March Madness Trip! Cosmo VS Aria

Hello Everyone - Almost time to start looking to book my annual March Madness trip... I'm coming from Indianapolis and its EXPENSIVE this year for some reason for flights, so I'm going to go for the second week of the tourney

I am considering the Cosmo or Aria, yes I will be betting on the games; however, my girlfriend is kind enough to accompany me so I wanted to take her to a "nicer" place. I usually just stay at MGM b/c I'm a MLife member. They are also not comping me hardly anything as its showing me winning 3K on my last trip.

First question: Will it hurt my ability to do the $20 Trick/Upgrade if I book via a travel site (Priceline, Travelocity, etc...) as opposed to the hotel site? I've only booked rooms via MLife site in the past so that worried me a bit. I can get some much better deals via the travel sites.

Secondly (and more broadly...) what is everyone recommending me? I am really leaning toward Cosmo b/c she'll love the Terrace if I can get an upgrade, I'll pay a bit when I get there if I have to. I know probably not the best place for Sportbook, but I can bet anywhere and watch the games anywhere else. I want to make sure she enjoys the trip too.

Thoughts?!?!?! Thanks!!!!!!

 

If going during march madness, book the room you want. Especially if a gf is involved. Don't bank on $20 tip/upgrade at checkin if you want a balcony at cosmo, just book it.

 

I personally like Aria better. However, you should probably book Cosmo for your gf. I think girls tend to like Cosmo more because it has more of a "glamorous" feel.

 

Hotels will most likely be booked to capacity during that time and the $20 trick won't work.

 

If the primary goal is keeping your gf happy, then just let her pick. You're right, Cosmo is one of the worst books at to watch sports at

 

Aria is part of the Mlife family. Are you sure you can get a cheaper rate for the Aria through a travel site (as compared to Mlife)?

I don't think you can wrong with either property. Both are very nice.

 

Cosmo location is pretty awesome, and gives the GF many easy to get to dining and shopping options.

Set her up with some Cosmo's @ the Book+Stage VP bar, and you're good to go for hours

 

MLife doesnt seem to have any good offers for me unless I want to stay at Luxor/Excalibur/NYNY ... I want her to consider this a vacation.... you put me in a sportsbook with a BJ table near buy and comped drinks and I'm in heaven haha gotta look out for her.

Aria looks nice but I read its not all that unless you have a really nice room... Those Terraces on the Cosmo would thrill her - Aria's book looks awesome but again, I could just watch games anywhere as long as Cosmo takes my action.

 

Do they comp drinks at the VP Bar? I cannot remember where I read that didnt.

 

Not trying to sway you one way or the other, because they are both excellent choices, but the entry-level room at Aria is very nice. Best bed I have ever slept in, and a remote to control everything from temp, drapes, TV, lights, etc.

 

No swaying! Those are the two choices Just trying to narrow it down... I hear the remote thing in Aria is over promoted and its not that great? I mean it looks really cool! I don't think I can go wrong I just want the most right I can get!!

Does anyone know if I have a lower chance to upgrade booking on a travel site? I know odds are low regardless, just wondering if its an even playing field vs someone who books straight with the hotel.

 

I think it would be difficult to get an upgrade at the time you are going because many of the suites will be booked. It is a busy time.

I don't think it makes a difference if you book through the casino or a website (priceline, etc.) in order to get a free upgrade. It mostly depends on the person checking you in.

I heard you cannot get your room back comped if you book through priceline, etc.

IMO, Aria is a great casino with modern architecture. It is my favorite casino. I have stayed in the normal rooms and they were nice, nothing too special. Cosmos normal rooms are bigger than Arias normal rooms. I personally don't prefer Cosmo because of the "glamorous" feel.

 

Aria rooms were really nice, casino area wasn't all that awesome but better then most. Id say Cosmo because it does have a more glamorous feel to it. Wicked Spoon buffet is also awesome. I'm sure the rooms at Cosmo are just as nice as the rooms at Aria. I've heard its better to book through the casino websites then travel websites, but if you're getting a good enough deal try it, and always try the $20 trick it's the best $20 bucks you might spend in Vegas for the value of a 20.

 

I don't think this will be the case. The opening weekend is a zoo, but 2nd weekend is just a normal weekend in Vegas with less SB action than a football weekend.

 

I was at Cosmo last year for MM and at Aria the year before.
My wife was with me on both trips and she and I both prefer Aria for the following reasons:

Nicer casino
More comfortable beds
Overall service at Aria is better
It was nice to have the Terrace at Cosmo but we did not spend much time there.
The room layout at Aria is a little nicer in my opinion.

 

Bookit now has a really good deal on Venetian Bella Suite I believe? It's not a whole lot more.. I'm still pretty sure I'm going to do Cosmo but does anyone have an opinion on that suite at venetian? I know it's a really nice place but the two queen beds aren't ideal.

 

A few random comments

1) The terrace will be a little cold in the mornings and evening so I can't see it being comfortable sitting out there long. During the day it might be worthwhile.

2) Aria sports book has been very packed every year I've been there for MM. Getting a seat here seems more difficult than most.

3) Cosmo does have the viewing room option if you are willing to pay.

4) I haven't done this so I don't know how smooth it is. They used to have mobile betting. So I could see waking up and placing bets in the morning without fighting the lines.


All very minor things. If the gf is familiar with Vegas, I'd still just let her choose. The options you are considering I feel are all going to suit your needs.

 

See I wouldnt ever do the mobile betting, just love the nostalgia of getting in line, getting my ticket and cashing it in (or ripping it up )

What is up with the viewing Party?


Yeah she likes the Cosmo but I saw that deal on the Venetian Bella Suite or whatever and she would love the Venetian just not thrilled about the two queen beds as opposed to the one king..

 

Scratch Venetian - I think I'm sticking with the Cosmo.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to book.. Via Travel site or their website.... I want the best chances of the $20 Trick (or even $40 trick whatever works.....) I always go that route and usually have success.

Planning on eating at STK, probably will try Wicked Spoon.. then I'll branch out. I feel like Cosmo is the best location to get whatever I need... I just wish the book didnt suck so bad, but again I'll drop my bets and watch the games else where!

If anyone knows anything cool going on for that week of games, I know when I was there in September for NFL opening weekend the Pub at Monte Carlo had a great set up, that may only be on Sundays though............ I just now need to start planning the days. I love this part! :evillaugh

 

Went to the second week (swt 16/elt 8) of MM last year and stayed at Encore. Thurs/Fri sports book/casinos not really that crowded. We were able to pretty much go anywhere to watch the games. Sat/Sun a whole different atmosphere. Everything was packed. Went to LVH for their viewing party, which they had set up in the auditorium. Reasonably priced food/beer. Recommend getting in line to place bets at least an hour before the first game in the morning. Lot of people missed betting on the first games of the day because they weren't in line in time.

Have fun.