Las Vegas Hotel Spotlight: Why the ARIA Is the Crown Jewel of the Las Vegas Strip
- Eric Beuning
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
If you imagined a VEN diagram with circles for modern luxury, world-class dining, and prime location on the Las Vegas Strip, they would all intersect at the ARIA Resort & Casino. Honestly, as a T-shirt and jeans kind of guy, I felt a little out of place when I first stepped through the door. Yet I came to learn that for as beautiful and elegant as the Aria is, it’s also comfortable and accepting.
Yes, at first glance it is unapologetically sleek, high-tech, and adult-focused. It's where upscale comfort meets understated glamor. It’s arguably not one of my top picks if I’m traveling with kids under 15. Yet if you want an elegant stay with someone special, the Aria rubs elbows with the Bellagio, Paris, Caesar’s Palace, and similar Las Vegas Strip resorts.
To help you decide if the Aria is the right home base for your next Las Vegas vacation, I decided to take a closer look at what makes it special.
The Rooms at The Aria: Minimalist Luxury Meets Smart Technology
I appreciate that the Aria’s rooms embrace innovation, without trying to be over-the-top futuristic. I got the sense that the designers understand that luxury is defined by light and space, yet everything is still intuitively laid out.
At no point did I worry about Skynet becoming self-aware while I was taking a shower in the cavernous bathroom. It was still comfortable enough for a “T-shirt & jeans” guy like me to feel at home.
I also appreciated the fitness center. I work out every day, even when I’m on vacation, and I appreciate not just how up-to-date Aria’s fitness center is, but their dedication to keeping it immaculately clean.
Luxury features of the rooms include things like:
One-touch control systems for lighting, temperature, and curtains
Soaking tubs and rainfall showers
Sleek design with warm wood tones and clean lines
While the Strip view rooms are amazing, I’ve also stayed with a mountain view room before in the winter. A storm passed through the area dropping a light dusting of snow overnight and for a moment I felt like I was up in the Rockies.
NEXT LEVEL: Upgrade to a Corner Suite or Sky Suite and you’re entering another tier with private entrances, concierge service, and panoramic views that are unreal at night. If you’re looking for an ultra-lux Las Vegas experience, I don’t think there’s anything better than the Sky Suites at the Aria.
Shows & Events: Spotlight Vegas Access
On the one hand, it’s unfortunate that the ARIA doesn’t have any dedicated headlining show like some mega-resorts. On the other hand, you can navigate through the resort in the evenings without tripping over showgoers, and people chugging drinks during intermission.
There’s a soft-spoken vibe to the ARIA’s public spaces that’s sort of a refreshing break from the chaotic noise that is the rest of the Vegas strip.
It also doesn’t matter that there aren’t any major headline shows in-house because the ARIA is still a mid-strip hotel. So, it’s just a short walk to other major Las Vegas Strip shows, without having to worry about the logistics of getting a ride.
Best Shows & Events Near the ARIA
Dining at the Aria: Michelin-Level Meals & More
As a foodie, I appreciate that you can eat your way around the world at ARIA without needing to leave the property. The following are some of the best restaurants at the ARIA with links to make quick reservations.
If you love elevated seafood, you’ll love ARIA’s Catch. It’s a glamorous, celeb-favorite hotspot blending upscale Asian fusion and seafood in an Instagram-worthy Garden tunnel entrance.
I grew up in an Italian restaurant kitchen in the 1970s, and I love how Carbone taps into old-school Italian American decadence, while modernizing it. The tableside service is impeccable, and the menu is festooned with iconic pasta dishes that will live in your sense memory long after you check out of the ARIA.
Don’t see the word “Steakhouse” and assume that there’s Texas theme décor and servers with over-the-top Australian accents. Instead, Jean Georges Steakhouse is a sleek, modern beef-centric restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The menu elevates classic cuts with global flair and a next level selection of premium Wagyu beef.
This is Parisian-style brasserie by Michael Mina serving rich French comfort fare, artisan cocktails, and indulgent brunches. This is arguably my top choice for lunch on a weekend, or a causal, yet elevated supper 6 days a week. (They’re closed on Monday).
