The furniture and dark wooden cabinetry all felt like they were teetering on the intersection of dated and wear-and-tear, and the linens all seemed dull and in need of replacing (or at least an iron). Overall, I think the hotel is going to need an interior design overhaul in a few years.

The bathroom lights were a little glitchy in that you'd press a button several times to get the light on in the shower - another slight stand-alone problem that can swell to an overall annoyance at a hotel touting its tech prowess on many advertisements throughout the property. One of my sink drains was clogged, but I didn't bother calling maintenance during my stay since the other sink worked perfectly fine - again, something you'd think would have been noted during turnover. Related: 17 best hotels in Vegas with suites that are worth it If Aria did lean into any theme when it first opened in late 2009, it was its high-tech features - something I noticed during my stay amid posters all over the property encouraging guests to text a digital concierge or use a tablet in their room to communicate with staff and make reservations. However, the Aria Express Tram connects visitors from Aria and the Shops at Crystals to the Bellagio and Park MGM (both part of MGM Resorts along with Aria).

While the Aria is on the Las Vegas Strip, it's set back farther than some of its siblings and competitors. The Shops at Crystals, a luxe shopping mall featuring retailers like Dior and Gucci, connect to the hotel. Instead, this MGM Resorts-affiliated property is the namesake of Aria Campus - a high-end hotel and casino complex featuring the Aria Resort & Casino, as well as the Aria Sky Suites and Vdara Hotel & Spa. That's no knock against Caesars, but that resort leans heavily into its Roman theme - which certainly keeps the place packed with tourists.Īria, however, makes a point of not leaning into the various themes its competitors or sister properties embrace, like the Bellagio (Italy's Lake Como), Paris Las Vegas (France), Luxor (Egypt) or Excalibur (medieval times).

Moving to a stay at Aria following three nights at a conference at Caesars Palace just up the Strip was like experiencing Vegas resort whiplash. CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY What is the Aria Resort & Casino?

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