If two resorts on The Strip may be difficult to face off against one another, it’s the ARIA Resort & Casino versus The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Both properties exude New Vegas, serving as a hub for a younger crowd looking for that high-end escape from life.
One offers a blend of Old and New Las Vegas, fueled by some of the finest eateries and amenities money can buy. The other is all riches, inviting those with plenty to spend for a comfortable stay.
Lavish accommodations, a stunning casino floor, and extravagant dining round out the ARIA and Cosmopolitan.
So, how do you decide where to stay if both offer a similar experience?
This ARIA vs. Cosmopolitan breakdown should help make that decision a little easier!
ARA vs. Cosmopolitan at a Glance
| ARIA | Cosmopolitan | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Room Size | 520 sq ft | 460 sq ft |
| Cheapest Room Price | $139 | $150 |
| Self Parking Fee | Free to $23 daily | Free to $23 daily |
| Resort Fee | $45 + tax | $45 + tax |
| Pools | Three resort pools Liquid Pool Lounge | Three different pool experiences, including Marquee Day Club club. |
| Shows & Entertainment | None onsite, near T-Mobile Arena and Dolby Live | OPM Show, plus Live entertainment at The Chelsea |
| Location | South of Cosmo, next to Park MGM | Next to Bellagio, center strip |
| Check Prices | Check Prices |
ARIA vs. Cosmopolitan – Room Choices
Pit The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and ARIA up against one another, and you have a battle of extravagance. At The Cosmo, there is no such thing as a bad room.
These stately spaces start with a basic lavish appeal and views of the glimmering lights of Vegas. Studios and balcony suites only enhance the experience in ways that other properties on The Strip struggle to reach.
The Terrace Studio Fountain View is a luxurious escape that looks out over the beautiful Fountains of Bellagio, ensuring you get a free show every night.
Terrace Studio Suite:
The exquisite accommodations of The Cosmo come to a head with the 2,400 square-foot Chelsea Penthouse, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views. Regardless of the room you choose, though, you’re privy to the pinnacle of classic Vegas comforts.
Tip: Spend more to secure a balcony view at The Cosmopolitan, any room other than their City Rooms.
Room at ARIA:
ARIA’s accommodations are lavish and beautiful, with pristine bedding and complementary decor. It’s inviting, especially if you go for the 1,050 square foot mountain view suite or the more extravagant Sky Suites Two Bedroom Penthouse with a Strip view.
Tip: For the ultimate luxury experience, book one of the AAA Five Diamond Sky Suites at ARIA. You will get access to the Sky Lounge and Sky Pool, special check-in, and special transportation.
How do the standard rooms compare?
The most basic room at ARIA is a lofty 520 square feet, which outsizes The Cosmo’s smallest 460 square foot studio.
Pricing Differences?
Generally, ARIA’s rooms are a little cheaper than The Cosmopolitan’s. However, this can flip when it comes to the larger penthouses and suites.
ARIA and Cosmopolitan Prices & Fees
Both hotels have fairly similar fees.
- Resort Fees: $45+ tax at each.
- Self-Parking Fee: Free for the first hour and up to $23 for daily self-parking at each resort. Registered guests at the Cosmopolitan get free parking.
- Valet Parking: $18 to $24 at ARIA and $25-$35 at Cosmopolitan. Registered guests at the Cosmopolitan get free valet parking.
The resort fees for both hotels are the same at $45 per night, and they offer the same access to on-site fitness centers, in-room Internet, and local and toll-free calling.
At The Cosmo, hotel guests enjoy free valet parking, and the two hotels have the same self-parking rates. However, valet parking is more expensive at The Cosmo for visitors looking to park on the lot. IT is free for hotel guests.
All self-parking rates are billed as part of the room charges for the duration of the stay at ARIA and The Cosmopolitan.
Other Hotel Comparisons:
ARIA and Cosmopolitan Restaurants & Dining Differences
Hopefully, you’re hungry if you’re staying at The Cosmopolitan.
There are more than 25 eateries, ranging from the Japanese menu of Zuma to the breakfast favorites at Eggslut. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Superfrico, Overlook Chill, Blue Ribbon, and China Poblano serve up some delicious bites, but for a high-end dining experience, you’ll want to check out Beauty & Essex or, surprisingly, the resort’s Wicked Spoon Buffet (one of the better buffet options on the Strip).
