Aria Resort & Casino hotel review

You have decided to travel to Las Vegas and get a hotel room on the strip. Now what? Is this trip a girlfriend getaway? Maybe you are headed to Las Vegas for a bachelor or bachelorette party? Of course, this could be a romantic trip to Las Vegas to take in some shows, discover a couple of new restaurants or simply hang out at the pool, enjoying the Nevada desert heat.  Whatever your travel plans, you’ll need somewhere to recharge after a busy day and night in Las Vegas.  My new favorite Las Vegas hotel is Aria Resort & Casino on the strip.

ARIA Resort & Casino hotel review

Opened in 2010, with 4,004 hotel rooms and suites, Aria Resort & Casino is one of the largest hotels in the world! Aria, owned by MGM Resorts, features a combination of amenities, high-end service, cool architecture and sustainable design. I liked the abundance of natural lighting in the public areas and the fact that the casino didn’t smell like smoke – they have state-of-the-art ventilation systems in the flooring. And while the 150,000 square foot casino does have a substantial presence in the lobby, non of the slot machines make obnoxious noises with constant ringing.

Aria’s swimming pool and private cabanas

From culinary offerings created by chefs to nightlife, private cabanas poolside, spa treatments and Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil, Aria typifies the vitality of Las Vegas resorts.

ARIA’s restaurant scene

Las Vegas is known for its culinary chops. Any celebrity chef worth his salt has a presence in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featuring 16 restaurants under one roof, Aria is no exception to the more-is-better rule. Tequila fans, check out the Tequila tree at Javier’s Mexican-themed restaurant.

Those looking for an over-the-top breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet, with reasonable prices, might like to visit The Buffet. For great seafood, try Michael Mina’s American Fish. After sampling the truffled mac and cheese at Mina’s Arcadia in San Jose, I was pleased to see the truffled mac and cheese on the Las Vegas menu, as well.

While the quality of the food and chocolate is good at Jean Philippe Patisserie, they need to get the ordering process under control. I saw several frustrated folks on the morning of my Las Vegas departure standing on the sidelines waiting for, what appeared to be, simple orders to be processed.

Aria’s deluxe king room with Las Vegas city view

High tech, high touch hotel rooms

From the moment I walked into my Aria hotel room, I felt like a VIP.  Upon entrance to my hotel room, the tv turned on (showing a state-of-the-art menu offering every way imaginable to customize my room) the curtains opened and the bell man explained all the bells and whistles. He also pointed out my city view “city center view” that was an additional $30 upgrade.

My deluxe king room, #20018, rented for $175 per night, not including the $25 resort fee that covered access to the fitness center, pool and wifi. Please check the website for current hotel room pricing.

ARIA Spa

The Spa at Aria Resort & Casino

With 62 treatment rooms and 80,000 square feet of spa space, The Aria Spa will make anyone’s list of top spas.

I sampled the 50-minute reflexology massage – this was a first time for me to experience a massage focusing solely on my head, neck, shoulders, feet and hands. Did I mention that she used hot stones during this treatment? Make sure to arrive early or stay late to take advantage of the indoor hot tubs and sauna, as well as the outdoor therapy pool.

Sky Suites at Aria Resort & Casino

Five star luxury at ARIA Sky Suites

If you are looking for an ultra-luxury experience, Aria is also home to Sky Suites, Forbes Five-Star hotel-within-a-hotel. If you require a paparazzi-free zone, the Sky Suites are for you, as they offer a gated entrance to the resort.  Whether you visit CityCenter’s The Shops at Crystals or browse the public Fine Art Collection, Aria is a resort experience unlike others in Las Vegas.

Insider tip

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Aria on Twitter. Aria is an AAA Five Diamond resort.

If You Go:

Aria Resort & Casino (866) 359-7757

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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How to be a VIP in Las Vegas, Nevada

Do you ever wonder who is sitting behind the tinted windows in that stretch limousine cruising the Las Vegas strip? Who are those people who skip the long nightclub lines and are ushered to the front; seamlessly moving behind the velvet rope? How does James Bond know how to create the perfect cocktail?

The secret to being a VIP in Las Vegas is not who you know, but what you know.

Follow my suggestions and you, too, will be living the M life as a VIP in Las Vegas!

This Tequila Tree at Javier’s in ARIA Resort holds $30,000 worth of Tequila

Las Vegas not just for poker players

It used to be that casino loyalty programs targeted the gambler; slot machine, video poker or table game players. The folks at MGM Resorts have concluded that 60% of their customer base falls into the non-gaming category. As a luxury traveler, I fall into the non-gaming category. But that doesn’t mean I don’t spend money in Las Vegas. I like to think of myself as a VIP, and you can be one, too!

