Specialty Suites – VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak

Living the LUXE Life at Westgate

Latest guestroom category offers a chic, contemporary vibe…

With all of the well-deserved hoopla surrounding Westgate Las Vegas and their recent 50th anniversary celebration, it was somewhat easy to overlook that they’d also entered year 51 with something new and quite hip…. the LUXE guest room category.

Adding to a profile that includes the comfortable entry-level Premium Room and sophisticated Signature class, LUXE rooms bring cool, elevated hipness to the classic resort. Striking in their simplicity and bathed in a soothing blue/green/beige palette, LUXE rooms offer contemporary luxury that satisfies without pretension. A 360-degree peek is available by clicking HERE.

At 400 square feet, LUXE follows the oversized floor plan that Westgate guests have long appreciated. Wise placement of furniture and bright walls provide a sense of something much larger. The illusion is accentuated by dual wall-mounted bedside shelves that eliminate floor-hogging nightstands. Both are equipped with multiple power outlets and USB ports within the lamps.

King-sized beds (2 queens are available) have headboards accentuated with a back-lighting feature that’s controlled by easily-reached switches. A single digital clock radio is included, something that many room updates are now forgoing.

Mattresses are thick, pleasantly firm and not too low to the floor. Sheets are somewhat on the coarse side, which seems to be the case in all Westgate rooms that I’ve tried. But you’ll forget about that issue when you rest your head on one of four over-sized pillows which are simply marvelous and my favorite in the city (sorry, Delano).

While they might not being standard in all LUXE rooms, mine (number 22-138 in the north tower) included an attractive blue sofa. It faced a 58-inch wall-mounted TV above an entertainment unit that doubles as a dresser. Three drawers with frosted-glass front panels are flanked by cabinets for a digital-lock safe and a mini-fridge, both provided at no extra cost.

A sleek, simple desk is situated at the main window, providing spectacular views of the Strip or scenic golf club…and of course, plenty of natural light. Night owls and business travelers will appreciate the ornate desk lamp with additional charging ports and power outlets.

The bathroom area is bright, clean and shiny with plenty of polished surfaces. The sink cabinet appears to be a holdover from the previous incarnation. Lower shelves stock plenty of towels (Westgate is never stingy with their towels and washcloths) and a hair dryer.

Toiletries are somewhat superior to the awful, watery cheapies that MGM and Caesars properties supply. A walk-in shower with sliding glass doors has a ceiling-mount rain shower head as well as a chrome hand-held style. Water pressure is excellent and hot temps arrived quickly. There were no drainage issues, another extremely common (and inexplicable) issue with Vegas showers.

Other in-room amenities include fast, solid wi-fi (included in resort fee), board and iron, manual black-out curtains and pay-per-view movies. A/C was great and relatively quiet. Alas, in-room coffeemakers are not provided, but 24-hour Fortuna is situated just off the central elevator banks and serves Starbucks products for your java fix.

LUXE rooms will run you essentially double of their entry-level counterpart and roughly 45 percent more than the Signature class. Even at that price point, they provide an excellent value and an attractive alternative to ever-rising Strip prices. LUXE joins an extensive guestroom line-up with a wide variety of suites. Those include the split-level pool deck Lanai Suite (which I may visit for an upcoming piece), the amazing 29th-floor Specialty Suites and a trio of rooftop Sky Villas.

Whatever your mood or budget, Westgate Las Vegas has something to please. It’s my favorite overall resort in Sin City with even more great things on the way. Happy 50th Anniversary, Westgate!

Photos: Sam Novak

Behind the Mysterious Doors of the 29th Floor

A long-touted mystery is about to be revealed…

You may remember the pictoral series I did with photographer Greg C. on the splendid and spectacular Westgate Sky Villas. Ornate and opulent, the Sky Villas are the height of classic Sin City excess. While you can visit them via our articles, these high-roller penthouses are out of reach for just about everyone.

One floor below, down a quiet and rarely-scene corridor off a private scenic elevator, the north wing of the 29th floor has a series of uniquely designed doors. Behind each is one of a collection of amazing Specialty Suites. Every suite is unique in style and layout, offering amenities in keeping with the theme and atmosphere of its particular presentation.

Being a frequent and loyal guest of Westgate (as if you didn’t already know that), I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to many of the Specialty Suites….and have actually stayed in several. In fact, I’m typing this piece while reclining in the atrium of the Bahamas Suite…overlooking the lush greens of the Las Vegas Country Club.

While I enjoy including photos in my articles to help paint a picture, sometimes it’s best to keep the words to a minimum and let the photos do the talking. So please enjoy this sampling of what lies behind the doors of Westgate’s 29th floor.

