Photo of Fontainebleau Las Vegas Exterior by Connie Zhou.

Drawing Parallels

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Reimagines Glamour Across Eras

BY BRIAN G. THORNTON

As Rachel Marron, Whitney Houston’s fictional pop diva in “The Bodyguard,” stood on the corner balcony of her suite, she quipped about enjoying the view from Miami Dolphins owner Don Shula’s extravagant quarters. That moment, captured in a sweeping aerial shot alongside Kevin Costner, immortalized the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in another Hollywood classic. It wasn’t the first time this architectural gem graced the silver screen, as James Bond’s “Goldfinger” had already turned the hotel into a cinematic icon decades earlier.

My studies of Morris Lapidus in architecture school sparked my deep connection to the Fontainebleau brand—a relationship I’ve maintained for over 40 years. I vividly remember my first visit as a young architect, recognizing even then that Lapidus was a visionary designer well ahead of his time when he designed the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach in the early 1950s.

Fontainebleau’s legacy of luxury and celebrity lives on in Las Vegas, blending bold design and star-studded history. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which debuted on Dec. 13, 2023, carries forth dramatic architecture and cultural prestige, offering a new stage for glamour after many development, economic and ownership changes.

Like its Miami Beach predecessor, Fontainebleau Las Vegas has become a design landmark, building its history while drawing parallels to the past.

Side by Side

Looking at the Las Vegas Strip’s newest destination resort and comparing it to one that was imagined and opened 70 years ago is where we will embark on telling its story. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a long-anticipated luxury resort on the Strip, with roots dating back to 1948 when the property housed the Thunderbird Hotel. After several transformations — from the Silverbird to El Rancho — and the site’s acquisition by Turnberry Associates in 2000, it seemed destined for redevelopment. In 2005, Fontainebleau Development Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer unveiled plans for a glamorous 67-story tower designed as a sister property to the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

However, the road to completion was fraught with challenges. Despite ambitious plans for a $2.8 billion resort with 3,664 rooms, a massive retail mall and a unique spa inspired by Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, financial woes and the 2008 economic crash forced construction to halt in 2009 at 70% completion. The resort filed for bankruptcy, and in 2010, financier Carl Icahn acquired it, leaving the project dormant for years.

After a series of ownership changes, Fontainebleau Las Vegas finally came to life again, with plans to extend its magic in 2023. Today, it stands as a symbol of perseverance and luxury, boasting world-class amenities while embodying the grandeur of the Fontainebleau brand. This new chapter reflects not only Las Vegas’ evolving skyline but also a tribute to its rich, resilient history.

The vision Lapidus had for Fontainebleau Miami Beach in 1954 included a lot of ocean references and curvilinear shapes. Lapidus believed in creating flamboyant, theatrical and expressive architecture, rejecting the minimalist trends of the time. He coined the phrase “the architecture of joy,” which aimed to evoke emotions and create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Fontainebleau Miami Beach was revolutionary for its time, known for its curvilinear forms, dramatic use of space and opulence. The design included sweeping curves, a grand staircase (often called the “staircase to nowhere”) and a lavish sense of luxury. The feature symbolizes the hotel’s purpose as a place to be seen. The bold, serpentine façade and distinctive roofline became emblematic of his daring and playful approach to design. His use of open spaces, dramatic lighting and mirrors added a grandeur. His interior design combined classical luxury with modern materials, including lush fabrics, chandeliers and modernist furniture.

Then, there’s the social impact and cultural significance. Fontainebleau Miami Beach became synonymous with glamour and was frequented by stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. This association with high society and entertainment culture was central to its identity. The hotel symbolized post-war optimism, indulgence and the rise of Miami Beach as a luxury destination. It wasn’t just a place to stay but an experience, a stage where guests could perform their own lives.

Counterpart, Not Throwback

The $3.7 billion Fontainebleau Las Vegas marks the first major hotel opening on the Strip since Resorts World Las Vegas in 2021. Spanning 25 acres, it aims to impress travelers far beyond its prestigious name.

