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Las Vegas is no ordinary NFL road trip. When the schedule says your team is headed to Nevada to play the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, fans immediately wonder two things: where do the visiting players stay, and how does a city built for nonstop entertainment work for a league that values structure, routine, and security? This guide explains how NFL teams choose their hotels in Las Vegas, the kinds of properties they prefer, what actually happens inside a team hotel, and which parts of town make the most sense for visiting teams. You will also learn what this means for fans who want to enjoy game weekend without crossing any lines or causing disruptions.
Why This Question Matters
Regular-season road trips look similar from city to city: teams arrive the day before, hold meetings and a walk-through, sleep, and go straight to the stadium. Las Vegas adds unique variables—casinos, late-night energy, traffic patterns on the Strip, and a range of hotels unlike any other market. Because of that, fans are curious. Teams and the NFL also care about consistency, safety, and focus. Understanding both sides will give you a clearer picture of why certain hotels get picked and why exact details are usually kept quiet until after a game.
What NFL Teams Need From a Hotel
In any city, not just Las Vegas, team decision-makers start with the same checklist. The names of the hotels may change, but the needs do not. Here are the core requirements.
Security and Privacy Above All
NFL clubs block multiple floors, control elevator access with key cards, and coordinate with on-site security and local police. Many hotels can lock down private entrances and service corridors for players and staff. Teams want minimal foot traffic around team spaces, predictable logistics, and a clear plan for arrivals and departures. In Las Vegas, this priority often nudges teams toward properties that can separate team operations from general casino crowds.
Meeting Space and Film Rooms
Teams transform ballrooms into lecture-hall-style meeting rooms and breakout spaces for offense, defense, and special teams. They bring projectors, screens, and AV equipment or use the hotel’s gear. Reliable Wi‑Fi and wired connections for video are critical. Hotels that can turn a large ballroom for a walkthrough or walkthrough-style alignment checks have an advantage.
Nutrition and Hydration
Hotels must produce team-approved menus with predictable timing and ingredients. That means premade shakes, hydration stations, pasta bars, high-carb and lean-protein options, and late-night snacks after meetings. Teams work with hotel culinary staff to avoid surprises and to meet player-specific allergies and preferences.
Training and Recovery Space
Clubs set up treatment rooms for taping, massages, and recovery. Ice tubs, compression equipment, and portable training tables are standard. A good hotel provides flexible back-of-house areas for these setups and helps with electrical needs and cold storage.
Location and Bus Logistics
Proximity to the stadium matters—but not in the way fans think. Whether the drive is 10 minutes or 30, the key is predictability. Teams prefer direct bus routes, staging areas for multiple motorcoaches, and a reliable police-escorted path on game day.
What Makes Las Vegas Different
Las Vegas combines megaresorts, entertainment crowds, and 24/7 activity. Teams adapt by choosing hotels that reduce distractions and support tight security. That can mean non-gaming hotels, off-Strip resorts, or properties with controlled access points. It also means planning around weekend traffic near Allegiant Stadium and the Strip.
Non-Gaming Options Are Popular
Many NFL teams prefer hotels without casinos, especially in Vegas. Fewer gaming areas mean less smoke, less noise, and easier access control. Non-gaming properties are common on or near the Strip, and they’re built with service-intensive guests in mind—perfect for meeting spaces and team meals.
Off-Strip Calm Can Be a Plus
Some teams choose resorts outside the Strip corridor to keep things quiet. Suburban properties offer space, privacy, and easier perimeter control. They also provide a “retreat” feel that helps keep players in a game-first mindset.
Where Visiting NFL Teams Commonly Stay in Las Vegas
For safety and privacy, teams rarely announce their hotel publicly before a game. Hotels also change based on availability, special events, and team preferences. That said, patterns do exist. The following categories and examples reflect the types of properties NFL teams commonly use in Las Vegas. These are not guarantees for any specific game, but they give you a realistic idea of the landscape.
1) Non-Gaming Luxury on or Near the Strip
These properties focus on service, meeting space, and a peaceful atmosphere—without a casino floor. They also have discreet entrances and controlled elevator banks.
Common examples include:
– Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (attached to Mandalay Bay but non-gaming, with a separate entrance and a calm, upscale environment)
– Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas (central Strip, no casino, sophisticated meeting spaces, easy to secure)
– Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA (non-gaming and smoke-free, within CityCenter, good for privacy and logistics)
– Delano Las Vegas (non-gaming, all-suites tower at Mandalay Bay, with its own lobby and access points)
Why teams like these: the staff is used to handling VIP groups, the meeting rooms are plentiful, and it is easier to keep team operations separate from the general public. Being near the south end of the Strip—close to Allegiant Stadium—can also reduce the chance of getting stuck behind Strip traffic lights or special events.
