Fontainebleau Las Vegas

History

Background

The property was initially occupied by the Thunderbird hotel and casino, opened in 1948. It was later renamed as the Silverbird, and then as El Rancho, before closing in 1992.

A privately held company known as Fontainebleau Resorts was later co-founded by Jeff Soffer, who was the chairman and majority owner of Turnberry Associates. The purchase gave Fontainebleau Resorts and Turnberry a total of 25 acre.

Fontainebleau Resorts and Turnberry announced the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 12, 2005, as a casino and hotel resort, The project would be a sister property to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, purchased by Fontainebleau Resorts earlier that year. The Las Vegas location would be the second in a planned chain of Fontainebleau resorts. It would be built on the former property of the El Rancho and Algiers, located immediately west of the Turnberry Place high-rise condominium complex. Groundbreaking was initially expected to occur by March 2006, with the project planned to be opened by 2008. Glenn Schaeffer, the former president of Mandalay Resort Group, was hired to oversee the new project as the president and chief executive officer of Fontainebleau Resorts.

The Fontainebleau was designed by Carlos Zapata Studio, with Bergman Walls and Associates serving as the executive architect. The resort would also feature two dozen restaurants, a performing arts theater, a spa inspired by the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and a 300000 sqft retail mall. Schaeffer predicted that less than one-third of the resort's revenues would come from its casino.

Initial construction: 2007–2009

Turnberry West Construction began construction of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in February 2007. The company Ullico would also provide financing to the project.

In July 2007, a 70-person team of ironworkers stopped working in areas of the resort that they said were unsafe. They resumed work after three days, following the implementation of several safety measures. The following month, a construction worker died after a 30-foot fall on the property. Several days later, a large concrete slab in the parking garage fell and caused slabs on two lower floors to collapse. No workers were injured or killed in this incident.

The resort's parking garage was to stand seven stories, with the first two floors to be located underground. In mid-2007, plans were approved to increase the garage to 23 stories. Later that year, residents of Turnberry Place alleged that they were deceived by Turnberry, saying they were never notified of the garage's size increase, Other residents were concerned about the impact of noise and pollutants from the new project.

Soffer said Turnberry did a "respectful job" of building the Fontainebleau hotel tower away from Turnberry Place residents. Soffer also stated that the land was zoned for a hotel and casino, and said that residents knew such a project would ultimately be built on the property. Turnberry Place residents asked a district judge to rule on whether the Clark County Commission should have approved the garage re-design, which was alleged to be in violation of a county ordinance;

The 67-story hotel tower was topped off on November 14, 2008. Construction had begun before final designs were finished, a common practice for Las Vegas resorts to get them opened sooner. However, this would often result in costly do-over work having to be done. As of mid-2009, there were still areas of the project that had yet to be finalized. Some areas, such as the casino and hotel rooms, had undergone numerous redesigns. Restaurants were among the uncompleted portions of the resort, although many hotel rooms had been finished.

Financial issues: 2009

In April 2009, the project filed a $3 billion lawsuit against the group of banking lenders, alleging that they reneged on their agreement to provide $800 million in funding. The banks stated that the loan was terminated because of an unspecified default, a claim that the lawsuit denied.

The banks largely declined to comment on the case; they denied wrongdoing but did not specify how the project wound up in default. According to the banks, Fontainebleau wanted $1.3 billion in debt to be forgiven. The sale of condo units had been pivotal to paying off the project's debt, although the 2008 financial crisis and weak demand in the local condo market forced Fontainebleau Resorts to reassess this strategy.

The bank group was led by Bank of America, which began negotiating with Fontainebleau shortly after the lawsuit was filed. Through a separate lending group, In May 2009, Fontainebleau filed an amendment to its lawsuit, stating that Deutsche Bank, part of the main banking group, had a conflict of interest. The bank had an ownership stake in the upcoming Cosmopolitan resort, also under construction on the Las Vegas Strip. Deutsche Bank was accused of "seeking to destroy the Fontainebleau in order to minimize competition" for the Cosmopolitan. The bank was to provide $80 million to the Fontainebleau. The allegations against Deutsche Bank were eventually dropped.