The Bahamas Suite –

The Bahamas Suite is an epic 2,268 square feet of splendor. With a pool table as its centerpiece, the Bahamas Suite has an atrium-style sitting area, suspended swing chair, four-stool bar, king-sized four-poster bed and a large soaking tub with a view of the eastern horizon.

Velvet chaise lounges, a step-up bedroom area, shower and bidet, a mini kitchen and wall-mounted televisions are enhanced by plush carpeting, deeply-textured wall coverings and a grey-and-purple color scheme. A great place to throw a party…or spoil yourself in the lap of luxury.

Desert Suite aka “Suzanne Somers Suite” –

2,200 square feet, one bedroom, two baths, large balcony and space to entertain fifty…

Westgate founder David Siegel has a profound admiration for entertainer Suzanne Somers. Prior to the residency of her “Suzanne Sizzles” musical production, the resort’s CEO commissioned the Desert Suite to be redesigned just for her.

As you may know, Ms. Somers is a survivor of cancer and an advocate for healthy living and natural healing. In order for her to stay here comfortably, Mr. Siegel had the Desert Suite fitted with organic and non-toxic materials that met her lifestyle requirements.

If you’re a business person (or writer like myself) you couldn’t hope for a more relaxing and inspirational view from your desk. Many a Vegas Unfiltered article was created from this very space.

Even though Suzanne’s show and personal residencies were short-term, the custom suite that carries her name reflects her role as a crusader for health. I’m betting she felt right at home using the private workout facility.

Under a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure with retractable shades, Suzanne was able to work up a sweat with a full assortment of free weights and a bench.

Perhaps Suzanne preferred upping her heart rate while drinking in the panoramic view from her own personal treadmill. Afterwards, she (or you) could create a refreshing smoothie in the nicely-stocked kitchenette to enjoy on the expansive balcony.

What a great cool-down before stepping into the bedroom’s extra-deep tub prior to entertaining in the suite’s sleek, minimalist dining and living spaces.

The primary bathroom is massive, with dual sinks, a full make-up counter, walk-in shower and bidet.

Click here for a 360-degree virtual tour of Suzane Somers Suite…

With all of the comforts of home…and more…you’ll never have to leave the Suzanne Somers Suite. Unless you feel like crossing the hall and visiting…

The Gold Coast Suite

If minimalist decor doesn’t suit your fancy, perhaps the wilds of Africa’s west coast will put you in the proper mood. Step through these massive carved double doors and into turn-of-the-century British Colonies. The Gold Coast Suite will take you back to a pre-modern era of warm woods, lush textiles and bold animal prints.

The floor plan of Gold Coast mirrors that of the Bahamas…with the addition of a small balcony off the bedroom. The pool table, spacious living areas and sun room are back. So is the bar…this time enhanced with lots of artwork and expensive-looking accents.

Nobody wants to “sleep with the fishes” when they get to Sin City, but you can cuddle up next to giraffes, elephants and big cats right here. The Gold Coast Suite boasts a veritable menagerie of African wildlife…so you can throw your own “Hangover”-style bachelor party without the risk of a real life tiger encounter.

The Gold Coast Suite will surround you in luxury with its elevated sleeping quarters and a jetted bathtub boasting an unspoiled view of the city and pool deck below.

Enjoy the sight of helicopters flying past in an endless stream of sunset tours from the atrium. Relax on one of the enormous colorful sofas and chairs in front of the wall-mounted high-definition screen.

With so many amenities to offer, the Gold Coast Suite is clearly ideal for entertaining large groups. But if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, you might want to peek through the keyhole of…

The Bedroom Suite –

Westgate’s adults-only Bedroom Suite will alter your perceptions of reality…and forever change the way you think about Westgate Resort. This 918-square-ft one bed/one bath retreat is designed for daring couples…and those who want to “tie one on” while in Vegas.

Step through the polished and slightly-deceiving doors of this entry into a small world of fantasy, bondage and passion. Prepare to be shocked, titillated, amazed and intrigued. Leave your inhibitions in the hallway and indulge in your deepest desires.

Drink in the colors of red, black…and several shades of grey…that set a sexy tone for memorable encounters. The large circular bed is nestled underneath a matching mirror, tucked into a plush black headboard that divides the sleeping area from a jet tub made just for two.

Sip champagne as the bubbles flow over your body…and try not to blush as your eyes are drawn to a St. Andrews cross mounted to the wall, complete with softly-lined handcuffs.

