Vdara is the casino-free, smoke-free all-suite hotel tucked inside the CityCenter complex, connected by indoor walkways to both Aria and Bellagio. This guide compares Vdara directly with its two mega-resort neighbors, so you can see exactly where the suite-focused, non-gaming model works—and where it asks you to compromise. All facts below are drawn from official property records, neutral review platforms, and verified community discussions.
Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Property type: Condo-hotel · Operator: MGM Resorts · Address: 2600 W Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109 · Designer: Rafael Viñoly · Dining: On-site restaurants include… (from inputs: On-Site Restaurants) · Highlights: No casino, no smoking, suites with kitchens
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-14.
Sources reviewed: official MGM Resorts fact sheet, Wikipedia, TripAdvisor reviews, VegasAlways comparison, Vegas Message Board discussions, Virgin Atlantic Holidays property page, and Vegas Local Travel Guide analysis.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were performed, and no unpublished pricing data was used. All claims are sourced from publicly available materials current as of 2023–2025.
At a glance
- Vdara is completely casino-free and smoke-free (Wikipedia)
- Connected to Aria and Bellagio via indoor walkways (Virgin Atlantic Holidays)
- 1,495 suites, 582–1,447 sq ft, most with kitchenettes (Wikipedia)
- CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip (Wikipedia)
| Property detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Property type | Condo-hotel |
| Operator | MGM Resorts (Blackstone owns the real estate) |
| Address | 2600 W Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109 |
| Designer | Rafael Viñoly (Wikipedia) |
| On-site dining | Market Café and a lobby bar – no full‑service restaurant (VegasAlways) |
| Key highlights | No casino, no smoking, suites with kitchenettes, central CityCenter location |
What’s the difference between Aria and Vdara?
The single biggest difference is that Aria is a full‑scale casino resort with gaming floors, nightlife, dozens of restaurants, and a busy 24‑hour energy, while Vdara is a non‑gaming, all‑suite hotel that prioritises quiet and air quality. Below is a side‑by‑side comparison of the three CityCenter‑cluster properties.
| Feature | Vdara Hotel & Spa | Aria Resort & Casino | Bellagio Hotel & Casino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino presence | None | Full casino (~150,000 sq ft) | Full casino |
| Smoking policy | Entirely smoke‑free | Smoking in casino and certain rooms | Smoking in casino and designated areas |
| Suite feature | All suites, most with kitchenettes | Mix of rooms and suites; kitchenettes not standard | Mix of rooms and suites; kitchenettes rare |
| Connection to the Strip | Indoor walkways to Aria and Bellagio | Directly on the Strip | Directly on the Strip |
| Resort fee (approx. per night) | ~$50 | ~$50 | ~$50 |
| Price tier | Generally less expensive | Mid‑range to high | Higher |
| Dining options | Limited (Market Café, lobby bar) | 10+ restaurants | Numerous restaurants |
| Pool access | On‑site pool; short walk to Aria pools | 3 pools + Liquid Pool Lounge (adults‑only) | Pools with garden views |
Resort‑fee amounts are approximate and based on 2025 data from VegasAlways. Prices vary by date and booking channel.
Casino and smoking policies
Vdara was designed as a non‑gaming hotel, so there are no slot machines, table games, or the associated second‑hand smoke. The property is also entirely non‑smoking, including all suites and public spaces. Aria, by contrast, dedicates roughly 150,000 square feet to casino gaming and permits smoking on the casino floor and in certain guest rooms. For travelers who dislike smoke or find casino noise distracting, Vdara eliminates that stress entirely.
“Aria is a full‑blown casino resort. Vdara? Purely a hotel.”
– Vegas Local Travel Guide author, 2026 analysis
Room types and suites
Every room at Vdara is a suite, ranging from 582 sq ft up to 1,447 sq ft. Most include a kitchenette with a full‑size refrigerator, microwave, and sink – a feature that guests on the Vegas Message Board consistently note as a key reason for choosing Vdara over Aria or Bellagio. Aria’s standard rooms are roughly comparable in size but rarely include kitchenettes, and Bellagio’s base rooms are smaller on average. The trade‑off: Vdara has no on‑site restaurant beyond a market café and lobby bar, so you’ll need to walk to Aria or Bellagio for a full dinner.
