Looking for an honest Aria Las Vegas review?
We recently spent 4 nights in Aria, and it has become one of my favorite hotels on the Strip. I went in thinking it wouldn’t feel quite as top-class as the Cosmopolitan or Bellagio, but it really does feel like an elevated MGM resort.
Between the healthy food hall, the spa with an amazing sauna, and a great location right in the middle of everything, the hotel checks a lot of boxes.
In this Aria Vegas review, I’m breaking down the hotel rooms at Aria, the food, the spa and gym, the location, and who this hotel is really for. Here’s everything you need to know before you book!
Short on Time?
Aria rates can swing a lot depending on the weekend, and what’s happening on the Strip. It’s worth checking Expedia early and locking in a rate you’re happy with when you see it!
Their price match is super helpful, and booking with flexible cancellation means you’re not stuck staying at the hotel if your plans change (but honestly even if you are, you’re going to love this hotel!)
Best Things to Do Near Aria Las Vegas
Aria sits in the heart of CityCenter, which puts a lot of Vegas’s biggest draws within easy reach. Between the tram out front and the indoor walkway to Bellagio, you can hit most of them without stepping into the heat. And even if the food hall and spa keep you on property most of the trip (no judgment!), these are worth working into your plans:
- O by Cirque du Soleil – Bellagio’s famous water show, and you can get there without ever going outside. Take the tram one stop or use the indoor walkway.
- Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory – A free stop right next door. Catch a fountain show after dark, then wander through the seasonal garden displays inside.
- A Show or Game at T-Mobile Arena – Only about half a mile away, so see who’s playing while you’re in town. It could be a big concert, a UFC fight, or a Golden Knights game.
- Grand Canyon Day Tour – Worth carving out a full day for if you want a break from the Strip and a look at some jaw-dropping scenery.
Staying this central means you can pick a show or dinner spot last minute and still get there easily, without long Uber rides.
Arrival & Check-In
The first thing you’ll notice walking in is how modern Aria Las Vegas feels compared to a lot of the older resorts on the Strip.
It’s sleek, bright, and modern, with art pieces scattered around the property. It’s a big, busy hotel, and the lobby can get crowded on weekends, but it definitely doesn’t feel as chaotic as some of the mega-resorts further down the Strip.
If you’d rather skip the line entirely, check whether digital check-in through the MGM Rewards app is available for your booking.
What is Special About Aria Las Vegas?
Aria isn’t trying to be a flashy hotel on the Strip. It feels polished, modern, and well designed, without the five-star price tag of some of its neighbors.
Affordable Luxury
Aria isn’t the most expensive hotel on the Strip, but it does feel like an elevated MGM resort instead of a budget-friendly Strip hotel.
If you think of the MGM family as a spectrum, the more budget-friendly end are hotels like Excalibur and New York-New York. Aria sits firmly on the higher end of that spectrum, right alongside the Cosmopolitan. You get that luxury feel without paying the rates you’d see at other hotels like the Waldorf Astoria or Wynn.
Tech-Forward Rooms and Design
Aria was built with technology in mind, and you can feel it the moment you step into your room. There’s an in-room iPad that controls the curtains and lights, so you can close everything up or turn things on and off without getting out of bed.
It’s one of those little luxuries that makes staying at the nicer Vegas hotels really cool. You can open your curtains to a Strip view with the tap of a button!
A Dream for Health-Conscious Travelers
This is the biggest thing that made Aria stand out for me. If you’re someone who’s very health-conscious and mindful of what goes into your body (honestly, who isn’t these days), Aria is your heaven. There’s everything in here!
They have fresh-pressed juices, a hand roll bar with really clean ingredients, dairy-free ice cream, and a great spa. It’s so easy to eat well and feel good here. Vegas isn’t exactly known for healthy living, so having all of this just an elevator ride away is such a treat.
Right in the Middle of the Strip
Aria is right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. You just step outside and you’re at the Aria Express tram and The Shops at Crystals.
Bellagio is one quick tram stop away, and you can walk there completely indoors without ever stepping out into the heat (more on that below!).
Aria Hotel Rooms: What to Expect
The Aria hotel rooms are clean, pristine, and beautiful. Everything felt modern and well-kept, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a calm, neutral design. Here’s what our room was like and what to know before you pick a room type.
Our Room
We stayed in a standard Deluxe King room, which was spotless and felt fresh, without any of the worn-down feeling you get at some older Strip hotels. There is a fridge, but a lot of the shelf space is taken up by paid drinks and snacks – so you can’t fully stock up on things like yogurt or snacks that need to stay cold, but it’s okay!
The In-Room Tech
The in-room iPad is one of my favorite features at Aria. With a few taps, you can open and close the curtains and turn the lights on and off without getting up.
It makes winding down at night so easy.
The Bathroom
The bathroom has a bathtub, which is just amazing after a long day of walking the Strip. You can pop into one of the shops downstairs, grab some bath salts, and go have a nice soak.
Plush bathrobes are waiting for you, too, along with some really nice soaps to use during your stay.
Which Aria Room Type Should You Book?
If you’re trying to keep costs down, a standard Deluxe King or Deluxe Two Queen room will still give you the full Aria experience. If you want to wake up to the lights of the Strip, a Strip View room is worth the small upgrade.
There are also Restore Rooms, which are designed with wellness features in mind and a natural fit if you’re health-conscious. And if you’re celebrating something special, the Corner Suites and Sky Suites take things up a level (see the FAQ below for my thoughts on whether Sky Suites are worth it).
Dining at Aria
The food at Aria was one of the biggest highlights of our whole stay. Their food hall has some really good clean options and their sit down restaurants are great. You don’t have to leave the hotel to eat well. Here’s how each spot stacks up, in my opinion.
Proper Eats Food Hall
Being able to go downstairs and have easy access to Proper Eats Food Hall was one of my top highlights at Aria. I think it’s one of the best food halls on the Strip because of just how many clean-eating options there are.
Of course, you can still get the comfort food staples like pizza and pasta. But if you care about what’s going into your body, Proper Eats is great!
Hand Roll Bar
Temaki Bar had the best hand rolls I had on this whole trip. They’re made to order right at the counter, and the ingredients tasted so fresh and clean.
Laughing Buddha Ramen
I also really liked Laughing Buddha Ramen. It’s a pretty hearty bowl of ramen, so if you’re not that hungry, I recommend sharing with someone.
It’s a bit on the pricier side, but again, the ingredients are really clean.
Pressed Juicery
There’s also a Pressed Juicery, which is just amazing to have right downstairs. You can grab a fresh juice from a whole variety of options to start your morning.
After a few days of Vegas food and cocktails, don’t underestimate the power of a fresh juice or smoothie!
Dairy-Free Ice Cream
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s dairy-free ice cream at Pressed Juicery too! You can enjoy flavors like mango and chocolate without guilt – their soft serve is honestly my favorite on the Strip.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, Aria’s Thai restaurant, completely surprised me. I was totally shocked at how good their food was!
We also had the crab meat curry fried rice, which was the first time I’ve ever had something like that. I’ve had crab fried rice plenty of times, but adding curry to it made it so rich, and it was so worth the money. We really enjoyed it, and it’s the dish I’d tell you to order.
Din Tai Fung
Aria also has Din Tai Fung on site, which is another good spot. I would say it’s maybe a little bit overhyped, but it’s amazing.
You have to try the chocolate xiao long bao if you haven’t already!
Aria Las Vegas Casino Review
Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas has a huge, 150,000-square-foot casino floor. It has that sleek, modern Aria look, so it feels a little more upscale than the casinos at some of the older Strip resorts.
Just a heads up: rooms at Aria are non-smoking, but smoking is still allowed in designated areas of the casino. If you’re sensitive to smoke, you might notice it on the casino floor, so just keep that in mind.