2) Off-Strip Luxury and Quiet Retreats
Some coaches want distance from the Strip. These resorts trade nightlife for peace and space, which can be ideal for installing the game plan and keeping the schedule tight.
Common examples include:
– JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa (Summerlin; large ballrooms and gardens; calm environment)
– Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (Summerlin; off-Strip luxury with strong meeting infrastructure; while it has a casino, it is far from the Strip crowds)
– Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa (Henderson; off-Strip resort with substantial meeting space and controlled campus layout)
Why teams like these: dedicated bus staging areas, easy perimeter control, and a resort feel that promotes focus. Travel to Allegiant Stadium is predictable via highways and arterials, even on busy weekends.
3) Lake Las Vegas Resorts
Lake Las Vegas, in Henderson, offers secluded, non-gaming hotels that feel worlds away from the Strip. The quiet vibe can be ideal the night before a game.
Common examples include:
– The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa (non-gaming, extensive outdoor space and ballrooms)
– Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa (non-gaming, scenic waterfront setting with good meeting facilities)
Why teams like these: serious privacy, minimal temptation, and plenty of space for walk-throughs and meetings. These resorts are typically 25–35 minutes from Allegiant Stadium depending on traffic, which is acceptable given the calm environment.
4) Partner and Headquarters-Affiliated Hotels
The Raiders have a long-standing partnership with M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson as an official team headquarters hotel. Visiting teams generally avoid the home team’s primary partner property for obvious reasons, but it is worth knowing that Allegiant Stadium operations and Raiders partnerships shape the hotel ecosystem on game weekends.
In short: even if a property is a partner of the home team, the visiting club might choose a different location to keep operations separate, or simply because the home team is using that property for its own needs.
5) Boutique or Smoke-Free Concepts
Some properties combine Strip access with design and policy choices that fit NFL tastes, like smoke-free environments or smaller, more controllable footprints.
Common examples include:
– NoMad Las Vegas (boutique hotel within Park MGM; Park MGM is smoke-free on the casino floor)
– Park MGM (smoke-free casino policy; ample meeting space and modern AV)
Why teams like these: clear air policies and modern design can make logistics easier and environments calmer. Proximity to the south Strip also shortens the game-day ride.
How Far Are These Hotels From Allegiant Stadium?
Las Vegas traffic can be unpredictable during major events, but teams plan with time to spare and often receive police escorts. Here are general travel ranges to Allegiant Stadium.
South Strip and Nearby Non-Gaming Hotels
From Four Seasons, Delano, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and the south-Strip corridor, the bus ride is often 5–15 minutes, depending on the route and pregame timing. Teams can stage buses away from crowds and use back-of-house access points to load quickly.
Center Strip Non-Gaming or Boutique Properties
From locations like Waldorf Astoria, Vdara, and Park MGM/NoMad, expect roughly 10–20 minutes, buffering extra time for weekend traffic. Police escorts smooth this out on game day.
Summerlin Resorts
From JW Marriott or Red Rock in Summerlin, plan on about 20–30 minutes via the 215 Beltway and I‑15 or surface streets. Teams factor in contingencies for accidents or event traffic.
Henderson and Lake Las Vegas
From Green Valley Ranch, the M Resort area, or Lake Las Vegas resorts (Westin, Hilton), estimates run 20–35 minutes depending on the exact property and route. Teams will choose a window that keeps pregame routines on schedule.
Inside a Visiting NFL Team’s Hotel: What Really Happens
Fans sometimes imagine a glamorous Vegas weekend. The reality is structured, quiet, and carefully timed. Here is a simple play-by-play of a typical road weekend in Las Vegas, similar to other NFL cities but with Vegas-specific logistics.
Arrival Day (Usually Saturday for a Sunday Game)
– Arrival: The team lands mid-afternoon. Buses go straight to the hotel. Staff collect room keys on the bus so players can head directly to their rooms.
– Meeting Setup: Operations staff, video coordinators, and IT set up ballrooms and breakout rooms. Trainers set up taping and recovery areas.
– Meals: A scheduled dinner buffet with high-carb options, lean proteins, vegetables, and hydration stations. Specific menu items follow team nutrition guidelines.
– Walk-Through or Alignment Review: Some teams do a light walk-through in a ballroom, wearing sneakers and no pads, to tighten assignments without full-speed movement.
– Position Meetings: Offense/defense and position groups meet in smaller rooms with film and laser pointers, often into the evening.
– Individual Recovery: Players get treatment, stretching, or massage. Many stick to consistent routines they use every road game.
– Curfew: A set time, enforced by staff. Las Vegas does not change this—if anything, it makes coaches more strict.
