Aria vs Park MGM: Which Las Vegas Strip Resort Wins in 2026

Choosing between two MGM resorts that sit only a short tram ride apart sounds simple. In practice, Aria vs Park MGM is one of the most common dilemmas for anyone booking the south-central Las Vegas Strip.

One is a glass-and-steel luxury tower at the heart of CityCenter. The other is a smaller, food-focused resort that became the first fully smoke-free casino on the Strip.

This comparison walks through rooms, dining, gaming, entertainment, cost and the type of traveler each property suits best. By the end, you will know which hotel fits your trip and which one earns the overall win.

Facts checked as of October 2026. Resort fees, rates and venues change often, so confirm details when you book.

What is the Main Difference Between Aria and Park MGM?

The main difference between Aria and Park MGM is that Aria is a large, high-end luxury resort with about 4,000 rooms, a 150,000 sq ft casino and upscale tech-forward suites, while Park MGM is a smaller, more relaxed boutique-style resort known for its fully smoke-free casino, Eataly food hall and direct walkway to T-Mobile Arena and Dolby Live.

What is Aria and What is Park MGM?

Aria Resort & Casino

Aria is the centerpiece of CityCenter, the 67-acre complex MGM Resorts built at 3730 South Las Vegas Boulevard. It opened in 2009 as one of the most ambitious modern hotel projects on the Strip.

The resort holds 4,002 rooms and suites, including 549 suites. Its curved glass towers, floor-to-ceiling windows and in-room automation give it a sleek, contemporary feel.

Aria is built for travelers who want big-resort energy without themed décor. It pairs a large casino with a renowned poker room, a full-service spa, three outdoor pools and an extensive fine dining lineup.

The property is part of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy as an Autograph Collection hotel. That means both MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem there.

Park MGM

Park MGM sits at 3770 South Las Vegas Boulevard, on the site of the former Monte Carlo. MGM reinvented the property in 2018 with a warmer, more residential design.

The resort has about 2,700 standard rooms. Its top floors house The Reserve at Park MGM, a 293-room hotel-within-a-hotel that was known as NoMad Las Vegas until its December 2025 rebrand.

Park MGM made headlines in September 2020 by becoming the first fully smoke-free casino resort on the Strip. The ban covers the casino floor, rooms, restaurants, bars and pools.

Its identity leans on food and live entertainment. Eataly, Bavette’s Steakhouse and Dolby Live are all inside, and The Park promenade leads straight to T-Mobile Arena.

Key Differences Between Aria and Park MGM

1. Scale and room count: Aria offers 4,002 rooms and suites across its CityCenter towers. Park MGM has roughly 2,993 rooms in total, including the 293 rooms of The Reserve, so it feels noticeably smaller and easier to navigate.
2. Smoking policy: Park MGM is completely smoke-free, from the gaming floor to the pool deck. Aria keeps its rooms non-smoking but still allows smoking in designated casino areas.
3. Casino size: Aria’s gaming floor covers about 150,000 sq ft with a well-known poker room and high-limit salons. Park MGM’s casino is intentionally scaled down to roughly 77,000 sq ft, giving it a calmer, boutique feel.
4. Design and atmosphere: Aria is modern and minimalist, with glass, steel and a large public art collection. Park MGM feels warmer and more eclectic, with greenery, residential-style furniture and bold colors.
5. Dining focus: Aria leans on celebrity-chef fine dining and polished steakhouses. Park MGM is built around Eataly, an Italian marketplace that serves everything from quick espresso to sit-down pasta.
6. Entertainment anchor: Park MGM owns Dolby Live, one of the Strip’s top residency venues, and connects directly to T-Mobile Arena. Aria’s draws are its nightlife, poker action and access to the shops at Crystals.
7. Price positioning: Aria generally commands higher nightly rates as a luxury flagship. Park MGM typically sits in the mid-range, with The Reserve offering a pricier upgrade path inside the same building.

