Originally opened in 1969 as the International Hotel, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Spa lets you relive the glory days of the past while enjoying all the comforts of the present — like a great pool, lots of dining options and multifaceted entertainment
The vibe:
History meets modernity, paradise for sports fans
What we love:
You’ll love having easy access to the Las Vegas Monorail. The Westgate Las Vegas is located about a block east of the Strip, next to the Las Vegas Convention Center (make note of that, business travelers) and a mile from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. And if you hop on the monorail, you’ll be able to travel with ease to several megaresorts including SLS Las Vegas and MGM Grand.
The Westgate Las Vegas is tops among sports bettors, thanks to the illustrious SuperBook. This humungous non-smoking facility is the perfect place to watch a big game.With more than 400 seats and the world’s largest indoor LED video wall (240 wide and 20 feet tall), you won’t miss a moment of the action. Plus, there’s The Ultimate Fan Cave. It has 120-inch HD screens capable of showing up to 16 games at once, as well as armchairs you can really plop down and settle into.
The Westgate Las Vegas is home to the Sky Villas — three “palaces in the sky,” each spanning between 12,600 and 15,400 square feet (that’s more space than you’d find in five houses). In addition to Elvis, the Sky Villas have housed many of the legendary stars who performed at the resort including Liberace, Barry Manilow and Wayne Newton. Anyone can reserve them for a stay or special event, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
The Westgate Las Vegas spent $100 million in hotel renovations in 2015. Everything from its guest rooms and swanky pool deck to its restaurants and SuperBook have a fresh, new look.
Insider tips:
If you only want to pop in to the Westgate Las Vegas to place a bet or watch a game at the non-smoking SuperBook, use the parking garage at the south end of the resort off Paradise Road. You can walk directly into the sports book — after taking a moment to appreciate the giant bronze statue of Man o’ War at the door.
In the complex that houses the Benihana, Rikki Tikki Sushi and Silk Road Noodle restaurants, you’ll find an exquisite setting with waterfalls and a koi pond. It’s a great place to relax with a drink.
Speaking of Benihana, if you’ve never been to a hibachi-style restaurant, you’ve got to try this place. There’s nothing like sitting by the grill, sipping a few cocktail and cheering on the chef who cooks your meal while also entertaining you.
Take time to immerse yourself in Elvis lore. Rub the famous statue of Elvis by sculptor Carl Romanelli near the lobby. Indulge in The Elvis Sandwich — a battered and fried peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich — in Sid’s Cafe.
Good to know:
For the most contemporary of accommodations, go for the remodeled Signature rooms. In addition to having great views of the Strip or nearby golf course, they come with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and mini fridges — the holy trinity of room amenities.
One thing to keep in mind: Since Westgate Las Vegas is part of Westgate Resorts’ family of timeshare properties, you’ll see a large space (toward the North Tower) for presentations about the benefits of vacation ownership.
You may even be approached by people asking you to attend one, but they’re not pushy like the ones you’ll encounter at other resorts. You can upgrade your stay with access to the resort’s Concierge Lounge. It includes breakfast with made-to-order omelets, snacks and cookies, as well as an evening cocktail hour with – wait for it – open bar.