Jeffrey Soffer dreamed up the concept of a Fontainebleau Las Vegas over 20 years ago. The owner of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach believed that the class and style of that hotel could easily be transferred to the Las Vegas Strip. But there were bumps along the way, for sure.
When the proposal was first announced in 2005, it was only a year away from the worst recession the U.S. has experienced since the 1970s. Nonetheless, construction began in 2007 and reached its full 67 stories two years later. While it was—and still is—Nevada’s tallest occupied building, it was not to be occupied for another 15 years.
In 2009, the property entered bankruptcy and it went through multiple owners until Soffer reacquired the property with Koch Real Estate Investments in 2021, reinstated the original name and resumed construction. When it opened last week, it seemed the wait was well worth it.
“For over 20 years I’ve had this vision of seeing the Fontainebleau brand on the Strip,” Soffer told GGB News. “Regaining ownership of the property allowed us to fulfill that vision. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a beacon of our future and a testament to turning unexpected challenges into resounding triumphs. We are carrying over an irresistible, luxury allure reminiscent of Fontainebleau Miami Beach. We’re looking to reintroduce luxury into the city, meticulously crafted with precision and finesse, drawing inspiration from our heritage, and seizing every opportunity to be greater than we’ve ever been.”
The opening included numerous celebrities, dignitaries, and VIPs including Cher, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Lenny Kravitz, Jessica Biel, Axel Rose, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, Las Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, Sylvester Stallone, John Summit, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Brady and many others.
Performances by Justin Timberlake, Paul Anka and a surprise set by country star Keith Urban highlighted the top-flight entertainment promised by Soffer and his team.
Legacy, however, was the theme that Soffer has stressed.
“We’re fortunate in that our legacy serves as our foundation,” he explained. “Classic beauty, unparalleled service, and forward-thinking design. Our roots run deep—nearly 70 years—and Fontainebleau Las Vegas successfully incorporates those time-tested elements with the modern tenets of luxury hospitality. Those are the intangibles.
“As for what guests will see and experience, they can expect world-class amenities and experiences, from our dining collection to our entertainment lineup. Morris Lapidus’ (the original designer of Fontainebleau Miami Beach) architecture is a key component to the Fontainebleau legacy, and throughout the property, guests will recognize design elements that serve as a nod to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s design language.”
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has one of the largest convention and meeting spaces contained under one roof in the city, with more than half a million square feet of ballrooms and meeting rooms. The property is also directly adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, which just opened two years ago, so the convention business is critical to the success of the resort.
“Being directly next to the West Hall expansion, our closeness creates synergistic opportunities unlike any other resort in Las Vegas,” Soffer said. “Our South Lobby acts as a destination for meeting professionals and convention-goers to enter the resort with ease.
“With a focus on upward-thinking design, seamless access, and a dedicated sales team, our resort ensures a smooth transition from business to pleasure, while allowing for innovation in both accessibility and experiences. We recognize there is a crossover between business and leisure travelers, and look to accommodate both with our world-class meetings and convention amenities along with our collection of incredible restaurants, bars, gaming, wellness and entertainment options.”
Initial reviews of the property were mixed. While most social media posts stressed the size and beauty of the property and even a “Miami” feel, some were critical of the extremely high minimums on table games—including a $1,000 minimum craps game—and the Strip norm these days of 6/5 blackjack. The shopping area is only partially completed with a few stories open, but long stretches of temporary walls where future shops will be located.
Like previous stand-alone Vegas properties such as the Cosmopolitan (now owned by MGM Resorts) and Genting’s Resorts World, Fontainebleau Las Vegas opens with a very small database. Although isocial media reports said that the resort is tier-matching players’ club status from other Las Vegas casinos, the casino has denied that it is doing so.
Soffer believes that Fontainebleau Las Vegas will not have the problems the other properties experienced.
“Las Vegas has grown into a global destination city in terms of luxury travel, entertainment, culinary, sports and more,” he said. “This is where Fontainebleau Las Vegas comes in. The Fontainebleau brand itself has been a leader and trendsetter in luxury hospitality for nearly 70 years. Our legacy sets us apart and appeals to the tastemakers traveling to Las Vegas in search of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They come to Las Vegas for these iconic events, and we will provide them with a luxury experience to supplement their stay and make their trip unforgettable.”
And while the target market is “luxury,” Soffer believes there will be something for everyone in his resort.
“We believe that all demographics will find something to love within Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Something they connect to, something they have longed to experience but haven’t been able to because it wasn’t in this market,” he said. “We are a luxury brand, and people want to experience that. However, whether they are dining with us, seeing a show, spending a day at our spa, or coming to us as part of a convention or conference—there is something for every taste at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.”
