The Gondola Rides at the Venetian:
The Romance of Northern Italy Transplanted onto the Las Vegas Strip
There
was a collective sadness that fell over the city following that cold November
evening 1992. Las Vegas had a special place in its heart for The Sands. Since
its opening in 1952, it had become a microcosm of the resort city itself,
complete with all of the opulence, all of the entertainment, and all of the
grandeur visitors had come to expect. The famous Copa Room was the place to be
when The Rat Pack was in town. This was where Frank Sinatra drove a golf cart
through a plate glass window after being denied a marker by new owner Howard
Hughes. It was ahead of the rest of the country in desegregation by allowing
black performers to stay and play in the resort at a time when other resorts
refused to do so. Its 500-room circular tower became a Las Vegas landmark
following its construction in the mid-1960’s. Within a few seconds, that was
all gone in a great cloud of dust to make way for the new era of the megaresorts
that was redefining The Strip. Developer Sheldon Adelson was thinking big…. Really
big.
The
result of Adelson’s vision is The Venetian, the largest casino resort on The Strip.
The hotel, and its sister property, The Palazzo, together have over 7,000
rooms! It is inspired by Venice, Italy;
complete with replicas of Venetian landmarks like the famous Rialto Bridge, The
Lion of Venice Column and (of course) the Grand Canal. Would you visit Venice
without a romantic gondola ride? I think not. Likewise, any visit to this Las
Vegas landmark would not be complete without taking part in this popular Strip
attraction.
There
are two options to choose from once you decide to take a gondola ride. The
Outdoor Ride operates on a seasonal basis and is closed periodically due to
inclement weather. The Indoor Ride has no such restrictions as the replicated
“Grand Canal” winds through a luxury mall featuring 160 luxury shoppes. And you
thought window-shopping was only done by foot. Here you can glide by taking in
the views all-the-while serenaded by your personal gondolier. The route is
bathed in perpetual twilight and is complete with the many bridges that cross
the canal, just like Venice. Look above you, the blue sky and clouds are
painted on the ceiling adding to the illusion that you really are outside.
I
was surprised to learn much about the unique characteristics that have made the
gondola the favorite form of transportation for centuries in the Northern
Italian city. Venice is made up of 124 separate islands and the use of these
flat-bottomed rowing boats has been traced back as far as the 11th
century. You may have thought (as I did) that the iron fitted to the front of
the gondola is merely decorative. It made sense to me when I discovered it
actually acts to counterbalance the gondolier’s weight and keep the boat level.
The rowlock or
“forcola” is very important to a craft that is propelled by just one oar. It is
made of extremely hard wood (usually walnut) and each groove has its own
specific function. The gondolier presses and pulls on the forcola to produce
forward motion. Once underway the oar becomes a standard rudder to steer the
boat. I may have ruined a bit of the romance for myself by peeking underneath
one of the gondolas outside in the clear water. I caught a glimpse of a small
electric prop. Whatever the method of locomotion used here at the resort, the
ride is altogether authentic and represents what you would experience in the
“real” Venice.
The
gondolier’s uniform is just as iconic as the mode of transportation itself. The
Venetian gondoliers have remained true to their Italian counterparts by wearing
the traditional straw hats, striped shirts and sashes. They also serenade for
their passengers. Songs like “Biondina in Gondoéta” (blonde-haired woman on a
gondola ride) echo across the Grand Canal. I’m certain that I even heard one
gondolier singing the Dean Martin tune “That’s Amore.” It was a fitting tribute
to “The King of Cool” who once walked these grounds when it was The Sands.
The
gondola ride lasts 10-13 minutes (why not 10 or 15?). I talked with many of the
riders who, when exiting, expressed only one regret….that it wasn’t long
enough. The attraction has naturally become a favorite place for wedding
proposals. Each gondolier usually witnesses a few each day. That setting is so
romantic, I can see why. Should you return to Las Vegas for the eventual
wedding you can even say your vows on the special white gondola reserved for
just such a special occasion. Hold onto
your hat though, the wedding packages start at $1000 but for that you get a
minister and videographer.
What you need to know:
The price is right around $30 per person (not
including tip for your gondolier). The gondola seats four so if your riding as
a couple you might have to share your boat. It’s a bit awkward as the seats
face each other. Want a gondola to yourself? Be prepared to pay the same price
as a full boat. I’ve heard that if you plan your ride around opening and
closing hours that you can ride alone at the lower rate…just ask. There are
military discounts available so be sure to take advantage if you are active or
a veteran. Want a memento of your trip?
They will take a nice photo for an extra charge. However, if you have someone
who is able to, just station them along the route, the outcome is the
same.
In the summer months, I would recommend the inside
option as the mall is climate controled. During busy times of the day there can
be a wait. I visited in March and was surprised the wait was about 30 minutes
midday. During busier seasons and times of day the wait can reach an hour to an
hour and a half.
This is an attraction that really polarizes people.
There is one group (the true romantics) who really appreciate the ambience and
don’t let the price or duration of the ride interfere with their special
moment. For those without the romantic gene, pass this one by. My advice is to
save this one for a special occasion. I can see why this is a perfect setting
for marriage proposals, anniversaries or just a chance to form a special memory
with the one you love.
Contact Information:
Address:
Phone: +1 (702) 414-4300
The Venetian Hours of Operation:
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South Indoor:
Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri & Sat 10am-12 am
Las Vegas, NV 89109 Outdoor: Daily 11am-10pm
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