Fontainebleau Las Vegas Review for 2025

As the newest casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip, Fontainebleau has attracted a lot of attention since it opened in 2023. 

One of the big stories about the property is just how long it took to build. Construction started all the way back in 2007, but it didn’t open for another 16 years. So, although a new resort, it already has a storied history. 

Another point of discussion is how you actually pronounce the name. While many attempt the full French pronunciation, most simply refer to it as Fountain Blue or something in between. 

Standing at the very north of the Strip, Fontainebleau is stunning in appearance. Its sheer blue glass exterior and towering stature gives it a strong visual presence, which is impressive given Vegas’ other dazzling resorts.

However, it is the interior standards and excellence which have got a lot of people talking, so I went along to experience it for myself. 

Fontainebleau has been a Las Vegas topic of discussion ever since it was announced in May 2005. Building started in 2007, it was topped out in 2008, and then it fell victim to a series of failings.

Firstly, the banks cut funding, then the developers Fontainebleau Resorts went bankrupt. Despite the resort being 70% finished, the project was put on hold. A new buyer bought it out in 2010 but never restarted construction, so it sat dormant for seven years.

It was taken over again in 2017, with the intention to scrap the Fontainebleau name and open it up as The Drew Las Vegas in 2022. However, the covid pandemic struck, stopping construction yet again in March 2020.

Finally, Fontainebleau Development regained ownership in February 2021, reinstated the name, and it eventually opened on December 13, 2023. 

Fontainebleau is the sister resort of The Fontainebleau Miami Beach which has been open since 1954. It too has had its own ownership troubles in the past, but has constantly redeveloped itself, appearing in many well-known movies and now appears on the US National Register of Historic Places. 

The Miami Fontainebleau was designed by Morris Lapidus, who was known for wearing bow ties and incorporated them into the design. For anyone visiting Fontainebleau Las Vegas you will see this bow-tie theming features throughout the resort, even in the nachos!

As you would expect from a property that has been 18 years in the making, anticipation has been high and expectations even greater for Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Understandably, it has been scrutinised probably more than any other new property on the Las Vegas Strip due to its troubled history.

But, so far, it certainly seems to be silencing the critics, and I for one was impressed. With a stunning hotel, multiple restaurants and bars, spectacular pool and spa, plus a huge casino offering the widest variety of games of any Strip casino, it is making all the right moves. 

Location 

Fontainebleau is built on the site of the old El Rancho Hotel and Casino and the Algiers Hotel.

It occupies an area at the north end of the Strip that has been neglected for many years but is experiencing a recent boom. 

Directly opposite Fontainebleau is Circus Circus, a Las Vegas institution that has been entertaining visitors since 1968. North of Fontainebleau is Sahara and The Strat although both are quite a walk.

South of the resort is the recently opened Resorts World and further south of that is the twin casino resorts of Encore and Wynn. 

The location can be considered a downside to the property. While the centre and south of the Strip are packed full of hotels and casinos that are mostly linked by internal walkways and pedestrian bridges, Fontainebleau is a little isolated by comparison.

Walking to Circus Circus and Resorts World is just about manageable, however it would be advisable to take a taxi or rideshare to any other parts of the Strip, especially in the Vegas heat.

The northern location also means that it isn’t serviced by any of the tram services, however, if you don’t mind the cheap and cheerful Deuce bus service then there is a stop opposite Fontainebleau at Circus Circus/Slots A Fun. 

The Deuce bus service runs all the way up and down the Strip and goes to the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas too.

If you are travelling to the resort from the airport, then Fontainebleau is within Zone 3 of the fixed rate taxi fee from Harry Reid International Airport. So, expect to pay a flat fee of $30 plus tip.

If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find plenty of car parking on site which costs $20 for up to 24 hours. 

With 150,000 square feet of gaming space, Fontainebleau has one of the biggest casino floors on the Las Vegas Strip. With 42-foot-high ceilings, it is also one of the tallest. 

I was taken aback by the layout, which all centred around an elevated bar right in the middle of the casino floor. The bar had a gigantic gold chandelier above it and the casino circled the bar sprawling out in every direction.

The overall décor was blue, in fact everything in the property is a different shade of blue, with lots of creams and warm gold finishing to complement it. There are feature walls, incredible art installations, fresh flowers and golden lightning. All of which makes the casino feel very sophisticated and luxurious. 

Despite the huge size of the casino, I found it really well presented. The centre bar is a masterstroke as you can navigate your way around the gaming floor using the chandelier in the middle. 

You may think that such a large casino might feel a little overwhelming or unwelcoming, but the design made it actually feel quite cosy and intimate. I didn’t feel like I was walking around in a large room, I felt like I was discovering new parts of the casino as I came upon them. 

The most important thing for me when I walk into a casino is if I feel comfortable playing there, and I felt this instantly at Fontainebleau despite it being my first visit.

Table Games Selection

There are a wide variety of table games at Fontainebleau and they are positioned at various locations on the casino floor.

I saw some dedicated blackjack pits, some for roulette, plus there were plenty of tables offering craps, baccarat and some more rare Asian games too. There are around 120 live table games in total.

As you would expect for a new casino, the tables are immaculately presented, and the chairs are plush and luxurious. I saw a few table minimums starting from $15, but a lot of tables started at $25 or $50 on the weekend. 

I played a bit of blackjack when I was there and my dealer was excellent. He was full of character and charm and the table ended up being really busy because he attracted a crowd. It made it more entertaining even when I was losing!

Fontainebleau does not have a poker room so there is no live poker, but there are plenty of poker pit games to choose from and a good range of video poker as well.

Classic table games:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Three Card Poker 

Variants: 

• Pai Gow Poker
• Super 4 Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Crapless Craps
• High Card Flush
• Free Bet Blackjack

Most of the blackjack I saw was 6:5, but there were some 3:2 blackjack tables in the high limit areas. The same goes for roulette, with single zero European Roulette only offered in the high limit areas. 

If you prefer electronic table games over live table games then you can choose from blackjack, craps, crapless craps, and multiplayer double zero roulette. All have a minimum bet level of $3. 

There is an additional table games area at Fontainebleau which is on the Oasis Pool Deck outside which I’ll go into later. 

Slots

Slots are my real love and what struck me about Fontainebleau was not only the sheer quantity of the games, but the quality too. I can’t remember seeing such a varied amount of slots on one casino floor in Las Vegas.

When you visit Las Vegas frequently, you get used to the layout and what games you can expect to find where. For example, you know which casinos offer the most up-to-date games, you know where has more slot variety, and you know which slots are only available downtown. But with Fontainebleau, they had it all. 

I found every single one of my favourite slot games in one place, which is very rare. 

I also loved the ambience of the casino floor. The games were well spaced out, the area was kept immaculately clean and there was just so much choice, not only in which game to play, but also in the area in which to play in.  

There are around 1,300 slots to choose from which compares to Caesars Palace and Cosmopolitan in number. But, in my opinion, the variety and layout of slots at Fontainebleau is superior. 

Some of the most well-known games available to play at Fontainebleau include:

• Dragon Link
• Quick Hits
• Huff n Even More Puff
• Dollar Storm
• Big Hot Flaming Pots
• Buffalo Link
• Planet Moolah
• Mystery of the Lamp
• Diamond Queen

During my visit I played all of the above and more, and had some luck too. In fact, I played slots for almost four hours and came out just above even, which counts as a win in my book!

One game that I really should have tried my luck on was Wheel of Fortune. Within the first few weeks of opening, two lucky players hit over $1 million jackpots at Fontainebleau. For now, I’ll keep dreaming that it’ll be me one day!

Bar-Top Gaming

Bar-top gaming is something that you’ll find a lot of in Las Vegas, but funnily enough, not as much in the high-end casinos.

Casinos such as Caesars Palace have bar-top gaming at almost all bars, whereas Wynn and Encore not so much. Fontainebleau has followed the less-is-more principal and only has one bar offering bar-top gaming – the Tavern.