One feature the Miami property couldn’t offer was a casino, as gaming is prohibited in Florida. In Las Vegas, however, the casino takes center stage. Fontainebleau Las Vegas connects guests with their deepest desires in an elegant, sophisticated environment. Its expansive 150,000-square-foot casino, with soaring 42-foot ceilings, houses 1,300 slot machines and 128 table games. Unlike the older, smoky casinos with low ceilings and maze-like gaming floors, its open and airy design creates a refreshing and modern experience.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas echoes many of these original themes, translating the opulence and spectacle of Miami Beach into a modern Las Vegas context. Immediately upon arrival, the Porte-cochere canopy evokes a massive bow wave leading a cruise ship to the wake beyond. The north-facing structure sets the tone for the grandeur within. Fontainebleau Las Vegas features a 20,000-square-foot domed oval lobby, including a 5,000-square-foot VIP registration area.

The resort is an instant hub for vibrant resort lifestyle entertainment, and dining opportunities may initially seem overwhelming. Many locals have expressed their intention to make multiple visits to explore all this resort has to offer, and that’s the point the Fontainebleau Development team had in mind from inception. Just as the Miami Beach hotel hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas continues this legacy.

World-Class Dining, Entertainment and Nightlife Offerings

As of its December debut, the resort offers over 30 new dining concepts and bars for guests to explore, with several more set to open in 2025.

Among the original concepts is Don’s Prime, an upscale steakhouse named after founder Jeffrey Soffer’s father, Donald Soffer, and Washing Potato, an upscale, casual dim sum spot. The Las Vegas property also boasts impressive outposts of famed dining concepts and lounges, many originating in Miami Beach but presented on a grander scale. These include Groot Hospitality’s Komodo and Papi Steak, along with Las Vegas branches of ITO—a 12-seat sushi and omakase restaurant helmed by New York chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim—and Mother Wolf, a cult-favorite Italian eatery from Los Angeles by chef Evan Funke.

Other stand-alone dining options include The Tavern, Vida, La Fontaine, Chyna Club and the exclusive members-only Poodle Room atop the 67-story tower. Fontainebleau Las Vegas also features the expansive Promenade Food Hall, where you can discover Capon’s Burgers, El Bagel, Miami Slice, Bar ITO, Nona’s, Roadside Taco and Après.

Looking ahead to 2025, Cantina Contramar will make its mark as the first U.S. collaboration of three celebrated Mexican culinary and creative figures: chef Gabriela Cámara, architect Frida Escobedo and Bertha González Nieves, co-founder and CEO of Tequila Casa Dragones and the first female Maestra Tequilera. The cantina will also feature the first Casa Dragones Tasting Room in the U.S.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas tapped local bar legend Juyoung Kang to bring its bar concepts to life. At Don’s Prime, Kang designed a savory cocktail featuring chimichurri herbs and yerba mate syrup, blending sophistication with a fresh twist. For Collins, a lobby bar that gets its name from the namesake Collins Avenue in Miami, she created a whimsical twist with the Sunny Peach, a mezcal libation inspired by the kiwi, her childhood favorite fruit. These bespoke connections to the ingredients add depth to the signature drinks and bar.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas also offers timeless, glamorous entertainment in a modern setting. For the resort’s inaugural New Year’s Eve festivities this past year, Post Malone headlined two sold-out New Year’s Eve shows at the 3,800-seat BleauLive Theater, a venue that dazzles with cutting-edge audio and lighting systems. Meanwhile, the 50,000-square-foot nightclub LIV, which hails from Miami Beach’s famous origin, brings world-class nightlife to the Strip with A-list entertainment and VIP service. It debuted in Las Vegas with EDM sensation John Summit as its first resident DJ. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is proving that whether it’s live shows or legendary club experiences, the party is just getting started.

