If you're more of a sports fan than a sports gambler, this is a great place to crash in the mornings and early afternoons. Whereas many sports books are all about business, the atmosphere here is very chill. The leather chairs are so comfortable one melts right into them, and while there are definitely better TV arrangements in Vegas sports books, the picture quality on the Aria's giant main screens is great. Right at the entrance once can pick up a slice of pizza to complete the "sports den" experience.
The common complaints are valid. The odds boards are in an awkward spot, almost on the ceiling behind the main seating area, and some of the seats are extremely close to the TV screens. Because it is set back from the casino floor and is relatively small compared to some of the more notable sports books in town, a busy football Saturday and Sunday or March Madness could conceivably get uncomfortable with a large crowd. The racing space is comfortable but definitely downplayed.
All in all, the setup of the Aria sports book seems to place the emphasis on providing an enjoyable space to watch sports rather than on the gambling. That might not make it a great fit for the dedicated sports/racing bettor, but a sports fan looking for a place to watch some games while placing a wager or three can get a lot of mileage out of it.