During May 2009, construction consulting firm CCCS International filed a lawsuit against the Fontainebleau, alleging wrongful termination from the project. CCCS was hired as construction manager in 2008. According to the company, Fontainebleau officials said that the project was "severely over budget" and needed a construction manager to provide cost management and auditing services, in order to recover "prior unnecessary overpayments". In its lawsuit, CCCS alleged the discovery of "fraudulent billing practices and inappropriate payment methods" used by the Fontainebleau, stating that this discovery led to its termination. CCCS also alleged that Fontainebleau did not have financing to fund its consulting services, and that the project failed to disclose this. CCCS stated that it was owed more than $1 million. A Fontainebleau spokesman said that CCCS was fired because it failed to perform its duties.

Corporate layoffs began in May 2009, as a result of the bank group withholding its loan. Schaeffer was among those who left the project, without explanation. Schaeffer had been primarily responsible for securing more than $1 billion in loans for the Fontainebleau, and he was to operate the resort's casino.

Bankruptcy

Facing numerous liens and financing problems, the Fontainebleau filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 9, 2009. The project had 1,000 to 5,000 creditors, including various subcontractors who were owed more than $250 million.Retrieved March 8, 2021:{{ubl | | | | |

A month after the bankruptcy filing, term lenders sued the bank group. Turnberry West also filed a lawsuit against its sister company, Fontainebleau Las Vegas LLC, which owned the project. Turnberry West alleged that its liens against the project took priority over those filed by lenders. Both companies were owned by Soffer. Mediation attempts were unsuccessful, and a judge determined that the case would go to trial. After years of lawsuits, courts ruled in Bank of America's favor; and the bank reached a $300 million settlement with lenders.

Prospective buyers and Icahn ownership: 2009–2015

In June 2009, executives from Apollo Management and Wynn Resorts toured the Fontainebleau facility with an interest in purchasing the project. In September 2009, Penn National Gaming emerged as a prospective buyer. Penn had toured the project several times,

In October 2009, a judge overseeing the bankruptcy case ruled that the Fontainebleau project be sold as soon as possible, appointing an examiner to handle the sale. However, the term lenders had wanted the Chapter 11 case converted into a Chapter 7 liquidation. Penn offered $50 million for the project. In November 2009, corporate raider and financier Carl Icahn offered $136 million. A bidding war ensued, and Penn dropped out of the auction in January 2010, after Icahn raised his bid to $156 million. Meanwhile, real estate developer Luke Brugnara announced that he would place a $170 million bid for the Fontainebleau.

Icahn ultimately won control of the Fontainebleau, taking over ownership in February 2010. Icahn was the only qualified person to bid on the project; two other bids were disqualified because they failed to include a deposit. Icahn planned to wait for an economic rebound before deciding on what to do with the Fontainebleau. In October 2010, he auctioned off furnishings for the resort, indicating that he had no intention of finishing the project. While the project sat vacant, it was sometimes used by local firefighters as a training ground for fire drills.

A large crane, used for constructing the hotel tower, was dismantled in May 2014. The crane, like the unfinished resort, was considered an eyesore and a reminder of the Great Recession. Rusted, lower-floor portions, located along the sidewalk on Las Vegas Boulevard, also presented a poor appearance for the area. In 2015, Icahn agreed to county requests for an exterior upgrade in the form of a cosmetic wrap.Retrieved March 9, 2021:

• At the end of the year, he also listed the Fontainebleau for sale at an asking price of $650 million.

The Drew Las Vegas: 2017–2021

In August 2017, investment firms Witkoff Group and New Valley LLC purchased the resort for $600 million, with plans to rename it. The purchase and planned improvements were financed through Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. In subsequent months, the Las Vegas-based Grand Canyon Development Partners became involved with the project. Penta Building Group was hired to finish the resort, with construction expected to resume in 2018.

On February 12, 2018, Witkoff and Marriott International announced a partnership to open the project as The Drew Las Vegas in late 2020. The resort would include two hotel brands by Marriott, which would manage them and invest $50 million in the project. The "Drew" name was a tribute to Witkoff's deceased 22-year-old son, Andrew Witkoff, who died of an OxyContin overdose in 2011.

A man trespassed onto the Drew property in March 2018, and sparked a number of fires causing $10 million in damage to several areas, including a ballroom and the 11th floor of the parking garage. The man was later apprehended and charged with arson.

In April 2019, Witkoff announced that the opening would be delayed until the second quarter of 2022, due to prolonged design work.

Construction was suspended in March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada. Contractors filed liens totaling millions of dollars, for allegedly unpaid work, and executives laid off amid the pandemic sued as well.

