Fontainebleau Las Vegas: Why People Either Love It or Hate It
After over 23 years of construction and delays, Fontainebleau Las Vegas finally opened its doors in late 2023, taking center stage on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. This massive blue-hued structure with a storied past has garnered applause and criticism from guests and locals alike. We’ve stayed at Fontainebleau Las Vegas twice, once right after the doors and then again nine months later, to see if anything has changed with this giant property. We’ve investigated the key points of contention and admiration surrounding the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
The Love for Fontainebleau: Sleek, Relaxed, and Luxurious
The Fontainebleau is one of the most stunning resorts we’ve ever visited or stayed at in Las Vegas. Beauty is subjective, and if you appreciate a modern aesthetic, you will likely enjoy Fontainebleau’s rich and luxurious style. Here are some key takeaways from our two stays at Fontainebleau, Vegas.
1. Newness and Cleanliness Fontainebleau’s most significant selling point is the sheer newness of it all. For those tired of crowded, older properties, the fresh appeal of a recently opened resort is undeniable. The entire complex—from the guest rooms to the casino floors—is meticulously clean, modern, and inviting, free from the wear and tear you might find elsewhere on the Strip. Wynn/Encore’s newness and shine have dimed a bit over the years. Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers a much brighter approach to their hotel and casino experience. Our recent visit to Wynn right after staying at Fontainebleau showcased the stark difference. Wynn felt dated and worn, while Fontainebleau felt fresh and new. Fontainebleau also has some of the best restaurants in Vegas that many are not talking about. Many of these can be secured on the same day or without reservation. We’ve dined at Don’s Prime, which we feel is one of Las Vegas’s best steakhouses.
2. A More Relaxed Vibe Guests seeking a quieter, upscale experience are among the biggest fans of Fontainebleau. Located from the bustling crowds of the center of the Strip, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind without feeling caught in a 24/7 carnival atmosphere. With high-end dining options and a beautifully appointed pool, Fontainebleau is dedicated to providing a refined experience that appeals to luxury travelers or anyone seeking tranquility.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the type of Vegas trip you desire, but we found Fontainebleau to be a very relaxing option in a city that can often be loud and fast-paced. The pool complex was enjoyable and inviting, and the restaurants fostered a lively environment without resembling a nightclub. In Las Vegas, even restaurants and food halls can transform into mini clubs; for example, Proper Eats at Aria is known for blasting music in their food hall during the evening, creating an energetic atmosphere. In contrast, Fontainebleau has maintained a more low-key profile.
Not to say that Fontainebleau can’t party. Papi Steak brings the Vegas party scene to their steak house, and LIV Day Club is the newest pool party on the Strip. Fontainebleau’s Miami energy can be felt, just not everywhere in the resort.
3. Sleek Design Fontainebleau’s aesthetic can be described as “modern minimalist.” It exudes a distinctly contemporary vibe with sleek lines, clean spaces, and ample open areas. Those who appreciate this style find it elegant and sophisticated, especially in contrast to the more extravagant themes commonly seen in Las Vegas. While some may consider the design cold and uninviting, we found the interior design choices light, airy, and bright. The furniture is comfortable and modern, not typically associated with contemporary furniture. The selections made throughout the hotel contribute to a lighter and more uplifting experience. Unlike the dim and smoky casinos of the Vegas Strip, Fontainebleau offers a refreshing atmosphere. You won’t feel like you’re in a dark and dingy nightclub while exploring Fontainebleau, Las Vegas.
Why Some Guests Are Unimpressed: Location, Design, and Costs
1. Location, Location, Location One common critique of Fontainebleau is its location at the far north end of the Strip. While the main attractions are closer to mid-Strip, at resorts like Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and the Venetian, guests at Fontainebleau might feel somewhat isolated. Although it’s just a short drive or monorail ride to the Strip's center, some visitors are disappointed that Fontainebleau is not more centrally located.
