It's all about location, location, location—whether for retail or for travel. When choosing a spot for a Las Vegas trip, location can make or break a special weekend. I always knew Westgate has some of the best resorts in Orlando, so I was excited to learn I was heading to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino for a guys weekend.
The Westgate Las Vegas is in the perfect location. It is far enough away from The Strip to exude a feeling of safety. It is close enough to downtown Las Vegas to indulge in the nostalgia of the OG Vegas, visit museums, and check out the beer scene on Brewery Row. The Westgate Las Vegas is connected to The Strip via the Monorail, so getting anywhere in Sin City is easy. However, the Westgate has everything necessary for a memorable guys weekend in Vegas in one location!
ENTERTAINMENT
Las Vegas entertainment exploded in this very place.
"There is so much history in this theater," says Gordon Prouty, Vice President of Public Relations and Community Affairs at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino as we toured Westgate's International Theater. "When we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the theater in 2019 we found some interesting photos and archives."
Barbra Streisand opened The International's showroom and Peggy Lee opened the lounge on July 2, 1969. But, the most recognizable stint at the International Theater was the King's.
Elvis Pressley began a legendary residency on this stage on July 31, 1969. The run lasted until December 1976, with a record 636 consecutive sold out shows. The King is memorialized with a statue in the Westgate's main entrance and his contribution is still alive backstage and in the theater's green room, where the bar he installed still quenches the thirst of VIPs and performers.
Today, the International Theater is the exclusive home of Barry Manilow and his 50 top 40 hits. This popular stay has been extended through 2023 and proves why the performer has sold over 85 million albums.
"Barry Manilow performs here now, but he also performed here in 2005 and 2009," says Prouty as he shows off a display of signed photos of past performers—like Goldie Hawn, Reba McEntire, and Liberace.
Next door in the Westgate Cabaret, Jen Kramer became the first female magician to headline a Las Vegas resort residency when her show opened in 2018. The crafty and constantly smiling magic maker dazzles the audience with slights of hand, disappearing acts, and stunning crowd interaction. Her accolades continue to roll in after every show.
ROOMS
The Westgate offers a variety of room types, from functional guestrooms to well-appointed suites with wet bars and parlors for hosting guests.
Once I made my way to my 900 sq ft one-bedroom villa overlooking the pool with a view of Frenchman Mountain I realized I could easily stay here much longer than a weekend. The space comfortably seats a dozen friends and entertaining is easy with the full kitchen and a spacious living area, which can be divided from my bedroom.
The suite life is alive and well at the Westgate as we toured several specialty suites and sky villas. For example, the Mediterranean Suite is a spacious 5,000 sq ft palace in the sky with beautiful views even from the jet tub. Another extravagant stay is the Santa Fe Suite, 3,096 sq ft of southwestern style and comfort. Dozens of villas and suites were built to satisfy customer demand.
DINING
There are two must visit dining spots in the Westgate Las Vegas, Benihana and EDGE.
Designed by the minds who helped create some of the iconic Disney theme park installments, Benihana transports diners to the water gardens of Japan. This visually stunning restaurant features personal tables for romantics and small groups set among falling water, themed lighting, and living flora. Specialty cocktails pair with fresh sushi, sensational seafood dishes, and traditional hibachi specialties created/performed in front of diners.
The Westgate's signature steakhouse, EDGE, invites guests to "Dine like the King" in a room decorated with authentic memorabilia and Presley's personal effects, including a firearms collection. The chefs at EDGE specialize in an in-house, 40-day dry aging process used with cuts like New York strip and ribeye. Prix fixe options and a five-course chef tasting menu is available. The Wagyu strip and rib cap are headliner steaks.
Less formal dining options are available throughout the resort. Fresco Italiano is a highly rated Italian restaurant. Sid's Café is popular for breakfast. Sports fans can enjoy pub grub at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill. The centrally located Fortuna is a grab and go eatery with attached Starbucks. And, of course, there is a sizable, fresh buffet just off the casino floor.
SPORTSBOOK & CASINO
Without divulging too much information, our crew did pretty well in the casino. We met some friendly dealers at the blackjack table, got schooled by some locals at roulette, and we all had tons of fun with the one-armed bandits in the smoke free atmosphere.
We spent a lot of our lunch time just hanging out in the SuperBook, eating burgers and wings, and watching sports from all over the world on the massive 220 ft x 18 ft video wall, which delivers pictures in stunning 4K. The service here is great and the atmosphere is relaxed. The Westgate's sports book is home to Vegas' largest free football party every Sunday of the NFL season with food and drink specials and satellite betting stations. Horseracing fans can also get in on the action with an entire section of the SuperBook dedicated to this activity. VIP booths, pods, and seating for football and horseracing is available … and recommended!
SPA & POOL
On the sunny afternoons we could be found poolside. Cabana service is wonderful!
I managed to find some time to enjoy the services at Serenity Spa by Westgate. I enjoyed an aromatherapy massage to help relieve tension with a custom blend of essential oils combined with light to moderate pressure focusing on points where I needed it the most.
During our Vegas style guys weekend I did manage to get outside of the Westgate property, but there was honestly no need. Everything we wanted or needed was here for us; we could even pick up souvenirs (and get a tattoo) in the Westgate's retail row. From the moment I woke up until I found my bed at night I felt at home and part of Vegas history and excitement at the Westgate.
Useful links
Westgate Las Vegas Casino & Resort www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/
Westgate Resorts Orlando https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/orlando/