Fontainebleau revival and opening: 2021–present

In February 2021, nearly sixteen years after he first announced it, Soffer bought back the project through his Florida-based company, Fontainebleau Development. The company partnered with Koch Real Estate Investments on the purchase, and various options were under consideration for the property, which was 75-percent complete. Although Soffer was busy with other projects at that time, when the pandemic hit he saw a "great opportunity" to return to the project and decided to buy it back. The project was purchased for $350 million, and the property was valued at $615.5 million. Marriott exited the project later in 2021, citing an amicable agreement with Fontainebleau Development, which instead would manage and operate the hotel itself.

On November 9, 2021, Fontainebleau Development held a construction commencement ceremony for the project, announcing that it would be renamed Fontainebleau Las Vegas once again. Richardson Construction was hired as general contractor. changes included a reduction in the retail component and the removal of condominiums. Crews also gutted 1,800 finished hotel rooms, as Soffer found their designs to be outdated. The number of rooms was also reduced, allowing for larger penthouses and luxury suites. Landscape architectural firm Lifescapes International designed the exterior and interior landscapes for the entire property.

The Fontainebleau was developed at a cost of $3.7 billion, making it the second most-expensive resort in Las Vegas after nearby Resorts World, which cost $4.3 billion and opened in 2021. The Fontainebleau opened on December 13, 2023, coinciding with Soffer's birthday. Pre-opening festivities were held at the resort throughout the day and attended by hundreds of invited guests, including celebrities. The public opening occurred shortly before midnight.

On December 31, 2023, Fontainebleau Resorts sponsored New Year's Eve festivities at New York City's Times Square to promote the new resort and the 70th anniversary of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. As part of the sponsorship, bowtie patterns were incorporated into the lighting of the ball, resembling the resort's logo and the bowtie shape of Times Square itself.

Several top executives left the Fontainebleau within a month of its opening, and Wynn Las Vegas soon filed a lawsuit accusing the property of poaching its employees, who were under a non-compete clause. To increase visitor traffic, a new president was named shortly after the opening and the marketing strategy was updated.

In 2024, the magazine Time included the Fontainebleau in its annual list of "World's Greatest Places" to visit. Around the same time, the Fontainebleau announced that it would purchase five acres just south of the resort, previously occupied by a portion of the Riviera hotel-casino. The land would be used for future development. The $112 million sale was finalized at the end of 2024.

The Fontainebleau partnered with the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix to offer a $1 million luxury package for guests. It included round-trip transportation by private jet, admission to the race, a five-night stay in one of the resort's suites, and ownership of an Aston Martin Vanquish. The Fontainebleau also hosted an exhibit of 20 classic and modern Aston Martin vehicles leading up to the race.

Features

The hotel tower rises 67 stories, standing at 737 ft. Since 2008, it has ranked as the tallest building in Nevada, excluding the nearby Strat observation tower. It is the second-tallest hotel building in the U.S. after 1717 Broadway in New York City. The hotel has 3,644 rooms, including the Fleur de Lis suites which occupy the top five floors.

The Fontainebleau features a 173000 sqft casino, which includes 42-foot-high ceilings.

Soffer expects much of the resort's revenue to come from non-gaming amenities, The resort has a focus on conferences, taking advantage of its location near the Las Vegas Convention Center. The property itself also has more than 550000 sqft of meeting space.

The resort shares numerous features with its sister property in Miami Beach, including a mid-century modern design. Bow tie designs are incorporated throughout the resort as a reference to the Miami hotel's architect, Morris Lapidus, who wore them regularly. Like the Miami resort, the Las Vegas Fontainebleau features a collection of artwork spread throughout the property, including pieces by artist Urs Fischer.

Like its sister property, the Fontainebleau also features the 55,000 sqft Lapis Spa, which offers 44 treatment rooms, a co-ed space with a cold plunge, a therapeutic salt room, and multiple pools. Guests can experience an Aufguss show - a communal spa experience that takes place within the sauna to music, lights, and essential oils. In 2025, Travel + Leisure named it among the 11 best spas on the Las Vegas Strip.

In June 2025, the resort opened the Hall of Excellence, a museum showcasing sports memorabilia and artifacts donated from the collections of Tom Brady, Jim Gray and others. Some of the 310 items include Jackie Robinson's 1947 bat from when he broke baseball's segregation barrier; the suit Elvis Presley wore when he signed the contract to perform in 1969 after an 8-year hiatus from live shows; and Oprah Winfrey's Presidential Medal of Freedom. The museum was designed by Fontainebleau executive Peter Arnell.

