Vdara vs Aria (Prices, Rooms, Restaurants, & Nightlife)

Trying to decide between Vdara and ARIA for your Vegas trip? Our Vdara vs Aria guide breaks down the differences between these top-rated resort hotels to help you make the right decision quickly and easily.

Aria vs Vdara: At a Glance

Category	Vdara	ARIA
Room Price	– From $109 per night	– From $139 per night
Resort Fees	– $51.02 per day, including taxes	– $51.02 per day, including taxes
Parking Fees	– Valet Parking: $35 – $40 daily (self-parking is available at ARIA)	– Self-Parking: $18 (Mon-Thur) $23 (Fri-Sun) – Valet: $35 – $40 daily
Location	– Mid-strip area (located behind The Cosmopolitan approx .3 miles from Las Vegas Blvd.	– Mid-strip area
Shows	None	None
Pools	– Rooftop pool area with 1-large pool, Cabanas, and semi-private plunge pools	– 3 full-size pools – + 21 Liquid Pool Lounge
Spas	– The Spa at Vdara	– The Spa at ARIA
Attractions	– No attractions on-site – Near to ARIA, The Cosmopolitan, The Bellagio, City Center, and The Shops at Crystals	– ARIA Fine Art Collection – The Shops at Crystals

Vdara and Aria are two top-notch hotels situated in a perfect location on the Las Vegas Strip. While these hotels are both considered premium resorts, they have a few major differences. Keep reading to find out which hotel is right for your Vegas vacation.

ARIA or Vdara: Quick Overview of These Vegas Hotels

ARIA and Vdara are luxury properties owned by MGM Resorts and connected using a free tram system. ARIA hotel is located directly on the Strip and has a large casino, multiple pools, and over 4,000 guest rooms. Vdara, on the other hand, is an all-suite, non-smoking, and non-gaming hotel with a little over 1,400 rooms.

The primary distinction between these two resorts is that Vdara strives to provide a more tranquil ambiance. Without a casino in the hotel, guests returning to their room after a night out on the Strip will be greeted by a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Vdara is set back from the Strip a bit, which makes it more secluded from the noise and commotion on Las Vegas Boulevard. As a smaller hotel, Vdara has much more of a boutique hotel vibe.

When staying at ARIA, you can quickly access the casino by taking the elevator downstairs. However, at Vdara, you must take a short walk (6 minutes) or use the complimentary ARIA Express tram to get to the casino at Aria.

Both of these properties have easy access to nearby activities and attractions, including the famous Bellagio Fountains, luxury shopping at the Shops at Crystals, and several large nearby resorts (Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, The Cosmopolitan).

While ARIA is known for its lively atmosphere, Vdara offers a refined luxury environment ideal for private functions such as weddings, parties, or celebrations. Vdara caters to families and individuals seeking a more subdued experience and a chance to explore the city beyond gambling and partying.

Room Options at Vdara and Aria 

Now, let’s take a look at the room options available at each of these properties.

Aria Las Vegas Rooms & Suites

ARIA offers several room options to suit different preferences and budgets. These include the Deluxe King room, which is the standard room and offers 520 sq. ft. of space with a king-sized bed, a seating area, and a large bathroom with dual vanities.

The Deluxe Two Queen room is similar to the Deluxe King but features two queen-sized beds instead of a king-sized bed. Then there are the Aria suites.

The Corner Suite offers 920 sq. ft. of space, a separate living area, a large bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower, and a king-sized bed. The Center Suite offers a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline and features a separate living area, a large bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower, and a king-sized bed.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, ARIA offers Sky Suites, which are located on the hotel’s upper floors and feature exclusive access to a private lounge, personalized concierge services, and stunning views of the city.

Sky Suite options include the One Bedroom Penthouse, the Two Bedroom Penthouse, and the ARIA Sky Villa, which is a lavish 2-story suite with a private elevator, a billiards room, and a personal butler.

Compare and save! Check current ARIA room rates at TripAdvisor!

Vdara Hotel Suites

Vdara offers all-suite accommodations designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable stay. The Studio Suite is the standard room option and features a kitchenette, a living area with a pull-out sofa bed, a king-sized bed, and a large bathroom with a soaking tub and a separate shower.

The City Corner Suite offers a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline and features a separate living area, a dining table, a kitchenette, a king-sized bed, and a large bathroom with a soaking tub and a separate shower.

The One Bedroom Penthouse Suite is more spacious and features a separate living area, a full kitchen, a dining table, a king-sized bed, and a large bathroom with a soaking tub and a separate shower.

For those traveling with a bigger group, Vdara also offers the Two Bedroom Hospitality Suite, which features a full kitchen, a separate living area, a dining table, two bedrooms with king-sized beds, and two large bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers.

Find the best deals on Vdara rooms and save big with TripAdvisor!