I go to Las Vegas, Nevada for the amazing shows (KA and Zarkana on my recent trip) the fabulous restaurants (Sensi at Bellagio is my new favorite) the spa (try the Reflexology Massage at The Spa at ARIA) and lounging at the pool.

While there is nothing wrong with spending time in Las Vegas casinos, I like spending the day experiencing moments, dining well and then crashing in a luxurious hotel room.

M life Moments

If you join the M life program (it’s free), you’ll be rewarded with points for every dollar you spend on hotels, dining, entertainment, spa experiences, slots and table games. All M life members start at the Sapphire level and work their way up to the ultra-exclusive Noir level with tier credits. While I’m a Sapphire M life member, I was fortunate to experience some memorable M life Moments in Las Vegas. Here’s what’s possible with M life moments:

Mixology Training at Hit Bar & Lounge, an M life Moment at Monte Carlo

Mixology Tasting at Hit Bar & Lounge at Monte Carlo

James Bond makes drinking cocktails look sexy. I had a chance to learn how to make super premium cocktails with Master Mixologist Michael MacDonnel. When I sat down at the Hit Bar, I didn’t know a Mai Tai from a Sidecar. After my Mixology training I know to “never muddle the mint.” I used my mint to garnish the Mai Tai. When I really want to impress someone, I now know how to burn the orange in a Blood and Sand cocktail.

M life Moment – having your picture taken with the cast of KA by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand

KA by Cirque du Soleil

If you have been to Las Vegas, you know that Cirque du Soleil has numerous shows featured throughout the strip.  I was fortunate to see KA at the MGM Grand and Zarkana at ARIA Resort & Casino.

Nothing shouts VIP more than meeting members of the cast, pre-show, having pictures taken with Cirque cast members and being ushered to VIP seats at one of Las Vegas premier shows!

Aria private spa retreat – an M life Moment in Las Vegas

Private Spa Retreat

For me, nothing says luxury vacation like a spa treatment. As this was my first time to visit Aria Resort & Casino, I didn’t know they had private Spa Suites.  Now I know why bachelorette parties and girlfriend getaways are so popular in Las Vegas. The spa suite is the place to gather for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before your spa treatment!

I had the 50 minute reflexology massage – is there anything more important than hands, shoulders, feet and a scalp massage? I think not. As I say at most every luxury spa experience, “I could have stayed at the spa all day.”

Aureole Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel in the kitchen at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Private Cooking Lesson at Aureole at Mandalay Bay

If I were a VIP,  I’d have a private chef cook for me. The chef doesn’t have to be a celebrity chef, but he or she does have to know how to prepare fabulous meals and desserts. Perhaps I need my own pastry chef, too?

For this next M life Moment, I learned to cook like chef Charlie Palmer at Aureole in his Las Vegas, Nevada restaurant.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I watched Auerole Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel make his famous French onion soup, topped with puff pastry and I watched pastry chef, Megan Bringas, make her delicious macaroons.

Do I have any aspirations to become a gourmet cook? To the great disappointment of my husband and children, the answer is no. Will I come back to Auerole to dine and watch the girls nimbly climb the 42 foot, 10,000 bottle wine tower in the restaurant to retrieve a bottle of California Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany my meal? Yes, indeed.

How to be a VIP in Las Vegas at Minus5 Ice Bar

Minus5 Ice Bar

Want to party like a rock star in the Minus5 Ice Bar at Monte Carlo? This was one of my favorite M life Moments in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I have been to the Aurora Ice Museum outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, but the Minus5 Ice Bar, complete with faux fur coats and in-house photographer, made me feel live a Las Vegas VIP.

While you are welcome to bring your camera into the Minus5 Ice Bar, the in-house photographer has a professional camera that is better able to capture your VIP moments – the Ice Bar has different lighting due to the ice sculptures and frosty temperature of minus five degrees (twenty-three degrees Fahrenheit.)

The Fountains of Bellagio as seen from Hyde Bellagio

The Fountains of Bellagio at Hyde Bellagio

While there are plenty of other M life Moments in the mix, my ultimate VIP moment in Las Vegas happened when my song was played while the Fountains of Bellagio danced in front of me – now that was truly a VIP experience!

Located at the best seats in the house at Hyde Bellagio, my friends and I enjoyed VIP treatment while sipping cocktails and sampling hors d’oeuvres from this luxury Las Vegas nightclub.

