The Aria Resort & Casino is one of the newer hotels in Las Vegas having opened in 2009. It is part of the City Center Complex that includes three other hotels as well as the Crystals shopping mall. There are 4,000 rooms and suites located in the 61 story tower.
ARRIVAL
I arrived at the hotel by car and proceeded to the self parking lot which is accessible off Las Vegas Blvd. The parking garage did not seem as large as many other hotels in the area and I quickly found a parking spot.
To get from the garage to the hotel I had to walk across an elevated walkway to access the casino area. Like most hotels in Las Vegas it requires a walk through the casino to get to registration desk or anywhere in the hotel. If you arrive by taxi or park at the valet you will be dropped off next to registration.
When I arrived at the registration desk I was greeted by the agent in a friendly and professional manner. After turning over my ID and credit card to confirm my reservation the agent informed me that my room had been upgrade to a room with a better view This made me happy because I love having a good view from my hotel room. I was then given my room key cards and directions on how to get to the elevator so I headed towards my room.
At the elevator there was security checking guests keys before being allowed on the elevator. This is a nice touch since most hotels in Las Vegas do not do this or only do it at night. The Aria has elevator security 24 hours a day.
THE ROOM
Upon opening the door the room came to life. The curtains opened, the lights came on and the TV Control Panel turned on. It was like the room was trying to impress me with a welcome show. I love gadgets and technology so I knew I was going to like this hotel.
There is a tiled hallway leading from the door to the room. In the hall were two wardrobes with drawers with a mirror in between and the entrance to the bathroom. The room had a king size bed, desk with chair, two comfortable chairs and nightstands on either side of the bed.
The bed was one of the most comfortable beds I I have ever slept in. Most people do not get much sleep in Las Vegas but if they had this bed in their room they probably would. I did not want to get out of it.
The most comfortable bed ever.
TV, Desk and Mini Bar
The bathroom was large with two sinks, separate shower and bathtub and separate toilet. The Shower/Bathtub was behind the same door which was kind of strange at first but made a lot of sense once I used them.
Dual sinks in the bathroom
Separate bath and show located behind same door
Separate toilet with door. No I did not use the phone.
Technology played a big part in the room design. The hotel is LEED certified and uses technology to save energy in the rooms when they are not in use. Everything in the room can be controlled from either the touch screen control panel next to the bed or through the TV using the remote. The lights, curtains, air conditioner and entertainment center are all controlled by the touch of a button. They also have manual controls if you are not so technically inclined. My favorite technology feature of the room was a button next to the bed marked “goodnight.” With the press of this button all the lights were turned off, the curtains closed and the TV shut off. I want one of those in my house.
Touch Screen Control Panel. It even has my name.
Every hotel needs a goodnight button
HOTEL AMENITIES
The hotel had all the amenities that you expect from a luxury resort including a Pool, Spa and Fitness Center. Unfortunately I did not get to use any of these. It was winter so the pool was closed but I will make a point to visit next time when it is open.
HOTEL DINING
There are fifteen different restaurant throughout the resort including the requisite Starbucks. They have almost any type of food you could want including Spanish, Seafood, Steak, American, Mexican and of course a buffet. I only got to try two of these restaurants while I was there. The Buffet and the Jean Philippe Patisserie.
CONNECTIVITY
Wifi is part of the Resort Fee package. The speed was decent in the room and throughout the property. Aria has Wifi connectivity throughout the resort which is a nice touch. Other hotels only have it in the rooms or charge you extra to use it in the rest of the property.
CONCLUSION
In my 15+ visits to Las Vegas I have stayed at a lot of different hotels and this is my favorite so far. I can not wait to visit again.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Price – Prices can vary widely in Las Vegas depending on the day and time of the year. The average price for the Aria is $150-$200 but can be as high as $600. It is more expensive on weekends and during special events.
- Taxes and Resort Fees are not included in the quoted prices. The Resort Fee was $25+tax when I stayed there.
- Location – Located near the center of The Strip it is easy to walk to many of the other resorts.
- Visit the Aria’s website for more information.
I would love to stay here sometime. The more time I spend at this property, the more I like it. The buffet is nothing to write home about, but the other restaurants I’ve tried here are terrific, and I enjoy playing in the casino here as well. Plus it’s just lovely. The monorail between Monte Carlo, City Center and Bellagio makes it a convenient location, too.
Gray recently posted..The Queen Kapiolani Hotel
It really is a great hotel. I agree that the buffet was nothing great especially at the prices they were charging. Hopefully you will get to stay there on one of your trips.
Love the goodnight button. I have stayed at the Wynn and Encore but have been curious about the Aria during my last few visits- thanks for the insights!
Elena recently posted..Why You Need to Experience Eataly NYC
I think it is pretty tough to beat the Wynn but this is a good alternative. I have not stayed at the Wynn/Encore yet but it is on my list.
I had heard this place was fabulous! Now I know! thanks for the review!
Cacinda Maloney recently posted..48 Hours Hoppinâ Around Vegas
Check it out on your next trip to Vegas. 🙂
I really love those bedside lamp buttons too. Some hotels really make you reach to turn that sucker off. I like the Aira layout. I’ve stayed at a handful of Vegas casino hotels too. So far Caesars is my all-time fave but this wouldn’t mind trying out the Aria.
The whole room was computerized with was great. I especially liked that I could open/close the curtains without getting out of bed.
I’ve never been to Vegas but some college friends are wanting to plan a big group trip later this year. This looks like a great place to consider. I think the location of this hotel would be good for a group that would include newbies and old pros to Vegas.
Lance recently posted..Five Experiences: Atlanta Family Attractions
There are a lot of great hotels in Las Vegas. I think the Aria is one of the great ones. Let me know if you need any advice on Vegas.
Ah yes I agree, I stayed here on my last visit to LAs Vegas – It was great and would stay again in a heartbeat.
SJ “Mrs Chasing the Donkey” Begonja recently posted..Expat Living: 4 people in your circle
I can’t wait to stay there again.
What great photos – and the phone, hilarious!