$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.
Who will like it:Those seeking a more boutique casino experience. Natural light filters throughout the building, giving Encore an airier atmosphere than other Vegas gaming rooms. The casino floor is partitioned by columns and drapes into more intimate Monaco-style salons, adding to the exclusive feel.
Who won't:Encore's relative quiet may turn off gamblers who flourish on the buzz of an open casino floor. (On the other hand, the casino's smaller size makes it easier to flag down free cocktails.) Vegas lovers who like to be in the thick of things may dislike Encore's north Strip location, although the Fashion Show Mall is right across the street.
Wining & dining:No buffets here. Most of Encore's five restaurants are aimed at high rollers, with $30-$40 entrees the norm. At Switch, diners can watch the walls change colors and décor, while at the Italian restaurant Sinatra, patrons can ogle an Oscar, Emmy and Grammy won by the crooner. More reasonable pan-Asian fare is available at Wazuzu, where a 27-foot Swarovski crystal dragon hangs on the wall.
Indulgences:With 51 treatment rooms and $150 for a 50-minute massage, the 61,000 -square-foot spa provides plenty of escapist options for those who can ignore a plummeting Dow. When the weather heats up, start your weekend wet by renting a $400 poolside private cabana with plasma TV at the "European" (topless) pool.
The deal:The hotel's website offers midweek rates ranging from $159-$252, with a resort credit of $50 for two or more nights. Recent customers who scored $109 midweek deals at Wynn through Hotwire.com were "upgraded" to Encore at no additional charge. (In a reversal from its opening, rooms at Encore currently cost less than Wynn's.)
For more information:
877-321-9966; encorelasvegas.com