Start as you mean to go on: in style
We kicked off in style after arriving at Fontainebleau Las Vegas – the newest chapter in the brand’s 70-year history and the latest luxury hotel addition to the Las Vegas Strip.
The valet took care of our car as we headed straight for a VIP check-in, where, hidden through a set of golden double doors, a greeter offered us a glass of champagne to enjoy as we signed in. En route, we passed an enormous fresh flower centrepiece in the foyer, designed by famed floral designer, Jeff Leatham.
Plush corner suite with epic cityscape panorama
Up we went to our ‘Magnificent Noble Suite’, which, glass-fronted and presiding in a prime corner of the building, had amazing views of the strip and the expansive, six-acre Oasis Pool Deck laid out below (more on that later). Once darkness descended, the panoramic views of Vegas’s sparkling skyline were a sight to be seen. Nearby, the city’s newly opened ‘Sphere’ music venue lit up the horizon, its playfully illuminated dome surrounded by a blanket of twinkling lights and the towers of famous casinos.
The suite’s spacious, near-90 sqm made it tempting to linger a little inside. Marble and gold touches ran through the interiors, comprising a king bedroom and ensuite with a walk-in shower and separate soaking tub (equipped with matching spa robes and slippers).
Our living room/kitchen had a spacious lounge area with a sofa and coffee table, with an additional dining table positioned up near the window to take in those fantastic views. An additional bathroom could be found near the suite entrance for added convenience.
High-end dining and inventive cocktail bars
There was no short supply of quality restaurants, bistros, bars and cafes to indulge in across Fontainebleau Las Vegas: Chyna Club (a Cantonese restaurant by the renowned Alan Yau, Wagamama creator), Mother Wolf (serving Romana classics), Azul (specialising in inventive mezcal and tequila cocktails), Nowhere (an intimate little jazz bar, which is known to attract the odd celebrity), the list goes on…
But, for me, the absolute star of the show was the hotel’s onsite steakhouse, Don’s Prime. Stepping into the restaurant was like entering a Mad Men-era of decadence: low lighting, white tablecloths, classic leather booths, and gold-rimmed plates. Our table was booked on a Friday evening and the restaurant was buzzing when we arrived. We sipped on G&Ts and waited to be seated, listening to the hum of the room.
Our friendly and excellently named waiter, Star, showed us to our table and within minutes a plate of freshly baked bread was in front of us, including doughy pretzel sticks and a buttery pastry-like bread dotted with lardons.
We ordered the 40oz Tomahawk steak for two, which was dramatically wheeled out on a Guéridon trolley cart. Our server drizzled the steak in butter and then got to work slicing perfectly pink strips of beef with a wonderful, blackened char from the grill. It came with a selection of grilled vegetables, and we ordered additional sides of asparagus gratin, béarnaise sauce, and because no steak is complete without them, fries. Perfection.
The casino and beyond Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The hotel’s near-14,000 sqm casino was action-packed with something for everyone, from first-timers to high-value betting aficionados, sports rooms, slots, and so much more. I find casino floors are often dark maze-like spaces, with low ceilings designed to make you lose track of time and focus on the task at hand: spend! So, I was pleased that the main floor within Fontainebleau Las Vegas was light, with grand high ceilings and clear signage. There were even several works of art on display.
Once we’d had our fill of the casino, we hopped in a taxi and headed down the main strip to catch the evening water show at the Fountains of Bellagio, a 10-minute ride away. From there, endless bars kept us entertained and there was even a rollercoaster for a late-night thrill.
Pampered like a princess
The following day began lounging in the aforementioned Oasis Pool Deck, with a frozen margarita in hand. To describe the complex as simply ‘big’ would do it an injustice. Across six acres were seven distinct pool experiences, four bars, two restaurants, a ‘day life destination LIV Beach’, and a 214 sqm gaming area.
After, we headed to the Lapis Spa for an excellent full-body massage. Full day passes granted us access to the whole spa, including an event sauna, stargazing lounge, vitality pools, salt mist therapy, star and snow showers, plus more. A great feature of this spa is its large mixed-sex communal space, giving you the option of relaxing with friends, family or partners.
An IV drip to boot
On the morning of our departure, I found the perfect recuperation from our nightly overindulgence in the hotel’s exclusive NutriDrip IV drip lounge, where qualified nurses curated a nutrient-packed infusion to give me the boost I needed to attack the day. IV drip therapy is fast making its way into the travel scene and high-end hotels like Fontainebleau Las Vegas are increasingly offering the service (which can also be delivered to your room).
Having never done this before and being no fan of needles, I was a little apprehensive, but I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the whole process was. It took about 40 minutes from start to finish (including the consultation) and the environment was very relaxed and welcoming. It clearly had an effect, judging by my energy levels. My partner, sans IV, was somewhat lagging in comparison. All in all, a perfect and luxurious stay.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
2777 S Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas
NV 89109
United States
