Las Vegas' $3.7B luxury resort Fontainebleau opens its doors with star-studded ribbon-cutting ceremony

The new Fontainebleau Las Vegas luxury resort opened its doors on Wednesday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony preceded the resort’s public debut, right before midnight. Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer, joined by Fontainebleau Las Vegas executives, local government officials, community dignitaries, and national VIPs, marked the moment with champagne, live violinists, and a snip of the "Bleau" ribbon.

"Welcome to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas era," Soffer said following the ribbon cutting. "Today, we open our doors to the world and welcome our first guests to experience the pinnacle of luxury hospitality."

"It's fitting that Las Vegas is a city of dreams and possibilities, as this resort stands as a symbol of perseverance, our unwavering commitment to excellence, and our belief in the transformative power of genuine, world-class hospitality," he added.

Soffer joined Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom on stage to receive the Key to the Strip, as December 13 was declared "Fontainebleau Las Vegas Day." As he handed Soffer the ceremonial key, the commissioner hailed Fontainebleau Development’s significant contribution to the growth and prestige of the Strip, as well as the strengthening of ties between Fontainebleau and the Las Vegas community.

Additionally, Fontainebleau Development and Fontainebleau Las Vegas were honored with the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Certificate of Special Congressional Commendation from U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, and an official proclamation from Assemblyman Howard Watts III. 

Hundreds of guests gathered for the event and cheered comments made by Soffer’s development team and invited dignitaries. Some celebrities spotted Wednesday evening were retired athlete Tom Brady, singer Cher, rocker Alice Cooper, actor Bryan Cranston and actor/producer Aaron Paul, reports Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The grand opening ceremony, held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Urs Fischer Gallery,  marks the launch of the blue-tinted property, conceptualized by Soffer, who bought the historic Miami Beach hotel in 2005 and announced the Vegas location the same year. 

The building was roughly 75 percent complete when the recession hit the country in 2009. Bankruptcy, changing ownership, and multiple new visions followed before Soffer’s team once again acquired the still-empty, nearly done building in 2021 with partners in Koch Real Estate Investments.

The $3.7 billion project houses 67 floors, and 3,644 rooms, and is the tallest occupiable building in Nevada. The casino at the property’s center boasts 1,300 slots and 128 table games with 42-foot ceilings. 

Other speakers at the ribbon-cutting included Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, who welcomed Fontainebleau to the neighborhood.

"Thank you for getting this done," Hill said. "It is a remarkable achievement. It’s a remarkable commitment. It is a remarkable building and we couldn't be happier to welcome you to the neighborhood. We’re super excited about that."

When the parking garage at the property opens, it won’t be free. Parking ticket dispensers with gates are set up in the garage. A company spokesperson indicated the public would be able to park free for up to four hours, however, no other information about long-term rates was provided.

Room rates for upcoming stays at Fontainebleau have a broad range. According to a survey of rates through Hotels.com, a midweek stay immediately after Christmas is going for $160 a night, but the following weekend leading up to New Year’s Eve is offered at $400 a night.