Miami Beach’s iconic mid-century resort makes its debut in the desert with Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 67-story shimmering lapis glass tower at the northern edge of the Strip. Home to dozens of restaurants, including Miami imports Komodo, Papi Steak and KYU, famed LIV nightclub has also made the transfer along with day club concept, LIV Beach. There’s also a tranquil spa, opulent lobby bar (above) and gaming.
Location 8/10
With its position just north of the Strip, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is slightly above the fray and, for some, a little too far off the beaten path. I found the vantage charming, even with creepy-cray Circus Circus across the street. It’s about a five minute taxi to Encore and a 10-minute drive to the brand new Sphere.
Design 9/10
As a longtime fan and frequent visitor of the original Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, with all its 1950s Rat Pack glory and beautifully restored MiMo architecture, I was impressed with how faithfully the Las Vegas resort honored the original’s heritage, design and spirit, all with its own Vegas supersized glamour. The bowtie marble floors in the original resort’s lobby has become an icon of the brand and this motif is found throughout the Vegas resort, from gold planters in the lobby to the shape of the individual strands dripping from the monumental crystal chandelier above Bleau Bar at the center of the casino floor. The Nowhere lounge for live music is named for the Miami Beach resort’s famed “stairway to nowhere” where women once made their grand entrances back in its 1950s heyday.
There’s also a thoughtfully curated art collection, including the mesmerizing, interactive kinetic gold and marble sculpture Oceans by Brooklyn-based Breakfast, which moves based on real time oceanographic data from coastal cities. (A perfect place to trance out when LIV lets out and you’re not quite ready to call it a night.)
Amenities & Hospitality 9/10
There’s no shortage of diversions at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, from the casino floor with table games, slots and a sports book to the tranquil Lapis Spa & Wellness with multiple pools, steam, sauna and experience rooms. Reserve a daybed and chillax at the sprawling Oasis pool or kick it up a million notches at LIV Beach on the weekends where resident DJs Calvin Harris and John Summit often hold court alongside a rotating lineup of top talent.
Rooms 8/10
We checked into a 66th floor Bleau room with two queen beds and views of the Strat and the distant mountain range through floor-to-ceiling windows for a feeling of being on top of the world. Plush robes and bowtie branded slippers were appreciated amenities. The rainfall shower had great water pressure with luxurious custom products, although the trough-style double sink left little room for counter space. Everything was modern, comfortable and appropriately luxurious, if a little tight.
“I didn’t want to go away on holiday that summer and wake up in the morning with the prospect of having to spend a whole day without waiting for his phone call.”
Annie Ernaux, ‘Simple Passion,’ 1991
However, housekeeping never visited our room while we were out for most of the morning and early afternoon and then after requesting service twice, still never showed, a hotel pet peeve, especially when you’re going hard in a place like Vegas.
Food & Beverage 9/10
From signature restaurants to casual dining and a food court-style promenade, there are dozens of restaurants to choose from at FB LV. While we sampled Don’s Prime, Chyna Club and poolside La Côte, Miami’s own Komodo was the highlight. The clubby Asian fusion restaurant by David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality (the mastermind behind LIV, etc.) is exactly the kind of experience you want in this setting: high-energy, sexy and fun. The food and hospitality was also on point. Our waitress designed the perfect menu for our party of six, including wagyu skirt steak tacos, melt-in-your-mouth truffle honey salmon sashimi, moneybag dumplings and a decadent miso Chilean sea bass. The banana pagoda cheesecake for dessert was outrageous. It left a table full of Miamians speculating that it’s an even better experience than the original.
I also enjoyed La Fontaine, which serves brunch Thursday through Sunday, inside a pretty-in-pink, marble-clad, mid-century-inspired dining room with luxurious dishes, like caviar-topped eggs and lobster Florentine benedicts. It’s an elevated spin on your typical hotel breakfast offerings.
And, of course, we can’t talk about the Fontainebleau Las Vegas without talking about its night (and day) life. While LIV Beach skewed a little small and packed by Vegas pool party standards (I’m thinking, Encore Beach Club), we still had a blast with relative newcomer John Summit on the decks. Those who know me know that LIV in Miami Beach is my favorite nightclub and the Las Vegas version is a commendable copy, from its mezzanine overlooking the dance floor, to superstar DJ talent (Calvin Harris, the night I attended) and overall spectacle and energy.
Value 9/10
Current rates from about $232; Book
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a fan of the Miami Beach classic or simply eager to check into Vegas’s newest hotel, the Fontainebleau delivers on a glamorous and elegant experience, from dining to nightlife, rooms and hospitality.
Contact
2777 S. Las Vegas Boulevard; 833-702-7070; fontainebleaulasvegas.com
