Sure, common sense should tell you that maybe free isn't always the best way to go...and this is something you really need to watch for when you're traveling.  I'll show you why I chose to pay for a hotel room in Vegas this time around rather than go with the free room.

I had a room in the middle of the strip for 2 nights, and it didn't cost me a dime.  I then started looking at the purpose of the trip, and then I started looking at the prices.

This trip to Vegas, unlike any other, is for me to just hang out and relax.  I haven't been to Vegas at all this year, but usually when I do go, I get completely wasted or just go buckwild.  This trip, I'm just planning on relaxing, catching some sun, working out, and getting some work done.

I started to look at the cost of the free trip.  It was going to cost me about $20 for a taxi, both ways, so $40, or a shuttle for about $20 round trip.  I plan on getting the internet for a day to get a lot of work done, so that is about $14.  I know I'm telling myself not to, but I'm going to get a buffet at least once, and that will be at least $15.  Since I haven't partied in Vegas at all this year or hardly even gambled, I know I'll probably drop some money on the tables as well, which is fine, I have a few dollars to do that.  Also, I'm not 100% on whether or not the hotel charges for the fitness facility.

So, looking at the free hotel, I'm looking at around $60.

I just paid $45 for a room for two nights.  It is at a hotel I've stayed at before, but I think there was a $14.99 charge for all amenities this time.  If this holds true, I'm looking at $30 for that, but it includes internet and the gym.  I'm paying a little bit more, but in the long run, the stay will be worth it.  Plus, I have stayed at this hotel a few times before and the pool is never crowded, which I like so that while I'm laying there expecting silence, that's what I 'll get!  The gym is a decent one, not big, but it's during the week so I'm not worried about it being crowded.  The hotel also offers a free shuttle service to and from the the airport and the Strip, so that eliminates the need for a shuttle or taxi.  The buffet there is also less than $10, even for dinner!  I really like the Keno lounge there for some reason, and they have the play a live keno game for a nickel, so I'll be doing that!

I'll post another blog as soon as I finish with this little trip and give you the full update on which probably was the better choice!!