The Tavern is a sportsbook where you can enjoy live sport action and you can sit around the bar playing video poker or a selection of other games on the electronic machines. 

If you haven’t played bar top games before, just pull up a seat, put your money in the slot and choose your game. Depending on whatever system the specific bar use, you should be offered complimentary drinks while you bet. If not, just ask your bartender. 

Sportsbook

As mentioned, Fontainebleau’s sportsbook is called The Tavern. Situated right off the casino floor, the Tavern has a centre bar with tables all around it and offers a comprehensive bar and food menu.

Further inside the bar, you’ll find the sportsbook part, with a wall of high-resolution screens showing live games and sports news. In front of the screens there was plush leather seating and betting terminals to place sports bets. 

The sportsbook has a really nice vibe to it. It feels more inclusive being in a bar setting rather than just rows of chairs facing the screen. And there were TV screens positioned all around the bar too.

I stopped here for food and had the fish and chips, which wasn’t anything particularly special, but the portions were huge.  

Waitress Service

There’s always a risk with a large casino floor that waitress service can be lacking. This is certainly the issue I’ve always found at Aria, for example. However, I’m pleased to say that the waitress service at Fontainebleau was mostly excellent.

I only had to wait for drinks at one point which was Saturday night when it was extremely busy and I was playing slots in a quieter area of the casino.

Through the day and on other evenings it was fabulous, and the drinks were of a very high standard. I ordered a few different cocktails and each were beautifully presented in a nice glass and tasted delicious. It felt like a lot of care had gone into them rather than them just being thrown together.

As with all Vegas casinos, if you’re gambling in the casino, drinks are complimentary, just always make sure you tip your server well. Especially if you want them to come back!

Most casinos offer a range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, with some offering more choice than others. If you’re not sure what to order, just ask your waitress. 

High Limit Gaming 

With such a sophisticated and modern casino, you’d expect there to be some high-end high-limit gaming areas too, and you’d be right.

I saw two high-limit table game salons offering a wide range of games and both were exquisitely designed. Continuing the blue, cream and gold theming, the rooms were immaculate, with artwork on the walls, luxury seating, chandeliers over the tables and exclusive bar areas.

Unfortunately, I don’t personally have the budget to play in these areas but I had a quick look around.

This is where you’ll find Double Deck and Six Deck Blackjack that stand on soft 17 and I saw table minimums starting from $500 and $300 respectively. 

European single zero roulette was also available in the high-limit area as was Baccarat with minimum bets from $100.

Although I didn’t see it myself, I know there is also an additional exclusive table game lounge at Solo Club where you can play roulette and blackjack.

I was able to spend some more time in the high-limit slots area, however, which has a striking glass bricked frontage. The area is fairly big and offers a selection of high denomination slot games.

If you’ve never played in a high-limit slots area, then don’t be afraid to go and have a look around. Bet minimums usually start from around $5, so they are more accessible than you think. 

I tried my luck in here a couple of times and did hit one bonus, but lost overall. I always enjoy trying out the high-limit slots area for a more refined gaming experience and I’m sure I’ll be back to try out Fontainebleau’s high limit slot area again. 

Cash and Payment Options 

As with almost all Las Vegas casinos, gambling requires cash. If you want to try your luck on the slots or table games at Fontainebleau then you need cash to play.

Slot games work off a ticket system called a TITO (Ticket In, Ticket Out). So you first begin by inserting cash into a slot game. However, when it comes to withdrawing cash from the slot, it will come in the form of a TITO voucher.

You can then use that TITO in another slot to continue playing or cash it out at one of the redemption machines around the casino. 

When it comes to table games, you buy-in at the table by handing cash to your dealer or croupier. They will then give you chips to play with. When you’ve finished playing you take your chips to the cashier desk to exchange it for cash.

Although ATM’s are available in all Vegas casinos, they do tend to add withdrawal fees, so it’s always a good idea to bring your cash with you if possible. 

Fontainebleau has 67 stories and stands at 737 feet (224.6 m) high. It is currently the tallest occupiable building in Nevada.

The hotel has 3,644 rooms and suites as well as an abundance of amenities for hotel guests to enjoy.

