Please note this is a review of the shopping/casino/attractions NOT the hotel.
The Venetian did it right. It's one of the few luxurious places on the Strip that is more classy than cheesy. Attention was given to every detail and it shows.
The shops were lovely. It looks like an italian streetscape complete with canals and painted sky. One of the top three malls in Vegas. Mostly very high-end, with a few more reasonably priced places (hooray Ann Taylor!). We went into a little cafe in the middle of the afternoon for some gelato and pastries. A much better choice for ambiance and respite than the new gelato place in the Palazzo.
Be sure to walk around and see the other parts of the complex. The ceilings and floors are amazing.
Husband and I went to the Guggenheim Hermatige here, but were disappointed with the $15 entry fee when we realized it was only one room/gallery. So skip it.
Overall a great place to spend an afternoon even if you're not gambling.