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| - Aria is bigger, better, and bolder than you think.
* Hotel *
Check-in was more painful and slow than expected, but the room was clean and modern. The view from the full-length windows was like many in the nearly 4000 guestrooms: clear and of the next hotel and the freeway. You didn't come for the view, so, enjoy the comfy bed and nice amenities in the bathroom before hitting the strip again.
* Restaurants *
With more than 10 places to eat, Aria really offers something for just about everyone. I love the Jean Philippe Patisserie for pastries, croissants, and crepes. Lemongrass is Asian-Thai Fusion when you need it while Barmasa is a bit overpriced Japanese, yet fine. Of course, The Buffet (as it is called) is the buffet and should fill you for one day.
* Activities *
Viva Elvis was an ok Vegas show, but not a very good Cirque du Soleil show. I'm looking forward to its replacement in November with another Cirque show called Zarkana. Haze Nightclub is only open Thursday - Saturday. It may not be the best of the best (ok, it isn't), but it was still fun for one night. For shopping, have fun "looking" at the expensive merchandise at the upscale name brands in City Center. The casino isn't nearly as large as you'd think, so, it still has a small casino feel to it. After you lose your cash, use your credit card to pay for a visit to the Spa or get a Cabana at the Pool.
Aria Hotel & Casino is a "nice" hotel to stay just a little back from the Strip. If you can't afford a 5-star Vegas hotel and aren't comped at one of the other Strip Theme Hotels, then Aria is a charming choice for a couple days.
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