Vegas - Aria Resort 2012 pt. 1

Source: google.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

My husband and I had this trip planned for quite some time. Yet, it just felt weird to be going after the family emergency we just had with my sister. She and her husband were also married in Vegas (Lake Mead). She was also able to join me and about 4 other friends/sisters for my big birthday bash in April 2012. I am so happy we actually did it when we did so that she could join us.

Aria Entrance - photo credit: Aria Facebook

The Aria Hotel is amazing. It is on the Vegas Strip in the new City Center. I honestly can not even begin to tell you how great this place is. Check in was great with Maria checking us in quickly and upgrading our Corner Suite to a Corner Suite with a panoramic view. The aroma when you hit the casino is amazing. It's sort of a warm vanilla bean scent. All I know is that is smells heavenly. You may purchase them in the gift shop and enjoy a little Aria when you get back home.

Ken in the Check In line

The Aria Lobby

Upon entering our room, we were simply amazed at the views. Views of the strip from the Great room area to the Bathroom to the Master Bedroom. Simply stunning. Everything(curtains, lighting) was controlled by a remote or by switches on the wall.

Corner Suite - Living area

The Master Bedroom

We had a powder room in the entry hall of the suite and a water closet in the main bath area. The main bath water closet included a TOTO toilet. It is basically a warm seated, electronic bidet. The bathroom had double sinks which is always nice. We have those in our own home and it is always a welcome site when we vacation.

The photo above is where we spent a LOT of time and money. Jean Phillipe's candy, pastry, gelato, crepe shop full of goodies and the sandwich area.  Everything from the crepes to the gelato was simply delicioso. Each morning, we would grab a couple of sandwiches or crepes and head to the pool area. I also had a crepe or two for dessert in the evening - lol. The crepes were made fresh right in front of you. The sandwiches were also made fresh to order. Prices were $10.95 /sandwich and I think the same for the crepes. They were worth every penny. I also purchased some Vanilla Bean Sugar from their for our home. It is wonderful. Check back later for a post on how to make your own.

After dropping our bags off, we headed straight for FATBURGER!!! But not before taking a photo in front of OUR hotel - Monte Carlo. It is where we were married in 2000. We both had the Turkey burger at Fatburger - our attempt at trying to be healthy while eating there. Pay no attention to the fries, please.

We visited a few more hotels on that end of the strip and then decided to head in and enjoy our room.
We were surprised by a phone call asking if we would like to receive a gift. Heck yes! a few minutes later, we were handed a wonderful tray of chocolate covered strawberries and macaroons from Shannon Maccallum - Executive Director of Guest Services at  the Aria. I met Shannon online on a Celebrity Cruise page. We both traveled on the Celebrity Summit last November. She is a delight! Included was a nice little handwritten note from Shannon.  Love her!

End of Part 1 - be sure to check back for part 2......