Game Day
– Breakfast and Activation: Early breakfast with familiar items. Some players do short mobility sessions or mental run-throughs.
– Bus Departures: Teams go in waves, with a set schedule printed on the itinerary. Police escorts are common to keep timing predictable.
– Postgame: After the game, buses return to the airport for the team flight home. Many teams do not spend an extra night in Vegas.
Security Measures You Won’t Notice
Behind the scenes, hotels coordinate extra staff at elevators, entrances, and loading docks. Floors may be blocked off. Staff wear credentials for team areas. The idea is not secrecy for its own sake; it is a safety and focus plan that is standard across the league, adjusted for Vegas crowds.
Do Teams Always Use the Same Las Vegas Hotel?
No. Availability, pricing, and event calendars can push teams to rotate between a short list of suitable properties. Clubs also adjust based on previous experiences—chef coordination, AV reliability, bus loading, and how effectively the hotel blocked off team floors. When a team finds a hotel that fits its routine, it may return on future trips, but nothing is guaranteed year to year.
How Far in Advance Are Hotels Booked?
Planning often starts as soon as the NFL schedule is released. Teams place holds at multiple properties, then finalize after reviewing rates, ballrooms, and competing events (concerts, conventions, major fights). Big events like Formula 1 or a championship bout can reshape the entire city’s hotel availability and traffic strategy, so teams hold contingency options.
Las Vegas-Specific Pros and Cons for Visiting Teams
Pros
– Choice: Few cities offer more high-quality hotels with robust meeting space and catering.
– Infrastructure: Airlines, charter services, and motorcoach vendors are plentiful. Hotels are used to large VIP groups.
– Stadium Access: Allegiant Stadium sits near the south Strip, close to multiple non-gaming properties with strong logistics.
Cons
– Event Overlap: Conventions, concerts, and sporting events can clog traffic and consume ballroom space.
– Noise and Smoke: Casino floors can be busy and smoky. Teams mitigate this by choosing non-gaming or smoke-free properties.
– Distractions: Player focus is the priority. Coaches lean on curfews, tighter schedules, and controlled environments.
Publicly Reported Example: Super Bowl Week
For context, consider Super Bowl weeks, when logistics are more public. For Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, the two participating teams reportedly stayed at Lake Las Vegas properties—quiet, non-gaming resorts well away from the Strip. Super Bowls are different from regular-season games, but the choices illustrate common priorities: privacy, meeting space, and calm surroundings, with predictable bus routes to the stadium.
Can Fans Find Out Where Visiting Teams Are Staying?
Before a game, details are usually private for safety and focus. Sometimes, after the fact, media or social posts will reference where teams stayed. On rare occasions, a hotel lobby sighting surfaces online during a big event week. But teams and hotels work hard to avoid publicly identifying the team hotel until the game is over.
Fan Etiquette
If you happen to see players in public, be respectful. Do not crowd team entrances or meeting areas, and avoid interrupting meals or meetings. Remember that a road game is a business trip for players and coaches. A polite wave or a brief “good luck” is fine when it does not intrude on team operations.
If You Are a Fan Planning a Vegas Trip for a Raiders Home Game
You do not need to be near the team hotel to have a great weekend. Think instead about your own logistics: price, walkability to the stadium, and how you want to spend your non-football hours.
Best Areas for Convenience
– South Strip: Properties like Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur are closest to the Hacienda pedestrian bridge for walking to Allegiant. Delano and Four Seasons are also nearby.
– Center Strip with Easy Transit: Hotels connected to the monorail or with quick rideshares can work well if you prefer the middle of the action.
– Off-Strip Value: If you rent a car or do not mind rideshare, off-Strip properties in Summerlin or Henderson can be cheaper and calmer.
Budget Tips
– Watch Event Calendars: Room rates can spike if your game coincides with a major convention or concert. If you can, book early.
– Consider Weekday Arrivals: Arriving Friday morning instead of Friday night can lower cost and stress.
– Bundle Transport: Some hotels offer shuttle services to nearby transit points. Otherwise, rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked and easy to use on game day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do visiting teams ever stay in casino hotels?
Yes. While many prefer non-gaming hotels, some casino properties can meet security and meeting needs very well. If a casino hotel fits the team’s routine and offers controlled access points, it can work. The deciding factors are usually meeting space, security, and logistics—not gaming in itself.
Is the stadium walkable from the Strip for fans?
Yes. Many fans use the Hacienda Avenue pedestrian bridge from the south Strip to reach Allegiant Stadium. Teams will still take buses for security and timing, but fans often enjoy the walk if they are staying nearby.
How early do team buses leave on game day?
