Las Vegas: Something Old, Something New, and Something Special at Fontainebleau

by Dana Maass on January 27, 2025 in Travels,
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Discover Something Old, Something New, and Something Special at Fontainebleau Las Vegas Resort

 

While the iconic Strip continuously lures travelers with its dazzling lights, world-class shows, and casinos, the city is undergoing a vibrant transformation, unveiling a host of new resorts and activities that cater to every type of traveler. From innovative dining concepts and immersive art installations to thrilling outdoor escapades and cutting-edge entertainment, Las Vegas is reinventing itself as the ultimate getaway where everyone can escape the mundane and feel like a VIP. Prepare to discover another side of Sin City, filled with a jackpot of fresh excitement and unforgettable moments!

A breathtaking view of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the newest luxury destination on the north end of the famous Las Vegas Strip combining timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Photo Connie Zhou.

Stay and Play 

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas has a storied history, originally conceived over a decade ago as a sister property to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. After years of delays and changes in ownership, the vision has finally been realized, bringing to life an extraordinary 67-story resort that towers above the Strip. The sleek, blue-glass exterior presents an architectural marvel, reflecting the sparkle of the city with a backdrop of gorgeous desert landscape and sunsets. 

The Gold King room at the Fontainebleau is the ultimate retreat featuring modern decor, floor-to-ceiling views of the Strip, and indulgent comfort. Photo Connie Zhou.

The Fontainebleau offers over 3,600 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each designed with a modern aesthetic and emphasis on comfort. Look for the Fontainebleau’s signature bowtie creatively incorporated throughout the property. Filled with an impressive original collection of artwork in grand open spaces, the resort’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip, mountains, and desert landscape. With plush furnishings, cutting-edge technology, and spacious layouts, each room serves as a quiet sanctuary of relaxation after a full day of entertainment including over 150K square feet of gaming opportunities. You can spend your winnings at one of Fontainebleau’s many high-end boutiques shops including their beautiful new Gucci store. 

Wining and Dining

A foodie’s dream, Fontainebleau includes an extensive array of onsite international dining options crafted by some of the world’s top chefs. From elegant to casual, this resort covers all the culinary bases. Featuring six casual eateries, this resort additionally houses a collection of nine spots to grab a quick bite at their botanically themed Promenade overlooking the casino. 

One of eight onsite signature restaurants, Don’s Prime is a sophisticated steakhouse that seamlessly blends old-school charm with modern luxury. Named in tribute to Donald Soffer, father of Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, the restaurant offers an intimate dining experience featuring exclusive domestic and Japanese wagyu prime cuts, complemented by freshly baked buttery bread, exquisite sharable side dishes, and an extensive global wine selection with expert sommelier guidance included.

Savor the bold flavors and artistic flair of Kyu. From wood-fired delicacies to innovative cocktails, every bite is an experience. Photo Connie Zhou.

If Asian fusion lights your fire, then plan on dining at Kyu. Pronounced as “cue” in “barbecue,” Kyu offers an elevated menu of umami-rich signature dishes including their crispy Korean fried chicken, savory roasted cauliflower with shishito herb vinaigrette, sweet and peppery beef short ribs that fall off the bone, and tender wagyu brisket cooked over an open flame. The globally inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, impressive wine list, and modern aesthetics have quickly designated KYU as one of the hottest new and unique dining establishments on the Las Vegas Strip.

Craving an exquisite steak dinner? Don’s Prime at Fontainebleau Las Vegas has you covered! With steaks grilled to perfection, complementary sides filled with decadent flavors, and intimate ambiance, what’s not to love? Photo Connie Zhou.

Live at the Fontainebleau

As expected in Las Vegas, the Fontainebleau delivers stellar live entertainment. The resort features a state-of-the-art theater hosting top-tier performances, from headlining musicians to dazzling stage productions. The nightlife scene equally impresses guests with exclusive clubs and bars blending upscale style and high-energy. Mingling and raising a tequila cocktail at Azul, chilling with a frozen poolside concoction at Bleau Isle, and vibing to live jazz in the speakeasy-themed Nowhere bar are just a few of the Fontainebleau’s built-in options to enjoy your favorite adult beverages without ever needing to hail a cab. 

Ready for an unforgettable evening? LIV Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is where epic performances meet an incredible vibe. Photo Connie Zhou.

Looking ahead, Fontainebleau’s entertainment calendar is set to feature an exciting array of talent. Musical acts like Pitbull, Tears for Fears, and Foster the People will be performing on the Bleaulive Theater stage in 2025. Fontainebleau’s nightclub LIV is already generating buzz as one of the hottest spots on the Strip, with cutting-edge design and world-class DJs spinning the night away. Nightlife fans won’t have to catch a ride home with so much action merely a short walk and an elevator ride away. 

Looking for some sunshine and good vibes? Welcome to LIV Beach. From lounging poolside to diving into the party, this is where some of the best Vegas moments are made. Photo Sammy Dean.

Oasis of Wellness

Step into Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Lapis Spa and Wellness where you will instantly feel the sophisticated vibes in a zen-like atmosphere exceeding your wildest spa dreams. Voted Nevada’s Best Hotel Spa and World’s Best Casino Hotel Spa by the World Spa Awards in 2024, Lapis infuses the calming space with soft lighting, soothing colors, and natural elements inviting you to unwind and leave it all behind. Spanning 55,000 square-feet and two floors, this lavish spa is thoughtfully designed to provide various paths to relaxation including private treatment rooms, a reboot lounge for more abbreviated sessions, and refreshing hydrotherapy pools. 

