Las Vegas.  Love it or hate it, it’s a popular tourist destination in the U.S.  Some go for the gambling, some for the party pools and some just want to carry a drink around at 7am without getting the crook-eye.  I go because my mom loves to go.  Vegas can be a little too extreme for me at times, but she loves it so I do enjoy going every once in a while.  I was particularly excited about this trip because I got to try out a new hotel!  If you hadn’t been able to figure it out yet, I am a sucker for a good hotel and the ARIA did not disappoint.  Here is my ARIA Resort & Casino Review.

Lobby & Casino

The entrance to ARIA is gorgeous and grand.  Be sure to check out the amazing flower arrangements throughout the lobby and hotel.  The casino had a good mix of machines and tables and wasn’t too dark or crowded.  While the hotel is large, it never felt too big and everything was within easy walking distance.  We had access to the Tower Suites Lounge which made check in a breeze.  The staff was able to help us out with anything we needed.  The lounge has water, coffee, soda and snacks throughout the day.  And I am basically obsessed with the painting that hangs behind the counter!

Restaurants & Bars

Awesome.  We ended up eating every single meal on this trip at ARIA. I was traveling with my mom and brother and we have all been to Vegas numerous times so we don’t have much of a need to explore.  Here is the rundown on my favorites restaurants at ARIA Resort & Casino.

Lift

This is the main casino bar.  One of my favorite things to to in Las Vegas is to play video poker and have a mimosa (or three) at the bar.  This was a great place to do just that.  The bartenders were great and they will take care of you if you take care of them (aka tip well!)

Aria Cafe

This was our breakfast spot.  The food was great, but the service was inconsistent.  They charge a pretty penny for a tiny mimosa, but you can have it made with any type of juice…so you know I had to try a few out!

Five50 Pizza Bar

This was the second time I have eaten here and I totally love it.  Honestly, it was overall probably my favorite place at ARIA.  Pizza and wine are always a winning combination!

Lemongrass

This Thai restaurant was probably my least favorite of the ones I tried.  It was still good though…and they had Mango Sticky Rice so I was a happy girl!

Javier’s

A delish Mexican restaurant with great margaritas.  Bring a flashlight though, as they go a little extreme with the mood lighting!

Bardot Brasserie

This French restaurant is one of ARIA’s more expensive locations, and it was pretty amazing.  We tried a bunch of things on the menu including a great goat cheese and roasted beet salad, french onion soup with short ribs and poached egg and an amazing filet mignon.

There were plenty of restaurants and bars at ARIA Resort & Casino that I didn’t have the opportunity to try, but based on the ones I did try, I am sure they are great.  There is also a Vegas style buffet with great drink specials…if you are into that sort of thing.  (You might remember from my Iberostar Punta Cana review that I am not a buffet kind of girl)

Rooms

Our room was spacious and nicely decorated.  The bathroom had 2 sinks and a large shower/tub combo.  If you needed any hotel information or wanted to make restaurant or spa reservations, look no further than the tablet on the bedside table.  The view was pretty nice too, especially for the sun rise!  (I never quite adjust from east coast time so I am always up early).  I wasn’t too impressed with the complimentary toiletries, but whatever…if the free bath products are going to make or break your stay then you probably have some issues you want to work on.  The wi-fi wasn’t awesome either.

Link: Non Vegas-y Things To Do In Las Vegas | Yoga With The Dolphins at Mirage

Pool

It was a hot 107 degrees during the day while I was there, so I was excited to get some time by the pool…in the shade of course.  Although the pool area was crowded (as you should expect from any Las Vegas pool), I was still able to find a chair in the shade.  One of the things I loved was that they had water stations throughout the pool area so you didn’t have to wait for the cocktail waitress.  It was a nice touch.  The cocktail waitresses (which I have always thought has got to be a tough job) were pretty attentive as well.

Spa

Ahh, the spa!  I was so excited to have an afternoon to totally zen out at the spa.  And, wow, this was a great spa!!  ARIA’s spa had everything you would expect – steam room, sauna, hot and cold tubs – as well as some nice extras including an outdoor heated pool, a salt room and a room with heated stone beds.  These last 2 rooms were in a “meditation” area that was open to both men and women.  The outdoor pool was co-ed as well.  There was water, tea and a few light snacks available in the lounge area.

Access to all of this comes with any $50+ treatment or you can buy a day pass for $50  (for ARIA hotel guests) to access the facilities without booking a treatment.  I would have been happy to pay $50 to access these areas, so it’s a great option if you are on tight budget or don’t have any interest in a spa treatment.  The only criticism I had was that my massage room was right off of one of the main areas and you could hear outside noise (what a #firstworldproblem, huh?)

MGM Resorts and Hyatt

MGM Resorts are part of the Hyatt family of hotels. Since ARIA Resort & Casino is an MGM property that means you can book it with Hyatt points!  A standard King room at this property will cost 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.  So, is this a good use of Hyatt points?  I found Saturday night availability in October for $374 per night.  That would give you a 1.5 cents per point value.  Depending on who ask, Hyatt points are worth 1.5-2 cents per point. So, this is an ok redemption, but not great.  Rooms were available for the same Saturday night in October for as low as $299 on Booking.com and Hotels.com.

The Wrap Up

I have stayed at lots of different places in Las Vegas and I would say ARIA Resort & Casino is probably my favorite hotel so far.  I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again or recommend it.  What is your favorite hotel to stay at in Las Vegas?  Happy Travels!

THE ODDS ARE IN YOUR FAVOR TO PIN IT!

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