Which hotel?

Headed to Vegas for a couple days R&R July 12-15 with my wife, help me decide which hotel based on following criteria:

a) nice pool
b) nice spa
c) plenty of places to eat close by
d) Must be MLife property

Lesser considerations

e) BJ and craps <$25

Based on the foregoing leaning towards either Aria, MGM or Mirage. We've stayed at the Mirage, I've stayed at the MGM. Please share thoughts, thanks.

 

I've stayed at MGM and Mirage. Of the two, I think MGM has the nicer pool. Mirage wins in the other categories in my opinion. I don't like the MGM spa as much as Mirage -- maybe because MGM's sauna was broken when I stayed there and I had some issues with my massage reservation. Plus, Mirage is closer to good restaurants at CP and the other mid-Strip properties.

 

The spa at Aria would definitely be a step above MGM or Mirage. Dining options for me would be a toss-up as MGM has lots of options on site, Mirage also puts you close to Caesars/forum shops and V/P restaurants. Aria is close to Cosmo and Bellagio plus Monte Carlo for cheap eats. Pool I would give the nod to MGM just based on size and number of options.

If prices are fairly close, I would pick Aria, MGM 2nd and Mirage 3rd.

 

Aria if you can afford it (I've been getting some pretty good deals in my email and I'm a low roller).

If you 're on a budget Monte Carlo would be a good option.

Mandalay Bay probably has the nicest pool, but the location is a little remote all the way at the end of the strip.

 

ARIA...dont look any further.
a.) check (better then mirage; i dont like the mgm pool at all. but that could have something to do with the crowd there)
b.) check (outside spa plunge pool is awesome; one of the best spas in vegas)
c.) check
d.) check
e.) check
----
i will be in vegas for the same days + some (ufc 189; mcgregor vs mendes) but my choice was the mirage because of comps.
i stayed at aria, mandalay bay, the hotel, mgm, luxor, vdara, mirage, treasure island and bellagio before.

 

Aria is the nicest.. They have the greatest spa! Love the outdoor plunge pool and the salt room (if you aren't a guest you can still get a day pass for $40), bathtubs in the rooms, good restaurants (and easy access to Cosmo's selections)

I really really like staying at MGM, but I honestly don't seem to ever eat there.. and I don't think their spa is special. BUT if it's like 1/3 as much money as Aria I would go with that. Generally I stay there because it fits my needs and is a good price.

 

Aria is nice, we have stayed their a couple of times and have enjoyed it, however Mirage is always our first choice based on the same thing you are looking for. Have a great time.

 

MGM wins the pool category, Mirage wins the BJ category and Aria wins the spa, dining and location categories. A 3-way tie on the craps. I'd choose Aria.

Disclaimer: I've stayed at Aria once and MGM many times. Always wanted to stay at Mirage but their VP paytables are the worst of all MGM properties and that's a deal breaker for me.

Can't go wrong with any of these 3 properties. Get the best deal and enjoy!

Chris

 

I stayed at Aria in December 2011, here are some photos http://www.urbanphotos.net/images/las_vegas_11/

Overall it's upscale on about the same level as Venetian or Wynn but I thought the place had no personality and seemed hastily constructed. No question it's way nicer than Mirage and MGM though.

I had a room service pizza with a six pack of Heineken. I think it was $60.

 

If you are booking as per your parameters, and as a rack rate with no host, what are your dates and budget?

 

Thanks to everyone who made suggestions. After I made my initial post my wife advised me she was really not interested in doing the spa this time-- with the spa removed from consideration MGM became this easy choice given the fact I got a suite for about $250 total. i love gambling at MGM and New New York is fun too.

 

I prefer Mirage over Aria, but I'd assume the spa at Aria is far better than what's at Mirage. With that said, I much prefer the Mirage casino and pool to Aria's. Rooms are nicer at Aria, but I'm not the fanciest of people so that really doesn't sway me