1, 2, 3: Westgate Las Vegas
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While the Westgate Las Vegas has gone through many incarnations and names to become what it is today, its history dates back to 1969 when it opened as The International, the then-largest hotel in the world. From the early 1970s to 2012, the property was known as the Las Vegas Hilton, then LVH from 2012-’14, then finally the Westgate Las Vegas in 2014. Although the hotel’s owners have changed, the property has always offered stellar options to grab a bite, have a cocktail and have some fun—and we’ve picked three of our favorite spots.
This restaurant has been part of the property since opening in 1974. The famed Benihana brand serves as the anchor eatery for the 38,000-square-foot complex that lies just off the casino floor. Once through the doors, with the beyond striking Japanese architecture, it’s like being transported around the globe, as guests are fully enveloped in a world of cherry blossom trees, babbling brooks, the sounds and sights of pouring rainfall, bamboo forests and traditional Japanese elements such as wooden structures and tiled and thatched roofs. Inside this magical world, guests can dine at several different spots: the interactive teppanyaki tables with the talented and entertaining chefs of the iconic Benihana Japanese steakhouse; Asian cuisine at Silk Road Asian Bistro; and sumptuous sushi and sake options at Rikki Tikki Sushi.
While the Westgate Las Vegas offers different styles of bars and lounges around the property, one of our faves—and a hidden gem of sorts—is inside the property’s upscale Edge Steakhouse. Stop in and take a seat at the petite bar and lounge portion where one of the best bartenders in the biz, Mike Thompson, is whipping up all his own handcrafted specialty cocktails. The Edge Smash, Vegas Dream and Mojave Margarita are definite highlights. Thompson will regale you with fun stories, provide suggestions on where to go in the city and is the epitome of a bartender’s bartender. Plus, the space is inviting, beautifully designed and the perfect precursor to dinner.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, then the microphone is waiting for you every Thursday night inside Westgate’s ginormous Superbook sportsbook. Every Thursday night beginning at 10 p.m., guests 21 and over can take the stage to belt out their favorite songs as the words scroll across the sportsbook’s giant screens. Enjoy cocktails and light bites while partying down with your fellow aspiring singers. Whether you’re a novice or karaoke veteran, the goal of Super Karaoke is to have fun!
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