Key Similarities Between Aria and Park MGM

1. Same parent company: Both resorts are operated by MGM Resorts International. Policies, booking platforms and service standards follow the same corporate playbook.
2. MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy: Guests at both earn and redeem MGM Rewards points. Both also belong to the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, so Marriott members can book and earn there too.
3. South-central Strip location: The two properties sit side by side between Bellagio and the T-Mobile Arena area. Each is within walking distance of the other, plus Cosmopolitan and New York-New York.
4. Shared tram access: A free tram links Park MGM, Aria and Bellagio. Guests at either hotel can hop between the three resorts without crossing Las Vegas Boulevard.
5. Resort fees: Both charge a mandatory nightly resort fee on top of the room rate. The fee typically bundles Wi-Fi, fitness center access and local calls.
6. Adult-oriented experience: Neither resort is built around kids’ attractions. Both target couples, groups, conventioneers and entertainment seekers more than families.

Features of Aria vs Features of Park MGM

1. Accommodations: Aria offers 4,002 rooms, including 549 suites and the exclusive Sky Suites tier. Park MGM offers about 2,700 rooms plus 293 more refined rooms and suites at The Reserve on its top floors.
2. Casino floor: Aria’s 150,000 sq ft casino includes a celebrated poker room and multiple high-limit salons. Park MGM’s 77,000 sq ft casino is entirely smoke-free, with a separate high-limit area at The Reserve.
3. Signature dining: Aria features polished steakhouses, seafood rooms and chef-driven Italian and Asian concepts, plus a food hall for quick bites. Park MGM centers on Eataly, Bavette’s Steakhouse and The Library at The Reserve.
4. Pools: Aria has three outdoor pools with cabanas and a lively adults-only lounge area. Park MGM has its main pool deck plus The Terrace Pool, formerly the NoMad Pool, reserved for Reserve guests.
5. Live entertainment: Aria relies on its nightlife venues and nearby CityCenter attractions. Park MGM owns Dolby Live, a major residency theater, and sits on The Park promenade leading to T-Mobile Arena.
6. Spa and fitness: Aria’s split-level spa is one of the largest on the Strip, with steam rooms, saunas and a deluxe gym. Park MGM offers a smaller spa and 24-hour fitness center, with Stay Well rooms featuring air purification for wellness-focused guests.
7. Shopping and art: Aria connects to the luxury boutiques at Crystals and displays a notable public art collection. Park MGM offers fewer retail outlets but compensates with Eataly’s market shopping and lively outdoor space.
8. Loyalty and booking: Both properties work with MGM Rewards and the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. Aria is an Autograph Collection property, and The Reserve at Park MGM was slated to join it in early 2026.

Final Verdict

Aria is the winner of this comparison.

It delivers larger, more modern rooms, a far bigger casino, a world-class poker room and a deeper lineup of fine dining and spa services. For most travelers, it simply offers more resort in every direction.

Park MGM is a strong, likable alternative. Its smoke-free air, Eataly and front-door access to Dolby Live and T-Mobile Arena make it ideal for specific trips.

Still, when comparing the overall stay, amenities and luxury level, Aria comes out ahead. If budget allows and smoke on the casino floor is not a dealbreaker, Aria is the better booking.

Pros of Aria Over Park MGM

1. Larger, more modern rooms: Aria’s standard rooms are generally more spacious than Park MGM’s base rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows deliver strong Strip and mountain views from most floors.
2. In-room technology: Lighting, curtains and temperature can be controlled from a bedside panel or tablet. The rooms feel built for convenience rather than retrofitted.
3. Bigger casino with more variety: The 150,000 sq ft floor offers a wider range of table games, slots and limits. High rollers get more private salon options.
4. Destination poker room: Aria’s poker room is one of the most respected in Las Vegas. It hosts high-stakes cash games and major tournament series that Park MGM simply does not offer.
5. Deeper fine dining roster: Aria houses several acclaimed restaurants, from Italian-American classics to upscale seafood and steak. Guests can eat at a different signature restaurant every night of a long stay.
6. Elevated suite options: Aria Sky Suites come with private check-in, a dedicated lounge and premium transfers. This top tier is a level above what most of Park MGM offers.
7. Spa and wellness: The split-level Aria spa includes a large fitness area, eucalyptus steam rooms, redwood saunas and relaxation rooms. It is among the most complete resort spas on the Strip.