Exploring the Artwork, Retail Space and a Wellness Oasis

When touring a contemporary ultra-luxury property, one unexpected activity is taking in all the bespoke and commissioned art. One such piece is “La Liaison Amoureus” by artist Tim Tadder. Its AI-generated photography blends 1950s nostalgia with modern imagery, bridging Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s history and the future of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Another dynamic, not-to-be-missed installment is Urs Fischer’s 46-foot sculpture, “Lovers #3,” made of aluminum, stainless steel and gold leaf. It depicts two forms meeting and is designed for multiple viewpoints.

As far as shopping, the resort also boasts an impressive and growing luxury retail collection, including Alexander Wang, Chrome Hearts, Missoni and Giuseppe Zanotti.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas redefines wellness with its state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa & Wellness, complemented by a 14,000-square-foot fitness center. Designed by Milan-based Lissoni & Partners and led by Spa Director Jennifer Lynn, it honors the legacy of Lapidus, the visionary behind the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach. His rule-breaking design ethos lives on through the spa’s amenities, offering a personalized, immersive experience that fuses ancient rejuvenation practices with cutting-edge modern therapies.

The resort also features an elevated six-acre Oasis Pool Deck with multiple bars, a restaurant and a gaming area. Designed with a vibrant, mid-century Miami Beach vibe, the pool deck delivers an unforgettable blend of relaxation and excitement with the Grand Pool, La Mer, Legacy Pool and the daylife destination LIV Beach, which were created by Groot Hospitality and David Grutman and operated by Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Inside the Elegant Rooms and Luxury Suites

Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ accommodations embody a seamless blend of understated luxury and refined sophistication.

With 3,644 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each space is a testament to the brand’s timeless aesthetic, brought to life by the vision of designer John Rawlins and the resort’s in-house team. A soothing palette of blue and silver, accented with soft coral tones, sets the stage for an atmosphere of calm elegance. Mercury-glass mirrors and brass accents complement silver-leaf details, pearlescent shagreen and Arabescato marble, while custom brass bowtie drawer pulls nod to Fontainebleau’s storied history. Plush, geometric carpeting in dove-grey and blue art-deco patterns underlines the fluid curves of bespoke furnishings, creating an effortlessly chic environment.

The summit of this luxury offering is the Fleur de Lis suite collection, which occupies the top five floors of the resort. With eight distinct suite options ranging from 980 to 10,000 square feet, these rooms offer a five-star, tailored experience. Dedicated butler service ensures that each guest’s stay is personalized and unforgettable, making the Fleur de Lis collection the perfect embodiment of the resort’s signature elegance and hospitality—truly a home-away-from-home, elevated to the highest standards.

The Legacy, The Lineage

Lapidus was once criticized for his “over-the-top” style but later celebrated as a visionary. His influence remains relevant today, particularly in places like Las Vegas, where showmanship in design is embraced. The revival of Fontainebleau Las Vegas can be seen as a tribute to his belief that buildings should be joyful and dramatic. Comparing the boldness of the original ideas that Lapidus had to the contemporary reimagining in Las Vegas, the entire ensemble of visionaries, architects and designers drew a parallel line between the two iconic properties. The historical significance of continuing his vision is in a city like Las Vegas, which is known for its embrace of spectacle. The resort is poised for evolving expansion and reimagination as the Las Vegas property has quickly established its lineage in Nevada.

The Resort Team

Ownership/Development Leadership
Ownership: Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments

Fontainebleau Development Leadership: Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, President Brett Mufson

Design
Architectural Design Lead: Carlos Zapata Studio

Design Project Lead: Fontainebleau Development Executive Vice President of Design John Rawlins

Hotel Lobby, Collins, Don’s Prime: David Collins Studio

The Tavern, Azul, Chez Bon Bon, Papi Steak, Promenade Food Hall, Komodo, Poodle Room, ITO: Rockwell Group

Lapis Spa & Wellness, Fitness Center: Lissoni & Partners
Casino Floor, Bleau Bar, Meeting & Convention Space, La Fontaine, Oasis Pool Deck: Jeffrey Beers International

Landscapes
Lifescapes International

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109. For further reading about this iconic resort, visit www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com.