On my last trip to Las Vegas, I visited Tao Restaurant, Nightclub, and Lounge.  Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (3377 Las Vegas Boulevard South #2025, Las Vegas), it attempts to combine great food, tantalizing eye candy, and a hip vibe, luring in celebrities and those who want to gawk at them.

The nightclub has high energy atmosphere, with a great view of the Las Vegas Strip, go-go dancers, top notch audio and lighting, and expensive cocktails.  There are also private sky boxes with individual bars and service. The TAO nightclub opens Thursdays and Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m.

The lounge is a little more subdued, with a 20 foot Buddha overlooking a peaceful Asian inspired conversation area. 

Tao Bistro is open weekdays, 5 pm – midnight, weekends until 1 am.

Tao Nightclub is open Thursday and Friday 10 pm – 5 am, and Saturday 9:30 pm – 5 am.

Come to see or be seen!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

No, it’s not Venice.  It’s the Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Okay, it’s a little touristy, and it’s definitely NOT Venice, but it’s still a bit of romantic fun away from the flashing lights and noise of the casinos.  You need to take a break from the fast paced action some time, and this isn’t a bad choice.

The gondolas have been fashioned after authentic Venetian ones, each seating four, and operate rides both indoors and out.  If your party doesn’t fill the gondola, you’ll likely be paired up with others.

The indoor gondolas float their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes, beneath bridges, shops, and cafes that have been created to give the feel of Venice.  The ride lasts about 15 minutes.

The outdoor gondolas offer a more “authentic” feel (since you really are outdoors), but are a few minutes shorter.  On a nice day I’d choose outdoors.

Same day reservations can be made in person, starting at 9 am for the indoor ride, and 10 am for the outdoor ride.  The gondolas operate Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, and weekends till midnight.

The ride costs $16 per person.  A private two person gondola ride can be arranged, and is often used for special celebrations.

The Venetian Hotel is located at 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard (map it).

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe