Fodor's Expert Review Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Convention attendees have loved this hotel for decades; it's connected to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton, it was rebranded as LVH, or the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, in early 2012 after leaving the Hilton chain (Westgate Resorts bought the property in 2014). Rooms don't offer much in terms of amenities, but because the property is east of the Strip, west-facing accommodations have great views. A variety of suites have themes ranging from Vienna and the Bahamas to the desert and Hollywood. On the ground level, there's a lively lounge called Tempo. What's more, live cooking action at the world's largest Benihana restaurant possibly helps recapture some of the excitement that was lost when Barry Manilow left. A gigantic sports book seems like it could field every bet in the galaxy.

room

The Westgate has history on its side—specifically, Vegas history, which of course involves Elvis. It used to be the International Hotel, the King’s lair in his heyday. It is home to the Sky Villas, which span between 12,600 to 15,400 square feet—palatial, no doubt, but it will also cost you a king’s ransom.

bathroom

Standard-room bathrooms have a shower/tub combination, while the one-bedroom villas feature a rain-head shower system and a two-person jetted tub.

lobby

The main lobby can get hectic. Splurge a small extra for the Concierge Lounge to feel a little more VIP. You’ll get a full hot breakfast, snacks throughout the day and nightly cocktails with hot hors-d'oeuvres, among other perks.

pool

The cabanas and daybeds are brand new at the newly renovated pool deck. There’s also a 15-seat hot tub, bar, retail store, and grill.

spa

Serenity Spa by Westgate brings the rustic atmosphere of the Rocky Mountains with massages, facials, body treatments and more.

gym

The fitness center has cardio equipment, free weights and weight machines to burn off that Elvis Sandwich. You can also unleash your inner John McEnroe at Westgate, home to some of the city’s best tennis courts.

Westgate takes its serve and volley seriously on its six hard courts. There’s a tennis pro shop, as well as beginner and intermediate classes and a ball machine to practice your serves. You can even book a tennis vacation at the resort. Note that all tennis court usage is by reservation only.

dining

Remember when hibachi-style dining was all the rage? At Westgate, the teppanyaki magic lives on at Benihana, where knife skills and theatrics meet on a hot surface inches from your face. After dinner, take a stroll around the pagoda-like environs of Silk Road Noodle restaurant and contemplate the passage on time while watching koi on the pond. For carnivores, Edge Steakhouse is well-regarded, offering wet and dry-aged Prime cuts, domestic Wagyu beef and other specialties.

At Westgate, Elvis has not left the building. In addition to the gorgeous photographs lining the walls, there’s a famous statue by sculptor Carl Romanelli near the lobby. But the best tribute you can give the King is eating the Elvis Sandwich at Sid’s Cafe—a battered and fried peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich.

drinking

Many bars dot the casino floor, including the Plaza Bar, the Tempo Lounge, and the International Bar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There are few options within walking distance of Westgate and you’ll almost certainly need a car, but the good news is you have access to the Las Vegas Monorail, where you can travel with ease to other resorts from the north end (SLS Las Vegas) to the south end (MGM Grand) of the Strip.