If feeling exhausted from long work hours and travel, make your way to the NutriDrip IV Drip Lounge to rehydrate and restore your energy. While focusing on self-care, take time to sculpt your muscles and get your heart pumping at Fontaineblau’s state of the art fitness facility featuring expansive individual workout equipment, group classes, and personal training sessions. 

Starving for some self-care? Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is pure bliss. From relaxing massages to rejuvenating treatments, it’s your ultimate escape from the Vegas hustle and bustle. Treat yourself! Photo Mark Medina.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is more than a resort; it’s a symbol of innovation and luxury. For first-time Vegas travelers and seasoned Vegas enthusiasts, the Fontainebleau captivates your senses while leaving you unforgettable memories. As you plan your next escape to the Las Vegas Strip, remember to add the Fontainebleau to your itinerary. The breathtaking artistic design, exceptional amenities, and vibrant energy of this new Las Vegas crown jewel is guaranteed to deliver an exceptional travel experience only a short direct flight away from home. 

Hot Spots to Visit

The Sphere in Las Vegas is an absolute game-changer for one of the newest spots for  entertainment in town. Feast your eyes upon the LED-covered surface lighting of the exterior and notice how it has transformed the Vegas skyline. This massive, futuristic venue offers a totally immersive 4D experience with its 360-degree visuals and incredible sound system. Whether attending a live concert, a sporting event, or featured film, you will be instantly whisked into a futuristic space by the Sphere’s cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence exhibits. The Sphere transports you into what feels like a science fiction film as you can converse with a jovial robot and observe massive scientific models constructed only of lights. 

Nothing compares to personally experiencing the Sphere for yourself to fully appreciate the magnitude of this modern technological mecca. Grab your tickets to see The Eagles performing live in residency through April 12, 2025, or Dead and Company, including former members of the legendary band Grateful Dead. Fans of the band U2 should prepare to be blown away by V-U2, an immersive concert film created from U2’s 40 concerts performed after the venue first opened in September 2023. If you have not been able to see U2 live, this experience is by far the next best thing! 

Since opening in late 2023, The Sphere has quickly become a destination to see live concerts, immersive films, and even converse with an AI-powered robot. Photo Brian Maass.

As we look ahead to the future of Las Vegas, the city’s rich history remains accessible for exploration. The Neon Museum offers a glimpse into the past with its collection of iconic neon signs that once lit up the Vegas Strip. Notable pieces include signs from the Stardust, the Moulin Rouge, and the famous Hard Rock guitar. Founded in 1996 and opened to the public in 2012, the museum spans a 2.27-acre site dedicated to preserving these historic artifacts. The Museum recently announced their plans for relocation and expansion in downtown Las Vegas’ Arts District with the intention to nearly triple the size of its current location.

Ever wonder what happens to nostalgic signs formerly gracing yesterday’s buildings along the strip? Some may end up in a “boneyard” or auction, but many others can be seen up close for plenty of fun photos at the Neon Museum. Courtesy Photo.

Fans of The Godfather will love the Mob Museum in Las Vegas. Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this attraction sits in the heart of the city inside of the former (1933) Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse, just a short walk from Fremont Street. The museum takes you through the fascinating history of organized crime in America, with a focus on infamous figures like Al Capone and John Gotti. Here you will find interactive exhibits, real gangster memorabilia, and a ton of fascinating details about major investigations and famous trials. Highlights include a wall of mugshots and in-depth stories about how the law went up against some of the biggest criminals in history. Every Wednesday-Sunday you’ll have a chance to meet and hear from reformed mobster Frank Calabrese Jr. as part of his Family Secrets Speaking appearances. For those into history or simply curious about the underworld, the Mob Museum offers a unique look at Las Vegas’ shady past and the continued rise of organized crime. 

Step back into the early days of organized crime at the Las Vegas Mob Museum, filled with stories of notorious characters throughout multiple exhibits. One film is shown in this original courtroom of the 1930s era Las Vegas building, now housing the museum and previously hosting many years of legal proceedings in the city. Courtesy Photo.

Gaming Gone Big

In recent years, major sports teams have moved to Las Vegas. 2017 saw the inaugural season of the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team, followed by the Raiders moving into Allegiant Stadium for the 2020 season. In the near future, the Oakland A’s will also hang their hats in Las Vegas. The club is set to open in the 2028 season at their new home located where the Tropicana once stood directly on the Strip. Racing fans can catch the high-speed action against Las Vegas’ iconic landmarks. Formula 1 made its debut in the city in 2023, and the partnership has been extended through 2025.

In 2028, Major League Baseball’s ‘A’s’ will leave Oakland and start playing in Las Vegas. Their new stadium will hold up to 33,000 people and feature views of the Las Vegas skyline. Courtesy Photo.

Las Vegas continues to redefine itself as the ultimate entertainment capital of the world, offering visitors a broad array of events and activities extending beyond the plethora of poker tables and slot machines. Travelers will discover jaw-dropping shows, epic food experiences, world class spas, and unique attractions on the most famously fabulous Strip in the desert. There’s always something new happening to pique your curiosity as this city continues to evolve into the next renaissance. Pack your bags, follow the lights, and see what you have been missing!  For more trip planning tips and advice visit Las Vegas’ tourism website. 

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Cover photo courtesy Las Vegas Convention and Tourist Authority

Dana Maass is a regular TLM contributing writer, occupational therapist at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, and LSU graduate now working on her doctorate degree from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She lives with her husband and rescue dog Chester in Round Rock, TX. When not working, Airbnb hosting, or studying, Dana loves being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She is happiest when the sun is shining and the (LSU) Tigers are winning. Follow her on Instagram at dana_maass_adventures.