Day Eleven - Las Vegas

It was almost impossible to get up out of the fluffy cloud bed, it was a good job that we set the alarm to turn on the TV and open the curtains or we would still be there now. Check out wasn't until 12 so we had an easy morning, having some breakfast and grabbing a coffee (at extortionate casino prices) from downstairs.

The Italian themed shopping area (note the fake sky)

We pack up and do the 'walk of shame' with all our many bags again through the Casino back to our car. As we can't check into our new hotel until around 2pm we decide to drive to the Premium Outlets a few miles outside of the Strip in Vegas. There are about 150 outlets there and we did quite well, I bought a watch (been looking for one for years) and a pair of new sunnies. Jo also finds some new sunglasses and also a new pair of swimmers as we didn't bring any with us.

St Mark's Tower at the Venetian at night

After some lunch we set off to check into The Venetian Hotel & Casino. The place is pretty cool, complete with fake St Mark's Tower and Rialto Bridge! As we walk through the casino to find reception we notice all the walls and ceilings intricately painted in true Italian style.

The ceilings

The rooms are all 'suites' as they are HUGE! The bathroom has a bath, separate shower, separate toilet, a double sink and dressing table. The bedroom has two queen beds and there is an adjoining lounge area with table, chairs, sofa, TV etc. Whilst the hotel is lovely, with lots of things to do and see and even though the rooms are huge we still kinda preferred the Aria room. It trys to go for Venetian luxury and style but comes off more like my Nan's house when she has the good china out. Still, it's very comfortable and it's nice to have the space.

The massive rooms at The Venetian

In the evening, we take a walk around the Italian themed shopping area, complete with fake blue sky and try to find somewhere for dinner. Since we've been away, we have been pretty tight with money particularly eating out. After accommodation, food is the next biggest expenditure but tonight we decide to try something a bit more like what we're used to.

We settle on Tao, an Asian restaurant/bar/club at our hotel. We arrive at 8.45pm and wait around an hour for a table - this place is huge but busy. The food was excellent, we tucked into dumplings, beef noodles and a salmon stir fry. When we leave, we realise this is a 'place to be' in town as the queue to get in went for miles!

Pretty good day all round in Vegas!