Entertainment

The Fontainebleau emphasizes entertainment. It includes the 3,800-seat BleauLive Theater, measuring 90000 sqft. Paul Anka and Justin Timberlake performed in the venue during the resort's VIP opening. BleauLive debuted to the public on December 30, 2023, with singer Post Malone performing. The venue is operated by Live Nation and originally said to focus on touring acts rather than residencies. American rapper Pitbull began a residency show, titled Vegas After Dark, at the theater in 2024. BleauLive has also hosted Toto featuring Men at Work and Christopher Cross, as well as Keith Urban, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, and Heart. After a nearly three-year hiatus, the American Music Awards resumed with a 2025 ceremony at BleauLive, marking the first time that Las Vegas hosted the event.

Nightclub owner David Grutman opened LIV, a club already present at the Miami Fontainebleau. The club measures 50000 sqft, and includes the 35000 sqft LIV Beach dayclub, which opened in 2024. At the end of 2024, one of the pools was transformed into the largest ice-skating rink on the Las Vegas Strip. The opening ceremony included a tree-lighting with singer Thomas Rhett. The rink is scheduled to return in late 2025.

Restaurants and bars

The resort was planned to host 36 restaurants and bars, 15 of which did not debut with the resort. Eateries include the Asian restaurant Komodo and Papi Steak, both from Miami. Chef Gabriela Cámara oversees Cantina Contramar, designed by Frida Escobedo and featuring a Casa Dragones tequila tasting room. Chef Alan Yau opened two Chinese restaurants: Chyna Club and Washing Potato.

The American-style steakhouse, Don's Prime, was rated one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Times and won "Best New Steakhouse" at the 2024 Eater Las Vegas Awards. The resort also includes La Fontaine, a French restaurant. A poolside restaurant, La Côte, also serves French Mediterranean cuisine. It was originally for hotel guests only, but opened to the general public in 2025. Another feature is the Promenade food hall with a variety of dining venues, including a burger restaurant by chef Josh Capon; El Bagel; Nona, which offers sandwiches; Miami Slice, offering pizza; Roadside Taco; and Bar Ito, a sushi bar.

Bleau Bar, a feature from the sister property in Miami, is also present at the Las Vegas location.

Ito, not to be confused with Bar Ito, Ito is located inside the Poodle Room, a members-only, poodle-themed bar. Photography and videos are strictly forbidden. To be admitted, visitors have to be invited by a member, have a reservation at Ito, or be staying in a Fleur de Lis suite.

In media

The Fontainebleau is depicted in the 2014–15 television series Dominion, in which it has become a hydroponic farm known as the Agri-Tower. The talk show Live with Kelly and Mark also filmed at BleauLive in February 2024.

The Fontainebleau was shown in Season 4, Episode 3 of Hacks, which premiered on MAX on April 17th, 2025.

