I've got a MyVegas comp that I'm going to use on my next trip Memorial Day weekend. I'll be alone on my last night in town (Tuesday, May 27) and plan to stay at either place (friends are leaving the day before) My question is what hotel do you prefer? Pros and Cons? I'm a low roller, plan to play some VP, maybe enjoy the pool in the afternoon and have a nice (mid level) dinner.
I've never stayed at either but have played at both. I like Aria more because I really enjoy Sage and the casino. The poker room at Aria is beautiful as well. The biggest positive is that it is centrally located on the strip rather than being all the way at the end like MB.
Of the 2 I have only stayed at Aria. They have the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. 3/4 Vegas trips have been at aria
Wife and I stayed at Aria MDW 2011, very low rollers and the pools are outstanding. We are about strip location so MB is never an option for us. Didn't have any problems finding lounge chairs throughout that weekend at the pools.
The location of aria is better of course but for me it would depend on how i would be getting to the airport the next day. I would probably stay at MB. Also depends if you want the pool in the morning and the scene you going for.
It depends what you're looking for. Aria is a nicer hotel with the most comfortable beds anywhere. Both pools are great although some people prefer the beach at MB. Aria has a better location and is usually my choice for a hotel in Las Vegas.
The Aria is nice with a good location, but if you're gonna be there for just that one night, I wouldn't think location would matter too much. If you're just going to be relaxing by the pool and playing some VP, I'd go with Mandalay Bay. If you want to venture out around the strip and casino hop, I'd take Aria. Both places are nice, Aria is a bit more modern but I like the warm colors of Mandalay Bay and spent a couple days of my last trip boucing between wandering around the property/gambling and laying out by the pool.
These are literally my two favorite resorts in Vegas, and after staying pretty much everywhere over the course of my first dozen or so visits, they're the two I've settled down on. I like Aria's rooms, casino, and (most of) its restaurants better. I like the Mandalay Bay bars (especially Mizuya and Eyecandy, plus Red Square holds a special place in my heart as the bar where I got drunk on my first-ever trip to Vegas), and I always seem to have better luck in its casino, even though I like the ambiance at Aria better. Mandalay's pool obviously wins hands-down. I think at the end of the day it depends on the kind of trip you're looking at. I've had trips where I've gone for 3-4 days, only wanted to gamble, and literally never left the hotel property; in those cases, I'd probably take Mandalay. Same goes if I'm there during the summer with someone who cares a lot about the pool. On the other hand, if I'm going with a relatively new visitor who's going to want to eat and do more sightseeing, or if I'm expecting to be gambling a bit less and wanting to go to nicer restaurants, then Aria wins out. EDIT: Do you want to play VP at a machine, or at a bar? Aria has great cocktails at their casino bars, but they're $1 minimum, whereas Mandalay doesn't have VP at the "nicer" bars (Eyecandy and Orchid), though they do at Mizuya where there's live music. Meals totally depend on your preferences, but I love Lemongrass and Julian Serrano at Aria, and Foundation Room and RM Seafood at Mandalay, so if you're just there for one night I'd try to pick a single place you want to eat at.
These are both my home bases. I have a weak spot for MB since it was the first casino I stayed at in vegas. Aria is much better than MB. Location, food, room and casino are superior to MB.
Cons of MB, it's at the end of the strip, gets little foot traffic and is not usually very crowded. Pros of MB, it's at the end of the strip, gets little foot traffic and is not usually very crowded. I haven't stayed at MB in awhile but I like the casino layout and I like that it's not packed. You can tram it to Excal easily. The pool is great. Overall I'd probably pick Aria but you can't go wrong with either IMHO.
Mandalay's pool obviously wins hands-down. I don't agree--I find the Aria pool much more beautiful and relaxing. If you care about a wave pool or a lazy river, or have kids, Mandalay is preferable. Not for me.
I'm going to buck the trend and say MB. Lots of places to eat, including those at MB Place, luxor and Excalibur. We like the MB casino and vibe better than aria.