The Poker Room
Aria has a really great poker room, and it’s a favorite among a lot of top poker players who like staying here. It’s open 24/7 with 24 tables, and the high-stakes PokerGO Studio is right here on the property, too.
Even if you’re not a serious player, it’s fun to know you might be sitting a few tables away from someone you’ve seen on TV! If poker is a big part of your trip, Aria is one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas.
The Pool
The pool at Aria is really fun! There are three outdoor pools, and they host DJ events, so the vibe is a lot livelier than a quiet read-a-book kind of pool.
It’s always pretty crowded, though. I always saw people heading in there, especially on the weekends, which makes sense since Aria is such a popular hotel.
The Spa & Fitness Center
The spa and gym at Aria were two of my favorite parts of the whole stay. They’re right across from each other, so it’s easy to do a workout and then head straight into the sauna.
The Spa
The Spa at Aria is one of the best spas in Las Vegas, and I’ve been to, mostly because the sauna is actually hot and it actually works! (If you read my Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas review, you know that’s not always a given with spas on the Strip.) The steam room is really nice, too, and they have lovely snacks for you while you relax.
There’s also a co-ed pool area, which I loved. If you’re going with your partner, you’re not totally separated the whole time. You can meet up for a little bit, go back to your saunas and steam rooms, and then meet out again!
Gym & Fitness Center
The Aria gym is fantastic, hands down the best hotel gym I’ve been to on this trip. What makes it so cool is how the machines integrate technology into your workout.
As you’re doing reps, the machines slow down and tell you exactly what to do, like when to hold and when to press out. So you’re not just speeding through your reps, and you can actually time yourself. If you like to keep up your routine while traveling, you’re going to love it here.
Location: Center of the Las Vegas Strip
Aria has a really nice location, right in the center of the Las Vegas Strip inside CityCenter. It sits between Bellagio and Park MGM, so you’re close to everything without having to plan your day around Ubers. Here’s what’s right at your doorstep.
The Aria Express Tram & Indoor Walk to Bellagio
You just step outside and you’re at the free Aria Express tram. It connects Aria with Park MGM, Vdara, and Bellagio, so getting to the Bellagio fountains or going to “O” by Cirque du Soleil takes just one quick tram stop.
Or, you can walk to Bellagio completely indoors, so you don’t even have to step outside. It’s such a nice perk, especially in the summer when walking anywhere on the Strip in the heat feels brutal!
The Shops at Crystals
The Shops at Crystals is right next door, with tons of high-end luxury stores if you want to do some window shopping (or real shopping!). It’s also where you’ll find the tram station.
And if you need something like bath salts for that soaking tub, the shops around Aria make it super easy to grab what you need.
Casinos & Hotels Within Walking Distance
The Cosmopolitan is about a 10-minute walk away, and Bellagio, Park MGM, and Planet Hollywood are all close by, too. T-Mobile Arena is just over half a mile away, which is perfect if you’re in town for a concert or a game.
The Waldorf Astoria is right next door as well, if you want to go up for sunset cocktails at Hard Shake. So you get the best of both worlds: Aria’s own amenities, plus so much of Vegas within walking distance.
Aria Hotel Prices: How Much Does It Cost?
Aria is definitely on the higher end of the MGM spectrum, but it’s still more affordable than the Strip’s non-gaming five-star hotels. Aria hotel prices swing a lot depending on the weekend, holidays, and big events, so here’s what to budget for.
Resort Fee & Parking
On top of the room rate, there’s a nightly resort fee of about $62 per night plus tax. It covers Wi-Fi and fitness center access.
Parking is extra, too. Self-parking runs about $20 to $25 per day, depending on the day, and valet is about $40 per day, so factor both into your budget before you book.
How to Get the Best Rate
Try to book midweek if you can, since Sunday through Thursday stays are usually much cheaper than weekends. It’s also worth joining MGM Rewards, which is free, because higher tiers get discounted or free parking.
And check Expedia early! Their price match takes the guesswork out of it, and flexible cancellation means you’re not stuck if your plans change.