Cons of Aria Compared to Park MGM

1. Smoking on the casino floor: Aria still permits smoking in parts of its gaming area. Guests sensitive to smoke may notice it while walking to elevators or restaurants.
2. Higher overall cost: Room rates, dining checks and resort fees tend to run higher at Aria. The total bill for a weekend can climb quickly.
3. Longer walks: The sheer size of the resort means long hikes between the tower, pool, casino and parking. Getting anywhere takes more time than at Park MGM.
4. Busier check-in: With 4,000 rooms and heavy convention traffic, front desk lines can get long at peak times. Some reviewers mention lengthy waits on Friday afternoons.
5. Less direct arena access: Reaching T-Mobile Arena or Dolby Live means walking through Park MGM or along the Strip. Concertgoers save little time by staying at Aria.
6. Convention-heavy crowd: Aria hosts large business events throughout the year. During major conferences, restaurants and common areas can feel crowded and less relaxed.

Pros of Park MGM Over Aria

1. Completely smoke-free: Park MGM bans smoking everywhere, including the casino, bars and pools. It remains the only fully smoke-free casino resort on the Strip.
2. Lower nightly rates: Standard rooms are often priced well below Aria’s. Travelers can save meaningfully on longer stays or larger group bookings.
3. Steps from T-Mobile Arena: The Park promenade runs from the resort straight to the arena. Fans heading to hockey games, boxing or concerts can walk over in minutes.
4. Dolby Live on site: One of the Strip’s marquee residency venues sits inside the resort. Show nights require no taxis, rideshares or long walks.
5. Eataly food hall: Eataly offers pizza, pasta, gelato, coffee and market goods under one roof. It is one of the easiest places on the Strip to grab a quality meal at any hour.
6. Easier to navigate: A smaller footprint means shorter walks from the lobby to rooms, the pool and the exit. First-time visitors rarely get lost.
7. Boutique upgrade option: The Reserve at Park MGM offers a quieter, more refined stay with its own entrance, check-in and elevators. Guests can choose luxury without switching resorts.
8. Pet-friendly Stay Well rooms: Park MGM welcomes dogs in designated rooms and offers Stay Well rooms with air purification and wellness features. These are appealing extras for health-conscious travelers.

Cons of Park MGM Compared to Aria

1. Smaller standard rooms: Base rooms at Park MGM are compact compared to Aria’s. Guests who spend time in their room may find them tight.
2. Noise between rooms: Reviewers frequently mention weaker sound insulation, especially in connecting rooms. Light sleepers should request a non-connecting room.
3. Limited casino variety: The smaller gaming floor has fewer tables and machines. Serious gamblers and poker players will find far more action at Aria.
4. Fewer signature restaurants: Park MGM’s dining is strong but narrower in range. Guests seeking a different upscale dinner every night will run out of options sooner.
5. Less luxury at the base tier: Outside The Reserve, the standard Park MGM experience feels mid-range. It lacks the polished, high-end finish found throughout Aria.
6. Crowds on event nights: Arena and Dolby Live events send large crowds through the property. Lobbies and walkways can feel congested before and after shows.

Situations When Aria is Better than Park MGM

1. Luxury celebrations: Anniversaries, honeymoons and milestone birthdays benefit from Aria’s upscale rooms and Sky Suites. The overall polish makes the occasion feel special.
2. Poker trips: Players chasing high-stakes cash games or tournament series should stay at Aria. Its poker room is a destination in itself.
3. Business conventions: Aria’s large meeting spaces host many major conferences. Staying on site saves time between sessions and dinners.
4. Foodie getaways focused on fine dining: Travelers planning a string of upscale dinners will find more choice under one roof. Reservations at several top restaurants can be lined up without leaving the resort.
5. Spa-centered stays: Guests who want a full wellness day will appreciate Aria’s larger spa. Its steam rooms, saunas and treatment menu outclass Park MGM’s.
6. High-limit gaming: Players who want private salons, higher limits and more tables are better served by Aria’s casino. Comps and host relationships also tend to be stronger there.
7. Longer stays with more room to spread out: Aria’s larger rooms and suites feel more livable over five or more nights. The variety of pools, bars and restaurants also keeps the stay from feeling repetitive.