Aria and Vdara Hotel: Comparing Standard Rooms

Despite being sister properties, the rooms at ARIA and Vdara differ significantly. Let’s compare the standard rooms at each property to get an idea of the differences.

The Deluxe King room is the standard room at ARIA, offering 520 sq. ft. of upscale space with a king-sized bed, large screen TV, seating area, and a spacious bathroom featuring dual vanities.

Vdara’s standard room is called the Studio Suite. The Studio Suite at Vdara is larger at 582 sq ft. and sports a luxury king-sized bed.

One interesting difference between the standard rooms at the two properties is that Vdara’s rooms have a small kitchenette with a two-burner cooktop, which is nice if you need to heat something or don’t want to have every meal outside the room.

Another difference is that all the rooms at Vdara are suites. In the case of the Studio Suite, besides having some extra room, there is a living room area with a couch. The couch has a queen-sized pull-out bed that can sleep two, making this room capable of sleeping up to 4 guests.

This is an important difference if you’re traveling with friends or have a four-member family, as the standard ARIA room can only accommodate a maximum of 3 guests.

ARIA	Vdara
Deluxe King: – 520 ft² (48.3 m²) – King bed w/ 300 thread count linens – 42″ (106cm) LCD HD TV – In-room wifi – Floor-to-ceiling windows – Seating area with two chairs – Desk – Dual vanity bathroom sink – Soaking tub – One-touch technology controls lighting, curtains, music, wake-up – Max guests, 3	Studio Suite: – 582 ft² (54 m²) – King bed w/pillow-top mattress – 50″ (127cm) LCD Flat screen – In-room wifi – Living room couch w/pull-out sofa bed (queen) – Dining table for 2 – Kitchenette (2 burners) – Walk-in shower & soaking tub – Media hub for mp3 players & gaming consoles – Blackout curtains (automatic) – Max guests, 4

In general, you will get more with a standard suite at Vdara than a standard room at Aria. Vdara may be the better choice if you are okay with a short walk to Aria’s casino, bars, and restaurants.

Comparing Restaurants and Bars

When it comes to dining and drinking options, ARIA and Vdara have major differences. Vdara offers limited options, including a single restaurant (Market Café), a Starbucks, and the Vice Versa Patio & Lounge.

In contrast, ARIA boasts a variety of dining options, with nine or more restaurants located within the resort. These include fine dining restaurants like Jean Georges Steakhouse and Carbone and casual options like The Buffet and Burger Lounge.

There are also several bars and lounges, including Alibi Ultra Lounge and the Lift Bar.

It’s no contest. ARIA provides more diverse dining and drinking options than Vdara by far.

Restaurants at ARIA include:

• Jean Georges Steakhouse – Steaks by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten
• The Pub – Burgers, fries, and other pub classics
• CATCH – Asian-influenced steak and seafood
• Carbone – Italian-American
• Lemongrass – Thai cuisine
• Javier’s – Southern Californian Mexican fare
• Blossom – Chinese cuisine
• Julian Serrano Tapas – Small plate Spanish cuisine

Take a look at each one of these Aria restaurants in more detail.

ARIA is also home to several lounges and bars, not to mention cocktails and drinks on the casino floor. At ARIA, you’re never far from a good drink or a great restaurant! Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Vdara.

Casino

Vdara does not have a casino, while ARIA features a large casino with a variety of gaming options. The casino at ARIA spans over 150,000 square feet and features over 1,500 slot machines, 150 table games, and a poker room.

In addition to gaming, ARIA’s casino also offers a high-limit lounge, a sportsbook, and a variety of promotions and events throughout the year.

Overall, while ARIA offers a large and diverse casino experience, Vdara does not have a casino, making it a better option for those seeking a quieter and more relaxing stay without the noise and crowds typically associated with a casino resort.

Nightlife, Bars & Lounges

ARIA offers a wide range of bars and lounges, with options ranging from high-end cocktail bars to casual sports bars. Some popular options include the Alibi Ultra Lounge, the Lift Bar, and the Jewel Nightclub, which is a high-energy club with a dance floor and VIP seating.

In contrast, Vdara has a more limited selection of bars and lounges, with options including the Vice Versa Patio & Lounge and the Lobby Bar. While these are both nice places to have a quiet drink, you’ll need to head out on the town if it’s nightlife you’re after.

Overall, ARIA offers a more diverse and high-energy nightlife experience, while Vdara provides a more laid-back and intimate atmosphere for those seeking a quieter evening.

Shows and Entertainment at ARIA and Vdara

Shows and entertainment are a big draw when visiting Las Vegas, so it’s unusual for a major hotel not to have any in-house shows, but neither ARIA nor Vdara is home to any shows. The good news is that plenty of shows are available close by.

You’ll find ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil nearby at the Bellagio. One of the most amazing shows on the Las Vegas Strip, ‘O’ is an aquatic-themed production filled with swimmers, acrobatics, divers, and dancers.