Slip into something comfortable…or out of it, as the case may be…to enjoy a picturesque sunset. Your full-length balcony offers excellent views of the city and mountains that form the western horizon.

Click here to enjoy a 360-degree virtual tour of The Bedroom Suite.

There are five more Specialty Suites at Westgate Casino Resort to explore. With any luck, I’ll be able to share them with you in a future article. There’s also a myriad of villas that fan out from a central corridor on the same floor.

These mystery villas carry names like “Windsor”, “Ambassador”, “Mediterranean” and “Viena”. Perhaps they’ll show up in a future article as well.

Acquiring one of the Westgate Specialty Suites is a bit of a gamble. Quite literally, actually. They’re usually reserved for high roller guests but sometimes show up on the Westgate reservation website. Check out this page from time to time and you might get the opportunity to splurge on one for yourself.

Before we close this chapter, there’s one more perk you should know about….an over-the-top private penthouse elevator straight to the 29th floor. Take a selfie on the plush settee as you enjoy the gorgeous paintings and polished brass.

All trips to the top should be this fun.

Photos by Sammasseur, Westgate Las Vegas

Models: Lisa and Scott Land, Jeff Desruisseaux

Sky Villas Part 2: The Versailles

“Themes may be a bygone era in Vegas as a whole, but they live on atop Westgate” – Greg C.

Wordless sighs…that’s a typical reaction to the trio of Sky Villas that sit atop the Westgate Las Vegas tower. Resting like a crown atop the existing 29 floors, they are brimming with opulence and European style. Ornate, sprawling, and bordering on gaudy, the Tuscany, Versailles and Verona Sky Suites are the epitome of Las Vegas excess.

Photographer Greg C. returned for the second day of shooting at Westgate (part one is here) in 2016. Having been up there myself, I can assure you that very few things can prepare you for the extravagance…but a fancy-schmancy elevator embellished with artwork, mirrors, and a padded throne…er, bench, certainly helps.

“This suite was called the “Conrad” until recently……IMO the switch to “Versailles” was a good one– the old name was at odds with the classy “Verona” and “Tuscany”…. Conrad sounded a bit too “Joe 6-pack” to my ears…. wonder how they ever picked it.” – Greg C.

Stepping through the rotunda and into the Versailles Suite, one might expect a choir of angels to be singing overhead. This three-bedroom accommodation spreads out over 12,600 square feet.

High-rollers with concern for personal safety (and privacy) can bring their own “goons” to man the elevator rotunda’s security station. Bodyguards aren’t included in the villa’s rental rates, which start at $6,000.00 per night…and a three-night minimum.

Impressive columns, hand-carved furniture, domed ceilings and plenty of genuine gold accents over a peaches-and-cream palette make it easy for you to pretend that you’re in a French castle.

“Versailles does have plenty of decadent appeals. I could easily picture Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette living here if they got yanked into the 21st century. I almost expected to see servants in powdered wigs and pantaloons walking around in the suite…..those wall-sized paintings (and ceilings) really emphasize the theme.” – Greg C.

After a workout in the private exercise facility, guests can relax at an intimate dipping pool situated within the grand courtyard.

The two-story Versailles Suite has three bedrooms that can be accessed by a spiral staircase that rises 30 feet….or a dedicated elevator that is hidden behind an inconspicuous door.

Luxury abounds in the multiple bedrooms, with mural-covered walls and floor-to-ceiling windows.

This particular bedroom not only has the modern touch of a flat screen television at the foot of the bed, but also a terrace that opens onto this magnificent view.

“That open balcony – talk about the ultimate place to watch a sunset. You have a panoramic view of the Strip and mountains up there…a better view than many places, as Westgate is set back away from the Strip and allows you to really catch in the sights.” – Greg C.

“The upper-level balcony is well-concealed. You have to move back the drapes at one end of the windows to reveal the catches where the window swings out to allow access to the open deck. You can look down on the private pool area.” – Greg C.

What happens in Vegas might stay here, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be witnessed by somebody with a well-positioned telescope.

Guests won’t have to go far to relax in a marble whirlpool bath, which also comes with a view.

It may seem strange to use the word “small” in reference to the Versailles Suite, but it is the smallest sky villa at Westgate. The massive three-bedroom Verona Suite tops out at 15,400 square feet and will be featured in the final segment of this series.

If you happen to be a high roller in WOW Rewards Program and have scored access to any of the Westgate Villas or Specialty Suites, send me your photos and you might see them here. In the meantime, I’ll be sitting at the penny slots…playing small and dreaming of living large.

This article previously appeared on another site. It has been updated.

Photos: Greg C.