Price comparison
Nightly rates at Vdara are typically lower than at Aria or Bellagio for comparable dates, though all three properties tack on a resort fee of roughly $50 per night. A 2025 comparison from VegasAlways pegs Vdara as the most affordable of the three, especially for guests who use the kitchenette to reduce food costs. The bottom line: you save money on the room but may spend more on dining if you rely on Aria’s restaurants.
The quiet trade‑off – Vdara’s residential‑style hallways and lack of casino floor mean it is noticeably quieter than Aria or Bellagio. Frequent visitors describe it as “un‑Vegas” – a calm base that still keeps the Strip within a five‑minute walk.
Pros and cons of staying at Vdara
- Pros: No casino noise or smoke; suites with kitchenettes; central location; generally lower price; quiet and peaceful.
- Cons: Limited on‑site dining; no casino (must walk to Aria to gamble or use MGM Rewards desk); resort fee adds to total cost; no free breakfast.
Best for these travelers
- Couples seeking a quiet romantic stay – the smoke‑free hallways, suite layout, and lack of 24‑hour casino energy create a more intimate atmosphere.
- Business travelers wanting a smoke‑free work‑friendly suite – the separate living space and kitchenette make it easy to work in the room and prepare quick meals.
Pricing overview
Vdara is generally less expensive than Aria or Bellagio. A typical night in 2025 ranges from $150–$300, plus the ~$50 resort fee. Aria often runs $50–$100 more per night, and Bellagio can be $100–$200 higher. Money saved on the room can be spent on dining or shows at the neighboring resorts.
Alternatives to consider
If you want a full casino resort with more dining and nightlife, Aria is the direct upgrade – it’s connected by an indoor walkway. For old‑school Strip luxury and the famous fountain views, Bellagio is a short walk away. Another option is The Cosmopolitan, which has a casino but a boutique feel and a terrace balcony.
Our recommendation
Vdara is the best fit for travelers who prioritise a smoke‑free, casino‑free environment and who prefer suite‑style accommodations with kitchenettes. If you value space and quiet over casino action and extensive dining, Vdara delivers a genuinely different Las Vegas experience – right in the middle of the Strip.
Are Vdara and Bellagio connected?
Yes – Vdara is connected to Bellagio via an indoor pedestrian walkway that runs through the shops of CityCenter. You can walk from Vdara’s lobby to the Bellagio casino in roughly five minutes without stepping outside. The walkway also passes through Aria, so all three properties are linked in a climate‑controlled loop.
Physical connection
From Vdara’s ground floor, follow the signs toward Aria. Once inside Aria’s casino floor, take the moving walkway toward Bellagio. That walkway deposits you directly into Bellagio’s shopping promenade. The entire route is indoors and air‑conditioned – welcome during Las Vegas summers.
“Vdara is directly connected to Bellagio by a pedestrian walkway and is a short indoor walk to Aria.”
– Virgin Atlantic Holidays property description
Walking distance to key spots
From Vdara to the Bellagio fountains: about 0.3 miles (a 6‑minute walk). To the Strip proper (Las Vegas Boulevard): 0.2 miles via the pedestrian bridge at Harmon Avenue. To the ARIA tram station: connected directly to the Aria lobby.
Getting to the Strip without a car
Vdara is part of CityCenter, which has its own tram stop (the CityCenter Tram) that runs between the Bellagio and the Monte Carlo. That tram is free and operates daily. If you prefer to walk, the main Strip entrance at the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard is a short stroll.
Tip: Use the indoor walkway to Aria and then the elevated walkway to the Strip – you’ll avoid crossing busy streets at grade.
Does Vdara have free breakfast?
No – Vdara does not offer complimentary breakfast. There is no continental breakfast, buffet, or voucher program included in the room rate. However, guests can prepare their own meals in the suite kitchenette, or purchase breakfast at the on‑site Market Café.
Breakfast options on‑site
The Market Café inside Vdara serves coffee, pastries, and grab‑and‑go items at a cost. The lobby bar also offers a limited breakfast menu (coffee, light bites). Neither is included in the room or resort fee.
