On a Saturday in September, it’s a friendly bunch on the pool deck of the Westgate Las Vegas, with girls in bikinis handing out shots of tequila and visors for the rays of hot sun that permeate through the pool.
Aloe Blacc’s The Man plays over speakers. Groups of 20-something year-olds are stoked to be in Vegas and out of the office.
Odds are, if you’re going to Las Vegas for a weekend trip, you’ll want to stay somewhere with a pool deck, sizable suites, steakhouse, and casino. While searching for hotel accommodations, you can take luck out of the equation. Just plan on staying at The Westgate Las Vegas and you’re already a winner.
The hotel has changed hands a few times and was first The International, next the Las Vegas Hilton, then LVH and now The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This property has an extensive and impressive history in sin city. In the early 1980s, it was the largest hotel property in the world. Elvis Presley played a total of 837 sold out shows at the hotel from 1969 to 1976. There was even a 5,000 square foot suite named after him on the 30th floor until 1994.
The Westgate Las Vegas offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip, which is only a few minutes down the road by car, or a few quick stops on the Las Vegas Monorail. You’ll find the Monorail station conveniently located onsite. The hotel is also only about ten minutes away by car from downtown Las Vegas (AKA Glitter Gulch). This is where you can find old school casinos and experience a more divey atmosphere. If you get to the gulch, be sure to check out Fremont Street. It’s lit, literally. The area boasts a surplus of neon signs. Imagine the largest LED screen in the world—at night, the enclosed Fremont Street is sparkling with brightly colored overhead light shows. Catch some free live music and even zip line off of a giant slot machine.
On a trip for two, I recommend booking the one-bedroom villa at Westgate Las Vegas. The villa features a king sized bed, large jet tub, a full kitchen, dining room, and gold-trimmed glam retro chic décor.
Of course, the Westgate Las Vegas has a number of different room and suite options, including 1,500 square feet luxury one-bedroom suites, ideal for balling out with your boo or a group of friends. The rooms boast views of the Las Vegas strip or Las Vegas Country Club, whirlpool baths, separate parlors, and wet bars. Just a few steps from the pool are the highly coveted loft-style Lanai Suites with their bedroom and living rooms on different floors and the shared suite patio where you can mingle with other guests.
I can’t help falling in love (that’s an Elvis joke) with Edge Steakhouse. Our Vegas feast consisted of mouth-watering fresh jumbo shrimp with a splash of lemon, classic Caesar salad, filet mignon medium-rare, and a side of lobster tail. And of course, we were all shook up (okay, that’s the last Elvis reference, promise) over the black truffle macaroni and cheese. But the chocolate cake is what’s always on my mind (okay, for real, last Elvis song). This treat was specially sent out by Executive Chef Steve Young. If steak houses aren’t for you, you’re wrong. Just kidding. If steak houses aren’t for you, there is also a Benihana, Bar Sake and Robata Grill, Cordovano Joe’s Pizza, and many more options on site!
Before you blast the jets in your room’s whirl pool and start soaking in the organic aloe vera olive oil shower gels and shampoos, and before you get tucked into that plush king bed, remember, you’re in VEGAS! How about a few rounds of late night Black Jack? The best part about hotel resorts and casinos is bouncing around from your room, to the pool and sauna, to the slots, to the bar, and then doing it all over again!
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