It varies by kickoff time and pregame routines, but teams leave in waves so different position groups can follow their set schedules. Buses are timed to allow equipment staff and early warm‑up players to arrive ahead of the main group, with a final bus closer to team warm‑ups.
Do players have time to sightsee in Las Vegas?
Not typically. The schedule is tight. Curfews and meetings keep everyone focused. After the game, teams usually fly out immediately.
What about smoke and noise inside hotels?
Non-gaming and smoke-free properties help here. Even in casino hotels, teams block off private spaces and use controlled routes to limit exposure to smoke and crowds.
Do visiting teams use the same gym facilities in Vegas?
Teams rely on hotel spaces for meetings and recovery, but their on-field work happens at the stadium on game day. Any functional workouts the day before are typically light mobility or ballroom walk-throughs, not full practices. They bring portable equipment and use hotel fitness rooms as needed for warm-ups.
How Teams Balance Focus and Comfort
At its core, every decision is about performance. A good team hotel in Las Vegas creates a bubble of calm inside a busy city. Players can rest. Coaches can teach. Staff can move equipment without delays. Meals are predictable. Buses arrive on time. Whether the skyline outside the window is the Strip or a quiet lakeside, the inside of a team hotel is set up to feel familiar in every city.
Comparing the Main Areas at a Glance
South Strip and Adjacent Non-Gaming Hotels
– Pros: Very short ride to Allegiant; easy bus staging; strong meeting space; familiar to NFL operations.
– Cons: Weekend traffic can be heavy; crowd control requires careful planning.
Center Strip Non-Gaming or Smoke-Free Concepts
– Pros: Balanced access to stadium and amenities; modern AV and ballrooms.
– Cons: Slightly longer rides; more tourist foot traffic outside.
Summerlin Off-Strip Resorts
– Pros: Tranquil environment; large campus-style hotels; straightforward security perimeters.
– Cons: Longer bus rides; relies on highway predictability.
Henderson and Lake Las Vegas
– Pros: Secluded and quiet; strong privacy for meetings and curfews.
– Cons: Longest rides to the stadium; requires earlier bus schedules.
How Home and Visiting Needs Interact
The Raiders organize their own hotel and stadium plans. Visiting teams choose hotels that do not interfere with the home team’s operations and that fit their own preferences. The league, teams, and hotels coordinate to keep both sides running smoothly. When two large operations share a single city during a major event weekend, early planning and clear communication are essential.
Key Takeaways for Curious Fans
– Team hotels are chosen for security, meeting space, and calm—not glitz.
– In Las Vegas, non-gaming properties and off-Strip resorts are popular because they control distractions and smoke.
– Distances to Allegiant Stadium range from about 5 to 35 minutes depending on where the hotel is and traffic conditions, but teams schedule ample buffer time.
– Exact hotels are usually kept private until after the game for safety and focus.
– You can enjoy a great game weekend by staying where it is convenient for you, without needing to find the team hotel.
A Simple Example Weekend Itinerary for a Visiting Team
To make this concrete, imagine a visiting team that chooses a non-gaming hotel near the south Strip.
– Saturday afternoon: Arrival and hotel check-in via private entrance. Trainers set up, coaches test AV.
– Saturday evening: Team dinner followed by staggered meetings. A short walk-through in the ballroom to confirm alignments. Curfew enforced.
– Sunday morning: Breakfast windows with hydration and carbs. Early buses for staff and specialists. Main buses depart in waves with a police escort.
– Sunday postgame: Buses return to the charter flight. Most teams are airborne within hours of the final whistle.
Why You Won’t See a Public List of “Team Hotels” for Each Game
Security and competitive routine matter more than publicity. Publishing exact plans could create crowding, slow down operations, or distract players. That is why you will see broad patterns—like non-gaming preferences or off-Strip retreats—but not official lists for each opponent and date. After the game, stories may surface about where a team stayed, but by then the operational risks are gone.
Conclusion
So, where do visiting NFL teams stay in Las Vegas? The short answer is: in hotels that feel nothing like the casino floor. Teams gravitate to non-gaming luxury towers near the south Strip, quiet off-Strip resorts in Summerlin or Henderson, and secluded Lake Las Vegas properties that make curfews and meetings easy. Specific choices change based on availability and event calendars, and teams keep details private for safety and focus. For fans, the best approach is to plan your own perfect Vegas weekend—stay somewhere that fits your budget and preferred vibe, use the easy walking routes or rideshares to reach Allegiant Stadium, and enjoy the spectacle. Inside the team hotel, the lights are low, the schedules are tight, and the goal is simple: keep distractions out, keep performance in, and treat Las Vegas like any other road game—even when the city outside never sleeps.
