As Democrats Swarm Las Vegas, Trump’s Hotel Guests Wait for Their Headliner

With 1,282 rooms, the Trump hotel was offering a range of accommodations for the night of the president’s arrival Tuesday, with rooms starting at $140, according to its website. Some third-party booking sites touted even better deals. “The exterior windows are, of course, gilded in glistening 24-carat gold,” the booking app HotelTonight said, offering a rate of $101. “Lack of casino creates a more peaceful Vegas experience.”

Some guests didn’t find the prospect of a presidential entourage so peaceful. “I can’t talk about it because I’m going to get too upset,” one woman said, declining to say anything more.

“He’s the president, and he is to be respected no matter what,” another guest said, declining to give her name. “But we’re not Trump supporters,” the man she was with called over his shoulder as they walked away.

The Jacobses from Ohio said they liked the Trump hotel for its large rooms and quieter location, even if they were not fans of Mr. Trump himself. “If it didn’t say Trump, I’d be thrilled,” Ms. Jacobs said, pointing to the hotel sign.

“He’s a little crazy,” Mr. Jacobs said. “But we have 401(k)’s,” he said, calling Mr. Trump good for the economy and adding that the couple liked the two former mayors in the race — Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind., and Michael R. Bloomberg of New York — best of the Democratic contenders.

Aaron Chuang, who manages a car dealership in Toronto and was visiting Las Vegas for a conference, called his decision to stay at the Trump hotel this week one of pure economics. “I used my uncle’s free Hilton points,” Mr. Chuang said, adding about Mr. Trump: “I wouldn’t stay here otherwise. I don’t like him.”

For others, the opportunity to stay at the hotel along with the president was cause for celebration. Joseph Mazza, who flew in from Boston with two friends for his 30th birthday, checked in Monday afternoon. Mr. Mazza, who works in finance, said he had attended Mr. Trump’s rally in New Hampshire this month, and he praised his deregulation efforts and corporate tax cuts. “I’m a big fan,” he said.

Source link