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  Top 10 reasons to visit Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino6 October 2025
During my recent stay at this storied property, I was struck by the energy that filled every corner, even in the middle of the week. The service is equally welcoming: attentive, friendly, and professional. Whether I was enjoying a cocktail at Velvet Bar, having a meal at Edge Steakhouse, or watching the action at the sportsbook, I felt right at home. After a few days exploring the property, it was clear that Westgate is a standout option for a wide variety of reasons.
10. The history When it opened in 1969 as the International Hotel, the property set a new standard for Las Vegas. Later known as the legendary Las Vegas Hilton, and briefly as the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, it wasn’t just another Las Vegas resort. From 1981 to 1990, it was the world's largest hotel built by visionary Kirk Kerkorian. In June 2014, timeshare giant Westgate Resorts scooped up the LVH from Goldman and Gramercy in a deal valued between $150 million and $170 million. According to a Las Vegas Review Jourrnal article, the very next day, Westgate’s CEO, David Siegel, was lifted high atop the hotel’s towering marquee to personally oversee the removal of the “LVH” letters, clearing the stage for the property’s bold new identity: Westgate Las Vegas. 9. The location We all love the energy of the Las Vegas Strip, but when in town, I also don’t mind making my home at an off-Strip property that’s still within the vicinity of the buzz and bright lights. That’s exactly what Westgate delivers, conveniently located just north of the Strip. It’s a quick 10 to 15-minute trip to and from the airport without the headache of Strip traffic, and for those who like to venture into Downtown Las Vegas – as I often do – you can be there in 10 minutes. The direct proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center also makes the Westgate particularly convenient for business travelers. 8. Easy access to public transportation In addition to a prime location, Westgate makes it super easy to get to and from the property. Free public transportation is rare these days in Las Vegas, but Westgate provides complimentary shuttle service to the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street, every two hours between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. I’ve often said the Las Vegas Monorail is one of the city’s most underrated ways to get around, especially if you’re heading to the Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Las Vegas, or MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas side of the Strip. One of Westgate’s most practical perks is its dedicated monorail station, giving you fast, easy, and affordable access to those properties and beyond. Westgate is also home to one of the city’s five passenger stations for The Vegas Loop, Elon Musk’s underground system that shuttles people in Teslas through tunnels beneath Las Vegas. It’s especially handy for the Convention Center, linking the West Hall with the North, Central, and South Halls. A walk that normally takes 25 minutes is cut down to just about two minutes on the Loop. I tried it the first time, driving from Westgate to Resorts World. It was easy, fast, and cheap at $4.25 one way. That said, I didn’t see many people using it during my stay, so the jury’s still out on whether Elon’s Loop will catch on long term. 7. Golf packages Stepping into my Westgate room and drawing back the shades, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the neighboring Las Vegas Country Club, which warmed the heart of this golf nut. Casinos and golf go hand-in-hand and the Westgate offers more than just a picture-perfect vista of the LVCC. Golfers can enjoy exclusive access to this gem of a course just steps away, with special packages that combine accommodations, rounds of golf, and even spa credits to relax after your round. 6. Entertainment The Westgate’s International Theater been graced by some true legends over the years and continues to host world-class entertainment, highlighted by Barry Manilow’s residency, which has been renewed for 2026.
