By David Whitley
Stepping beneath the elliptical dome into the 1850 square metre lobby, an enormous display of fresh roses leads to the long, curving reception. Crucially, there’s no walking through the casino to check in which is a clear departure from Strip norms.
High ceilings and an enthusiastic embrace of natural light are other strikes against Vegas orthodoxy, but the Fontainebleau is hardly going for understated. Grand-scale conversation-piece artworks are given room to impress across the property. Oceans by Breakfast, a kinetic sculpture that visualises tides in different parts of the world, is the most quietly absorbing.
There’s no shyness about supersizing, but the Fontainebleau’s design hones in on tall rather than sprawl. Nothing is too much of a trek from this giant blue tower’s lifts – something those who have spent hours traipsing around other Vegas properties may appreciate.