Personally speaking, in the final analysis. it's all about the tattoo.
That's all you will be left with long after the memory, about the experience, fades.
It's a bonus if getting the tattoo is a nice experience, but for me, its not a deal breaker.
Edit- I said it's all about the tattoo but.....
Saturday week I have got an appointment with Doc Price in Plymouth. Doc has been tattooing since the 1950's. I'm not getting a tattoo from him because he's the best out there but because he is part of tattooing history in the UK. He tattooed a pal of mine, in the 1970's.