their own versions of a premium nightly show, The Venetian has just a bit more amenities/things to do.

On top of having an award-winning spa and fitness center, they also have a nightclub and a dayclub venue.

Shopping at The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes is a lot more fun too, but if you’re not able to find any stores you like there, Fashion Show Mall (better for all kinds of budgets) is right across the street.

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Restaurants

Both resorts offer a ton of great places to eat, but there are some key differences. I’ll touch on Bellagio first.

First and foremost, many of the restaurant options at Bellagio are internationally acclaimed. There’s Spago, Le Cirque, LAGO by Julian Serrano, PRIME Steakhouse, and many other high-end dining options for guests to indulge and splurge at. It’s a restaurant haven for people who have refined palates!

The Bellagio gets extra points for having an onsite buffet — The Buffet at Bellagio — and the option of fountain-side dining at seven different restaurants.

The opportunity to dine right on Lago di Como adds a memorable touch to your dining experience, which is especially perfect if you’re celebrating something special.

But keep in mind, eating at Bellagio can be pretty pricey. Of the ~20 food spots, only a teeny-tiny handful of restaurants offer casual bites.

On the other hand, The Venetian/Palazzo complex really shines with its wide range of food options for all kinds of budgets.

Between the two towers, you’ll find over 40 sit-down restaurants in total. This includes high-end spots like CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Bouchon by Thomas Keller, and Delmonico Steakhouse by Emeril Lagasse, Villa Azur, and LAVO.

But the appeal here is that not ALL the restaurants are high-end.

At The Venetian, you’ll also find more casual, budget-friendly places to eat in the Grand Canal Shoppes, like Yardbird, Buddy V’s Ristorante, CHICA, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, and Grand Lux Cafe, and even a food court with cheap eats like Johnny Rockets, Popeyes, Chipotle, and Panda Express.

With a diverse restaurant collection that’s inclusive to both fine diners and more budget-conscious eaters, The Venetian/Palazzo easily wins this category.

Winner: The Venetian.

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Price

Bellagio and Venetian play in the same price category given that they’re both 5-star luxury hotels.

Their room rates are pretty similar most of the time. Having said that, you might come across massive price differences for the same dates if one hotel happens to be hosting a conference, concert, or other special event.

But when it comes to pricing per person, The Venetian is (in most cases) going to be the better deal for larger groups of people.

The rooms at Bellagio can accommodate a maximum of 4 guests, whereas The Venetian’s suites can accommodate up to 6 guests. This makes a big difference in the per-person cost when you break it down.

Let’s break it down together with an example: Imagine both hotels have rooms costing $400 per night.

• At Bellagio, a group of 6 would need to book two rooms (as they only have 2-Queen rooms with no sofa bed), which would total $800 per night. Splitting this among 6 people means each person pays about $133.33 per night.
• At The Venetian, the group of 6 can stay in one room (that sofa bed really comes in handy!), totaling $400 per night. Splitting this among 6 people means each person pays about $66.67 per night.

Our rule of thumb has always been that if we have a group of more than 4 people, we go with The Venetian/Palazzo.

The per-person cost drops dramatically by going with The Venetian over the Bellagio. This makes The Venetian a no-brainer for larger groups who have a budget in mind.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to factor in resort fees and parking fees. Both hotels sadly charge for both.

Winner: The Venetian.

Bellagio vs. The Venetian: Hotel Reviews

At the time of researching for this guide, here’s what we found when it came to user reviews on various hotel booking sites that we know and trust:

Hotel Site	Bellagio	The Venetian
Booking.com	8.4/10 (9k+ reviews)	8.7/10 (12k+ reviews)
Hotels.com	8.8/10 (10k+ reviews)	9/10 (‎17k+ reviews)
Priceline	8.4/10 (9k+ reviews)	8.9/10 (‎15k+ reviews)

Across the board, The Venetian is the hotel that gets the higher marks and ratings.

The Palazzo (Venetian’s sister tower) gets even higher ratings and happens to be our tower of choice too.

Winner: The Venetian / Palazzo.

Overall Winner

The Venetian is the winner!

The Venetian won in five categories (rooms, amenities / entertainment, restaurants, price, and user reviews), and Bellagio won in one category (location).

But of course, there are people who might find Bellagio a better choice for them based on their itineraries.

Bellagio is the better hotel for you if:

• You care about how newly renovated the rooms are (Bellagio’s rooms are fresher than Venetian/Palazzo’s)
• You want to be in the heart of the action on the Center Strip
• You plan on exploring a lot on foot (Bellagio is a lot more centrally located than Venetian)
• You love the idea of dining with a view of the iconic Fountains of Bellagio
• You plan on dining at some of the world-renowned restaurants on the property
• You’re a fan of classic Las Vegas elegance and sophistication
• You’re planning to see the “O” by Cirque du Soleil show
• You’re visiting as a solo traveler or a couple

The Venetian is the better hotel for you if:

• You want a larger room (the standard rooms are larger here compared to Bellagio)
• You plan to travel with a larger group of more than 4 (the rooms are massive and the hotel offers adjoining rooms)
• You want to be near all the upscale party action (TAO Beach/Nightclub, XS Nightclub, Encore Beach Club, LIV, Zouk, Ayu Dayclub)
• You plan on seeing Shin Lim, Sphere, or Atomic Saloon Show
• You plan on enjoying some of North Strip’s hotels/attractions
• You are traveling with younger family members (Venetian is slightly more family-friendly than Bellagio)

Still stuck between the two? If you really can’t pick between the two, you should just book whichever one is showing a cheaper price. Pocket your savings, spend it on one of Las Vegas’ new shows or attractions, or spend it on an epic seafood buffet.

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Our Pick: Which One We Like More

The Venetian Resort is our all-time favorite hotel for group trips. For a 5-star hotel, the value for money is unbeatable.

It’s automatic at this point — we don’t even need to research anything else. It’s hard to find anything else this spacious for groups of 6+ at other hotels (without forking up a lot more money for upgraded suites, that is).

At the end of the day, both resort hotels are wonderful and will give you access to amazing amenities, so you really can’t go wrong with either.

No matter which you choose, you’re going to be treated to great service, plentiful dining options, and an all-around luxurious stay.

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FAQ: Bellagio and Venetian Las Vegas

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