Look, the Las Vegas Strip is basically an arms race of shiny things. Every few years, a new glass tower goes up, promising to redefine luxury with more LED screens and louder bass. But honestly, if you spend enough time walking the carpeted miles of Boulevard South, you start to notice something. Most of these places feel like they were designed by a committee trying to guess what rich people want.
Encore Las Vegas is different.
It opened in December 2008, right when the world was economically falling apart, which is a weirdly poetic start for a place that feels so defiant in its opulence. It’s the younger, slightly more rebellious sister to Wynn Las Vegas. While the original Wynn is all about that classic, golden-hued elegance, Encore is where Steve Wynn really let the designers—specifically the legendary Roger Thomas—run wild with butterflies, red chandeliers, and a vibe that feels like a fever dream in a very expensive jewelry box.
People often ask if it’s "better" than the Wynn. That’s the wrong question. It’s about whether you want a quiet sunset or a shot of espresso.
The Suite Situation (And Why Size Actually Matters Here)
If you’ve ever stayed at a "standard" hotel on the Strip, you know the drill. You get a bed, a desk, and maybe a chair if you’re lucky. Encore doesn't do "rooms." They only do suites.
Even the base-level Resort Suite clocks in at about 700 square feet. To put that in perspective, that’s bigger than a lot of apartments in New York or San Francisco. You get this massive floor-to-ceiling window setup that makes you feel like you’re hovering over the desert. The light in these rooms is incredible. It’s not that sterile, flickering fluorescent stuff; it’s warm.
The layout is smart, too. There’s a swivel housing for the TV that separates the living area from the bedroom. You can watch a movie on the sofa, spin the TV around, and keep watching from the bed. It’s a simple mechanical touch, but it feels thoughtful.
One thing most people miss? The touchscreens. Encore was one of the first to really lean into room automation. You can control the curtains, the lights, and the "Do Not Disturb" sign without leaving the high-thread-count sheets. It’s lazy luxury, and it’s glorious.
The bathrooms are basically marble cathedrals. You’ve got a soaking tub, a separate shower, and a small TV embedded in the mirror. Because apparently, you shouldn't have to miss the news while you're brushing your teeth.
That Butterfly Obsession and the Roger Thomas Touch
Walk through the Encore corridors and you’ll see butterflies everywhere. They’re woven into the carpets and inlaid into the marble floors. It’s not just a random design choice. In the world of Roger Thomas, the man who shaped the look of modern Vegas, the butterfly represents transformation and soul.
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It gives the resort a personality that "modern" hotels like Aria or Fontainebleau sometimes lack. Those places are beautiful, but they can feel a bit cold. Encore feels like someone’s very expensive, very eccentric home.
The color palette is aggressive. Red. Deep, blood-red carpets and upholstery that should, on paper, be overwhelming. Instead, it feels cozy. It’s a masterclass in how to use "maximalism" without making guests feel like they’re trapped in a circus tent.
The Dayclub Dilemma: Encore Beach Club
We have to talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the giant red umbrellas by the pool.
Encore Beach Club (EBC) is legendary. It’s also polarizing. On a Saturday in July, it is the epicenter of high-energy Vegas. You have world-class DJs like David Guetta or Marshmello playing to a crowd that paid a small fortune for cabanas and bottle service.
If you’re staying at the Encore to get some sleep, this is the one "gotcha."
The bass from EBC is powerful. If your room faces the pool, you will hear it. The hotel does its best with heavy glazing on the windows, but physics is physics. If you want peace, you have to request a "Strip View" or a room on the opposite side of the tower.
But if you’re there for the party? There isn't a better venue in the city. The tiered pools and the giant gaming pavilion right there in the sun make it feel like a playground for adults who never want to grow up.
Dining That Isn't Just "Fine Dining"
Vegas is full of celebrity chefs who put their names on a door and then never show up. At Encore, the restaurants feel a bit more grounded in the actual craft, even if they are flashy.
- Sinatra: This is probably the most "Vegas" restaurant in existence. It’s the only place officially sanctioned by the Sinatra family to use Frank’s name and likeness. They even have his Oscar and Grammy on display. The food is classic Italian-American. The Ossobuco is the move here.
- Wazuzu: Located right off the casino floor, it’s famous for the massive crystal dragon on the wall. It’s also home to some of the best drunken noodles in the city. It’s a bit more casual but still feels "Encore."
