"The new heavyweight on the north Strip. Massive, ultra-modern, and design-forward — Fontainebleau opened in 2023 and has quickly become the new standard for what a megaresort can look and feel like in 2026."
Overall Rating
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has one of the most dramatic origin stories in Vegas history. Construction began in 2007, halted in 2009 when the developer ran out of money, and the half-finished tower sat empty on the north Strip for 14 years — a monument to the 2008 financial crisis visible from every flight into Las Vegas. Billionaire Jeffrey Soffer acquired the property in 2021 and finally completed it, opening December 13, 2023.
The result is worth the wait. Fontainebleau is genuinely one of the best resorts on the Strip. The rooms — all suites starting at 700 square feet — are exceptional. The pool complex (10 pools, the Lapis Pool Complex) is among the best in Vegas. The casino is 150,000 square feet of modern, well-designed gambling space. The dining collection — 36 restaurants and bars — is impressive. LIV Nightclub brings the Miami Fontainebleau's legendary club to Vegas.
The location is the trade-off. North Strip, near the convention center, means you are a 15–20 minute walk or rideshare from center Strip. The Vegas Loop station on property helps, but Fontainebleau is not a walkable-to-everything resort. It is a destination in itself.
The Fontainebleau sat half-finished on the north Strip from 2009 to 2023 — 14 years as a monument to the 2008 financial crisis. Every Vegas visitor who flew in during that period saw it. The completed resort is a redemption story.
Fontainebleau is the newest megaresort on the Strip. Everything is new — the technology, the finishes, the plumbing, the HVAC. You will not find a rattling AC unit or a dated bathroom here. This matters more than it sounds.
Fontainebleau is at the northern end of the Strip, near the convention center. Center Strip is a 15–20 minute walk or rideshare. The Vegas Loop helps but does not eliminate the distance.
LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau is the Vegas outpost of the legendary Miami club. If you are going to a nightclub in Vegas, LIV is one of the top options.
All suites starting at 700 square feet. The rooms are exceptional — new construction means everything is current, from the technology to the finishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent bedding, large bathrooms. The views from upper floors are spectacular.
The Lapis Pool Complex is one of the best in Vegas — 10 pools across multiple levels, excellent cabanas, attentive service. The adult-only pools are particularly well-done. Seasonal — typically March through October.
How this resort holds up in peak Vegas summer (June–September)
The Fontainebleau pool complex is the largest on the Strip and was designed with Vegas summers in mind — extensive shade structures, multiple pool zones, and a dayclub component. The building's north Strip location means slightly less foot traffic than center Strip properties.
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas story is one of the most dramatic in Vegas history. Developer Glenn Schaeffer began construction in 2007 on a $2.9 billion project. The 2008 financial crisis halted construction in 2009 when Bank of America and Deutsche Bank refused to release the final $800 million of financing. The half-finished tower sat empty for 14 years. Carl Icahn acquired the property in 2010 for $150 million. Jeffrey Soffer's Fontainebleau Development acquired it in 2021 for $600 million and completed construction, opening December 13, 2023.
Guests who want the newest, most modern resort on the Strip. Convention attendees (the convention center is adjacent). LIV Nightclub regulars. Guests who want Wynn-quality rooms at a slightly lower price point.
The Vegas outpost of the legendary Miami club. Multi-level design, top-tier DJ residencies, and the Fontainebleau brand cachet. One of the most anticipated nightclub openings in Vegas in years.
Dayclub component of the LIV brand at the Lapis Pool Complex. Pool party atmosphere with DJ sets and cabanas.
Uber / Lyft
Rideshare — fastest option
Taxi (Metered)
Metered. North Strip properties are farther from the airport than Center Strip.
Shared Shuttle
Shared shuttles available ($10–$15/person). Multiple stops.
Fontainebleau has arrived. Two-plus years in, it's no longer the shiny new thing — it's the new standard. Massive, ultra-modern, and design-forward in a way that makes older Strip properties look dated. The rooms are exceptional, the Lapis Pool Complex is the largest on the Strip, LIV Nightclub is the real deal, and the dining collection is serious. The north Strip location and $50/night resort fee are the trade-offs. If you want the most impressive resort experience in Vegas right now, Fontainebleau is the answer.
Independent
BetMGM Sportsbook
Lapis Spa
150,000 sq ft
The gold standard for Strip luxury — impeccable rooms, the best casino service on the Strip, and a prestige that no other property has matched. Encore may have the edge on pure experience in 2026, but Wynn still owns the name.
In 2026, Encore is generally viewed as the slightly better overall experience — larger suites, Encore Beach Club, and a vibe that feels a touch more current. Wynn still wins on prestige and classic luxury. It's very close.
The first new Strip resort in a decade — home to three hotel brands: Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, Conrad Las Vegas, and Crockfords. The pool complex is excellent. The North Strip location is the trade-off.