After 16 years since breaking ground, one bankruptcy declaration and two ownership changes, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is finally open to the public. The 67-storey, 3644-room resort is officially the tallest building in Sin City as of December 2023. Standing at 224 metres (or 735 feet), the mega-hotel sat as an empty shell for more than 15 years following many construction derailments and financial setbacks. However, finally, the unique addition to the famous Las Vegas strip is ready to party. Let’s check it out.
History In 2005, after announcing that Fontainebleau would expand to Las Vegas from its original site in Miami Beach, hopes were high after the Miami location proved such a success. Come February 2007, the first shovel hit the ground at 2777 S Las Vegas Boulevard and in June 2009 following the news of the recession, Jeffrey Soffer, CEO of Development at Fontainebleau filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and the incomplete building was sold to Carl Icahn for USD$150 million. In 2017, the still incomplete site was then sold to a consortium pioneered by Marriott for USD$600 million, then slated to open as ‘The Drew’ in 2022. In a full circle chain of events, the property was then bought back by Fontainebleau partnered with Koch Real Estate investments for roughly USD$350 million.
The Casino With 1300 slot machines and 128 table games, this is one of the most open planned casino floor designs in Vegas. There are high, grandeur ceilings above the slot machine and lower, more intimate ceiling for the table games. There are intricate wall patterns and distinctive wall patterns throughout the gaming floor and lots and lots of blue. This is also common within the walls of its sister hotel in Miami Beach, there seems to be more and more ties between the two the more you look.
The Accommodation With nearly 3,700 rooms, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a booking. However, you’ll have to fork out a pretty penny. Prices start at approximately USD$350 a night. There appear to be over 15 different room types ranging from standard king rooms to penthouse suites. A surplus of natural sunlight, floor to ceiling windows and modern chic interior seems to be what’s on offer here.
Wine and Dine A total of 36 eateries will charm the Fontainebleau and plenty are courtesy of famous chefs. Some of these include Cantina Contramar by Gabriela Cámara, Mother Wolf by Evan Funke, Washing Potato and Chyna Club by Alan Yau, who owns and operates the globally-famous Hakkasan in the MGM Grand, Papi Steak by David Grutman ad Ito by Masa Ito and Kevin Ki. You’ll never go thirsty in the Fontainebleau with bars here, there and everywhere. Bleau Bar, Chandelier Bar and Bleau Isle (pool bar) are there to service your thirst-quenching needs whenever you feel that Vegas buzz approaching. There is also a food hall for quick and easy eats, although expect that infamous Vegas pricing.
Everything Else Here is a handful of everything else that Fontainebleau provides. • 3,800 Bleaulive Theatre • Waterbleau Terrace: a huge, private indoor-outdoor events space • Unique and eye-catching artwork and wall finishes throughout • Two-storey shopping strip consisting of 35 high-end retail outlets • 500,050 square feet of convention space including 57 break out rooms and 4 ballrooms. • A near 8-acre pool area including 7 pools that feels like you’re secluded from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas Boulevard.
After sitting as a ghost building for 16 years and a turbulent history, the Fontainebleau hosted a smash hit opening night with guests like Justin Timberlake, the Kardashians, Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Brady, Cher and Keith Urban in attendance.
2777 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada