ARIA Resort & Casino, the sleek centerpiece of CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip, has become a go-to choice for travelers who want a modern, tech-forward luxury stay without the crowds often associated with its next-door neighbor, Bellagio. This review draws on official property data, guest reviews, and side-by-side comparisons to help you decide whether ARIA fits your Vegas trip—and how it stacks up against the iconic Bellagio.
Last checked: 2026-07-02
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Location: Las Vegas Strip, inside CityCenter, Paradise, Nevada · Casino Size: 150,000 sq ft · Room Type Featured: Deluxe Rooms with corner views and in-room tablet controls · Property Affiliation: Autograph Collection by Marriott · Key Amenity: In-room dining, multiple restaurants, low-smoke casino
Updated June 2026
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website (aria.mgmresorts.com), neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), encyclopedia (Wikipedia), booking aggregator (guestreservations.com), hotel chain site (Marriott.com), travel comparison blogs (LasVegasJaunt, LasVegasDeals.vegas, Distant Points), community forums (TripAdvisor forum, Vegas Message Board, Reddit, Facebook MGM Rewards group).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification. Data current as of June 2026; TripAdvisor reviews span multiple years.
ARIA at a glance
- 64‑acre resort inside CityCenter, directly on the Strip in Paradise, Nevada. (Distant Points)
- 150,000‑square‑foot casino with table games, slots, and low smoke odor per guest reports. (ARIA / MGM Resorts)
- Deluxe Rooms include corner views and in‑room tablet controls for lighting, curtains, and temperature. (ARIA / MGM Resorts)
- Autograph Collection by Marriott (Luxury). A 2025 sample showed a February weekend rate of USD 439/night vs. Bellagio’s USD 525/night. (Las Vegas Jaunt)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Vegas Strip, inside CityCenter, Paradise, Nevada |
| Casino Size | 150,000 sq ft |
| Room Type Featured | Deluxe Rooms with corner views and in‑room tablet controls |
| Property Affiliation | Autograph Collection by Marriott |
| Key Amenity | In‑room dining, multiple restaurants, low‑smoke casino |
Is Aria a Good Hotel to Stay at in Vegas?
What Do Guest Reviews Say?
On TripAdvisor, reviewers consistently note the low smoke odor in the casino and the calm atmosphere relative to other Strip properties. One forum contributor described ARIA as “quieter and a little more laid back” compared with the noisier, more crowded Bellagio (TripAdvisor Forum). This pattern holds across multiple community threads, where ARIA is praised for a more balanced luxury experience.
What Are the Room Features?
Every standard Deluxe Room at ARIA is designed as a corner room, providing two exposures and generous natural light. The in‑room tablet controls allow guests to adjust lighting, curtains, and temperature without getting out of bed. An official property page highlights the “high‑tech convenience” that defines the ARIA room experience. For those seeking more space, the Sky Suites offer private check‑in and additional amenities.
Is Aria a High‑End Hotel?
Yes. ARIA is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, a portfolio of luxury independent hotels. Its 150,000‑square‑foot casino, multiple pools and cabanas, spa and salon, fitness center, and fine art displays all align with a luxury tier. The property’s 64‑acre footprint is slightly smaller than Bellagio’s 75 acres, but it houses more than 4,000 rooms, indicating a density that still feels spacious thanks to its modern open‑floor design (Distant Points).
Which Is Nicer: Aria or Bellagio?
Location and Walkability
Both properties sit adjacent on the central Strip. Bellagio spans about 75 acres with its iconic fountain frontage, while ARIA occupies roughly 64 acres within the CityCenter complex. You can walk from Bellagio to ARIA in about five minutes via the Strip sidewalk or through the connected CityCenter promenade. The LasVegasDeals.vegas 2026 comparison notes that “Bellagio is usually the safest choice for first‑time visitors who want classic Vegas luxury and iconic atmosphere,” while “ARIA is the strongest choice for travelers who want modern design, room consistency, and a smoother central Strip stay” (LasVegasDeals.vegas).
Casino and Ambiance
Bellagio’s casino is widely praised for its layout, poker room, and craps atmosphere. On the Vegas Message Board, gamblers rate Bellagio higher on these specific attributes, while acknowledging ARIA’s strengths in air quality and technological features (Vegas Message Board). ARIA’s casino is described as having less smoke smell—a repeated point in TripAdvisor reviews—and a more relaxed energy.