In‑suite kitchen
Most Vdara suites come with a kitchenette that includes a full‑size refrigerator, microwave, sink, and dishes. Some larger suites have a cooktop. Guests often stock the fridge with groceries from the nearby Whole Foods at Town Square or the CVS on the Strip. This is a major draw for travelers who want to control food costs or have dietary restrictions.
Nearby breakfast spots
Aria’s restaurant lineup includes The Buffet at Aria (open for breakfast) and a few coffee shops. Bellagio’s Café Bellagio is also a short walk away. Both restaurants require payment – no free options exist in the immediate cluster.
What does the Vdara resort fee include?
As of 2025, Vdara charges a nightly resort fee of approximately $50 (excluding tax). This fee covers several standard amenities, but guests often want to know exactly what they’re paying for.
Standard resort fee amenities
- In‑room WiFi (basic bandwidth)
- Access to the fitness center
- Local and toll‑free calls
- Boarding‑pass printing
- Newspaper delivery (upon request)
- Pool access (onsite pool)
These are the typical items listed on MGM Resorts’ official portal for Vdara. The fee is non‑optional and applies to all guests.
Additional fees to watch for
Parking at Vdara is paid (self‑parking and valet). Rates vary, but expect $15–$30 per night. There are no additional “destination fees” beyond the resort fee, though in‑room movies and premium wifi incur separate charges.
How to reduce or avoid the resort fee
MGM Rewards members at Pearl tier or above sometimes receive waived resort fees on certain bookings, but this is not automatic. Booking directly through the MGM Resorts website and checking for promotional packages (e.g., “Stay & Play” or “Book Direct” offers) may include resort‑fee credits. Always verify the quoted total before booking.
Watch the fine print: The resort fee is usually not included in the initial nightly rate displayed by third‑party booking sites. Always click through to see the full total including resort fee and tax.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Vdara part of the MGM Rewards program?
Yes, Vdara participates in MGM Rewards. You can earn and redeem points on stays, dining, and spa services. The MGM Rewards desk is located inside Aria, a short walk from the Vdara lobby.
What is the Vdara death ray phenomenon?
The term “Vdara death ray” refers to a well‑documented temperature‑intensity effect on the pool deck caused by the hotel’s curved glass facade focusing sunlight. MGM Resorts subsequently added shade sails and umbrellas to mitigate the heat. (Wikipedia)
Can you walk from Vdara to the Las Vegas Strip?
Yes, it’s about a 5‑minute walk. Exit the lobby toward the Harmon Avenue walkway, cross the pedestrian bridge over Harmon, and you’ll be on Las Vegas Boulevard at the corner of The Cosmopolitan.
Does Vdara have a pool?
Yes, Vdara has an outdoor pool on its 2nd‑floor deck. It is smaller than the pools at Aria or Bellagio, but it is never crowded and offers a relaxing atmosphere with views of the Strip.
What is the phone number for Vdara?
The main reservations line for MGM Resorts properties, including Vdara, is +1 702-590-1111 (ask for Vdara reservations). (Wikipedia)
What restaurants are inside Vdara?
The only food‑and‑beverage outlets are the Market Café (coffee, pastries, sandwiches) and the lobby bar (drinks, light snacks). For full meals, guests walk to Aria or Bellagio.
Is Vdara a good hotel for families?
Yes, the suite layout and kitchenette are ideal for families who need separate sleeping areas and the ability to prepare simple meals. However, there is no kids’ club or supervised activities on site.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Vdara (opening date, suite count, policy, ownership)
- MGM Resorts – Vdara Hotel & Spa Fact Sheet (grand opening date, property details)
- VegasAlways – ARIA vs. Vdara (comparison data, resort fees, dining)
- Vegas Local Travel Guide – Aria vs. Vdara (atmosphere, travel guidance)
- Vegas Message Board – Vdara vs. Aria vs. Bellagio (user reviews, kitchenette feedback)
- Virgin Atlantic Holidays – Vdara Hotel & Spa (connectivity, property description)
- YouTube – ARIA vs VDARA: The Ultimate Comparison (room comparison details)
- YouTube – I Stayed at Vdara Las Vegas Instead of Bellagio (reviewer perspective)