Situations When Park MGM is Better than Aria

1. Smoke-sensitive travelers: Guests with asthma, allergies or a strong dislike of smoke should choose Park MGM. Every space in the resort is smoke-free.
2. Concert and sports weekends: Anyone with tickets at T-Mobile Arena or Dolby Live gains the shortest possible walk. Getting back to the room after a late show is effortless.
3. Budget-conscious trips: Travelers who want a Strip-center location without luxury pricing get better value at Park MGM. Savings can go toward shows and dining instead.
4. Casual food lovers: Visitors who prefer relaxed, quality meals over formal dining will enjoy Eataly. It suits groups with different tastes and schedules.
5. Traveling with a dog: Park MGM’s designated pet-friendly rooms make it a practical pick for owners. Fees apply, so check the current rate before booking.
6. Short, low-stress stays: For one or two nights, a smaller resort means less walking and faster arrivals. Guests spend more time enjoying Las Vegas and less time navigating hallways.

FAQs

How far are Aria and Park MGM from Harry Reid International Airport?

Both resorts are roughly three miles from the airport, and the drive usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or rideshare outside of rush hour. Each property has dedicated drop-off lanes, so arrivals are straightforward. Traffic on the Strip and around arena events can stretch that time, so allow a buffer on show nights or major holiday weekends.

Is parking free at Aria or Park MGM?

Parking at both resorts is generally paid for standard guests, with fees charged per 24-hour period. That payment usually allows in-and-out privileges across MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas within the same day. Higher MGM Rewards tiers unlock perks, with Pearl and above typically receiving free self-parking and Gold and above receiving free valet, so it is worth checking your tier before you arrive.

What is the minimum age to check in at these resorts?

MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas generally require the primary guest to be at least 21 years old to check in. A valid government-issued photo ID and the credit card used for booking are typically required at the front desk. Younger travelers can stay in a room registered to an adult who meets the age requirement.

Can Park MGM guests use the pool at Aria, or the other way around?

Pool access is usually limited to registered guests of each resort, and staff check room keys at the entrance. Guests generally cannot swap pools between Aria and Park MGM, even though both belong to MGM Resorts. Policies can change by season, so ask the concierge if access to a neighboring pool matters for your trip.

What happens if someone smokes in a non-smoking room?

Aria charges a minimum deep-cleaning fee of $500 for rooms and $1,000 for suites when evidence of smoking is found, with only certain designated Sky Suites exempt. Park MGM is entirely non-smoking, so similar penalties apply there for any smoking inside rooms. Vaping and cannabis use are treated the same way, so guests should step off property before lighting up.

When is the cheapest time to book Aria or Park MGM?

Midweek stays from Sunday through Thursday are almost always cheaper than Friday and Saturday nights at both resorts. The hottest summer months and the weeks just before the December holidays often bring lower rates as well. Rates jump sharply during major conventions, big fights and holiday weekends, so checking the event calendar before booking can save a significant amount.

Do the restaurants at Aria and Park MGM have a dress code?

Most restaurants at both resorts follow a smart-casual standard, and swimwear or very casual beachwear is not appropriate inside dining rooms. Upscale steakhouses and signature restaurants may expect collared shirts or similar attire, especially at dinner. Casual spots such as food halls and cafés have no real dress code, so it makes sense to pack one dressier outfit for a special dinner.

Which resort offers better room views?

Aria’s curved towers and floor-to-ceiling windows give many rooms sweeping views of the Strip, the mountains or the CityCenter skyline. Park MGM’s higher floors can offer good Strip and arena-side views, but the windows and room layouts are less view-focused overall. Guests who care most about the view should request a high floor and Strip-facing room at either property, which may come with an upgrade fee.

Aria vs Park MGM Summary

Aria vs Park MGM comes down to what kind of Las Vegas stay you want. Both resorts share an owner, a loyalty program, a tram line and a prime spot on the south-central Strip.

Aria is the full luxury package. It brings bigger rooms, a much larger casino, a top poker room, a deep fine dining roster and an expansive spa.

Park MGM is the smart, focused alternative. It offers smoke-free air everywhere, Eataly, Dolby Live and the quickest walk to T-Mobile Arena, usually at a lower price.

For the most complete resort experience, Aria takes the win. For concert weekends, smoke-free comfort or tighter budgets, Park MGM is a very easy recommendation.