I found out that Formula 1® was coming to Las Vegas — and they’d be racing right down the Strip. I’m a fan of Vegas, and my partner, Scott, is a huge fan of F1. I remember receiving an email about the event and forwarding it him. I asked, “Want to go if we can get rooms?” And within two minutes, he responded, “Heck yes!”
Vacation Plans Take Shape
It was up to me to book our accommodations. So I considered who’d be going. Scott’s brother and fiancé are big race fans, and we also have friends who own at Elara, by Hilton Grand Vacations. That made six. I ended up booking two 1-Bedroom Suites and one Studio.
We hoped that one of our Suites could be facing the Strip, and we would watch the race from there. Then, about four to five weeks before the race, I got a call from Hilton Grand Vacations.
They noticed I had three bookings for race week and asked if I had tickets. They also told me Hilton Grand Vacations would be setting up their own premier hospitality lounge at Elara, right next to the track — complete with couches, tables and chairs. They said a chef would be preparing food every night and they’d have an open bar. The pool at Elara would be covered, and they would have nightly concerts, as well as large screens to watch the race. To make a long story short, they really stepped it up for this event, so we got our tickets with Hilton Grand Vacations.
Settle In For Epic Views
Check-in day arrived, and we got two Suites with views overlooking the new Sphere arena in Las Vegas. The other Suite was dead center looking out at the track and a quick elevator ride downstairs. We could not have been happier with our Suites and their locations. We’re big fans of Elara and try to stay there every chance we get — nothing beats those views.
Let The Fun Begin
On Wednesday night, we had dinner over the pool. The meal came with our ticket package, and the food was incredible, along with the fireworks. The concert that evening was great, too. What a kickoff!
Practice Day
For those who watched the race, practice was quick, so it was a short night. We still enjoyed incredible food. And it gave me the opportunity to try out the race simulator, which was cool. I expected lines out the door, but I just walked up and gave it a try with no wait.
Qualifying Night
Friday night was the most exciting for non-race fans. They watched Joey Fatone give an incredible performance on stage, while race fans like us were sitting trackside.
The qualifying race was divided into two parts. We could go from the lounge to the terrace and make trips up to our room if we needed a little snooze. And once again, we enjoyed fabulous food. (I had to loosen my belt after this trip!) All this excitement, and it wasn’t not even race day yet!
Funny side story: Our friend Ken didn’t know who Joey Fatone was, so when they rode in the elevator together, Ken just made small talk — and didn’t get a selfie.
Check out this picture of Joey with my friend, Alfonso Ribeiro, from the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. (Ok, so he’s not really my friend, but I did get to take a selfie with him at the TOC!)
There’s no way we’d have opportunities like this if it wasn’t for our Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.
Race Day
It was everything we’d hoped for — and then some. The race itself was great. Even for those with terrace passes who decided to watch the race from their Suite. We all felt like we were part of the action.
Final Thoughts On The Action
Overall, the entire experience was indescribable. It was so much more than we expected. Scott’s brother had a friend at the race as well, but he didn’t have the same experience because he didn’t stay at Elara like we did. Instead, he had to spend an hour walking to and from the race, while we were sitting on comfy couches, eating and drinking, and watching concerts.
Yes, we’re planning on going back next year — and you should, too. Get off the fence, you won’t regret it!!
Read “FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX Meets Hilton Grand Vacations — A Bucket List-Worthy Event” for another inside look at the unique travel experience.