It is clear from the outset that Fontainebleau is aimed at the more affluent customer. The sleek and sophisticated exterior of the resort sets the tone and the luxurious interior brings it to life. 

Although high-end in design, it didn’t feel pretentious to me, and I was made to feel very welcome, even though I am nowhere near high-roller status. 

Fontainebleau Rooms 

There are three types of guest rooms at Fontainebleau - Bleau, Gold and Platinum. 

Beau Rooms are around 490 square feet, Gold Rooms are from 550 square feet and Platinum Rooms start from 660 square feet. There is an increase in comfort and amenities at each level.

There are also a range of suites from Junior Suites, Royal Suites, all the way to Grand Panoramic Suites offering huge living areas and top luxury accommodation. 

I stayed in the most basic room, the Bleau double queen, which was on the 54^th floor.

From the minute I walked into the room I was impressed by the standard. The room felt spacious, it was well-presented, the furniture was stylish, and there were lots of fun features and attractive artwork.

The bathroom was really big and included one of the deepest soaking tubs I’ve ever seen. There were his and hers sinks, a WC area with a door, a separate shower and it all had a white and silver marble finish.

In the bedroom, the colour scheme was, of course, blue, and there was a wardrobe with robes, draws, a bedside cabinet with funky lamp, lots of power and USB ports, and a separate seating area with two chairs beside the window.

Amenities included hairdryer, iron/ironing board, luxurious bathroom toiletries which smelt fabulous, an in-room safe and a large HDTV. There was a piece of striking artwork on one wall and a feature mirror behind the beds as well as a full-length mirror too.

The room was immaculate, and it felt completely luxurious despite it being the most basic room on offer. 

The only downside to my room was that it only had a two-panel window, rather than a three panel window which reduced the light coming into the room.

This was due to the fact that the room was located on the inside corner of the building so there was just a plain wall where a window would normally have been. 

I also had a view of the mountains and the Strat, which although was pleasant, I would definitely book a view of the Strip on my next visit. 

Fontainebleau is dog-friendly for anyone who wants to treat their furry friend to a Vegas vacation. However, additional costs apply, and strict conditions must be adhered to. 

Bars 

There are a plethora of bars within Fontainebleau each offering a different vibe and style depending on what you’re looking for. Some of the most popular include:

• Collins – Lobby bar with live pianist and handcrafted cocktails   
• Bleau Bar – 24-hour lively central casino bar with chandelier 
• Nowhere – Luxury late-night bar with nightly live music 
• Tavern – casual sports bar with bar-top gaming and live sports 

I know it’s been touched on before but Bleau Bar really is the jewel in the crown at Fontainebleau. Not only does it form the centrepiece of the whole casino, but the chandelier itself is made of thousands of crystal bowties and offers a beautiful spectacle. 

The fact it is open 24 hours makes it ideal for pre-casino or pre-dinner drinks as well as post-evening drinks too and it has a lovely atmosphere.

Collins was also one of my favourite bars, I adored the Ruby Slippers cocktail and it was here that I was served bow-tie shaped nachos as an appetizer.

Buffets and Restaurants 

With over 20 different restaurants, you can enjoy food from all over the world at Fontainebleau.

I have eaten at six different restaurants so far at Fontainebleau and I am yet to find one that I dislike. Arguably, my favourite meals have been at Mother Wolf (Italian) and Chyna Club (Cantonese). Both the food and service at each was outstanding and I cannot recommend them highly enough. 

My top tips are the crispy short-rib meatballs at Mother Wolf (Polpette Di Coda) and the Jasmine Tea Smoked Ribs at Chyna Club. They are scrumptious. 

For daytime eating, La Fontaine is exceptional, and I enjoyed the most delicious omelette (La Parisienne) and fresh fruit platter there in elegant surroundings. 

Other places I’ve tried are Dons Prime, with sumptuous food, La Cote, with lovely views over the stunning pool deck and the Tavern for more casual eats.

There are still plenty of other restaurants to try though. Komodo, Papi Steak, Kyu Las Vegas, and ITO are some of the other fine-dining options available.