Famous worldwide for its delicate, handmade xiao long bao (soup dumplings), this modern Taiwanese eatery is a dumpling-lover’s dream. These are truly authentic soup dumplings like you’d get in China. If you’ve never tried them before, this is a great first place to enjoy the real thing.
A swanky take on traditional Mexican cuisine, known for its upscale décor, intricate tequila list, and bold, flavorful dishes. I honestly don’t drink alcohol, but I’ve been told they have one of the best tequila selections in the southwest.
Light, bright, and breezy are the words best used to describe this casual-chic café and it’s California-style fare perfect for daytime bites or al fresco brunch.
This stylish Thai restaurant balances authentic Southeast Asian spice with upscale presentation. If you’ve never tried authentic Thai food before
A laid-back sports bar with elevated bar bites and stone-fired pizza. This is the go-to place at the ARIA to grab a slice and catch the game. It is a little more elevated than a typical sports bar, but I sort of like that about it.
I wasn’t aware it was possible to become addicted to French pastries until I started getting my breakfast at ARIA Patisserie. Yet it’s not just open in the morning and afternoon. This vibrant French-style bakery and café is open 24/7 offering artisan pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and decadent desserts crafted with flair.
So, if you wake up in the middle of the night and you need to “Feed the Monkey” for macarons or “Chase the Dragon” for Pain au Chocolat, all you have to do is hit the elevator. I watched a guy at 2 AM munching on a croissant au beurre to soak up the booze in his belly, groaning as if on the brink of orgasm, leaving a trail of crumbs on the way to the nearest elevator.
Downstairs at the ARIA you’ll find gourmet fast-casual options at a classy food court. So, when I wasn’t in the mood for something elevated or dishes with a fine dining twist, there was a lot to accommodate a T-shirt & jeans guy like me.
Aria Pools, Spa & Vibes
As a man over 40, I appreciated that ARIA's pool deck is refined, mellow, and mature. It doesn’t have the sort of spring break foam party vibe that you get at some other Las Vegas resort pools.
The ARIA Pool Bar serves cocktails poolside, and cabana rentals come with next-level service.
The Spa at ARIA is massive and tranquil, with salt rooms, Ganbanyoku heated stone beds, and hydrotherapy pools. If you want a legit wellness reset between nights out, this is your haven. I’m not even a spa guy and I still loved the experience.
Aria Casino: Sophisticated Gaming with a Luxe Twist
ARIA has a massive 150,000-square-foot casino with a high-end polished aesthetic. There were times when I almost felt like I should be wearing a shirt and tie, even though there was no hard-core dress code.
Yet the mature vibe of the gaming floor also means you’re not going to get stuck next to “That Guy” who’s down to his last $7 playing nickel slots at 2 am, while he tries to make back the mortgage payment he lost while drunk at the blackjack table.
You’ll find all the typical games you’d expect to find at a Las Vegas casino like slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and a sportsbook lounge. There’s also some international flair with games like baccarat. The dealers are friendly, and I was told that the cocktails aren’t watered down.
As you’d imagine there are a fair number of private high-limit rooms for power. Casinos don’t really make a lot of money off poker compared to other games. So, it says something about the ARIA’s commitment to a quality gaming experience that they offer so many poker tables.
ARIA What You Need to Know
Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
MGM Rewards Program
Resort Fee: 50/day (includes Wi-Fi, fitness center access, etc.)
Parking: Paid, free for higher MGM Rewards tiers
Gym & Fitness Center: Is high-end with Peloton bikes and full equipment
Spa Experience: Next Level with international elegance
Gambling: Standard games, many high-limit poker tables, and international games.
Rooms with the Best Views: City View or Strip View room for those neon skyline moments. However, the mountain views in winter can be spectacular!
Final Thoughts on the ARIA
ARIA doesn’t try to dazzle you with themed gimmicks. It’s here to impress you with modern design, impeccable service, and VIP-level experience. It’s perfectly located close to tons of great Vegas nightlife hotspots, shows, and entertainment. There’s a level of maturity here that’s ideal for a couple wanting an elegant or romantic Las Vegas vacation.
It’s honestly probably not the best Las Vegas casino for a family trip. At least not with young kids. However, I could see an argument for taking an older teenager to Las Vegas for a stay at the ARIA to give them an authentic understanding of practical elegance.
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