While Westgate Las Vegas went through many incarnations and names to become what it is today, its history dates back to 1969 when it opened as The International, then the largest hotel in the world. From the early 1970s through 2012 the hotel was known as the Las Vegas Hilton, then LVH from 2012-’14, and finally Westgate Las Vegas in 2014. Although the hotel has changed hands, the hotel always offers excellent options to grab hold of Have a bite to eat, have a cocktail and have fun – and we’ve picked three of our favorite spots.
This restaurant has been on the property since it opened in 1974. The famous Benihana brand serves as the anchor restaurant for the 38,000 square meter complex, which is right next to the casino. Once through the doors, with the impressive Japanese architecture, it feels like being transported around the globe, as guests are completely immersed in a world of cherry blossom trees, babbling brooks, the sounds and sights of pouring rain, bamboo forests and traditional Japanese elements are wrapped up like wooden structures and tile and thatched roofs. In this magical world, guests can dine in different locations: at the interactive teppanyaki tables with the talented and entertaining chefs of the legendary Japanese steak house Benihana; Asian cuisine at the Silk Road Asian Bistro; and sumptuous sushi and sake options at Rikki Tikki Sushi.
While Westgate Las Vegas has different types of bars and lounges around the property, one of our favorites – and some kind of hidden gem – is located in the property’s upscale Edge Steakhouse. Stop by and take a seat in the small bar and lounge, where one of the best bartenders in the business, Mike Thompson, conjures up all of his own handcrafted specialty cocktails. The Edge Smash, Vegas Dream, and Mojave Margarita are definite highlights. Thompson keeps you entertained with funny stories, tips on places to visit in town, and is the epitome of a bartender. Plus, the space is inviting, beautifully designed, and the perfect harbinger for dinner.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, the mic is waiting for you every Thursday night in Westgate’s gigantic Superbook sportsbook. Every Thursday evening from 10 p.m., guests aged 21 and over can take the stage to belt out their favorite songs as the words scroll across the giant sports betting screens. Enjoy cocktails and light bites while partying with your budding fellow singers. Whether you are a beginner or a karaoke veteran, the goal of Super Karaoke is to have fun!
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