Adam BauerAria is exactly what you think a modern hotel would look like in 2010. Much of the luxury hotel world has caught up to Aria’s use of cutting-edge gadgetry. Beyond the now common tech, Aria is outshined in MGM’s luxury portfolio by both Bellagio and now Cosmo. Though, Aria may be MGM Resorts’ true gem.
Aria is aging, but it’s not plagued by severe physical disrepair. Rather, the room design needs a facelift. The browns and bland fixtures resemble those of an upscale surgery center waiting room and don’t match the beauty of the hotel lobby and casino below. Despite this, the rooms have an inviting warmth to them.
They need to do something about that damn tub. Removing it may be the best option. Currently, it sits behind the shower. It’s a taupe afterthought that doesn’t provide much ambiance. Just don’t shove it next to the bed like NoMad.
The one thing that should remain unchanged is the impeccable bed. It may be the most comfortable bed in Vegas. It’s so great, it makes anything they do around it forgivable. So these are merely requests and not demands for a return visit.
The loss of Aria’s buffet is a blessing. Luxury buffets can’t die faster. The only buffets that should exist should cost less than $25 and come complete with powdered eggs, questionable meats, and whatever other hangover remedies a weary Vegas morning needs. I’m aware this isn’t a popular take. The space made way for Proper Eats, bringing several non-Sbarro food court selections. On a chilly desert day, Laughing Buddha Ramen is just what you need to warm yourself up before hitting the tables.
Beyond quick casual, Aria boasts a stellar lineup of restaurants. Carbone’s spicy vodka rigatoni is my favorite Italian dish in Vegas. And Bardot Brasserie’s happy hour, while pricier than a sawdust joint, is one of the best in town. You’ll have to work hard to find a bad dish at Aria.
Breaking the casino mold, Aria is easy to navigate. It’s an almost straight line from the hotel lobby to the southern casino entrance with no major tributaries to traverse. The elevators to the standard rooms are nestled between a bar and patisserie, just off the casino floor. It’s a quick venture room to machine should when the mood strikes.
On occasion, you can find table games for $15, but you’ll have to be a weekday early bird during a slow week. Otherwise, it’s green chips and up. There aren’t any notable video poker bars with impeccable value, but Gem Bar is typically slow and you’re surrounded by slots noises instead of the loud mass stumbling from their room or the hotel lobby who mingle at the north end of the casino. There are plenty of slots and they seem to keep the floor updated with the latest and greatest. It took me a bit, but I eventually found Power Push. If you play higher denominations, the recently refurbished high-limit room is comfy.
MGM Resorts did it right with Aria. So many of us appreciate over-the-top themed resorts, but subtle luxury still has its place. It’s not a value joint but it’s wonderfully situated among other prize properties and the more budget and lung-friendly Park MGM.
If you’re fond of Aria it’s likely an appreciation that snuck up on you. If your bankroll allows for more opulent stays, Bellagio and Cosmo will likely be your first choice, and that’s fine. But Aria may soon become your default. In 2023, of all the MGM casinos, I had the most coin-in at Aria. I barely remember playing there. It doesn’t have the legacy of Bellagio, the opulence of Wynn, or the grandeur of Venetian. But Aria is a damn fine resort.
