$2.3B Encore Las Vegas offers extravagance at every turn
— -- What's new:Encore Las Vegas
Claim to fame:The latest from flamboyant Vegas mogul Steve Wynn, the bronze-colored glass, $2.3 billion Encore tower rises above the Strip next to its sibling, Wynn Las Vegas. Connected by The Esplanade, an upscale mall featuring stores such as Hermès and Rock & Republic, the two resort/casinos are meant to complement each other (the Wynn has a larger footprint, while the Encore tower is one story higher).
Vital statistics: 2,034 rooms. The standard resort suites start at 700 square feet, larger than those at the Wynn. More luxurious Tower suites have a separate check-in desk and concierge service.
The scene:Steve Wynn built his reputation on extravagance, and the Encore, which opened in late December, bursts with pre-recessionary flame-colored glam. Butterflies flit as a motif throughout the casino — inlaid as floor mosaics, embedded into carpet designs, and hanging as glittering red crystal sculptures from the ceiling outside the Encore theater (where comedian Danny Gans is ensconced). Opulent touches range from the sweeping multitiered Venetian red glass chandeliers lighting the casino chambers to the glass peacocks guarding high-roller rooms. While the crowd seemed older and more international than that at the Wynn, the Sunday-night lines for XS — an immense indoor/outdoor nightclub where bottle service starts at $450 — was flush with hot young(ish) things in tight black dresses.
Bedding down:Luxury lovers won't be disappointed by Encore's suite-like rooms, which boast floor-to-ceiling windows, mirrored walls and cushy king beds with 310-thread-count linens. A divider wall holding a swiveling flat-screen TV separates the bedroom from a living room containing an L-shaped sofa and work area. A control panel for drapes, sheers and lights is conveniently placed bedside. Bathrooms are sumptuous, with dual sinks, separate shower and soaking tub and another TV that is set into the wall. Minibar amenities include a $30 "intimacy kit." Ask for a high-level, even-numbered room for Strip views. Amid the elegance, a burn mark on the new desk was jarring, as were the thin walls — conversations (as well as some bodily functions) upstairs and next door were easily heard.