Plus, casual dining includes Vida, Washing Potato, Café Cuto, Chez Bon Bon, and the Promenade open dining experience which has cuisines from all corners of the world.

Shows and Entertainment 

The BleauLive Theater is 90,000 square feet and seats up to 3,800 guests over three levels. It hosts a range of comedy, live music events and residencies with some well-known acts such as Keith Urban, Smashing Pumpkins and Hootie and the Blowfish.

Both Collins and Nowhere feature live music acts most nights with everything from jazz pianists to classic swing music too.

LIV Las Vegas is a nightclub experience open Friday to Sunday offering state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a party experience like no other. Celebrity DJ’s include world renowned music producer Calvin Harris and Tiesto who both have a residency. 

Meanwhile LIV Beach is a Dayclub where the party is brought into the sunshine and features headline music acts and celebrity DJ’s too.

Fontainebleau is also branching out into other entertainment and at the time of writing, they are due to host the inaugural Las Vegas Pickleball Cup in the Royal Ballroom.

If shopping is how you get your kicks, then Fontainebleau offers a select range of luxury boutique shops with everything from fashion, skincare, jewellery, tailoring, footwear, fragrance, accessories and gifts. Shops include Chrome Hearts, Giuseppe Zanotti, Missoni and Vittorio Borghese.

Finally, art plays a big role in Fontainebleau and you can enjoy spending time in the resort appreciating the various paintings and installations on show. The most spectacular piece of art, in my opinion, is the Ocean’s exhibit at the entrance of the casino. 

The marble and brass-tinted steel installation is a moving piece of art which is meant to replicate the movement of the ocean. The inspiration was to “bring water to the desert” just as Fontainebleau has brought its legacy from Miami to Las Vegas. It really has to be seen to be appreciated.

Pools and spas are exceptionally popular in Las Vegas which is obvious from the general standard you can find at other Strip resorts. Mandalay Bay, Bellagio and Caesars Palace arguably have the most stunning pool complexes while Aria, Wynn and Encore pride themselves on their award-winning spas.

It is understandable then, that Fontainebleau would focus so much attention on creating a pool and spa to rival the most established resorts on the Strip. And its safe to say, they have done.  

Fontainebleau Pool

The pool complex at Fontainebleau is nothing short of spectacular. 

Covering six-acres of land, the Oasis Pool Deck offers six different pool experiences, four bars, two restaurants and a poolside table games area too.

With various swimming areas, lots of relaxing day beds, private cabanas to rent and a central bar area called Bleau Isle, providing a lively hub in the middle, it’s a really fun place to be. 

I spent some time around the pool, relaxing and soaking up the sun and it had a lovely, chilled vibe. The shape of the complex means there are lots of secluded and separate areas so you can get some privacy and the greenery, palm trees and décor make it visually stunning. It feels very glamourous.

Food and drink is readily available and I enjoyed breakfast at La Cote overlooking the deck before taking a dip in one of the pools. 

At the gaming tables, I mostly saw blackjack and roulette, but there may have been other games on offer too. Also, I wasn’t able to view it myself, but the pool area hosts a series of movie nights called the Oasis Cinema Club on Sunday evenings. 

Spa

I had heard so much about the Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau that I just had to check it out for myself. And I’m so glad I did.

I have been to a few spas in my life but nothing quite like this one. You can choose to book one of two time slots - Lo-Tide Mornings and Hi-Tide Afternoons. 

This is because apparently ‘being in sync with the day creates an equilibrium from which our minds and bodies perform at their best.’ 

I was still struggling with my equilibrium from the night before so I went for the Hi-Tide Afternoon. And I was catapulted into a world of weird and wonderful experiences.

With both a single-gender area and a communal area, I tried out a series of different experiences such as infra-red sauna, salt-mist therapy, vitality pool, contrast therapy, stargazing lounge, heated beds, and a snow shower room, where, yes you’ve guessed it, it snowed. 

