I was just curious about something I haven't seen mentioned anywhere. Is it customary to tip the gondoliers at the Venetian?

Yes.

Las Vegas is a tipping town. You tip everyone who provides you service.... that includes the Gondoleers (not sure what they're really called.....).

Anything in the service industry..waiting tables,if someone books you res, even bringing you a glass of water in a bar,just any people service, ya tip.Cuz that is why they are working there!I can always tell the ones who have never had to wait tables before! Lucky you!

Then they should lower the price of the ride to make it more reasonable. That's expensive for two people to take a 20 minute boat ride.

That makes no sense whatsoever. Do they lower prices on bottles of wine because you are expected to tip the sommelier? How 'bout cab rides? A 20 minute cab ride in Vegas will cost more than the Venetian gondola ride, and chances are, the cabbie is not that great a singer.

What I'm trying to say is that $10.00 apiece would be enough. Seems like the Venetian overcharges for attractions. Their wax museum is $19.95 apiece?!
It's much lower at Niagara Falls.

Rachelle, i wouldnt want to be your:
Waiter
Cabbie
Porter
Bartender

Just because the establishment may overcharge doesn't mean the worker isn't deserving of a tip -- that's how they make money.

Rachel,

It's not an overcharge if people are willing to pay the amount.

It's a long enough wait as it is...there is no business reason to lower the rate and make the lines longer. This is capitalism at work..you charge what the market will bear.

PS. The ride is kind of "hokie" but we did it anyhow.

Niagara Falls has exchange rate on it's side, AND the Venetian Tussaud's can easily be had for 1/2 price, coupons everywhere. You can't build a 1 billion dollar hotel and not charge people for the attractions. Paying $20CN to ride an elevator up the CN tower...now that's a rip!

Why dont you just have this mind set like me..I work for my money & when I go on vacation, I go. Who cares what stuff like that costs? You pay stinkin bills & you need to live it up on vaca. It makes for good memories & conversation to say you did that (gondola ride.)Crap, I went to Venice & didnt even go on one. Well, I was with my dad.

My comment only meant to say that places could keep the prices more reasonable for the customers. Then people are turning this around and assume I don't tip anyone. I guess I picked a bad week to come on here. Is this PMS week or what?!

People who have to ask whether or not to tip have obviously never had to work for one. My rule remains: "If I were doing {whatever the service is] would i expect a tip?"

That's right, I've never "had to" work for tips, but I DO have a job. So what? That's not the point. Just because I've never worked for tips doesn't mean I stiff everyone! Why are people getting upset and assuming I don't tip?

Our gondolier sang several songs for us and was a hard working charmer (authentic Italian gentleman, I asked) --- tipping was a pleasure!