Fodor's Expert Review Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel

You either love it or you hate it. The Venetian Macao's strong presence in the Cotai area is both its draw and its bane. It's not everywhere you have singing gondoliers in manmade canals leading to clowns on stilts under an always-blue sky—but the other place you find it is Vegas, not Venice. Service is geared toward mainland Chinese gamblers, confirming that the Venetian is first a casino, second a shopping mall, third a convention and entertainment venue, and only last a hotel. On the upside, its Royale, Bella, and Rialto suites are spacious enough for family-sized comfort, and the extra TV in every room, the variety of swimming pools, and the miniature 18-hole golf course make the difference with the kids. Come for the over-the-top environment, but be prepared to share it with a round-the-clock flow of tourists.