Dining and Amenities
Both hotels offer extensive dining options. ARIA features multiple restaurants and bars, including the Lobby Bar with more than 80 reviews on Yelp (updated June 2026). Bellagio’s dining scene includes several acclaimed restaurants, but the 2025 pricing analysis by Las Vegas Jaunt found Bellagio consistently USD 50–120 higher per night across tested weekends (e.g., February 14–17: Bellagio USD 525 vs ARIA USD 439). The same analysis concluded that ARIA offers better overall value.
Are Drinks Free at Aria Casino?
Free Drinks While Gambling
Complimentary drinks are standard for active gamblers on the casino floor, following common Strip practice. The official property does not specify a set rule, but forum discussions confirm that players who are actively gambling can expect cocktail service.
Lobby Bar Pricing
While exact prices are not available in our data, typical Strip cocktail pricing at luxury resorts ranges from USD 18–25 for classic cocktails and USD 10–15 for beers. No specific ARIA menu prices were verified in our research.
Does Aria Hotel Include Breakfast?
In‑Room Dining Breakfast Options
Breakfast is available via in‑room dining 24/7. The official website states, “Breakfast at your beck and call, enjoy ARIA’s in‑room dining options,” which include a range of breakfast items delivered to your room.
Restaurant Breakfast Availability
The hotel also operates multiple restaurants and cafés that serve breakfast. TripAdvisor’s snippet notes that ARIA has “multiple restaurants and eateries.” However, no specific breakfast buffet hours or prices are provided in the available data. Guests can check the hotel’s dining page for current offerings.
Location and Getting There
ARIA is located at 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158, inside the CityCenter complex on the central Strip. It is directly accessible from the Strip via a pedestrian walkway. Walking to Bellagio takes about five minutes; to The Cosmopolitan, about three minutes. The nearest highway exit is I‑15 at Flamingo Road, and rideshare drop‑off points are clearly marked at the main entrance.
Alternatives in the Set: ARIA vs. Bellagio
If you are deciding between these two MGM‑operated luxury properties, the key differentiators are clear:
- Design & Atmosphere: ARIA is sleek, modern, and high‑tech; Bellagio is classic, elegant, and more traditional.
- Crowd & Noise: ARIA is quieter and more laid‑back; Bellagio is noisier and more crowded, with a stronger “Vegas” energy.
- Price: Based on 2025 sample data, Bellagio typically runs USD 50–120 more per night than ARIA for comparable weekend stays.
- Footprint: Bellagio spans about 75 acres vs. ARIA’s 64 acres, giving Bellagio an edge in expansive grounds and fountain frontage.
The LasVegasDeals.vegas 2026 rule‑of‑thumb suggests that if the two are within USD 40–60 of each other, choose based on trip style rather than price.
Pros and Cons of Staying at ARIA
Our Pick: ARIA for the Modern Luxury Traveler
For first‑time Vegas visitors who prioritize modern design, a calm environment, and strong value, ARIA is the smart choice. Its corner rooms, in‑room tablet controls, and low‑smoke casino offer a luxury experience that feels fresh and functional. The consistent price advantage over Bellagio, documented across multiple 2025 weekends, makes it a compelling pick for those who want quality without the premium of the fountains.
That said, if you are drawn to classic Vegas glamour, the fountain shows, and a bustling casino floor, Bellagio better delivers that specific experience. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you value modern consistency or iconic atmosphere. For further inspiration, read our guide to Fontainebleau Miami Beach or consider Hotel Ritz Paris 2026 for alternative luxury stays.
““Bellagio is usually the safest choice for first-time visitors who want classic Vegas luxury and iconic atmosphere.””
– LasVegasDeals.vegas editorial team, Travel comparison publisher
““ARIA is the strongest choice for travelers who want modern design, room consistency, and a smoother central Strip stay.””
– LasVegasDeals.vegas editorial team, Travel comparison publisher
For a detailed side-by-side look at these adjacent MGM properties, check out our Vdara vs Aria vs Bellagio comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aria a high‑end hotel?
Can you walk from Bellagio to Aria?
Does Aria have a casino?
Are drinks free at Aria?
What room types are available?
Sources Cited
- Las Vegas Jaunt – Aria vs Bellagio comparison
- LasVegasDeals.vegas – 2026 comparison
- Distant Points – MGM Matchup: Bellagio vs ARIA
- TripAdvisor Forum – Bellagio or ARIA
- Vegas Message Board – Aria vs Bellagio