If you're walking through the lobby and feel like the ghosts of 1969 are staring back at you, they basically are. It is weird. The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino sits just off the Strip, a massive, slightly brutalist concrete monolith that carries more history than almost any other building in Nevada. Most people think the "real" Vegas is the sparkly new stuff like Fontainebleau or Sphere, but honestly, those places lack the grit and soul found here. This is the house that Elvis built. Or, more accurately, the house that Kirk Kerkorian built for Elvis to fill.
Back when it opened in 1969 as the International Hotel, it was the biggest thing on the planet. It had 1,512 rooms. It had a gold-leaf ceiling. It had a massive pool that looked like it belonged in a Bond film. Today, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort occupies a strange, fascinating space in the market. It isn’t the luxury peak of Wynn, but it isn’t a budget motel either. It’s a massive, sprawling convention hub that doubles as a pilgrimage site for music nerds and sports bettors.
The King's Penthouse and the 636-Show Streak
You can't talk about the Westgate without talking about the "International Suit." Elvis Presley performed 636 consecutive sold-out shows here. Think about that. Every single night, for years, he was the heartbeat of this building. While the 30th-floor suite where he lived has been renovated and remodeled over the decades (it’s now the Tuscany Suite), the DNA of that era is everywhere. There is a bronze statue of him in the lobby. Fans still touch the hand for luck before hitting the slots.
The sheer scale of the place is what hits you first. It's huge. You’ll get lost. It's not a "boutique" experience; it's a "wear comfortable shoes because your room is half a mile from the elevator" experience.
People often ask if it's dated. Parts of it? Sure. But they’ve poured millions into the "Signature" rooms. If you book a cheap "Player" room, yeah, you might feel like you’ve stepped back into 1994. But the upgraded Luxe and Signature rooms are surprisingly sharp, with heavy drapes and those massive, plush headboards that scream old-school Vegas wealth. It’s a vibe you either love or you don't.
Betting on the SuperBook
If you like sports, you already know about this place. The Westgate SuperBook is widely considered the world's largest race and sports book. It’s 30,000 square feet of pure adrenaline and glowing LED screens. It isn't just a place to put $20 on a parlay; it’s a cathedral. During the NFL season or March Madness, the energy in there is thick enough to cut with a knife.
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The screens are 220 feet wide. That is longer than a Boeing 747. It’s absurd.
What makes it different from the sportsbooks at Caesars or MGM is the "purist" feel. You’re surrounded by people who actually know the stats, not just tourists looking for a place to sit. The betting windows move fast. The cocktail service is legendary if you’re actually wagering. Honestly, if you’re a sports fan and you stay anywhere else, you’re basically just making your life harder.
The Off-Strip Advantage (And the Monorail Hack)
Let’s be real: the Westgate Las Vegas Resort is not on the Strip. It’s on Paradise Road, right next to the Las Vegas Convention Center. For some, this is a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a godsend. You’re away from the sidewalk-choking crowds of the Bellagio fountains, but you aren’t isolated.
The secret weapon? The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated stop right at the Westgate entrance.
You can hop on that train and be at the Flamingo or MGM Grand in under ten minutes. It beats paying $40 for an Uber during a surge or trying to navigate Strip traffic in a rental car. Plus, being next to the Convention Center means this hotel is a business hub. If you're here for CES or a massive medical convention, you’re staying here. Period. The walkability to the halls is unmatched.
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Dining Without the Strip Markup
One of the best things about being slightly off-center is the food pricing. Don't get me wrong, you can still drop $200 on a steak at Edge Steakhouse—which, by the way, consistently ranks as one of the best in the city—but you have options.
Benihana at the Westgate is a whole thing. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a multi-level Japanese village with gardens and running water. It’s theatrical. It’s loud. It’s perfect for Vegas. If you want something faster, the Sid’s Cafe offers those massive, classic Vegas breakfasts that keep you full until dinner. And the Fresca Basilico? Good pizza. Surprisingly good.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Westgate
There’s this misconception that the Westgate is just a "budget" alternative. That's a bit of a lazy take. While you can often find rooms for $60 or $80 on a Tuesday, the property actually caters to high-rollers and serious convention-goers. The "High Limit" gaming areas are legit. The service in the concierge lounge is attentive.
The pool area—the "Pool Deck"—is massive. It’s 5 acres. It’s not a "day club" with thumping EDM and $2,000 cabanas (though they have cabanas). It’s a place where you can actually swim. Families love it because there is space to breathe.
However, you have to manage expectations. This is a massive property with nearly 3,000 rooms.
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Check-in can be a nightmare on a Friday afternoon. The lines look like airport security. If you have status or book a premium room, use the VIP check-in. It will save your sanity. Also, the parking garage is a hike. If you’re driving, be prepared for a walk before you even hit the lobby.
The Reality of the "Resort Fee" and Hidden Costs
Vegas is the land of hidden fees, and the Westgate Las Vegas Resort is no exception. You’re going to pay a daily resort fee. It covers the Wi-Fi, the fitness center access, and local calls (who makes local calls anymore?). Just factor that into your budget so you aren't surprised when the bill under your door is $45 higher per night than you expected.
Is it worth it?
If you want the "Mega-Resort" experience without the "Mega-Resort" price tag of the newer properties, then yes. There’s a pickleball complex on the roof. There’s a massive theater that still hosts legends like Barry Manilow. There’s a weirdly charming sense of history that the glass towers on the Strip just can't replicate.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Las Vegas rewards those who plan, especially at a property this big.
- Book a Signature Room: Avoid the base-level "Premium" or "Player" rooms if you care about modern decor. The price jump is usually minimal, but the quality jump is huge.
- Get the Monorail Pass: Buy a multi-day pass online before you arrive. It’s cheaper than buying single tickets and makes the "off-Strip" location a non-issue.
- Edge Steakhouse Reservations: This place fills up. If you want a weekend dinner, book it two weeks out. Order the "Wagyu Tasting"—it’s expensive, but you won't forget it.
- The Elvis Walk: Take thirty minutes to walk the hallway near the theater. The photos of the International era are incredible. It’s a free museum of 1970s pop culture.
- Skip the Friday Rush: If you can, check in on a Thursday or before 2:00 PM on Friday. The lobby becomes a zoo once the flights from LA and Phoenix land.
- Check the Convention Calendar: If a massive show like SEMA or CES is in town, the Westgate will be packed and expensive. If you aren't attending the convention, pick a different week.
The Westgate isn't trying to be the Cosmopolitan. It isn't trying to be the Bellagio. It's a blue-collar palace that honors the history of the city while providing one of the best sports betting experiences on the planet. It’s big, it’s loud, and it’s quintessentially Las Vegas.
For the best experience, download the Westgate app before you arrive to handle mobile check-in and explore the property map. Given the size of the resort, having a digital layout of the casino floor and restaurant locations on your phone will save you from wandering in circles for twenty minutes trying to find the sportsbook.