Also, just across the street is Planet Hollywood, and it is home to a bunch of shows (Vegas.com) as well, including,

• Criss Angel MINDFREAK
• Zombie Burlesque
• V – The Ultimate Variety Show
• plus many other headliners and one-time shows

In addition to these options, both ARIA and Vdara are close (15-minute walk) to T-Mobile Arena, which hosts regular shows, concerts, and sporting events. The resorts are also close to the Park Theater. A 5,200-seat theater that hosts a packed lineup of sports, headlining concerts, and award shows.

So, while Vdara and ARIA don’t have any on-site shows of their own, you will be steps away from a long list of big-name shows, concerts, and sports.

ARIA Express Tram

Both ARIA and Vdara offer a complimentary tram service that makes it easy to get around this part of the Strip. The ARIA Express is an elevated train that connects ARIA, Vdara, Bellagio, Park MGM, and The Shops at Crystals (City Center).

The tram runs every few minutes and operates from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., providing a convenient way to get between these properties.

You can find more info on walking between Aria, Vdara, and Bellagio and using the Aria Express Tram here.

Pools at ARIA and Vdara

Las Vegas is famous for its fabulous resort pools known for their luxurious amenities, style, and entertainment options.

The Vdara’s rooftop pool area doesn’t disappoint! Featuring a modern design, the single luxury pool is made for relaxation. From its beautiful views of the Strip, signature cocktails, secluded plunge pools, and casual food offerings, a day at Vdara’s pool is a total escape.

Adding to the feeling of relaxation, Vdara’s pool can only be accessed if you are a hotel guest, making it perfect for those who want to chill and relax in the sun.

In comparison, ARIA has three pools that can be accessed only if you stay at ARIA (Note: Guests of Vdara can use Aria’s Sky Pool during the winter months when Vdara’s rooftop pool is closed.

Overall, Aria’s pool deck is the more impressive of the two.

Having said that, each hotel’s pool area provides plenty of relaxed lounging and luxury amenities, such as drinks, pool menus, and private cabanas.

ARIA also has a fourth separate pool known as Liquid Pool Lounge. This is an adults-only pool featuring an upscale vibe and party atmosphere.

Spas and Fitness Centers

Both ARIA and Vdara offer spa and fitness center options, but they differ in size and amenities.

ARIA’s spa and fitness center is more extensive, with over 80,000 square feet of space. Aria Spa & Salon features 62 treatment rooms, a salt room, a meditation room, and a co-ed balcony with views of the Las Vegas skyline. The fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training sessions.

In contrast, Vdara’s spa and fitness centers are more compact and intimate, focusing on personalized service. The Spa at Vdara features eight treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room, while the fitness center offers cardio and strength training equipment, as well as yoga and Pilates classes.

Overall, ARIA’s hotel spa and fitness center offers a more extensive range of amenities, while Vdara’s spa and fitness center provides a more personalized and intimate experience.

ARIA & Vdara Resort Fees

When comparing room rates in Las Vegas, it’s always important to consider each property’s resort fee. In the case of ARIA and Vdara, the daily resort fee charged by both is $51.02 per day, including tax.

The resort fee is charged daily and provides access to amenities like Wi-Fi, pools, fitness center, and local phone calls. It is mandatory and applicable to all guests, regardless of whether or not they use these facilities.

Parking Fees at ARIA Las Vegas & Vdara

Both ARIA and Vdara charge for parking. Self-parking is available at ARIA (for both hotels) for $18 a day ($23 on the weekends), while valet parking is offered at both properties for between $35 – $40 a day.

You can learn more about the parking rates at Aria in our article here.

Are ARIA & Vdara Pet-Friendly?

A growing trend in Las Vegas is for resorts to offer pet-friendly accommodations.

ARIA is not pet or dog-friendly, so if you plan to travel with your pooch, ARIA is not the place for you. Vdara, however, is very pet-friendly. Vdara even features its own dog park, complete with a walking trail that is accessible 24/7.

Vdara has special dog-friendly (cat-friendly, too) hotel suites that will accommodate up to two dogs with a combined weight of under 100 lbs. It’s an extra $150 per night per dog.

Note: Dogs can’t be left alone in the room unless they are in a crate or carrier.

If you’re bringing your pooch to Vegas, you will want to check out our article about pet boarding and doggy daycare available near the Strip.

Vdara or Aria: Which is Better?

So, which of these two luxury Las Vegas hotels should you choose for your trip? It depends on what you’re looking for during your stay in Las Vegas.

My recommendation:

• Choose ARIA if you’re looking for everything Las Vegas is known for, such as restaurants, a casino, and a vibrant party vibe.
• Choose Vdara if you want a quiet, relaxing vacation in an upscale hotel or a quiet, calm atmosphere to return to after a wild night on the town!

Frequently Asked Questions

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