This past December saw the opening of Encore, the twin to Steve Wynn’s flagship Wynn Las Vegas. A quick look from a distance and it’s clear the two resorts are related, with both sporting trim golden facades. While guests at one resort are encouraged to sample the delights at the neighboring property, the $2.3 billion Encore strives for and achieves a more boutique hotel experience than Wynn Las Vegas. Steve Wynn is on record as describing Encore as being about intimacy. “The casino is smaller and feels more exclusive and is meant to echo the notion of a casino in Monaco,” says Wynn. “The rooms are suites and they’re warm and cozy and inviting.” Passing from one resort to the other is virtually seamless, making it easy to shop, dine or attend a show at Wynn while staying at Encore.
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The 700-square-foot Resort Suites at Encore offer dazzling views through floor-to-ceiling windows |
Many are wondering just how well the new resort will do given Sin City’s current slump in visitor arrivals. “We opened during Vegas’ busiest period,” says Rob Oseland, chief operating officer, Encore Wynn Las Vegas. “After the holidays, Vegas goes into a slow period, but we’re currently 95 percent occupied.” Oseland notes that he’s been part of the opening team at five Wynn properties and that Encore’s opening was the smoothest of all of them.
Given that a recent survey predicts further downturns for Vegas, from where will Encore pull guests? “The international market has shown growth,” he says. “At Encore we’re also seeing a cannibalization of the domestic market—Encore is drawing guests from other casinos, including Wynn.”
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The bedroom of a Salon Suite at Encore |
Elegant Accommodations and Dining
Encore’s 2,034 suites offer views from two-story glass windows, advanced technologies and Wynn Dream Beds. Each Resort Suite spans more than 700 square feet and the Tower Suites measure up to 5,800 square feet. The well-designed lighting in the suites creates an intimate atmosphere. The room has a huge flat-screen TV that swivels so it can be viewed from either the bed or living room. The decor blends warm earth tones with stark black, and also presents contrasting textures of lacquered ebony and houndstooth wall covering. It’s a masculine design concept that is softened by the open and airy interior, the excellent artwork and a black-and-white L-shaped couch.
The Parlor Suites, Encore’s premium entry-level suites, fill up quickly. These Tower Suites have their own private entrance, registration and spa treatment room. Steer families toward a Parlor Suite with a connecting Tower Suite for a two-bedroom suite with plenty of room for the brood. Families needing a bit more space to stretch out can choose a Salon Suite (2,261 square feet) with a connecting Tower Suite room. Encore also has two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex apartments with a billiards room. Both apartments also come equipped with butler pantries.
The best views of the Strip can be seen from suites with even numbers between floors 10–30.
The resort has five restaurants, each sporting a different look and cuisine. Wazuzu serves Pan-Asian cuisine—everything from sushi to dim sum to Thai-Style Roti Panang. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a glittering crystal dragon, composed of 90,000 crystals, that stretches across one wall. The restaurant has a variety of tables, from intimate seating for two to a corner booth seating 10.
Rounding out Encore’s restaurant offerings are Botero, known for its steaks; Sinatra, where diners are served Italian cuisine, surrounded by Frank Sinatra memorabilia and serenaded by Ol’ Blue Eyes and his contemporaries on the sound system; and Switch, which is taking Vegas by storm because of its unique feature—on the half hour, the lighting, walls and ceiling change to create a totally different atmosphere for diners. There are four sets of changes in all.
Society offers a very elegant and upscale buffet option. Guests can expect great coffee, ample space between the tables and a menu that has classics like Eggs Benedict as well as trendy offerings like Mango Smoothies with a scoop of protein powder. The Wynn signature floral displays and draperies soften the black, white and red decor. Society serves meals throughout the day, but seems to shine particularly bright in the morning.
Other highlights at Encore include 11 retail outlets, seven bars and lounges, XS nightclub, an atrium and a European-inspired pool area (that is to say, topless). Encore also has 60,000 square feet of event space. The 61,000-square-foot spa has 37 treatment rooms, including four couples suites. Clients will find a full range of treatments and therapies, from massage to hydrotherapy. The signature treatment is the 80-minute Good Luck Ritual Massage, which is based upon the five elements of Feng Shui—health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony. The spa is a great resource to alleviate some of the stress your clients might encounter at the gaming tables, or the indulgences at Encore’s restaurants and nightclub.
Ryan Crabbe (702-770-4454, [email protected]) is the director of spa operations at Encore. Encore encourages agents to book ahead of time through the hotel’s concierge. Appointments can be booked up to 90 days in advance, although spa treatments are non-commissionable. Multiple seasonal packages and the signature show Le Reve at the Wynn Las Vegas are commissionable to travel agents.
Encore’s general manager is Brian Gullbrants (702-770-4301, brian.gullbrants@wynnlas vegas.com), vice president of operations and general at Encore.
Agents with VIP requests can contact Patrick Burkhardt, travel industry sales manager, at 702-770-2719, patrick.burkhardt@wynnlas vegas.com.