I found out that Formula 1® was coming to Las Vegas — and they’d be racing right down the Las Vegas 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 his fiancé are also big race fans, and we also have friends who own at Elara, by Hilton Grand Vacations. That made six attendees. I booked two 1-Bedroom Suites and one Studio.
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 prepare 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 on ESPN.
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 in Las Vegas — and a quick elevator ride downstairs when we were ready for front-row access to trackside views.
We couldn't 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. The evening concert and fireworks were great, too.
What a kickoff.
"We have access to incredible opportunities and experiences because of our Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare."
Practice Day
We again enjoyed incredible food. This evening gave me an 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. Joey Fatone gave an incredible performance on stage, while race fans like us sat trackside.
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 tournament.)
Qualifying night was made up of Practice 3 and the Qualifying race. This meant we could go from the lounge to the terrace and make trips up to our Suite in between races if we needed a little snooze. And once again, we enjoyed fabulous food.
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.
Race Day
It was everything we’d hoped for — and then some. The race itself was great. 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.
Yes, we’re planning on going back next year — and you should, too. Get off the fence. You won’t regret it.
Experience the thrill of F1® for yourself from the HGV Clubhouse on November 21-23, 2024. Book your tickets today.
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.
*To attend HGV Ultimate Access events (valued between $500-3500), Guests must attend a membership portfolio review or timeshare presentation after the event, during their same stay. If you do not attend the membership review or timeshare presentation, the retail value of the event may be charged to your credit card. HGV Ultimate Access events are subject to availability, nontransferable and subject to change without notice. Experience fee applies, minimum of $99 per event, to be paid at time of booking. Offer dates may change due to event availability. Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other promotion.