Aria, MGM’s self-chosen jewel property despite those loyal to Bellagio, is continuing to improve what is broken in all the right ways. Since the property opened, many issues and problems have been continually fixed, with underperforming restaurants swapped out, and boutiques replaced with pressed juicerys and bar names changed. One of the more recent changes is of City Bar to Alibi, a more soft yet still modern alternative to a bar that was seemed very much an afterthought.

Other major changes are happening on both ends of the casino. On the south end, the Deuce lounge is no more, boarded up along with the hall running adjacent. In its place will likely be a walk up bar that doesn’t take up the space the Deuce did, therefore opening up more pathways through the casino, something that’s also been done with the slot area in the same location.

Near the lobby, a large chunk of the east side of the casino near the entrance has been walled off nearly to Javier’s. This space, according to an employee, is to become a new VIP lounge and reception area. Assumingly, as SkySuites has it’s own lounge, this will be geared to higher level Mlife tiers and players. Could MGM be trying their own version of a Caesars Entertainment Diamond Lounge? I can only say I hope so.

One thing is for sure. Aria still remains an experimental and volatile property for MGM, and it seems to be paying off. The floor was packed on a Sunday night, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Monte Carlo’s rebranding will likely play on this, and it’s a smart move. I for one can’t wait to see how it will play out.

We would love to hear your impressions with regard to Aria, feel free to comment below.