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The Palazzo Las Vegas is an Italian-themed hotel and convention destination toward the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. Opened in 2008, it has more than 3,000 suites on 50 floors, luxury shopping, fantastic restaurants, a massive spa, gaming and more. Connected to The Venetian and Sands Expo Center, here’s what you need to know about The Palazzo if you’re traveling here for business, planning a meeting or simply want to enjoy 24 hours at The Palazzo Las Vegas:

The Palazzo Guest Rooms

I stayed in 15-822 which is a standard luxury suite at The Palazzo with about 720 square feet. The room includes a sunken living area with its own high-definition TV, a table and desk for work. Wireless Internet is available (a resort fee required). The king-sized pillow top bed with Egyptian cotton sheets provides a great night sleep (it also faces its own large flat screen TV). The bathroom has a roman tub and separate glass-enclosed shower, as well as a separate water closet. The bath amenities were a standard hotel brand. The Palazzo offers a total of 11 different styles of guest rooms. If you want to stay at The Venetian, it offers seven styles of guest rooms (there’s also the Venezia Tower).

The Palazzo and The Venetian Restaurants

The Palazzo and The Venetian have a choice of more than 30 fine dining and casual restaurants on site by several celebrity chefs, including Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and others. For lunch, stop by I Love Burgers at The Shoppes at the Palazzo. They offer 8 different unique shakes (try the blueberry panshake which includes pancake batter), and these can each be spiked with options like vodka, schnapps or liqueur. They have 9 types of burgers with 9 toppings, and four types of fries (the natural cut fries are thin, crisp and nicely seasoned). For dinner, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo is a classical steakhouse (both wet- and dry-aged) with a large wine list. If seafood is your preference, check out AquaKnox along restaurant row at The Venetian – specials change weekly. The seafood is flown in daily from around the world and certified by Safe Harbor, which screens to standards that are stricter than those set by the FDA. For breakfast, Grand Lux Cafe is a nice choice and is at both The Palazzo and The Venetian. One important point about restaurants in Vegas in general: reservations are very important.

Indulge at Canyon Ranch Spa Las Vegas

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub is accessible on the third level of The Palazzo and The Venetian, a world class spa that offers a full suite of options, including massage, facials, nutrition advice, personal training, fitness (they have a giant rock wall) and other personalized services. The Aquavana is a circuit of seven different experiences, including a steam room, experiential rains (I enjoyed the tropical rain), Finnish sauna, herbal laconium (aromatherapy in a gently heated sauna), whirlpool, igloo (cool air and three arctic mist experiences) and thermal heated loungers. Have more time? Add a service. On my recent visit, I received a gentleman’s facial which includes a neck massage. The last time I visited Canyon Ranch I experienced a Reiki treatment (rooted in Asian spiritual traditions, a Reiki master provides a session that harmonizes your body with nature’s energy flow). Whatever spa experience you want, it’s available.

Events and Meetings at The Palazzo

Business travelers often find themselves at The Palazzo because they are visiting Vegas for a meeting or convention at The Venetian or Sands Expo Center. Las Vegas Sands Corp. is the vision of Sheldon Adelson, a veteran of the conventions and trade shows industry who is also credited for helping transform Las Vegas into an international business destination. So it should go without saying that its 2.25 million square feet of flexible meeting space and 85,000 square foot ballroom is designed for meetings. And for unique events on site, The Palazzo and The Venetian have many venues for private events (including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum which is steps away from the hotel’s doors on the property).

Shopping at The Palazzo and The Venetian

The Shoppes at the Palazzo is definitely an upscale experience. Barneys New York is the anchor retailer, and more than 60 of the world’s most exclusive shops are found here. A few interesting stores include Chloe, Thomas Pink and Burberry. The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian brings the experience of Venice into Vegas, and is a much more casual environment. Daily performances are held in St. Mark’s Square by classically trained singers, actors and musicians. A few interesting stores include Regis Galerie, Ripa de Monti and the Peter Lik Fine Art Photography Gallery. If your’e looking to relax for a few minutes, sit down and enjoy Tintoretto Bakery.

See a Show at The Palazzo or The Venetian

Permanent productions include The Phantom of the Opera and Blue Man Group at The Venetian and Jersey Boys is at The Palazzo. In addition, many different headliners perform here for limited engagements (as well as other special events). On my most recent stay, I saw The Phantom of the Opera, and it never disappoints. You’ll hear the haunting sounds of the soundtrack in the hotel elevators.

Gaming at The Venetian

Slot machines and table games are a staple at every Vegas hotel, so you’ll find all of your favorite games here. It’s important to note that smoking is prohibited in the main walking aisles at The Palazzo, so the quality for air ventilation is a bit better here than at The Venetian where it is openly permitted. Cantor Race and Sports book is located in Lagasse’s Stadium in The Palazzo (for wagering those important games and events on flat-screen TVs).

Nightlife at The Palazzo and The Venetian

Gaming certainly continues into the night at The Palazzo and The Venetian, but they also offer two nightclubs and 11 lounges. If you are interest is dance clubs and DJ atmosphere, LAVO Nightclub (located in The Palazzo) & TAO Nightclub (located in The Venetian) are developed by the same owners (entrance lines can get long, so try to work your relationships to obtain VIP status). For something a bit quieter, certainly the LAVO Lounge is a good spot to meet and socialize in the evening while enjoying cocktails or Italian cuisine. TAO Lounge is also a gathering spot (the restaurant is even better). But for more privacy and to completely avoid the noise of crowds, check out Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Bar in the center of The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Other Amenities at The Palazzo

For The Palazzo, the main pool is located off the third floor near Canyon Ranch. The Palazzo and The Venetian offer seven pools, four hot tubs and 41 cabanas (reservations required). They also offer concierge services that can assist with virtually any request, including a full range of sightseeing tours or golf. And, of course, there’s always the option of being serenaded on a gondola ride through The Venetian. The Palazzo received AAA’s Five Diamond Award and Mobil Four-Star. The Palazzo is also Silver LEED certified (eco-friendly).

The Verdict?

The Palazzo in Las Vegas is a luxury mega hotel that offers comfortable rooms, excellent service, casual and fine dining, gaming, theater and more. You really don’t need to leave the hotel for days – whether you’re here for work or fun. Of course, you’re in Vegas so it’s easy to walk down the Strip or grab a taxi and be wherever you want to go within minutes. My observations of the hotel staff is that they are committed to the guest experience. It would be helpful if The Palazzo (and The Venetian) improved its wireless access options throughout the property so that business travelers may work while enjoying a meal at any of its restaurants rather than just inside their hotel room (a hot spot is available in the Venetian food court). Nevertheless, as a business travel hotel, The Palazzo is definitely a contender for being one of the best hotels on The Strip.