What Actually Drives Your Hotel Choice in Las Vegas?

Vegas Is a System. Most People Book Like It Isn’t.

There’s something fascinating about how disciplined people become in Vegas, but only in very specific moments.

I’ve watched someone lose $100 in a slot machine in under five minutes without flinching. I’ve seen $28 cocktails signed off like they were bottled water. I’ve watched $1000 dinners get rationalized as “it’s a special trip.”

But suggest a $12 Uber ride to grab supplies off-Strip, and suddenly we’re auditing line items like we’re preparing for tax season.

So what actually drives a hotel booking in Las Vegas?

Is it location? Luxury? Amenities? Distance to a convenience store so you don’t pay $18 for water?

Or are those just the reasons we tell ourselves because they sound responsible?

I book Vegas often. Quick weekends. Full weeks. Sometimes a month at a time since we sold our place and I’m waiting for the housing market to stop being delusional. I’m not flying in on a private jet with someone holding an iPad with my name on it and a chilled towel. I’m not a mythical comp whale.

I’m right in the middle.

And that’s exactly why I’ve learned what actually matters.

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The First Decision You Pretend Isn’t a Decision

If you’re not driving in, your first real Vegas choice happens the moment you step outside the airport.