Manilow now holds the record for the most performances at the iconic venue. He first performed at the International Theater in 1988, and returned to launch his current residency in 2018. The 1,607-seat theatre also hosts cabaret shows, and special events that deliver classic Vegas spectacle without the sky-high prices found elsewhere. Intimate lounge acts and tribute shows round out the musical calendar. In addition to Manilow, the theater has also been graced by the presence of Las Vegas legends like Wayne Newton, Liberace, The Commodores, and, of course, Elvis Presely (much more on The King below). 5. Cocktail bars Full disclosure: I have a soft spot for a great casino center bar. The International Bar at Westgate, just steps from the main entrance, hits all the right notes: sleek design, happy hour specials, an energetic vibe, fun bartenders, and live entertainment seven nights a week. During my stay, I also discovered a quieter gem: Velvet Bar, tucked off the lobby next to Viva Coffee & Espresso. Inspired by Kerkorian’s vision for The International Hotel in 1969, Velvet offers an upscale yet comfortable setting, with plush seating and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, or a late-night nightcap. 4. Dining options While Westgate doesn’t offer the sheer volume of dining choices you’ll find at The Venetian, Wynn, or Bellagio, its options prove that quality often beats quantity. Those craving Italian flavors can indulge at Fresco Italiano, while Rikki Tiki Sushi serves fresh seafood and an authentic sushi experience. The real standouts, however, are Edge Steakhouse and Benihana. Benihana is one of the largest Asian restaurant chains in the U.S., with nearly 100 locations, and the Westgate location lives up to its reputation for high-quality food and impeccable service. Just across the hall, Edge Steakhouse offers a dining experience that rivals any in Las Vegas. Starters like the Beef Tartare and Bouillabaisse (a rich mix of lobster, cod, mussel, crab, fennel, marble potato, crab rouille, and tomato and fennel pollen crostini) set the stage for the main event: a perfectly prepared Wagyu Rib Cap. Sourced from Snake River Farms’ renowned American Wagyu, this seven-ounce cut delivers tender, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. 3. Elvis is everywhere
More than any other property in Las Vegas, Westgate honors Elvis Presley’s impact on this great city. Between 1969 and 1976, Elvis performed an astounding 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the International Theater for over 2.5 million fans, cementing the venue as an epicenter for "The King." Nearly four decades after his final performance there, Elvis's name, face, and legacy are an important piece of the Westgate experience. The tribute begins the moment you enter the lobby, greeted by a life-sized bronze statue of the performer. Nearby, a curated display of rare memorabilia includes the .357 Caliber Colt Python pistol Elvis reportedly carried, a swatch of his hair from his last haircut, and two of his favorite brass belt buckles. You might spot a life-size Elvis cardboard cutout in the spa window on the way to the pool, a framed painting of him near the gift shop entrance, or a display of nine Elvis portraits as you exit the coffee shop, which serves a deliciously themed Fat Elvis gelato. The resort also actively celebrates this history, hosting a sold-out event in July to honor The King’s Las Vegas legacy. The celebration featured acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist Travis Powell in the 1969 LIVE! The King Returns show at the International Theater, complemented by an immersive resort experience filled with themed entertainment and memorabilia. 2. Suites and luxury rooms Westgate boasts nearly 3,000 guest rooms, but its themed High Roller Suites stand out as some of the most unique accommodations in Las Vegas. Ranging from 900 to 3,000 square feet, these suites offer spa tubs, breathtaking views of the Strip or the country club, imported marble , plush leather seating, and curated artwork honoring Las Vegas legends.
Guests can choose from a variety of distinctive options: the Family Suite, which sleeps up to eight with colorful bunk beds and video games; the expansive Sante Fe Suite, featuring a pool table, fireplace, jacuzzi, and two king beds; or holiday-themed retreats like the Halloween and Christmas Suites. There’s even the quaint “I Do” Suite & Parlor, designed like a wedding chapel. And, unsurprisingly, there’s an Elvis-themed option. To honor The King’s 90th birthday, Westgate transformed the former Tuscany Sky Villa — once Presley’s personal suite — into the opulent 13,200-square-foot Imperial Sky Villa. This masterpiece allows guests to live in a curated homage to Elvis, complete with plaques detailing his Las Vegas residency, while walking in The King’s footsteps. 1. The Westgate SuperBook No hyperbole here. If you are a sports betting diehard like me, the first time you walk into the spectacular SuperBook at Westgate, it takes your breath away.
I’ve spent countless hours inside the confines of this 30,000-square-foot spectacle that seats 350 fans, and there’s nothing like settling in an hour before kickoff on NFL Sunday with a drink in hand, sports betting apps loaded up, sitting at the long bar in the back, ready for a full day of action. When Westgate took over the Hilton Las Vegas in 2014, they poured $100 million into renovations, including major upgrades at the SuperBook, which now features a 220-foot-wide, 18-foot-high video wall with 63.2 million pixels, five times clearer than AT&T Stadium, delivering 4K action across seven screens. Run by industry veterans who know the sports betting customer more than anyone, the smoke-free SuperBook is a masterclass in fan experience. The team reads the crowd flawlessly, spotlighting the right games with perfect sound, no commercials, and zero downtime between events. While I prefer the back bar, there are plenty of other options, including the big leather chairs up front and a VIP section with a personal 32-inch LCD, desk space, and wait service. Related Links
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