I spent 3 nights at Vdara and was satisfied in most ways. Having stayed at the MGM Signature a number of times, however, I was disappointed that the newer Vdara didn't raise the bar for me.
The big advantage to the Vdara is location. Obviously, it's located in the City Center, but Vdara is a 50-yard covered walkway away from the Bellagio, as well.
The shortcomings of Vdara are few but diminish what could be a five-star property:
1) no robes in the room (you call housekeeping to request them)
2) no tableware in the kitchen
3) wood chairs on marble kitchen floor - upstairs room made a ridiculous amount of noise just sitting in the kitchen...at 2am
4) soaking tub instead of a jacuzzi
5) no covered, climate-controlled walkways to casinos (unenclosed walkway to Bellagio is as close as they get)
The only other hotel I've stayed at in Vegas is the Signature, which has the missing amenities above and doesn't have the chairs on marble issue either. The huge benefit to Vdara's location is enough to outweigh these shortcomings. I much prefer being able to walk 100-200 yards to 3 of the best casinos and high-end shopping on the Strip instead of having to take a looooong walk or cab ride from the Signature.
If I am going to Vegas for something other than the Strip (business), I would probably stay at Signature over Vdara. If I am going to Vegas for fun, I'll look into another similar property (Trump or Palazzo) before heading back to Vdara.
