The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing Your Perfect Las Vegas Hotel

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It can be overwhelming trying to decide which hotel & casino to stay in when planning a trip to Las Vegas. The options are endless and there are a lot of things to consider. If you have never been to Vegas, this can seem like an impossible task. If you are planning to head down to Vegas anytime soon then this post is for you.

I’ve been to Sin City 7 times now for quick weekend trips. Each time I have stayed in a different hotel in different parts of the city. Since the city is so large, there are a lot of different considerations that I put into deciding on a hotel. I put together an outline of my process to help first-time Las Vegas goers decide where they want to stay in Las Vegas.

Location, Location, Location.

When deciding where to stay, the first thing that I think about is my reason for going to Las Vegas. (I personally attend a lot of car shows there.) If you are going to an event, where is it located? This is going to be a crucial piece of information for many reasons. Mostly because I hate walking long distances, especially in the heat.

Second, I think about what I want to do while I am in Vegas if I will be there for longer than the event (if any) itself. This might sound like the same thing as number one, but there is so much to do in the area. Like the Praying Mantis in the video, I took during my last trip to Vegas that shoots flames out the top of it. Or perhaps you want to ride the Conservation Wheel, or zip line down Fremont Street, or ride the roller coaster in New York New York Hotel & Casino. There is so much to do in Las Vegas, it’s not just about gambling and drinking. So, when planning, ask yourself what you would like to see or do during your trip.

Once I have an idea of what I am going to be doing while I am there and their locations. Now you don’t have to stay near the event, but it can help cut down costs with ride-sharing. Also, it’s important to note that the Strip where the majority of casinos are is 4.2 miles long. If you are planning on walking you wouldn’t want your hotel to be on the opposite end of your event. If your event isn’t on the strip, then which end your hotel is on won’t matter.

Pro Tip: Vegas involves a lot of walking. Hotel gift shops are expensive for things like Tylenol and water. Look for the nearest Walgreens or ABC Store in relation to your hotel in case you need to grab quick supplies. You can also have Amazon Fresh delivered to your hotel.

Cost of Hotel

Next, I look at the price of the hotel. Something to consider that a lot of the booking websites don’t inform you about is resort fees. Many casinos are considered a resort so they can add on that extra fee when you get there. Some resorts charge up to $25 a night! If you are unsure, look on the hotel’s website or call and ask them directly.

Look into rewards programs and player’s clubs for the casinos before booking. You might get lucky and find a deal or have a free night on your next visit for signing up!

Other Amenities to Consider

Finally, I will look at the amenities. I want to know things like what restaurants they have. Is there any entertainment at this location? Is there a pool or spa? What is nearby that I would enjoy visiting? What do their rooms look like? What is going on around my hotel is a big thing for me. For example, if I don’t have a reason to be on the Strip, I prefer to stay on Fremont Street because I walk outside of my hotel and there is a party on the street in front of me. The casinos on the strip are not small. It is a good distance between casinos. Be prepared to walk if you are searching for something specific.

One last thing that is worth mentioning, most hotels in Las Vegas do not have a free shuttle service. When you arrive in Vegas, you will need to figure out a ride or have someone prebooked to pick you up. I personally use Presedential Limousine and have a driver waiting for me. It is pricier than using a taxi or rideshare service, but worth it in my opinion. You can also book a driver in advance through the Uber app which is similar to having a driver.

There are definitely a lot of different things to think about when planning a trip to good ol’ Sin City. Thankfully, on my first trip down I had someone experienced in Vegas travel plan it. We stayed at Harrah’s which is in the middle of the strip. It was a great location. However, if I didn’t have that I would’ve struggled picking a hotel and probably would have ended up paying for it. If you follow this guide, you can reduce your costs and ensure that you have a great hotel location.

Las Vegas is a blast. Have fun & stay safe!

Coming up next: Reviews on the hotels I stayed at in Las Vegas!

Don’t misplace this post before your next Las Vegas trip! Pin it on Pinterest today so you can come back to it time after time.