The Buzz in Las Vegas: CityCenter Hotels Vdara and Aria Accepting Reservations

At long last, the biggest and most expensive development project in Las Vegas history is making strides. With a projected cost of $9 billion, Project CityCenter has been in the works for quite some time now. Its cornerstone casino-resort, Aria, recently announced an opening date of December 16, 2009, just in time for seasonal merry-making. As highlighted by the LA Times, the 4,004-room Aria Resort & Casino focuses on technology: "Curtains will part when a guest enters the room, and the 42-inch TV becomes the command center for lighting and sound." (Pictured above: Aria Deluxe King.)

It's also possible to make reservations for another CityCenter property, Vdara, for arrival dates of October 1, 2009 and beyond. Housed in a 57-storey building, the casino-free Vdara hotel will have 1,495 suites, a 16,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness center. The entire establishment is non-smoking. (Pictured above: Lobby lounge at Vdara.)