I expected worse considering all of the 3 or below star reviews on this place. I don't know if I agree with people who say this "isnt a real 5-star hotel" -- it's at least 4.5*'s in my book, and Im very particular about hotels. The most important thing for me is the decor of the room -- most hotel rooms just have dark, dingy decor -- especially after staying at NYNY, MGM grand and Planet Hollywood, I know this for a fact. That or the rooms are super outdated. This was one of the prettiest hotel rooms Ive stayed in. Nice and spacious, with beautiful modern deco decor. I had a pool view which was gorgeous. The room was clean and everything looked new, and there were robes in the room which is always nice.
The people at the front desk were okay. One guy was not personable at all but the girl I spoke with while checking out was better. Nothing over the top though - Ive had better service at 4* hotels on that front.
My main complaint here was eating. There arent a lot of choices. Im traveling alone and I dont want anything fancy, which is the class that most of the restaurants there fell into. A lot of stuff closes early too -- Jean Phillipe closed at 11pm here but at 12pm in Aria, which is weird. The gelato place closed early too.
They also charge $10 for a bottle of fiji water from the mini bar which is just absolutely outrageous.
The gardens are always gorgeous but I really loved their design for chinese new year.
I've stayed in almost all of the 5 star hotels on the strip, and I would put this hotel right up there with rest.