I used this spa while a guest at the Venetian, so ...

I used this spa while a guest at the Venetian, so I can't comment on the massages or other treatments they offer. The facilities themselves, though, were very nice and definitely helped me relax. I even went back a second day towards the end of our stay! However, I can see why some people might not like it.

The check-in process: seems needlessly confusing. If you're staying at the Venetian, you encounter a desk where you can pay and/or look up your previously booked appointment. Then you walk down a long, twisting hallway, which (I think) leads you into the Palazzo, where there is another such desk. The receptionist at the first desk told me not to stop at this second desk and to just go straight in. Then once inside the locker room you encounter yet another desk where they actually give you your shoes and a locker. And potentially a tour. Honestly, the quality of this part of the process seemed to vary dramatically based on time of day. The first time I went, it was close to when they opened with only one or two other people, so I got a complete tour and any questions answered. The second time was in the afternoon and I think the staff were assisting other guests. Luckily this time I didn't need a tour, but if it were my first visit I would have been confused and annoyed.

Locker rooms: are large and open. There's a small changing area behind a curtain if you're shy. Unlike other spas with push-code lockers, these have tiny key cards that you keep with you around your wrist.

Whirlpool: is oddly small. I would say max 6 people if they knew each other, maybe only 3 if they were strangers. There were six heated lounge benches around the pool which were comfortable, but not super relaxing in the echoing whirlpool room.

"Experiential rain showers": These things sounded fun on their website, but are way too cold to actually use.

"Igloo": If the rain showers weren't cold enough for you, here is an ice shower!!

Herbal laconium: Small, but nice. No steam, and not as hot as a sauna. Since I find both saunas and steam rooms oppressive and difficult to breathe in, this was good for me, but I can see how it might disappoint other people.

Relaxation lounge: Super comfortable! Lots of different kinds of comfortable chairs, so you'll find a good relaxation position no matter your preference. Although the space is actually relatively large, it still feels intimate through the use of curtains and furniture to create nooks. Also well-stocked with different magazines.

For me, the stand out at this spa were the co-ed spaces since I usually visit with my husband. Most such places are almost entirely segregated so I don't see him at all. Here some of my favorite rooms were the co-ed ones!!

Co-ed lounge: large and airy, but similar to the lady-only lounge, furniture clusters create more private nooks. Water features create a soothing background noise that drowns out other people's conversation.

Salt grotto: A relatively dark space with twinkle lights in the ceiling and heated benches. I really liked this room! Maybe I just miss the beach.

Wave room: This was my favorite room. It looks kind of weird when first entering, but just give it a chance and you'll get into it. It's incredibly quiet and round with a dome ceiling, where the colored lights of an ever-moving water fixture are reflected. You recline in padded loungers to stare at the ceiling (or take a nap!). Very relaxing!

Food/beverages: Like most spas, they provide bowls of fruit, iced water with lemon, iced tea, and, my favorite, MELON WATER. It's just water with melon balls in it, but is definitely an idea I will be copying at home. Refreshing!

Anyway, I can definitely see why some people might have had bad experiences at this spa. Like everything on the Strip, it's expensive, and may not be worth the price depending on what you like in a spa experience. The staff I encountered were all friendly and helpful, and the areas were all clean and cared for. I'm not sure if I'll be back, but I liked my visits!