Aria opening?

How was it? How do the games look there? I'll be going to Vegas next week, but I was wondering what were people's first impressions.

I'd like to know as well, we're staying there 1.7 to 1.11 for my b-day; I hope it's nice.

I'll be in Vegas next week and checking out Aria (but not staying there), but I too was hoping to gather some intel before my trip.

There are a few room pics, etc that I found here for anyone who's interested.

Also Cheapo Vegas has posted their review here. According to their review, don't expect to find tables with under $25 minimums at least for a while.

I might be stopping by there later tonight, will post back after the visit if I make it there.

I'm hoping to get there soon with a model to take some pictures for a future review.

Well, I did take a run down to Aria last night to see what all of the fuss is all about. I know the Wizard will have one of his fully illustrated and half dressed reviews posted soon, so I'll just give you some of my own impressions.

Like all casinos, this one started with the entrance, which honestly, was a little confusing and not as well marked as it should have been, being that city center has several similar buildings all huddled together. Even the parking and security staff seemed to still be a little confused on where and how to direct people (for example, several of them weren't even aware that they don't even have an oversized parking lot with high clearance, and after a while I was finally suggested the Monte Carlo as an alternative to their parking). The flow of traffic was also chaotic, with drivers turning around here and there while trying to find their way. Additionally, the posted signs for pedestrian traffic into the entrance wasn't much better.

Once you finally find your way around the massive complex, and stop to take a look around, it really is an aesthetically pleasing construct, lots of tall buildings, interesting architectural features, and the path towards the casino entrance was lined with several art exhibits, including from photo galleries, sculpture, and glass work, which was a nice change of pace from all of the over-priced shops that usually adorn the entrance paths. At the cul-de-sac at the end of the walk, near the casino entrance there is a small fountain display with colored streams or water colliding, making it look like a mini firework display, which was another classy touch.

After I finally entered the casino, my first thought was, wow, this place is BUSY (and it was a Thursday night). The casino design was very modern, with many interesting architectural nuances, however the floor layout was not very conventional and was somewhat winding, as though long sections of the casino floor were laid out along a path, rather than dedicated gaming space, and honestly, that made it a bit uncomfortable for me, because it didn't seem like the kind of place to settle in for a while with all the foot traffic.

As for actual games, all the BJ was dealt by continuous auto-shuffle machines, which I hate, regardless of how many times the wizard says the house edge is slightly less with them. I saw table denominations ranging from $5 to $500, and craps from $10 to $25. Their video poker pay schedules were unimpressive, and they had VP machines with a denomination as high as $10 OUTSIDE the high limit room on the main floor (high limits were up to $25 - or $125 on max play!), and the best JoB I saw was 8/5 (maybe there was a 9/5). The two surprises that I found were a spin poker machine that had 3 reels on the same video display (first time I've seen one - like a 3 play), and the second, and more surprising find was a bank of bally's single 0 roulette that paid 36 for 1 (35 to 1). It was surprising because all other Bally’s machines I’ve seen paid something like 32 for 1, and most had double 0 - even Aria's standard table roulette wheels had double 0, and further to that, there was a second bank of Bally’s machines across the other side of the table games that had double 0, and those games were at capacity, while the single 0 wheels were half full! I'd be willing to bet the double 0's also paid less than 35 to 1! For the odds on craps, since there was no special signage in view, I'm assuming 3x, 4x, 5x odds (note, I just made a phone call and confirmed this), and there were pretty standard Vegas BJ rules (hit soft 17 (I’m told that have dealer stands in the high limit room), resplit aces up to four times, double after split, BJ 3:2). Some other games I observed were pai gow tiles, pai gow poker, casino war, lots of mini baccarat tables, 3 card poker, and ultimate texas holdem. As for casino size, I asked and was told there is a total of 150,000 sq ft, containing 1970 slot machines, and 145 table games.

Right now I would say the place is in a definite honeymoon phase, and I have not seen a casino as packed as Aria was in some time (last time I've seen casinos so busy was around the opening of the M, or on New Years last year when the entire strip was packed to the gills). There was lots to see there, lots of people to watch, girls to look at, crowds galore, and unique architecture, however it was a little too noisy and uncomfortable for me last night, and combined with having only continuous auto shuffle machines, I didn't stay to play - just a brief tour around and I was out. I then made my way to the now mostly vacant M, where it was quiet, low key, and perfect for me last night. I Had a deliriously good time there with my gf, making jokes and small talk with the dealer (we had a hand dealt double deck table to ourselves). We made $250 (after $15 in tips between the dealer and the waitress) at a $10 table with our $100 buy in, and went home after an hour and a half after we finished our 2 drinks.

So is Aria worth it? Well, I'm glad that I went there to see what all the hub-bub and the fuss was about, but I don't see myself giving much play there in the future. If you are a tourist that is looking for a big loud night out at a decadent place where everyone dresses up, then you're going to get exactly what you're looking for. It is a big, expensive, fast paced casino, that is brand new, and very modern. I didn't take pics last night, but lots of other people did:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=aria+casino#page=3

Quote: MrPapagiorgio

Well, I did take a run down to Aria last night to see what all of the fuss is all about. I know the Wizard will have one of his fully illustrated and half dressed reviews posted soon, so I'll just give you some of my own impressions.

Thanks for the early review!

I imagine when the novelty passes it will get less crowded. The parking and signage may get better or they may not; if not they should at least print out maps or something. Game limits may come down a bit in time, too, as even the new and exciting casino will face very lax times.

Any notion as to the player card?

Quote: Nareed

Game limits may come down a bit in time
Any notion as to the player card?

Most of them were reasonable - $5 (execpt for craps $10), but it was Thursday night, not sure if it will be the same on weekends.

Quote: Nareed

Any notion as to the player card?

Standard MGM card.