Most people who visit Las Vegas—especially those who are not locals—are looking for opportunities to party and let loose. The center Strip is iconic, featuring the Bellagio fountains, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the vibrant energy that characterizes the area. Location is crucial for those wanting to be near all the action of Las Vegas. Even Downtown Vegas is often more appealing to locals and visitors due to its lively atmosphere and proximity to other attractions and hotels.
Fontainebleau is across from Circus Circus and north of Resorts World and Wynn/Encore. With little surrounding area, Fontainebleau lacks a monorail connection to the Strip or Fremont Street center. Casual visitors seeking a traditional Las Vegas experience may be less inclined to stay at Fontainebleau, fearing they will miss out on all the excitement the city has to offer.
2. The “Cold” Design Some visitors perceive Fontainebleau’s design as more sterile than inviting. The modern minimalist aesthetic may feel too clinical for those seeking warmth and character. Those accustomed to resorts with rich themes or immersive atmospheres might find Fontainebleau’s restrained approach lacking charm. Many comments in our YouTube video likened it to a department store, shopping mall, or hospital. Criticisms regarding the modern design and lack of theming have also arisen, with some feeling it is too bright and not representative of the Las Vegas vibe.
The era of themed resorts and hotels in Las Vegas seems to be fading. Iconic properties like the Mirage and Tropicana have closed to make way for more modern buildings and a stadium. Few themed resorts remain in Vegas, and this trend began to decline around the time the Aladdin was sold and transformed into Planet Hollywood. The shift towards a more modern and cold aesthetic in Las Vegas has gradually developed.
From Planet Hollywood to the CityCenter developments, including Aria, Vdara, and Cosmopolitan, we’ve witnessed Las Vegas move away from ultra-themed resorts toward chic and sophisticated designs. While criticism of Fontainebleau as cold is valid, it's important to note that many of the resorts that came before it share similar qualities. Yes, Fontainebleau is cold and lacks theming, but so do most Vegas resorts today. New York-New York, Caesars Palace, Paris, and Bellagio may still retain heavy theming. Still, the cold metal and minimalist look appears to be a lasting trend in Las Vegas.
3. Not Always Local-Friendly Some locals and returning guests have noted that Fontainebleau feels more like an exclusive destination for out-of-towners than a welcoming stop for Las Vegas locals. Additionally, there are reports of “nickel and diming” practices, such as expensive valet parking and amenities fees, which leave some visitors feeling that Fontainebleau is more focused on maximizing profits than on providing a great experience.
In our video reviews, we've received more feedback about Fontainebleau than any other hotel and stayed at nearly all the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel's cold and unwelcoming attitude towards locals has been evident from the beginning and has harmed relations with the Las Vegas community. Locals are unhappy about the lack of tier matching, video poker options, and free parking at Fontainebleau. The hotel seems to have decided against catering to locals, instead aiming to attract visitors with deep pockets.
Is this a winning strategy? Only time will tell, but Las Vegas locals have plenty to say about the property, and none of it is positive. This approach is similar to the on’s with their Annual Passholders and Magic Key program. The idea is that returning locals or pass holders are less likely to spend as much as visitors who come to Las Vegas with a vacation budget. Do locals spend as much on food, gambling, and hotel rooms as those visiting for leisure or business? Fontainebleau believes they can generate more revenue from tourists than locals looking for a fun evening or weekend.
So, is Fontainebleau for You?
If you're looking for a clean, modern resort away from the usual bustle with plenty of upscale amenities, you might fall in love with Fontainebleau. But you might leave with mixed feelings if you prefer a warm, welcoming aesthetic, easy access to central attractions, and a more local-friendly spot.
The bottom line? Fontainebleau is making its mark as a polarizing addition to the Las Vegas lineup—boldly new yet quietly distant, luxe but chilly. Whether it’s the right choice depends on how you like your Vegas experience served. Check out our videos from Fontainebleau to decide for yourself if this resort is for you.