Banish the thought of the blue-haired little old lady sitting at her slot with a cup of quarter; things have changed dramatically in Las Vegas in the past ten years and the most noticeable difference is the number of upscale, exclusive properties. These hotels combine spa facilities and services, five-star accommodations, haute cuisine restaurants with world-famous chefs, museum-like art collections, extensive recreational offerings and often some signature 'wow' feature like waterfalls, fountains. The individual hotel resort has become a luxury destination all by itself. Oh, and yes, there is also casino gaming.
The most exemplary of this trend is The Wynn, opened in 2005 by entrepreneur Steve Wynn to much hype and fanfare. Wynn's other property in Las Vegas, Bellagio, is also of this super-luxury class. But, amazingly, The Wynn lives up to advance press. Here's our rundown on happenings at The Wynn.
More Is More
The Wynn is a collection of over-the-top facts--more than 2,000 rooms on fifty floors, a golf course (the only one on the strip), 15 plus restaurants, large theater for the current out-sized Vegas entertainment du jour (right now it's Cirque du Soleil's Le Reve), designer mall, lake and to top it off, its own mountain (man-made, of course) next door. Zeroing in on these features, the details do not disappoint.
Dining at the Wynn
First off, there’s the dining room at The Alex, The Wynn’s French Riviera-inspired restaurant. The Alex is only one of 15 fine dining venues here. The meat-and-potato crowd will be in heaven at the SW Steakhouse for classic American cuisine, and the fresh fish at the Barolotta Ristorante di Mare. In addition, there are numerous bars and people-watching spots, as well as more casual dining choices.
Aiding the digestion is the contemplation of many fine many masterpieces by Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Picasso and other geniuses displayed throughout the property. Culture is good. It’s one way to cleanse the soul after too much fine dining, hot stone massages, and high stakes gambling.
Wynn Guest Rooms & Suites
Floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to panoramic views of the most infamous strip in the world are just spectacular. The automatic lighting and drapery controls located near the bed were ultra-convenient. The ultra-deluxe 320-thread count Frette linens made things ultra-comfy too. Also of note is the marble-furnished bathrooms with soaking tubs, separate glass-enclosed showers and flat-screen televisions. Guest can choose between the spacious double or the incomparable Tower suite.
The Spa at Wynn
One of The Wynn's most beguiling features is the endless 35,000-square-feet spa which includes 45 treatment rooms. There are men's and ladies' facilities including eucalyptus steam rooms, sauna, whirlpool, plunge pool and relaxation area with flat-screen TVs, complimentary juice, tea or water. Adjacent to the spa is a full-service salon and a well-equipped fitness center.
And, yes, there is a casino with all the usual games and machines. In addition, the Wynn has a 26-table poker room for the current fad in poker showdowns.
The Wynn is fabulous, spectacular, marvelous and memorable.
Essentials
The Wynn Las Vegas
Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, Nevada; McCarran International Airport is five miles away. Mobil 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond awards.
Luxury style: Luxurious, sophisticated, spacious and upscale — a cut above other Vegas accommodations. Hotel is located on a three-acre lake and features a pine-covered artificial mountain with several waterfalls at the entrance, giving it an air of serenity unusual for Las Vegas.
Special touches: Hotel is so calm and beautiful that it feels like a spa, unlike most Vegas hotels. Guest room windows span from floor to ceiling and offer spectacular views of the Strip. To get the best deals, book early and try to get a tower suite. As a guest of the Wynn Las Vegas, you enjoy exclusive access to the connected golf course, the only property on The Strip to boast one. Word to the wise: Check for construction on the neighboring Trump Condominiums — until construction is completed, request a guest room on the other side of the hotel to ensure a good night’s rest.
