Aria and the nearby Cozmo et al seem to be the newest/hottest - but we love Wynn/Encore.

Also love to get a room with a view of the fountains at Bellagio which has a great pool.

For the younger crowd, of the ones you mention, I would say Aria. You'll have Cosmo next door, Planet Hollywood and Paris across the street, Bellagio a short walk.....all with large casino areas and tons of dining.

If you are going to be in Las Vegas on a weekend the place will be inundated with "young folks" many from the LA area. Lots of them stay at the Bellagio and other so-called "higher end" places but don't allow the importance of location to drop off of your equation.

The Aria is newer but I'm not convinced it is any hotter than some of the others.

Right now the Cosmopolitan seems to be the "hottest" hotel/casino - probably due in large part to the numerous bars/lounges they have set up all around the casino area, many with a nightclub type of vibe with loud music (I've occasionally seen a DJ playing in one) and hipster type clientele.

Also, apparently Marquee in the Cosmo is currently the hottest nightclub right now - though this is what I've read on some Vegas forums, not by personal experience.

Otherwise if the OP is only looking at hotels from their list, I would say Aria for the same reasons clarkgriswold mentioned.

I see your question as:

"Palazzo, Venetian, Bellagio, Aria & Mirage. While I imagine all of these hotels are amazing, which out of these selections would be better suited to a younger crowd?"

While it's an impressive list, the best, for what's on your list and location, are Bellagio & Aria.

Thanks a bunch! Based on your suggestions I've now narrowed it down to Aria & The Cosmo. I'll do some more research and then make the final decision.

"Excited" to sum up this trip is an understatement

If you HAVE to be on the strip, fine Aria and Cosmonare fine, but they are a good walk from the strip due to being more frontage that convenience. If off strip would suit I have just booked a great deal at Palms Place, joined by a walkway to Palms Casino. They are giving really good deals for September. Take a look at the rooms, beautiful ultra modern and smoke free hotel. We used to stay on the strip but won't pay the price anymore when there are better options a little way off strip.

For your first visit - stay on the Strip - and the Cosmo and Aria are right there - or a short walk at most. Think you can enter from strip - through some shops/stores, etc.

I am suspicious of the OP. he/she comes off as wealthy, going to NYC then to Vegas (instead of AC, DC, Philly, Miami, etc.) Naming those high end 5-star props (with a casino+pool no less), and asking where to stay! Aha, ok.

Anyone listing Bellagio, Aria for a 1st visit to Vegas is either a whale-wanna be, a blue blood, or is pulling our leg.

And aren't some people presumptuous! Or should I say envious? Yes we are a dual income professional couple who happen to have our best friends eloping in NYC which we will be attending. Who would spend 24hours flying for a one week vacation? we have decided to add another week to the trip and head to Vegas because yes we love to party and yes we certainly have the finances. Perhaps I'll take some happy snaps to share on here to really get up your goat. X

6 days is a long time to spend in LV. If you want a change of pace, try to get over to the Grand Canyon or even Zion and Bryce Canyons. Spectacular place to visit.

Thanks MichelleY, we plan to do exactly that My sister & hubby did this last yr & based themselves at the MGM but told us it was a bit out of the way for Vegas fun.

Mid strip is the best. In the middle of the action. I want you to adopt me

I don't think 6 days is too long to spend in Vegas at all (great shows and dining, enjoy the pool, on and on), but it is nice to see some of the other great/natural sites.

And mid-center strip for sure is primo - but Wynn/Encore are right across the street/strip/Las Vegas Blvd from the best shopping center.

"Perhaps I'll take some happy snaps to share on here to really get up your goat. X"

Huh? Must be some local Australian saying from the outback I am not familiar with.

PS: Is there anything better than the Bellagio? Why even ask? If you gots the dough, go... for me Bally's, Harrah's, MGM, Trop is just fine.

Ahh... I was asking for recommendations for somewhere with facilities/overall vibe which would appeal to our age group. Obviously the choices I researched and named all look wonderful however having never travelled to the US before let alone to Vegas one reserves the right to ask for recommendations for accomodation to meet their needs on a travel forum, do they not? What I did nit expect was to encounter someone so rude nor to be judged by someone who doesn't even know me. Why come on here if you are opposed to providing advice to people who have not yet travelled to a particular location? Pfft what a joke

P.s. POMAH no where on the internet does ir state that "fodors.com" is a forum offering advice to broke arses' on a shoe string budget

Thanks to all bar the envious, judgemental budget traveller for your advice & suggestions.

We have decided to go with Aria for 5 nights plus hire a car & take an overnight trip to the grand canyon & hover dam occupying the last two days of the trip.

Route suggestions for the road trip would be great if anyone has any experience with this.

Pretty much the freeway to the Grand Canyon cutoff and then 2? hours north? More or less 5 hours direct.

Do you have reservations at the GC? If not, you want to check everyday for cancellations and get a room at the rim. We stayed at the Bright Angel Cabins which were simple but about a one minute walk to the rim.