Aria vs. Cosmo vs. Palazzo

Help me help my neighbor on his upcoming solo Vegas trip:

5 nights in a standard room (Sunday-Thursday) in late August
Primary goal of trip is black jack gambling at home hotel and morning pool time
First timer to Vegas, usually gambles in Atlantic City when he visits family

 

Probably can’t go wrong with any of those as far as pools go. I can’t really speak on Cosmo from personal experience, as I’ve not stayed there, but I have friends that love Cosmo pool action. I always enjoy the pools at V/P. Aria pools are nice too, but I prefer V/P pool area.

As for black jack, I rarely play anymore with the 6/5 pay tables and stick to slots and VP, but I’m sure there are plenty people here that can tell you which is best for that.

 

Agree with the above, any of them are great resorts. However, I'd probably go with Palazzo in the current climate as it's much more spaced out on that side of the resort.

Someone with some gambling nous will be able to help out on the main points, as I only ever slide hundos into slot machines

 

My opinion is Cosmo over any other property on the strip. Drinks, dealers, vibe, pool, and food all click for me. I'll be there late august as well so if our dates align he can hop on the tables with us at some point if he wants.

 

Cosmo and balcony rooms are the tops, for sure. But, sometimes expensive. Not sure about rates right now.

I am guessing he has never been to Vegas - right?
Did not see if solo, or who he is going with?
Where does he play in A/C? There might be a chance for discounted/comped Vegas rooms.

If first time to Vegas, and usually does not even stay in casino hotel in A/C (my guess) - just about any hotel in Vegas will be great.

Need MORE data. Otherwise, you will be getting limited input.

 

"Standard" at Cosmo--Important question. Is it a City View or a Studio terrace.
Because if it isn't the terrace, I'd toss it out. For me that MAKES Cosmo #1.
I love Cosmo terraces, location, ease to the Strip.
I like the vibe of all of them for different reasons--Palazzo Euro luxury, Aria contemporary luxury, Cosmo over the top glitz (and TERRACES)
Palazzo is the nicest standard room of the bunch & has the nicest pool. Aria pool is nothing special but large.
Cosmo pool is nothing special (tho it is cool that it is on the 4th floor with Strip views)
Palazzo has been room (taking the terrace factor away) of the 3 but the worst location.
I love Aria but not a fan of the trek to the Strip from the hotel.

 

My comment will only be limited to Cosmo vs. Aria as I've not stayed at Palazzo, yet)

I will say for the pool scene Cosmo feels more youthful though not too much shade at either of the pools (Chelsea pool is currently closed on Monday-Thursday). Aria Pool is relaxing with not too much going on. Has more umbrellas available, but have to get there early (with the current occupancy rules, I would guess this isn't a problem). I am sure that Palazzo pool feels lux.

For Blackjack, if you are planning to play "normal"min limits $25-50, I wouldn't play at Cosmo. there are too many people coming in and out of mid shoe and can really affect play. If you're going with higher limits, the high limit lounge is much better for that with 3:2 payout.

Aria has more Blackjack tables with more limit ranges. But once again you will not get 3:2 payout unless you're at $50 min limit. But if you're not feeling the cards at one table, it's easier to jump to another table.

Between the two, Cosmo terrace is better than standard room at Aria. Extra bonus if you're staying at Boulevard vs. Chelsea (shorter walk to the elevator and closer to the strip for Boulevard).

 

Aria will have the best and most options for blackjack. Palazzo standard rooms the largest by far and arguably best. If you are used to East Coast pools, the Aria pool is anything but ordinary, it’s large and beautiful. Vibe in the casino at Cosmo is best...the others can be a tad sterile, especially Palazzo. As a first time visitor to Vegas, you will be thrilled by all three.

 

Remove Aria from the equation. Palazzo and Cosmo are both outstanding. Palazzo rooms are going to be a bit larger, but if you can score a Fountain View Terrace room, that puts it over the top.

 

He picked Palazzo

 

I think that is fine choice. I've only played Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em there and won once, lost once... but won more than lost so that is a positive.

 

I absolutely agree, the casino vibe feels electric at Cosmo... the other casinos feel more subdued. I would liken it to be the average age of players at Cosmo is younger and when they win, they're more enthusiastic. Not saying that there isn't some serious play at other casinos, it's just that players there are more seasoned and don't like calling attention to themselves when they win big.

 

I remember a couple calmly winning 30,000 at Wynn on one of my first trips, and judging by their expression, you would have thought they were losing lol

 

hmmm maybe they bought in for more... way out of my league lol

 

They probably were losing.

 

Given those parameters, I would go with Palazzo. All three of the casinos listed have crappy BJ rules, but Palazzo is across the street from the best BJ rules on the strip. Further, Palazzo has a great pool area with really good restaurants in the pool area. Finally, Palazzo has pretty affordable cabanas at the pool, Sunday to Thursday they are $350 and $150 is food and beverage allowance so the real price is more like $200 for the day.

Aria is my second choice, I like their restaurants better and they have a nicer casino area and much better ventilation. Palazzo/Venetian get a bit smokey on days.

 

Cosmo has balconies that most hotels are missing and I love a nice plush balcony to enjoy view of strip. It’s a full experience that is unrivaled..

 

I think Palazzo is still closed mid-week, but Venetian (sister property at same location) is open and is every bit as nice.