- Casa Playa: This is a newer addition, focusing on coastal Mexican flavors. It’s loud, energetic, and the seafood is surprisingly fresh for being in the middle of a Mojave wasteland.
One thing you’ll notice is the service. Wynn and Encore have this "Five Star" obsession. The staff are trained to look you in the eye and anticipate what you need before you ask. It can be a little jarring if you’re used to the indifferent service at some of the budget Strip properties, but you get used to it fast.
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The Casino: A Different Kind of Gamble
The Encore casino floor is smaller and more intimate than the Wynn’s. It feels more like a private club.
The ceilings are high, the air is clean (the filtration system here is legendary—you can barely smell the smoke), and the tables are spaced out. It’s not the place for $5 blackjack. If you’re looking for low-minimum tables, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is where people come to play for real, or at least look like they are.
The lighting is designed to make everyone look good. It’s a golden, amber glow that softens edges. It’s a vanity project for the guests as much as the owner.
Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
With newer spots like Resorts World across the street or the massive Sphere drawing crowds nearby, does Encore still hold up?
Yeah. It does.
The reason is simple: maintenance. Most Vegas hotels start to look "tired" after five years. Carpets get frayed, furniture gets dinged. The Wynn organization is famous for its "never-ending renovation" cycle. They are constantly touching up paint and replacing fabrics.
When you walk into an Encore suite today, it feels like it opened last week. That level of obsession is what you’re paying for.
It’s also about the "Wynn-core" ecosystem. Between the two towers, you have some of the best shopping (think Rolex, Hermès, and Ferrari) and the best spa in the city. The Spa at Encore is a Forbes Five-Star winner for a reason. The "Good Luck Ritual" treatment is basically a 5,000-year-old wellness hack that involves a massage, peppermint foot treatment, and hand therapy. It’s expensive, but it’ll make you forget you lost $200 at the craps table.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Encore is just an "annex" of the Wynn. It isn't. It’s a standalone experience with its own lobby, its own check-in, and its own distinct personality.
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Another misconception? That it’s too stuffy.
While it’s definitely high-end, the staff isn't pretentious. They’re professional. There’s a difference. You can walk through the lobby in shorts and a t-shirt (though maybe not to Sinatra for dinner) and no one is going to give you a hard time. It’s luxury, but it’s Vegas luxury. It’s meant to be enjoyed, not just looked at.
The Reality of the Location
One thing to keep in mind is that Encore is at the far north end of the Strip.
If you want to go to the fountains at Bellagio or see a show at Park MGM, you’re looking at a long walk or a ride-share. The sidewalk situation in this part of town has improved, but Vegas blocks are deceptively long.
However, being on the edge has its perks. It’s quieter. There’s less "street noise" and fewer people just wandering through the lobby to get to the next casino. It feels like a destination.
How to Do Encore Right
- Join Wynn Rewards: Even if you don't gamble much. Members often get "insider" rates that are $50-$100 cheaper than Expedia. Plus, you get a dedicated line at check-in.
- The "Secret" Hallway: There is a beautiful, sun-drenched corridor connecting Wynn and Encore. It’s lined with flowers and high-end shops. Use it. Avoid walking outside on the hot pavement if you’re moving between the towers.
- Breakfast at Society Cafe: Technically in the Encore side, it’s one of the best spots for a morning-after recovery meal. Get the sliders.
- The Tower Suites Upgrade: If you can swing it, the Tower Suites have their own private entrance and a dedicated concierge. You also get a breakfast credit. Sometimes the "upgrade" cost is actually cheaper than what you'd spend on breakfast alone.
Encore isn't the newest kid on the block anymore. But in a city that usually tears things down the second they get a wrinkle, Encore has aged like a fine wine. It’s opulent, it’s a bit over-the-top, and it’s undeniably Las Vegas.
It doesn't try to be "modern" or "minimalist." It tries to be the best version of a high-end resort, and honestly, it usually hits the mark. Whether you're there to lose your mind at the beach club or hide away in a marble bathtub, it’s one of the few places on the Strip that actually delivers on the promise of the brochure.
Next Steps for Your Stay: Check the event calendar for the Encore Theater before you book; they often host "one-night-only" residencies with big-name comedians like Sebastian Maniscalco or musicians who prefer an intimate setting over a stadium. Also, always call the hotel directly to confirm your room view—specifically asking for a "High Floor, Strip View" is the only way to guarantee those iconic skyline photos without the bass vibration from the pool deck.