Due to a business meeting, I'm staying either in Aria or Vdara this week for 2 nights (standard room). All things equal, which would you select? I will likely gamble 1 of the 2 nights The other night will be watching college basketball Playing golf on the second day
I'd give the edge to Vdara. Here's my reasons: Room is slightly bigger Better bathroom, I hate how the tub is enclosed at Aria. Kitchen, mostly having a fridge is a win-win. Aria, Bellagio, & Cosmo are all within a 5 minute walk with the new walkway Better chance of getting an upgrade at check-in
I wonder has anyone on here checked into an MGM property since the Marriott partnership went live. I am titanium with Marriott, and would love to see if they honor status or not. I know from experience these things change (Resorts World/Hilton Honors 2021 vs. 2024).
I’m titanium and used points to book Aria and was upgraded to a two bedroom sky suite! I did a TR on that cuz that was unbelievable lol. Of course, upgrade depends on availability and not guaranteed. You have to book using Marriott for Marriott status. Since this is a work trip and you’ll get reimbursed, might as well earn points and night stays with Marriott. They are not supposed to remove resort fee because you have status with MGM. You’d earn points for Marriott for a Marriott stay, but that’s only for certain things and they tell you what that is. I really like vdara cuz it’s non-smoking, smells nice, is quiet boutique hotel with full kitchenette depending on the room you get, love the toiletries, which includes bar soaps lol, everything feels nice and not dated, and views can be amazing. I also like the standalone tub even though no bubbles. It drains really well cuz it’s in the middle. Also love that it connects to Bellagio and Cosmo without being exposed to the weather. I haven’t stayed at a basic Aria room in forever, but looks nice. I like the food options here, but I feel kinda stuck here. Only because I don’t like having to walk outside. I think there’s a sports bar at both places to watch a game?
Do you have any elevated status with MGM? Vice Versa is a decent lobby bar. Nice little outdoor seating area as well (overlooking the valet),outdoor spots are a little hard to come by on the strip. My only knock against Vdara is that its in need of a renovation (which I think it's supposed to get in 2025?). Some suites I've stayed in were in a little rough shape (nothing awful). All the beds were replaced within the last year or two.
I have only stayed in Vdara, (studio fountainview) so don’t have a direct comparison to Aria. My 2 cents on Vdara: Loved the kitchenette with fridge/microwave for leftovers. Also made Starbucks Via instant coffee using the microwave (I know, I know, but desperate times…) for my 1st cup of the day. I think you can request a kettle (which I did not know, but would be a better idea than the microwave for boiling water lol) Very spacious, lots of closet space, big bathroom. Bed was very comfy, Good daily housekeeping. The indoor connection to Bellagio and Cosmo was so convenient. Also Aria and Park are super close. it sounds as if you are not going to be in the room much so ymmv.
Thanks for the insight. No - I will only be in the room at the end of each day to crash and sleep. I ended up staying with the Aria (the original room booked), and will come back to this thread after this trip is completed to share thoughts.
Two nights in a standard king is fine but as you are probably aware the rooms are in need of an update. By that I mean a refresh to make them more current. Hopefully they will go with a similar color pallet of The Sky Suites. Aria is still a great place to stay,play and eat so I look forward to your impressions of the property and your room.
Both are pretty ancient standard rooms and in dire need of renovation but Aria holds up the better of the two. Aria rooms are old but better maintained than Vdara, which MGM seems to have just given up on. Unless you feel the need to cook your own pork chop in-room while in town go Aria.
Been staying at Aria since they opened and have had all kinds of room (standard all the way up to Sky Suites). Two years ago we tried Vdara and honestly unless we get a great deal on a Sky Suite we stay at Vdara now. As others have said, the casual yet classy vibe of the lobby is hard to beat and the kitchens beat anything at Aria. We've never stayed in a studio there but I'm sure they beat a standard Aria room. The easy access to Aria, Bellagio and now Cosmo can't be beat.
After staying in the standard room at Aria, I can say that it is not bad, however I would be more inclined to check out Vdara next time. Perhaps I have been spoiled by Wynncore over the years, but if someone was paying for a room on the strip, I would suggest they go to Cosmo over Aria. Somewhat underwhelmed overall by the property.
I'd pick Aria hands down. Vdara furniture is def more dated than Aria. Aria standard room is 520 sqft so plenty big. Main thing would be if an attached casino is a pro/con for you. Also I do find the clientele higher end at Aria since Vdara does do Airbnb types via their rental program.
Hey can I ask you about the Aria rooms? I booked a regular room (deluxe king) and just got the email upgrade offer for a deluxe, two queen sky suite tower for 50 bucks extra night . Or a deluxe strip view king for 51 extra night. What’s the sky tower? I’ve only ever stayed there once so I have no idea the difference.
I’m pretty sure the Deluxe Two Queen Sky Suites Tower room is a suite connector on the sky suites floors. Same as the regular queen but should be renovated to match the suite it has the option connector to. There’s a YT video of one here:
FYI I wouldnt take the Deluxe Strip View King. The vast majority of them face onto Harmon with a view of the Strip to the side. They're also right opposite Marquee at Cosmo and that noise is LOUD.
