Las Vegas Hotel: ARIA Resort And Casino
When CityCenter opened its doors on the Las Vegas strip the Las Vegas visitor was welcomed to a new Las Vegas. Everything was bright and shiny and the expanse of land that once housed the Boardwalk casino was now a focal point for a luxurious and upscale vacation. Walk off the Las Vegas strip and as you walk by the Crystals Shopping Center and gaze high up at the Mandarin Oriental you’ll notice the dominant tower that is ARIA Resort. Look around you’ll probably notice a tram moving over your head and sculptures tucked away in spots on the property. This is not your typical Las Vegas.
Sleep. Since the day the resort opened people have talked about the technology in the rooms. The ability to control everything from a handheld remote worked out great and plenty of the new hotels on the Las Vegas strip went out and bought similar technology. While the technology is great, the attractive décor and soothing colors still do far more for me. The rooms are slightly larger than your average Las Vegas hotel room and the décor in its darker tones and modern lines is pleasing to the eye. Forget the fact that the bed possesses comfort that is only rivaled by possibly 3 other spots in Las Vegas. Try to avoid the afternoon nap or you might find yourself in deep sleep long past your dinner reservations.
Eat. The drawback to the quality dining choices at ARAI is the need to make difficult decisions. You’ll have to be a grown up about it and make peace with yourself when you realize that you have to make a choice. You must. You could choose Jean Georges for steak, American Fish for seafood or Sirio for Pasta. You could. I would. However, there are far more choices. Javier’s has Mexican food, Tetsu has casual Japanese and Bar Masa has fancy Japanese. Lemongrass, Thai or Julian Serrano, Spanish for lunch and then the all new buffet for a meal at any time of the day. Just when you think all your choices are done with, you have Blossom for fine asian cuisine and then one of my favorites Sage for a dose of what could be considered American/Continental cuisine. Don’t let me alarm you but a new pizza spot is opening soon and Jean Philippe will treat you to some insane indulgence with chocolate, coffee and all the pastries you can handle. Go off your dietary restrictions because the temptation will be too great.
Experience. I’ll tell you that the CityCenter Art Collection is reason enough to visit the property. Take the self guided tour and you’ll see a collection that includes so many artists that you can see in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in D.C. only you are in Las Vegas! Am I the only one getting excited about the art? Of course you might be preoccupied with the cocktail program that is impressive in its own right or the fact that small bars surround you around the property. You should make time to see Zarkana, Cirque du Soleil’s newest Las Vegas show and then do a little dancing at HAZE nightclub.
Relax. Visit the salt room in the ARIA spa after a long massage and you’ll lose all the stress you brought to Las Vegas. Relax by the pool with a drink in your hand and a magazine to read and you’ll not only work tan but you’ll also rejuvenate your spirit. If there is one thing ARIA does well it is relaxation. The atmosphere is soothing and the general feel is of a different Las Vegas than what you are accustomed to.
