16 years later, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas is set to open in December
At the beginning of 2023, we told you Las Vegas was about to have a banner year, and over the course of three trips to Las Vegas this year, I've seen that start to play out with my very own eyes.
Sin City is in full swing preparing for the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, a first-of-its-kind race around the Strip, later in November; it's also preparing to host Super Bowl LVIII next year.
The larger-than-life Sphere finally turned its game-changing screen on and is set to open later this month with a series of highly immersive concerts by U2. And now, the Fontainebleau — a tumultuous hotel project nearly two decades in the making — has an official opening date: Dec. 13.
Here's a brief rundown on the project, its complex history and what we're most excited for when the doors (hopefully) open right before the holidays.
Related: Best hotels in Vegas for a Sin City getaway
The history of Fontainebleau Las Vegas
If you've been to Las Vegas in the last dozen or so years, you've likely seen the bones of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a behemoth blue skyscraper jutting more than 60 stories out of the ground on the north end of the strip between the Wynn and the Stratosphere.
The building broke ground in 2007 but fell victim to the 2008 financial crisis and other setbacks over the years. It changed hands back and forth between various parties until it fell back into the hands of the original owner — Jeffrey Soffer of Florida-based Fontainebleau Development — along with the real estate division of Koch Industries for an undisclosed amount.
With that last sale, failed plans of a Marriott takeover of the building (to house the Las Vegas Edition and JW Marriott, plus another project) were put to rest, and the rebirth of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas became imminent. Now, 16 years later, it looks like it's finally happening.
What to expect from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas
It's safe to say that people around the world are absolutely stoked to see this sad-storied project finally come to life. It's also equally safe to say that people have very high expectations. If the doors do open on Dec. 13 — barring regulatory permissions that could set it back, along with other unexpected delays that come with opening a new hotel (especially post-2020) — there's a lot to look forward to.
For starters, the 67-story building (the tallest occupied building in Nevada) will offer a whopping 3,644 rooms and suites, with an overall aesthetic from the in-house design team that marries Las Vegas glamour with the Fontainebleau brand's Florida roots (think: floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Strip, water and coral tones plus plenty of Las Vegas-centric touches we'll have to see with our own eyes).
Beyond the rooms, there's even more to enjoy. A 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa by Lissoni & Partners offers 44 treatment rooms, a salt cave, infrared saunas, hydrotherapy lounges and co-ed sensory rooms. There will also be a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, a 96,500-square-foot luxury shopping area, more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space and, obviously, tons of gaming space (because it's Vegas, baby).
Entertainment options that we know so far include a three-level theater that will play host to highly anticipated (but as yet unannounced) shows, leaving one to wonder what sort of residencies might call it home. There will also be a 6-acre pool complex, and Las Vegas outposts of Miami hospitality mogul David Grutman's club LIV and a new LIV Beach.
Related: The best hotel pools in Las Vegas 2023
Speaking of the Las Vegas dining scene, big names in hospitality are bringing dining concepts to the Strip over the next few months. Some newcomers include Grutman's Papi Steak, the first outside of Miami; Evan Funke's Italian restaurant, Mother Wolf; an omakase restaurant called Ito, by chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim; and more. This will culminate in a total of 36 bars and restaurants opening throughout 2024.
And that's just what's been announced. In Las Vegas, you should expect the unexpected, and there are sure to be plenty more exciting announcements leading up to the Dec. 13 opening date. But in the same vein, we've seen plenty of major, highly anticipated properties push back their opening dates over and over again, both before the pandemic and especially in the years since. So we'll believe it when we see it — and trust me, we seriously want to see it.
How to book the Fontainebleau Las Vegas
If you're hoping to be one of the first through the door of Las Vegas' most-watched hotel project in recent years, reservations are now open. You can booke directly through the hotel's website. Currently, it appears that rooms are unavailable to book for the night of Dec. 13. Prices start at $500 per night on Dec. 14 but drop down to $200 per night the following week through January.
It's unclear if or when the hotel might join a program like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, but we'll keep tracking the hotel's progress on and past opening day.
Related reading:
- Best hotel credit cards
- When is the best time to book a hotel? Experts weigh in — and debunk a few myths
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers
- Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
- The best hotel rewards programs in the world
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.