What to Watch Out For
Nothing here was a dealbreaker for us, but a few things would’ve been nice to know going in:
- The fridge isn’t really yours. A lot of what’s inside is paid, so you can’t stock up on your own yogurt or cold snacks.
- The pool gets crowded. Especially on weekends, so head down early if you want a good spot.
- Smoking is allowed in the casino. Rooms are non-smoking, but you may notice smoke on the casino floor.
- Some food hall spots are pricey. Places like Laughing Buddha cost more than a typical food court, though the quality makes up for it.
- Factor in the resort fee and parking. They add up quickly on top of the nightly room rate.
Who Is Aria Las Vegas For?
Aria isn’t for every Vegas traveler, but here’s who I think will love it:
Great For
- Health-conscious travelers who want clean, healthy food options right downstairs
- Anyone who wants affordable luxury without five-star non-gaming hotel prices
- People who want a top-tier hotel gym and a spa with a sauna that actually works
- Couples who want to enjoy the spa together, thanks to the co-ed area
- Poker players looking for one of the best poker rooms on the Strip
- Travelers who want a central location close to the tram, Crystals, and Bellagio
Maybe Skip If
- You want a quiet, smoke-free hotel with no casino (the Waldorf Astoria next door might be a better fit)
- You don’t love crowded pools on the weekends
- You want to stock your fridge with your own groceries
- You’re on a tight budget. Check out my list of affordable hotels on the Las Vegas Strip!
Aria Vegas Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aria a high-end hotel?
Yes! Aria is on the higher end of the MGM family, right up there with the Cosmopolitan, and it’s a AAA Five Diamond resort. I’d describe it as affordable luxury, because you get a polished, modern hotel without the price tag of the Strip’s non-gaming five-star hotels.
Which is better, Bellagio or Aria?
It depends on the kind of trip you want. Bellagio gives you the classic, iconic Vegas experience with the famous fountains and conservatory. Aria feels more modern and tech-forward, with better healthy food options and a fantastic gym.
The good news is that they’re connected by the tram and an indoor walkway, so you can easily enjoy both!
Which is better, Aria or Cosmopolitan?
Both sit on the higher end of the Strip, and they’re only about a 10-minute walk apart. The Cosmopolitan has more of a trendy, nightlife-focused vibe, while Aria feels a bit more polished and wellness-friendly. If clean eating, a great gym, and a spa are high on your list, I’d pick Aria.
Should I stay at Aria or Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas?
The Waldorf is my favorite hotel in Vegas, but it’s a very different experience. It’s a quiet, smoke-free, non-gaming hotel with incredibly attentive service, and it’s more of a splurge. Aria gives you more on-site amenities, like the casino, the food hall, a lively pool, and an amazing gym, usually for less money.
Since they’re right next door to each other, you could even stay at one and visit the other!
Is an Aria Sky Suite worth it?
If you’re looking for a full Aria Sky Suites review, I didn’t stay in one on this trip, so I can’t speak from experience.
Sky Suites are Aria’s hotel-within-a-hotel, with a private entrance, a private check-in lounge, private elevators, and access to the exclusive Sky Pool. The suites are also much bigger, ranging from about 1,050 to 2,060 square feet.
If you’re celebrating something special and want a calmer, more VIP experience, it could be worth the splurge.
Is Aria Resort & Casino smoke-free?
Not entirely. All standard rooms and suites at Aria are non-smoking, and there’s a hefty cleaning fee if anyone smokes in them. However, smoking is still allowed in designated areas of the casino and bars, so you may notice it on the casino floor.
Final Thoughts: Is Aria a Good Hotel to Stay at in Vegas?
Yes, Aria is an amazing experience overall, and I would definitely stay here again. As someone who likes to be mindful of what goes into my body, it’s one of the best places on the Strip to eat well, work out, and feel good, all without leaving the hotel.
The rooms are clean and beautiful, the spa and gym are fantastic, and the location puts so much of Vegas within walking distance.
Aria is definitely worth your money! Happy travels.