Stay & Play
Visions of Yesteryear Flavor Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Barry Manilow headlines at this luxury property adjacent to the convention center
by Randy Mink
As soon as I walked into the lobby of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, I saw the bronze statue of Elvis Presley and knew this was the Vegas base camp for me. There he was in bell-bottom pants holding a microphone, a guitar slung around his shoulders.
Titled “Elvis: The King of Las Vegas,” the sculpture is a favorite selfie spot and reminder that the showroom of this storied place (formerly the Hilton) hosted his eight-year run of sold-out performances from 1969-1976.
Being of a certain generation, I was looking to tap into the Vegas of yesteryear during my stay in town, and the Westgate provided just the dose of nostalgia I needed. Prowling the public spaces on the first floor, I had a field day inspecting the framed posters, artwork and black-and-white photos of stars who entertained there way back when—legends like Barbra Streisand, Liberace, Ann-Margret, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones and Barry Manilow.
Entertainment Options
Manilow, now 80 years old, performs at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino today. The crooner’s residency continues through 2024, with 15 three-night engagements scheduled through December. His show features favorites like “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and other hits from the 1970s and 80s.
Next to the theater, the gift shop sells everything from Barry-themed drinkware to throw pillows and rubber duckies. Or how about a Barry bobblehead?
Manilow’s image adorns an exterior wall of the mammoth, 2,956-room resort and flashes on the 28-story outdoor video sign, said to be the largest freestanding sign of its kind in the world. His picture even graced my room key card.
The resort’s playbill also features Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, another blast from the past. Valli, who turns 90 on May 3, is set for several appearances in 2024.
The Westgate Cabaret presents comedy and magic acts, plus musical shows like “Soul of Motown,” a tribute to vocal groups such as The Temptations and Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
In one corridor, near the giant game arcade, resort guests can play entertainer in a room equipped with a grand piano that invites passersby to sit down and pose at the keyboard.
Recreation and Dining Choices
Outdoors on the third level, resort guests can relax in a cabana at the huge swimming pool. Other amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center and full-service spa.
The property’s most eye-popping dining venue is the cavernous space encompassing Benihana’s Japanese steakhouse, Rikki Tiki Sushi and Silk Road Asian Bistro. The village setting is landscaped with statuary, lush foliage and a koi pond. Fresco Italiano offers tastes of Italy, and Edge is a classic American steakhouse.
Clustered by the Race & Sports SuperBook, the world’s largest such facility, are Nacho Tacos, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill and Cordovano Joe’s Pizza. Nearby is Fresh Buffet.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is located off the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, next to the city’s convention center. The heart of the Strip is just a five-minute monorail ride away.
