The Venetian Hotel in Macau is a magical place where Venice meets China in Portugal. Before I lose you completely, Macau is an independent territory in China that used to be a Portuguese colony. Macau is known as the Vegas of China and the Venetian Hotel is practically a replica of the one in Las Vegas.
After visiting real Venice twice and spending a day in Suzhou (the Venice of the East), I was surprised at how impressive Macau’s version was. The canals run through a mall with stores posing as Venetian-themed houses. The faux sky is surprisingly deceptive and the water is crystal clear – the biggest giveaway that you’re not actually in Italy.
The best part is the gondola ride, that is so much cheaper in Macau than it is in Venice! Sure the gondolas aren’t real and not all of the gondoliers are Italian… but they sing Italian songs and tell you all about Macau and the Venetian Hotel. We happened to get a Ukrainian-Italian gondolier with a fascinating life story! I’m Ukrainian too, so it was a pleasant surprise.
If you love Italy, I recommend exploring the entire hotel. There is a hallway that reminds one of the Sistine Chapel and it’s just as impressive on the outside. On the walk from the hotel to Macau’s Hard Rock you will see a convincing St. Mark’s tower. Don’t believe me? Come and see for yourself!
This sounds amazing and I had no idea it existed. Plus I have a friend going to Macau this month so I will pass on your post to her.
I definitely have to remember this! I’ve always wanted to go on a gondola ride, but heard Venice was a bit overrated!
ha ha I never knew this existed, looks pretty quirky, maybe a quick visit for me but I do like experiencing different places 🙂
Hi! Happy to have found your blog! I love the layout, the style the content…everything! I’ve read some of your posts and I can’t wait to read more! I’m an expat too so I’m definitely looking forward to following you 🙂
Lisa | http://www.fromdreamtoplan.net/
Wow this reminds me of the gondolas in Vegas. Pretty impressive stuff when you think about it, a boat in a shopping mall, however one day I’d like to see the real deal!!
Nice! This reminds me of the gondolas in Vegas!
I never heard of that place, neither did I know that there is a territory in China that was a Portuguese Colony once… it seems to be quite a crazy mix though, basically a world version of Vegas! Sounds fun!
This is so crazy, I didn’t even know this existed! It looks so nice from the pictures, I will definitely visit Macau someday! And even better if its cheaper than Italy
Such an interesting place to visit.. I would never thought about gondolas in Macau!
What fun…gondolas in Macau!! This is one country that has intrigued me for many years now, but I had no idea it would be a replica of Italy…but in Asia. Love your pictures and I do hope to visit Macau soon!!