Where to Stay in Las Vegas for Dance Nationals: The Ultimate Dance Mom Guide
A That Crazy Dance Mom Travel Series
Traveling to Las Vegas for Dance Nationals is exciting, chaotic, and … let’s be honest … a little overwhelming. Between costume changes, long competition days, and a dancer who is simultaneously starving and “not hungry,” choosing the right place to stay can make or break your week.
As a dance mom who has traveled to Vegas with my dancer for summer programs, master classes, and Nationals (and who will be back in Summer 2026) I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, how much your hotel choice impacts your entire experience. This guide combines real dance-parent wisdom, Vegas-specific logistics, and That Crazy Dance Mom humor to help you book confidently… and avoid rookie mistakes.
So let’s break it down.
The #1 Mistake Dance Families Make When Booking in Las Vegas
Read this twice:
Five miles away in Vegas does NOT mean five minutes.
Vegas miles are like dog years; time moves differently.
A “quick” drive can take:
25+ minutes in Strip traffic
Longer if there’s construction (there’s always construction)
Even longer when it’s 110 degrees and the asphalt is melting
Even walking is deceptive. Hotels look close but the Strip is full of:
Overpasses
Multi-level escalators
Pedestrian bridges that zig-zag
Elevators that may or may not be working
Sidewalk detours that add 10 minutes each
Google Maps does not account for dancers in full hair and makeup trotting behind you in tan tights.
When in doubt:
Choose location on purpose, not by price or distance on a map.
Staying at the Competition Venue: Pros & Cons
Sometimes Nationals are held at the host hotel. Other times, the event spans multiple buildings or a connected convention center. Staying onsite sounds like the dream… and sometimes it is. But let’s break it down honestly.
⭐ PROS: Why It’s Amazing
ZERO commute. This is clutch for 7:00 AM call times and late-night awards.
Easy for quick changes. Forgot your tan tights? Room is an elevator away*.
*However, depending on where you’re staying, that elevator trip may not be just a few minutes … See Cons!Hydration/home base. You can refill snacks, water, or take a break between routines.
Stress reduction. Truly - you save a lot of mental energy staying onsite.
⚠️ CONS: The Reality
Resort fees. Usually $35–$50 per night. Not optional*.
*Some properties do waive resort fees if you sign up for their rewards program… but not many.Long elevator waits. Nationals means thousands of dancers using the same elevators.
Hotel hallways = dance central. Stretching, rehearsing, cheering until late.
Limited food options. And expensive! $18 for chicken strips is peak Vegas.
Walking distances INSIDE the hotel. You may still walk a mile from room → convention halls.
Best for:
Families with early call times, dancers doing multiple routines, parents traveling solo with younger kids, and anyone who values convenience over cost.
Staying Nearby: Off-Strip Hotels, Suites & Airbnbs
These can be fantastic…but come with fine print.
⭐ PROS
More space. Separate living rooms, kitchenettes, bigger bathrooms = game changer.
Quieter. Fewer crowds, less casino noise, fewer drunk bachelorette parties.
Kitchens. HUGE money saver for breakfast and late-night hunger.
Cheaper nightly rates. Especially for longer stays.
⚠️ CONS
Parking fees. Some hotels (even off-Strip) charge $15–$25 a day.
Walking is not realistic. In Vegas, “nearby” is often not walkable.
Transportation adds up. Uber Surges + distance = $$$.
Airbnb safety footprints. Vegas has some areas that get sketchy quickly.
No “dance team atmosphere.” Younger dancers sometimes miss the energy.
Best for:
Larger families, dancers who need quiet space, families cooking meals, and longer stays.
Amenities That Actually Matter for Dance Families
This isn’t your typical travel blog “amenities checklist.” Dance parents have very unique needs, so here’s what really matters:
✔ Fridge + Microwave
You’d be shocked how many Vegas hotels still don’t include these. For dancers? Practically non-negotiable.
✔ Kitchenette/Counter Area (even a small one)
Saving money on breakfast alone can be hundreds. Adequate space and amenities to help with food prep is essential.
✔ Laundry Access
Between packing light, sweaty costumes, and spills… trust me.
✔ Decent water pressure
Hair gel + glitter + Vegas sweat = you need a strong shower.
✔ A safe, easy walking path to the venue
Especially early mornings or late nights.
✔ Quiet Zone Rooms
Las Vegas party pools, clubs, and casino floors do not care that your dancer has a 6 AM call time.
