I see several old threads about Aria vs. Bellagio; some before a refurbishment of Bellagio and some say Bellagio is for the old and Aria is for the new. Our specific case is below and any opinion about your pick is greatly appreciated: 1. 5 nights around Thanksgiving 2. Resort King room in both (not pool or city view) 3. Aria is $30 cheaper per night. Same $ Resort credit 4. We don't go to Clubs and limit gambling to slot machines and Video poker. It's resorts, restaurants and shows for us. 5. We are in late 30s. Prefer not to have to walk a lot to room and back or stand in line a lot (twisted ankle). 6. 5th visit to Vegas (Stayed at Luxor, Aladdin and Flamingo) Thanks in advance.
A few more questions: - Which hotels (that you have or haven't stayed at) do you like? - Are you looking for a romantic getaway type of trip, or something else? I don't think some of your points matter much for these two. You'll walk about the same for both, and the money difference doesn't matter.
My Husband and I are slightly younger, 29 & 32, but we stay at Bellagio and really enjoy it. We also do not go to clubs, and we mostly gamble on slots. We may be partial because we got married at Bellagio, but I would suggest staying there. It's a really good position on the strip (we think). The new rooms there are very nice, I like the food options, the gaming floor, etc. We've been down to Aria quite a few times since it opened, and I don't dislike it, but I also don't love it. I also find that if you aren't a "party person", then Bellagio is good as far as not having to deal with yelling and screaming in the hallways at night, and less obnoxious people in general. They do have 2 clubs that bring in the young crowd but it's never been disruptive for us. Good luck!
In truth you'd like both because they're a step up from where you stayed and enjoyed. Since you said "romantic" and that you've always wanted to stay there, I'd stay at Bellagio. It was the most romantic place we've stayed. You'll have a great time. And there's always a next trip for Aria...
I like Aria and have stayed there a few times. That its cheaper I would definitely choose it over Bellagio. For slot machine selection I would pick Aria over Bellagio: When it comes to finding the brand spankin' new machines Bellagio does a lot of WMS and Aruze machines, but for a lot of the other brands they don't get them until they've been out for a while. On the other hand Aria does most of the newer WMS machines but also carries a lot of new machines from other brands... so you will see better selection of new machines at Aria. For restaurants Bellagio has the much better and wider selection than Aria does. Both times we did room service at Aria is was disappointing. For resorts: I like how Aria is much closer to other MLife properties, all within easier walking distance... but if you have a bum ankle that probably doesn't matter.
I go with Aria even if it was more expensive. As far as room goes its much nicer at Aria and they have the most comfortable bed on the strip, also the cool technology is an added bonus. The only benefit in staying at the Bellagio room is the view if you get a fountain room. Aria has a newer feel to it while Bellagio is a little dated even though its still beautiful property. The mosty annoying thing with Bellagio is that its always to crowded since it attracts a lot of tourists. Aria is more mellow and relaxing.
I have stayed at both multiple times and based on your preferences, I would give Bellagio the slight edge. Aria has a better room. But Bellagio is easier to navigate and has better food options (although Aria is improving). Really, for your interests, you can't go wrong either way
Not counting the buffet or coffee shop I think the total restaurant count is pretty close. On the high end Picasso and Le Cirque at Bellagio are two of the best at any property in the Las Vegas. Unfortunately the are out of most people's budget. When looking for inexpensive breakfast or lunch,the quick walk into Monte Carlo's food court is a benefit for guests at Aria.
I've always felt if someone was going to Vegas for their first time and asked me what property I thought they should stay at, I'd say Bellagio. To me it's Las Vegas incapsulated. I like Aria a lot, absolutely nothing wrong with it... it's new, it's modern, it's fantastic, but I just think Steve did it all correctly when he built Bellagio. I think the location is better too.
I like the Aria basic rooms better than remodeled Bellagio Rooms. I like the cocktails, casino and food option better at Bellagio. The Bellagio Buffet spanks the Arias new revamped Buffet.
Me too, Bellagio is the ideal property for a first timer. However, I disagree with others in the restaurant department--I love Le Cirque and it is easily my favorite in Bellagio/Aria. However, I go out of my way to eat at Sage, American Fish, and Julan Serrano while not staying at Aria, and I believe the overall variety of restaurants is better at Aria. I do agree that the room service at Aria is subpar but much better @ Bellagio. Cafe is much better at Bellagio so I suppose it depends on what you are looking for.
+1 Especially since the OP is looking for "romantic". We were at Bellagio for a week and although there are 2 nightclubs at the resort, you would never know it unless you were up real late.
First 5 Vegas trips were at Bellagio. Last 3 were at Aria. Next trip will be Aria again. I prefer the fountain view rooms at Bellagio, though I prefer the rooms themselves at Aria. It would be nice if the City Center tram had somehow managed to connect with the one which runs down to Mandalay Bay/Luxor -- at least for additional easy access to some shows and dining. I prefer the vibe at Aria over Bellagio. I'm not a clubber, but Bellagio is feeling old/dated compared to Aria. I get that Bellagio is "classy", but the crowds which flock there just to see the place make it feel like a human stockade (to me at least). I prefer Cafe Bellagio to the Aria Cafe (went to both last time). The cafe at Aria simply sucks. Better dining options at Bellagio. I was sad to see this last trip that the Skybox Sports Bar and Grill was replaced at Aria with a pizza place.... THUMBS DOWN... Even though I pointed out several Bellagio strong points, Aria is still our choice based on overall "feel" and the fact that you don't have to weave in/out of endless masses to get to/from your room and the casino.
Last trip we stayed at both properties, so was easy for us to compare Bellagio Fountain View cannot be beat in my opinion. Bellagio rooms are great, staff everywhere is excellent, and overall the property is beautiful with a lot to offer, and I like the location a lot as well. Aria has nicer rooms, better ambiance both in the room and in the casino. Bellagio view is obviously better, esp w/ lakeview. Less crowds at Aria, but that means you are a little further away from the action if that is important. Not a big deal for us, tram to Bellagio, or easy walk to NYNY area. FWIW, when given the choice this year of Bellagio, Aria, or trying the Mirage, gf hands down picked Aria.