For my next stay, I am debating if it is worth to try a night or two at Encore, I seem to be getting better offers there than at Aria for some reason...I know the location is a drawback, but is it worth trying a night there despite the location? Are the Encore pools open in April? What is the spa like compared to Aria?
Yes. Not sure, since the pools will be under renovation for a while. Never been to the Aria spa, but the Encore spa is extremely luxurious. You wouldn't regret going.
When there, I usually stay on the Wynn tower side, but spend some time at Encore. I say give it a shot because Wynncore is very nice. In the past, their pools are open in April, but I do not know anything about the renovation mentioned above. I would call the hotel and ask. The Encore spa competes with the Aria spa as best on the Strip. Also like Aria, there are a lot of very good dining options.
In answer to your questions, yes, I would definitely give Wynncore a shot. It's my home base and I'm Seven Stars at CET and will likely never stay at a CET property in Vegas again (though of course will be double booking, given CET some play. ). And yes, re: pools being open in April. I've been at Encore the last two Aprils at the beginning of the month and both times the pool was open. But to be on the safe side I would just call the property. I stayed at Encore last week and I recall seeing at least one pool open (in late December). Can't remember if it was the Wynn or Encore side.
Encore and Aria are basically the only properties I stay at anymore. Encore's location is definitely a drag but it's an amazing property with great service and amenities. Edit: Re the spas I have been to both multiple times. Aria's is beautiful and I love the outdoor private pool at the spa but the Encore spa is truly special.
We've been staying pretty exclusively at Aria lately however we have stayed at Encore before and loved it. I love Wynn's casino although I never seem to win there but the rooms didn't overly impress me. Encore's rooms did however and I love the intimate feel of the casino. I never really considered the location as a negative since it's just a few minutes across the bridge to Pallazo/Venetian. If you're looking to try something different I would definitely give Encore a try.