The most unusual experience though was the event sauna, which involved watching a lady throw essential oil snowballs on hot bricks in sync with a music and lights show before performing a dance of heat and choreographed towel movements. 

I have definitely never experienced anything like it and it didn’t look like the other 20 odd people in the sauna had either. But it was strangely captivating. And I left the Lapis Spa utterly relaxed afterwards. If you get the chance to experience the spa, I would jump at it. 

Fontainebleau Rewards is the loyalty programme which allows guests to build up points, climb status tiers and claim rewards in return.

Anyone can join Fontainebleau Rewards, you just have to be 21 or over and have some photographic ID.

Once signed up you can earn three different types of points – Tier Credits, Bleau Points and Play Points.

Tier Credits enable you to climb the different status tiers and access more rewards. Bleau Points are a form of resort credit that can be redeemed against hotel stays, spa and restaurant spend. Play Points can be used to access free slot play. 

With Tier Credits and Bleau Points you get three points/credits for every $1 of casino play and five points/credits for every $1 spent on amenities. With Play Points you earn one Play Point for every $5 on slots and every $10 on video poker.

All you have to do is present your card every time you gamble at Fontainebleau and anytime you spend money at the restaurants, bars or shops.

100 Bleau Points equals $1 of resort credit, while 100 Play Points is $1 of slot freeplay.

The different tiers of the Fontainebleau Rewards programme are as below:

Bleau (0 – 7,499 Tier Credits) – members hotel rates, and event pre-sales

Silver (7,500 – 39,999 Tier Credits) – all of the above plus $100 dining credit, complimentary valet, one complimentary coffee each day and late check-out  

Gold (40,000 – 89,999 Tier Credits) – all of the above plus $150 dining credit, $150 spa credit, complimentary resort fees, room upgrades, VIP lines

Royal (90,000 + Tier Credits) – all of the above plus $250 dining credit, $250 spa credit complimentary early check-in, airport transfers, personal casino host

The good news is that you don’t have to climb the tiers in order to start receiving benefits. Even visitors on Bleau level can get discounts, freeplay and rewards. 

Should you join Fontainebleau Rewards?

I’m always a fan of joining rewards clubs as you don’t have to spend any additional money and you can get some great rewards in return.

All it means is that your spend within a resort is logged, and the casino will then have your on their radar for promotions and members-only activities.

Fontainebleau has also been known to offer sign-up rewards for new guests. They have also previously had a tier match promotion on where you can join Fontainebleau rewards on an elevated tier if you already have a high status at another resort.

Keep an eye on any promotions coming up to see if there are extra ways to benefit. And you can always contact the resort to find out if they’ll tier match any existing offers you have. 

In the meantime, just use your members card every time you spend money at Fontainebleau. That means putting it into a slot machine, handing it to your dealer at the tables or giving it to your server at a bar or restaurant. It can all add up. 

Over the last few years as I’ve watched Fontainebleau stand dormant and then return to construction, and, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be able to deliver. 

So much time had passed between its initial ground-breaking and its eventual opening, I worried that it may not be able to keep up to the ever-increasing standards of modern Las Vegas. 

However, I had no need to worry at all. Fontainebleau not only met my expectations but exceeded them.

From the moment I arrived at the resort, to the moment I unfortunately had to leave, it impressed me. And I don’t just mean its immaculate newness.

The casino is outstanding, both in quality, quantity, waitress service and décor. The range of restaurants and bars is superb and I have had two of the best meals I have ever had in Vegas right here.

The pool complex is stunning, and the spa was outstanding, while the room was luxurious and spacious. 

If I had to be picky, I would say the location is a negative. But I actually think there is enough at Fontainebleau to warrant staying on site, at least for a couple of days. I would also like to see a little more in the way of entertainment.

What actually stood out to me above all else though, was the service throughout my stay. Every interaction I had with a member of the team was positive and professional. The waitresses, servers, restaurant hosts, and dealers were all exceptionally endearing and helpful. Even the cleaning team couldn’t do enough for me. 

In such a highly competitive environment such as Las Vegas, resorts have to go the extra mile to stand out and Fontainebleau has certainly done that for me.