✔ Space for costuming
Hotels with a bench, vanity area, or extra countertop are FAR easier on competition mornings.
✔ Nearby food options that aren’t $40
✔ A pool (but not a club pool)
Avoid DJ party pools - you don’t want your dancer doing her makeup to the “OOONTS OOONTS OOONTS.”
Dance Mom Tips I Learned the Hard Way (You’re Welcome)
Here’s the section where the experience really shows…
1. Buy the $30 Crock-Pot from Walmart.
No really. Best decision ever.
Mac & cheese
Pasta
Pulled chicken
Rice bowls
Saves you hundreds in meal costs. Even if you have to leave the crock pot behind, the cost savings will outweigh “eating out” all of your meals.
2. Bring your own disposable plates and utensils.
Unless you have a sink/kitchen area … but if you’re staying in a room that the bathroom sink doubles as your “kitchen” sink, save yourself the sanity and just purchase the disposable utensils.
3. Bring a portable steamer.
Wrinkles in Vegas appear instantly — like they live there.
4. Pack an extension cord.
Hair station + charging station requires a little engineering.
5. Bring multiple collapsible laundry baskets.
Hotel rooms look cleaner and you don’t lose your clothing (or sanity). Plus, keep one at your dance area during competitions to put costumes into it while your dancer changes (that’s a whole other tip and story for a whole other blog!)
6. Grocery shop strategically.
Closest options:
Walmart (and usually the cheapest)
Vons
Smith’s
Target
Instacart is also your friend… but can cost $.
This is a good option IF you don’t have a way to do in-store shopping or curbside pick-up.
8. A portable cooler saves lives.
Prepared snacks = fewer meltdowns (and your dancer will be happier too). Double check the competition rules though to see if outside food is allowed or not!
Transportation Tips Nobody Talks About
When to Rent a Car
You’re staying off-strip (And we’re not talking just right behind The Linq Wheel … I’m talking a few blocks away or across the freeway!)
You want to go sight seeing when not competing (fun fact, Hoover Dam is less than 1 hour from Las Vegas!)
Multiple kids
Cheaper than rideshare during peak season (will require some research)
When NOT to Rent a Car
Your hotel charges $25+ parking daily, AND the venue charges $25+ parking daily
You’re staying on the Strip
You don’t want to navigate Vegas heat and traffic
Uber/Lyft Tips
Surges during concerts and events
Pick-up spots often require walks that may be too long for younger dancers/family members
Early morning rides can be sparse
Monorail Pros & Cons
Pro: Cheap, quick, even fun for some younger passengers
Con: Closest stops may still be a 10–20 minute walk inside a mega-hotel
Walking
Fine in the morning … Not so great in 110-degree afternoons! Yes, I am guilty of paying $10 to be driven across the street in Vegas on a July Afternoon. I have no shame in my AC game!
Safety Considerations (Dance Family Edition)
✔ Casinos are loud, crowded, and confusing.
Plan meet-up points and don’t rely on phone service.
✔ Teens should never walk alone, even “just downstairs.”
✔ Some Strip sidewalks get rowdy late at night.
✔ Teach your dancer the “elevators full” rule:
If a group seems sketchy, you wait for the next elevator.
✔ For early call times:
Plan your route the night before. Doors and escalators change often.
✔ For late awards:
Keep dancers together. Buddy system always.
What Type of Hotel Is Best for Your Family?
Best For Convenience:
Hotels directly connected to the venue.
Best For Budget-Friendly Stays:
Off-strip hotels with free parking.
Best For Families & Longer Stays:
Suite-style hotels or condo-style properties.
Best For Big Studio Groups:
Hotels with block rates or large lobby areas. Check with the competition on their website, they may have a group rate link posted! Or get 10 or more families together, and reach out directly to the hotel to see if the sales management of said property will provide your group a discounted rate.
Best For Dancers Who Need Quiet:
Non-casino properties or hotels just off the Strip.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas isn’t like any other Nationals destination. It’s bigger, hotter, louder, and more crowded. BUT, it’s also full of incredible experiences and memories your dancer will never forget (This is one of my dancer’s favorite destinations for dance).
Choosing the right hotel makes your entire week smoother, safer, and so much less stressful.
And the best part?
This is just Part 1 of a full series.
Coming Soon:
How to Save Money Before and During Your Las Vegas Nationals Trip
(With all the hacks: MyVegas rewards, how to eat cheap, avoiding hidden fees, and more.)
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