Insider Tip

For the budget-minded visiting Las Vegas, Nevada, the Bellagio Fountains are free to everyone to enjoy! This complimentary Las Vegas show choreographs water, music and light seven days a week, every fifteen to thirty minutes on their 8-acre lake.

If You Go:

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California.  Minus5 Ice Bar supplied me with this photo. I was a guest of MGM Resorts.

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Premier room #2021 at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Luxurious Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

The Strip, as it is known in Las Vegas, is not to be confused with Disneyland. Although, in some places gold fairy dust is sprinkled liberally about. Chef Pierre Gagnaire sprinkles magic on his French country dishes at Twist restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas  and the bartender at Mandarin Bar sprinkles Li hing powder, along with a dehydrated pineapple on his signature Ninth Island cocktail. The staff at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas may not sprinkle you with gold dust upon arrival, but they do treat you like royalty from 3 p.m. check in until noon check out.

Mandarin Premier bathroom comes with walk in shower and soaking tub

Premier rooms at Mandarin Oriental

With 392 rooms at this property, there is a room for every budget. The standard rooms at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas are anything but standard. At 500 square feet, the standard rooms are the best value for dollar, being one category below Mandarin Premier rooms.

What I love about the Mandarin Oriental Hotels is that each property is unique. You won’t find a frequent stay program here, but you can beat that each hotel tracks returning guests and rewards them accordingly.The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas does partner with several airlines – ask for details at check-in.

My room, Mandarin premier #2021, rented from $380-410 in April. You’ll need to check the website for the best rates.

Drink in the view at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas while enjoying the Ninth Island cocktail

Drink in the view at Mandarin Bar

The Mandarin Bar, with its floor to ceiling windows, is a great place to watch the high rollers – not in the casinos (thankfully you won’t find one in this hotel) but on the roller coaster next door.  If you are looking for more gold, The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas offers free live jazz on the weekend. Try the Golden Leaf martini with Hendricks Gin, Aperol, muddled mandarin pineapple juice, fresh lime and simple syrup.

In a nod to the many Pacific Islanders who visit Las Vegas, the bartender created the Ninth Island cocktail. You can create this signature cocktail by watching the YouTube video above.

Chef Pierre Gagnaire discusses his cooking style at Twist restaurant in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Twist with Chef Pierre Gagnaire

If you love French cuisine, make reservations at Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Twist restaurant. I was there during the debut of the spring menu and soaked up the earthy, rich flavors of fresh morels, baby artichokes and onions, as well as tender Oregon asparagus, along with a roasted saddle of Colorado lamb, flavored with rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and lemon paste.  I know I mention this in many of my restaurant reviews, but do save room for dessert – you are sure to discover more gold.

Water works at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

What’s a trip to the desert of Las Vegas, Nevada without a dip in the pool? The plastic wading pool of yesteryear with a rubber ducky floating aimlessly area no match for the pool and cabanas at the Mandarin Oriental. Create your own desert oasis by customizing a cabana with 42″ tv, PS3 games to keep the kids – and the kids at heart – happy. Throw in a stocked mini-bar, plush bathrobes and you’ve got yourself a poolside party.

To keep the water works going, I booked a Mandarin Oriental Essence Massage (60 minutes for $200 on weekends, $180 mid-week) followed by a dip in the Vitality Pool and a rinse in the Experiential Rain Shower. Only in Vegas will you experience a blast or arctic mist or the warmth of the tropical rain forest without having to show a passport. If you like heat, hop in the steam room and Laconium. Some like it hot!

Create a poolside paradise with a cabana rental at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Insider Tip: Sometimes  Las Vegas resort fees  are not revealed up front. The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Golden Access Pass of $24 per day is actually not a bad deal. The pass includes: unlimited wired and wireless inroom internet access; local and toll free calls; access to fitness classes including yoga*, pilates and kinesis wall training; access to the fitness center and locker room, coffee and tea from the espresso bar, daily newspaper upon request, printing of boarding pass and overnight shoe shine service.

I was not happy to learn that guests had to call housekeeping to request that the sheets and towels not be changed on a daily basis. Coming from California, I naively assumed that Las Vegas was water conscious, as well. While the hotel is LEED certified, and is “eco-friendly” in many ways, it turns out that high rollers want their sheets refreshed every day. What a shame.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas on Twitter.

What are your favorite things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada? *I enjoyed my yoga class – a great way to start the morning before a pool or spa day.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas (702) 590-8888

3752 Las Vegas Boulevard, South

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Article written by  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. Photos courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. I was a guest of Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

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