Vdara definitely has it's pros and cons. Where do I begin?? It's located behind the Cosmopolitan in the mess they call the City Center. Make sure you look for signs saying "Vdara" or you'll end up either at Aria or back on the strip. Whoever thought of this "traffic circle" was out of their minds. Vdara only has valet parking and the valets are not that professional. A female valet got my car, jumped out, grabbed her tip and didn't even help me with my bags. Thanks for nothing.
The hotel itself is clean and non-smoking. There is only one small bar and a small market/sandwich shop. No casino means no fun. I did enjoy the guards next to the elevator banks. I got to see a guard try to chase down a lady of the night sneaking into the elevator. He just missed her. :)
The room was clean and quiet. I personally don't need a kitchen when I'm staying in Vegas. I'm not going to cook, not sure who does. My room had the bed located right next to the bathroom. The bathroom door was a sliding door with frosted glass. You can see light and body shapes through the glass. You can also hear any "business" going on in the bathroom because the door is definitely not sound proof. You wouldn't want to stay here with a new friend. And as for the water pressure in the shower...there is none. Good luck rinsing the conditioner out of your hair. I don't iron, but my husband did not appreciate trying to iron with the iron bolted to the ironing board. Guess there is a rash of iron burglaries going on at Vdara.
If you like to feel like you are staying off the strip, stay here. If you prefer staying in the middle of all the action, don't.