No smoking is a big plus for me.  
Its a super nice all suite hotel, great ammenities and being connected to city center its just easier to get about.
I have timeshare which includes  elara I never use it I just don't like the vibe or location I use my timeshare points elsewhere in town.

I have stayed at both a few times, and I like them both  
                      BUT the Elara is absolutely my Favorite!
both Vdara and Elara have security checking keys before Elevator
Both are like mini condos-  
The Elara  is a bit bigger,
Nice size full kitchen  
The living area has a comfy L shaped couch and wall mounted TV
Floor to ceiling window - remote blinds
In the bedroom, there  is an awesome big Jacuzzi surrounded by mirrors !  
Check out the video link below to see the entire room
           
* there is a pick on my site a friend took of me in this Jacuzzi,  
it was awesome fun    

 
Have fun!
Char xo

Vdara...

I like it alot better than the Elara however the rooms at the Elara are nice.But the vdara is more modern to me.The pros for Elara there is shopping and restaurants very close by rather than walk to the Aria which you would have to do if you stayed at the Vdara.Love the corner rooms at the Vdara fantastic view even while you are sitting in the tub
Both have similar set-ups where there is a lobby bar in close proximity of the elevators if you wanted to meet guests there.

that charge resort fees, I may stay at Elara. I like the Vdara as I have stayed there before, but with the amount of days I will be in Vegas I will be paying over $300+ in resort fees. I can afford the fee, but why give it to a hotel, when I would rather use the money to dine with or on a lovely woman.  

I found a list of hotels that do and do NOT charge resort fees and the Elara does NOT. Here is a list of other places that do not charge; and granted some of them are not great places to stay but money is money.

· Arizona Charlie's Decatur  
· Arizona Charlie's Boulder Highway  
· California  
· Cannery  
· Casino Royale Best Western Plus  
· Eastside Cannery  
· Elara  
· Four Queens  
· Fremont Casino  
· Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip  
· Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas Convention Center  
· Hilton Grand Vacations at the Flamingo  
· M Resort  
· Main Street Station  
· Platinum Hotel and Spa  
· Wyndham Grand Desert

within minutes of walking next  to fine dining, fine shops, and  much more convenient than Elara across the street next to ok Planet  Hollywood and a much farther walk if you'd like to get out and about on Las Vegas Blvd.