"4"^^ . "2011-10-16T00:00:00"^^ . . . "0"^^ . "0"^^ . "Determined to check out the most recent hotels in Vegas, I stayed at the Vdara during my recent visit. My co-worker told me that it was confusing to get to the hotel. It was \"different\". As long as you read and follow the signs, then there is no problem. But if someone can't do that, then something is wrong. \n\nIn the valet area, it was not congested at all. The max cars I saw at in the area at one time was approx 7. As a result, it does not take long for them to bring the car around. I did notice something that I would give them a strike for: there aren't any chairs or benches to sit and wait while valet brings the car around. Again, it doesn't that long for them to retrieve the cars, so I guess they figured they wouldn't need them. But it would be nice to add a sitting area while you wait. Especially for those who have to use a walker or those who cannot stand long.\n\nThe lobby... very simple and nice. There's the registration desk, bell desk, a caf\u00E9, a restaurant (for private parties), and a bar that has an amazing sitting area. With the bar, you have the choice to sit at the bar as usual. But for a large group meeting/reuniting, the bar's lounge area is perfect. Check-in was quick and painless. No issues there. The elevator \"talks\". It says the basics: going up, going down, \"x\" floor.\n\nThe rooms: \nFirst there's only 2 views: the pool/Aria Hotel and the city view: 15N/ North and East Las Vegas. Because of the positioning of the hotel, a strip view is not an option. The rooms are nice. As you enter, you have your kitchen/dining area. There are eyes/burners to cook, but pots/pans/etc are provided upon request. The quality of the mattress was okay. To me it felt like a medium. Personally, I like firm mattresses. Big fluffy pillows of the same quality: when lay your head on it, it seems as though the stuffing has moved and now the pillow is wrapped around your head. There's 4 pillows on the bed. Each person will need 2 pillows to get the support they may be seeking. If there's an additional person sleeping on the sofa bed, additional pillows will be required.\n\nThe amenities:\nLet's start with the ironing board. They have them locked together. Let's say a person wanted to lightly steam something and not use the ironing board....not going to happen. The iron cannot be removed from the ironing board. They've got them locked together that it's even hard to iron your clothes at the rounded edge of the board. The iron will not reach; they have it on a short leash like that.\n\nThe bathroom was nice. Another thing was missing. Ladies, please bring your own blow/hair dryer. There is not one in the room (I thought that was odd). Robes are provided.....upon request. Separate tub and shower. Bathtub was amazing. However, it is not a friendly user for people with any disabilities. The shower is better- there's a bench to sit on inside.\n\nThe challenges of this hotel: there's a caf\u00E9, but nowhere to really sit-down have a nice meal. You'll have to walk across the way to Aria for that (and to gamble, too).\n\nBottom line, this hotel is perfect for a bride-to-be to take her bridal party and have spa treatments. But to party it up, it's too inconvenient to stay here."^^ . . "0"^^ .