The Fontainebleau Las Vegas opening happens today, nearly a quarter century beyond its original conception. Standing above it all as the newest and tallest hotel on the renowned Las Vegas Strip, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas opens today after decades of distraction, deferment and deficits. With a staggering cost of $3.7 billion, this architectural stamp on Las Vegas Boulevard is second only to Resorts World in terms of expense as an emblem of luxury and entertainment in southern Nevada’s resort corridor. While not a day in infamy, it is a day many Las Vegas aficionados are destined to note.
Spanning 25 acres, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas stands as the first and only sister property to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, widely regarded as America’s first destination resort. The journey leading up to this moment has been a testament to perseverance and determination. For many of those years, the building stood as a sober reminder of unfinished dreams. Just before the pandemic struck, Soffer, Fontainebleau Development, and Koch Real Estate Investments reclaimed the property, enlisting the renowned David Collins Studio to bring their vision to life.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opening: A Look Back
The Soffer family, who acquired the Miami resort in 2005, embarked on a journey in the Mojave Desert that would witness numerous challenges, changing ownership, and periods of dormancy since construction first commenced in 2007.
Jeffrey Soffer, the Miami-based chairman of Fontainebleau Development, faced financial setbacks during the Great Recession, leading him to walk away from the project in 2009 when it was approximately 70 percent complete. However, the story did not end there, as various new owners, including renowned financier Carl Icahn and New York developer Steven Witkoff, stepped in to breathe new life into the ambitious endeavor. Witkoff, in particular, announced plans in 2018 to rebrand the resort as The Drew with Marriott as a corporate partner, but progress stalled once again due to the pandemic.
The unfinished building, its incomplete facade a reminder of past challenges, occasionally served as a training ground for high-rise rescue exercises by local firefighters. Last year, a minor rooftop fire caused little damage but raised concerns. However, in 2021, Soffer and Fontainebleau Development regained control of the project, partnering with Koch Real Estate Investments to secure financing and ensure its completion.
Grand Opening Represents
For Soffer, this grand opening represents the realization of a long-held dream and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Fontainebleau brand, which has stood strong for seven decades.
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas aims to captivate guests and gamblers alike with its bowtie-themed design, paying tribute to the architectural legacy of Morris Lapidus, the creative mind behind the Miami resort that opened its doors in 1954. The sprawling property boasts an impressive array of amenities, including 36 distinct restaurants helmed by renowned culinary talents such as Chef Gabriela Cámara, Michelin-starred chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, Alan Yau, Evan Funke, and David Grutman. Additionally, a 14,000-square-foot fitness center and a 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa, designed by Milan-based Lissoni & Partners, promise luxurious Vegas-style relaxation and rejuvenation. As for retail therapy, guests can indulge in an upscale boutique sprawl spanning 96,500 square feet – dimensions on par with many large Las Vegas casinos.
Letting the Sun Shine
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas also boasts an indulging six-acre pool district, 550,000 square feet of customizable indoor-outdoor meeting space, and a 150,000-square-foot gaming area. In-demand experiences such as LIV and LIV Beach are on the horizon, offering guests notable entertainment and nightlife options.
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas opening marks a significant addition to the ever-evolving northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. With its spacious and comfortable guest rooms, lush theater, and serene outdoor meeting spaces, this resort promises an unparalleled experience.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opening with Panache
One of the most exciting aspects of this new venture is the upcoming Cantina Contramar, set to open in 2024. This restaurant represents a collaboration of three celebrated women in the Mexican culinary and creative communities: chef Gabriela Cámara, architect Frida Escobedo, and Tequila Casa Dragones founder and the first maestra tequilera, Bertha González Nieves. Cantina Contramar will also be home to the first Casa Dragones tasting room in the United States.
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas has left no stone unturned in its quest to provide unparalleled experiences. With 12 unique bar concepts, the resort has enlisted the expertise of local bar veteran Juyoung Kang to curate a menu that complements each space perfectly. From the savory chimichurri herb and yerba mate syrup cocktail at Don’s Prime to the mezcal-infused “Sunny Peach” at the Collins Bar, Kang’s creations promise to tantalize even the most discerning palates.
A Hotel within a Hotel
Within this opulent resort lies an exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel called Fleur de Lis. Comprising 76 suites spread across the top five floors of the 67-story tower, this ultra-exclusive enclave offers panoramic views of the Strip and the Las Vegas Valley. Ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet, these chandelier-adorned suites feature a coastal-inspired palette, evoking the beachfront ambiance of the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Guests of Fleur de Lis will enjoy personalized services, including personal valets, concierge assistance, and attentive butlers.
Lingering in the Lapis
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas also places a strong emphasis on wellness, offering a fully integrated mind-body approach. The 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa, designed by Lissoni & Partners, draws inspiration from its Miami Beach counterpart. With 44 treatment rooms, purifying salt caves, snow rooms, and co-ed healing waters, this next-generation spa promises a transformative experience. The Fitness Center, curated in partnership with Jay Wright from the Wright Fit, offers a wide range of fitness classes and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring guests can maintain their exercise routines.
Lighting Up the Nights
Finally, for those seeking world-class entertainment, the 90,000-square-foot theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is set to be a star in itself. Equipped with the cutting-edge Panther audio system by Meyer Sound and complemented by a captivating video wall and stunning lighting effects, the theater promises to deliver unforgettable performances and events. Additionally, LIV, the nightclub created by David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality and designed by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, has secured renowned DJ John Summit as its first-ever resident DJ, amplifying the resort’s presence in the vibrant nightlife scene. The original club in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach created a reputation in the EDM scene upon its launch in 2008 that maintains a rank as one of the top-five highest grossing nightclubs in the country.
With its rich and varied history, stunning design, and an array of world-class amenities, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas opening adds its inventory to the city’s 150,000 rooms and takes Las Vegas, a city that is always reinventing itself, into its next evolution. Rooms start at $300 per night; Fleur de Lis suites from $5,000 per night.
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