ARIA doesn’t have quite as much to offer and no buffet, but the quality is impeccable.
American bites at Salt & Ivy, Thai dishes at Lemongrass, the French fare of Bardot Brasserie, and Carbone’s Italian favorites provide visitors and guests with many different options from around the globe.
There’s far more than that, too, with more than 15 spaces to grab something to eat and reenergize for the day or night ahead.
Which hotel offers a better pool experience?
The rooftop pool of The Cosmopolitan is something to experience and is one of the top resort pools in Vegas.
Touches of purple carry the hotel’s theme throughout, creating a cohesive environment that’s welcoming and cozy. The Boulevard Pool in the Boulevard Tower features an energetic atmosphere spread across a larger and smaller pool. There are only a few cabanas and daybeds to grab, so reservations go quickly.
The Chelsea Pool of the Chelsea Tower provides a better ambiance if you want to relax with a drink, with a moderately sized pool that looks out over the deck’s desert-inspired decor. In the off-season, the Boulevard Pool becomes an ice rink.
If you are interested in a pool party scene, then be sure to check out Marquee Day Club at the Cosmopolitan, which offers bottle service and a VIP style experience.
ARIA is home to three uniquely shaped pools, each one surrounded by ample seating and neither too far from a refreshing and fruity beverage. The cabanas are like mini-apartments, designed with the sole purpose of keeping you comfortable during your stay.
If you want an exclusive adults-only experience, you’ll want to check out the LIQUID Pool Lounge. It’s a bit more laid back and pampers its guests with upscale seating.
Location on The Strip
The Cosmopolitan and ARIA are located right next to each other, separated only by Harmon Avenue.
They’re within walking distance of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino and across the street from Paris Las Vegas. On the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard, you could walk to the T-Mobile Arena or stroll a little further north to Caesars Palace.
The ARIA offers one of the free trams on the Strip, connecting Bellagio, Vdara, and Park MGM
How do the shows and live entertainment at each compare?
The Cosmopolitan is the winner of this category because ARIA doesn’t feature any on-site shows or live entertainment.
The Chelsea concert hall has featured headliners that can fill seats, but the property’s signature production is Starship OPN.
This trip to Uranus comes with live, extraterrestrial entertainment in a sensory experience made specifically for guests 18 years and older. Take the strangest trip to space with a cast of talented acrobatics and odd miscreants.
Bars and nightlife between Cosmo and ARIA
The Cosmopolitan’s claim to fame is Marquee, a nightclub/day club combo with a ton to offer its guests. Located in the Boulevard Tower, Marquee is a 60,000-square-foot nightlife space, complete with a rooftop patio with views of The Strip’s shimmering lights. The club itself is an upscale venue with rich furnishings and a dance floor that’s begging to be used.
For a quieter evening, consider The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails, a working barbershop that hides a classy spot where the drinks flow and the music is catchy.
Rivaling Marquee is JEWEL at ARIA.
A wave of energy washes over the venue each night as live entertainers keep the crowd moving. JEWEL is a bit smaller than Marquee at 24,000 square feet, but that didn’t hinder the Hakkasan Group from piecing together one of the city’s best parties.
ARIA is also host to several bars, like Lobby Bar and Lift Bar, or you can get a touch of the nightlife and enjoy a quieter evening at the ALBI Ultra Lounge.
Final Verdict – Which to Choose?
The high-end, luxury Las Vegas experience is alive and well at The Cosmopolitan and ARIA.
You just have to ask yourself what’s more important.
Do you need a property that’s robust with entertainment and dining options, or do you want to stay somewhere that may be a little quieter?
Overall the Cosmopolitan has a younger vibe, more entertainment, and a better pool scene.
The ARIA, on the other hand, has a better casino and better luxury experience with the Sky Suites and is probably cheaper.
They may be right next door to each other, but there’s a different ambiance between them that lends to a slightly different experience.
Tom Hamiliton - Author/Editor Vegas Q&A
Hey there! I'm Tom, and Las Vegas holds a special place in my heart. Whether I'm lounging by the pool, getting lost in captivating shows, or taking a chance at craps, I'm all about embracing the thrilling vibes of Sin City.
Through this website, I aim to be your trusted companion, answering common Vegas Questions and sharing money-saving hacks to ensure you have an unforgettable and wallet-friendly vacation in the dazzling world of Las Vegas.
