By Rama Gaind.
| It was a brief stay at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, but it left a lasting impression. |
Splendour is apparent in the location of The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel Macao.
There is nothing more exhilarating – dare I say it, intoxicating to expectations – than to be genuinely in awe! It’s a fortifying feeling … mixed emotions with wonder, reverence, respect and a tinge of anxiety … inspired by a fleeting question. Am I really standing outside the opulent, spectacular and swanky The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel? It was a long wait and I’d finally arrived. Pinch me!
On first impressions it lived up to all the hype of being capacious, sprawling, glistening day and night, ritzy – and then some. A little restraint is imperative as over-indulgence beckons.
I remember a prophecy made by Sheldon Adelson, the founder, chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which owns The Venetian Macao. He was spot-on when he predicted: “there’s never been a real destination resort in Asia, and when we open the Venetian Macao, it will be the first”.
Yukti Mehra at The Venetian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind
It was a very ambitious and unique undertaking. The idea was simple – “Create a vision. Identify it and go for it”. His foresight produced substantial gains after it became a reality in 2007. His mantra for success was making the right decisions at the right time.
The Venetian Macao, a 39-storey hotel and casino on the Cotai Strip, is a fully integrated resort where you can stay, dine, shop, play, win and still do some earnest business. It comprises the largest casino in the world, is the biggest single structure hotel building in Asia and is also the seventh largest building in the world by floor area.
Designed to impress, indulgence takes on a whole new meaning at this palatial venue!
Spellbinding impression
My memorable sojourn, though brief, began even before I first sighted the majestic edifice. Anticipation, perhaps excitement is more accurate, was set in motion ahead of my departure from the China Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong. Enthusiasm gained momentum during the one-hour, smooth ride onboard the Cotai Water Jet’s high-speed catamaran. After disembarking at Macao’s Taipa Ferry Terminal and a short walk later, I made my way to the exit and caught the complimentary hotel shuttle bus for a quick, 10-minute trip that further heightened expectancy. First impressions? Wow! Spellbound.
Be serenaded by real gondoliers on the Grand Canal at The Venetian Macao.
Photo: Rama Gaind
Jostling my way through the crowd, I walked into the foyer and was left enthralled. The spacious interior was a feast for the senses – in more ways than one! The volume of the hustle and bustle was magnified and attention directed to the surrounding ornate artworks, especially the rooftop artistry. Striking!
The expansive hallway (one of many) connects the reception area to the casino and shops. A VIP check-in was not only a time-saver, but it was an opportunity to get better acquainted with the surroundings. A warm welcome from guest relations officer Yukti Mehra and my qualms were quickly put at ease with an overview of the hotel’s layout. There’s so much to see and do here, where do I begin and how and where will it end? “Don’t worry,” Yukti said, “I’ll walk you to your room and I’ll explain the access routes to you and show you where everything is.” Will I remember the directions?
Zhanna Shagdarzhapova at The Venetian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind
People were walking everywhere, almost shoulder-to-shoulder, talking, laughing, cameras clicking, photos being taken as gasps of surprise were self-evident. A short time later … imagine my surprise on walking into my room – a Deluxe Royale Suite actually – which was more than commodious. The room’s split-level layout, a practical and aesthetic ensuite bathroom and the expansive, scenic views through the windows were an eye-opener. This was so unexpected. I was in the lap of luxury in the resort’s south wing!
Reflecting on my experience so far, I was far from feeling ‘lost’. I realised the key to customer service was building positive, personal and interactive relationships. This had certainly been the case during my stay. There was no apprehension about navigating the resort and that was due, in part, to the consideration displayed by both Yukti and Zhanna Shagdarzhapova in the front office. Their hospitable nature, patience in explaining the routes and their gracious manner was endearing.
The comfortable Deluxe Royale Suite at The Venetian Macao. Photo: Rama Gaind
The layout of the hotel and resort is beyond belief, with so much vibrance, an unbelievable buzz through the corridors, along the shopping strips and friendly staff! A treat for me, especially, was watching Indian television on not one, but two channels at The Venetian. It was relaxing to catch up on the latest happenings in my ‘serial’ addiction to Indian soapies on Zee TV!
What an abundance of so many lovely memories.
Spacious surrounds
While I felt overwhelmed by the spaciousness of my surrounds and the inspiring clean lines, I needed to take stock of some of the inclusions in this mega resort. The Venetian Macao has 3,000 suites, 110,000 m2 of convention space, 150,000 m2 of retail, 51,000 m2 of casino space and the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena for entertainment and sports events, more than 30 restaurants and over 350 retailers. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools, cabanas and a mini-golf course. Choice is endless!
The hallways inside The Venetian Macao are impressive. Photo: Rama Gaind
What’s more, there’s even a Grand Canal with gondolas. Modelled on its sister property in Las Vegas, the Venetian Macao is themed on the romantic streets and canals of Venice, Italy. Under the watchful eye of hundreds of shoppers, you get a chance to be serenaded by real gondoliers on one of the three indoor canals and outdoor lagoon. Such nostalgia … to get the chance to re-live the thrill of being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice … listening to gondoliers warbling out tunes like Amore and Volare. It was a marvellous feeling to be able to share in the magic of the Italian floating city … in Macao!
It is understandable why Sheldon Adelson saw “Venice with different eyes … It is the jewel box of various unique and magic treasures that must be appreciated and enjoyed by everybody”.
Splendour in its location, there’s much more on offer here than ‘amazing grace and amazing life’. French fashion designer Coco Chanel said, “luxury must be comfortable. Otherwise it is not luxury”. Add the word ‘astounding’ and it aptly describes The Venetian Macao!
Rama Gaind was a guest of The Venetian Macao.
DETAILS BOX
The Venetian Macao
s/n Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macao
T: +853 2882 8888