References

References

1. {{CTBUH. 1199
2. "Emporis building ID 298045". [[Emporis]].
3. {{SkyscraperPage. 51448
4. {{Structurae. 20064598
5. Simpson, Jeff. (June 10, 2007). "Jeff Simpson on why a new resort positioned in the space formerly occupied by the Thunderbird should make money this time". Las Vegas Sun.
6. Smith, Hubble. (March 23, 2005). "Valley high-rise project 'dead in the water'". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
7. Smith, Hubble. (March 24, 2005). "Turnberry confirms land buy". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
8. Shubinski, Jennifer. (April 4, 2005). "Cancellation of condo project spurs lawsuits". Las Vegas Sun.
9. (May 13, 2005). "Fontainebleau in Vegas Is Planned". Los Angeles Times.
10. (May 31, 2005). "The Fontainebleau Brand // From the beach to the Strip". Tampa Bay Times.
11. Stutz, Howard. (May 13, 2005). "Back on the Strip: Developer counts on LV touch". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
12. Knightly, Arnold M.. (April 15, 2008). "Full Speed Ahead". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
13. Knightly, Arnold M.. (April 15, 2008). "Fontainebleau stays on course". Casino City Times.
14. Illia, Tony. (April 1, 2011). "No Luck for Stalled Fontainebleau Las Vegas".
15. Benston, Liz. (January 19, 2009). "Fontainebleau has the cash to keep rising". Las Vegas Sun.
16. Knightly, Arnold M.. (December 17, 2008). "Fontainebleau, what's really up with you?". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
17. Knightly, Arnold M.. (April 24, 2009). "Fontainebleau says $130 million available for construction". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
18. (April 17, 2007). "Strip project gets new investor". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
19. (June 8, 2007). "Fontainebleau builder lands big financing". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
20. (April 13, 2008). "A Cautious Push". Las Vegas Sun.
21. (August 7, 2007). "No one hurt as slabs fall at construction site". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
22. Smith, Hubble. (October 18, 2007). "Fontainebleau Plans Viewed with Wrath". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
23. (July 23, 2007). "Turnberry residents allege turnabout by developer who's ruining their views". Las Vegas Sun.
24. Benston, Liz. (April 22, 2008). "Garage goes up next door, and condo owners want out". Las Vegas Sun.
25. Nasvki, Joe. (January 26, 2009). "Building the Fontainebleau".
26. Benston, Liz. (June 28, 2009). "Practice of building before designs are done hits wall at Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Sun.
27. (April 29, 2013). "News 3 takes viewers inside the shuttered Fontainebleau". KSNV.
28. Benston, Liz. (April 23, 2009). "Fontainebleau files $3 billion suit over funding". Las Vegas Sun.
29. (April 27, 2009). "Berkley wants talks with Obama administration on Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Sun.
30. Green, Steve. (April 27, 2009). "In Fontainebleau's PR battle, banks have yet to talk". Las Vegas Sun.
31. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 17, 2009). "Judge puts Fontainebleau lawsuit against banks on fast track". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
32. Green, Steve. (July 2, 2009). "Court filings shed light on Fontainebleau financing". Las Vegas Sun.
33. Knightly, Arnold. (April 30, 2009). "Contractors lay off workers at Fontainebleau while waiting on money". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
34. Knightly, Arnold M.. (April 28, 2009). "Bank of America negotiating with Fontainebleau to help finance project". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
35. (May 18, 2009). "Fontainebleau developer lays off 40 employees". Las Vegas Sun.
36. Knightly, Arnold M.. (May 13, 2009). "Fontainebleau: Deutsche Bank seeking to destroy our project". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
37. Benston, Liz. (May 12, 2009). "Fontainebleau: Bank wanted to minimize Cosmopolitan competition". Las Vegas Sun.
38. Green, Steve. (September 17, 2009). "Fontainebleau: Bank no longer 'seeking to destroy' project". Las Vegas Sun.
39. Green, Steve. (May 14, 2009). "Contractor sues Fontainebleau over firing, says it's owed money". Las Vegas Sun.
40. Knightly, Arnold M.. (May 15, 2009). "Fontainebleau developer facing another lawsuit". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
41. (May 15, 2009). "Consulting Group Sues Las Vegas Luxury Resort". The Wall Street Journal.
42. Knightly, Arnold. (May 18, 2009). "Corporate layoffs begin at Fontainebleau, more cuts likely". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
43. (May 29, 2009). "Fontainebleau executive leaves company". Las Vegas Sun.
44. (May 30, 2009). "Fontainebleau's top executive leaves company". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
45. Benston, Liz. (June 8, 2009). "Outlook for Fontainebleau slides from bad to worse". Las Vegas Sun.
46. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 9, 2009). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
47. (June 10, 2009). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy". Reuters.
48. Green, Steve. (June 19, 2009). "Fontainebleau subcontractors say contractor conflicted". Las Vegas Sun.
49. Green, Steve. (June 9, 2009). "Fontainebleau developer files for bankruptcy; more jobs cut". Las Vegas Sun.
50. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 10, 2009). "Plus side seen in Fontainebleau bankruptcy despite worker layoffs". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
51. Green, Steve. (June 10, 2009). "Fontainebleau wants expedited hearing on $656 million". Las Vegas Sun.
52. Knightly, Arnold M.. (July 11, 2009). "Banks say Strip resort faces huge liabilities". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
53. Green, Steve. (June 10, 2009). "Australian company writes off Fontainebleau ownership interest". Las Vegas Sun.
54. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 10, 2009). "Fontainebleau investor has no plans to participate in restructuring". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
55. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 12, 2009). "Building halted, resort secured". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
56. Green, Steve. (July 8, 2009). "Fontainebleau fires back, outlines bank dispute". Las Vegas Sun.
57. Green, Steve. (July 15, 2009). "Fontainebleau contractor says its liens take priority over lenders". Las Vegas Sun.
58. Knightly, Arnold M.. (July 18, 2009). "Fontainebleau owner suing ... err, himself?". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
59. Green, Steve. (September 15, 2009). "Potential buyer in negotiations for stalled Fontainebleau project". Las Vegas Sun.
60. (August 28, 2009). "Fontainebleau dispute with banks to be decided in court". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
61. "BofA Didn't Breach Fontainebleau Lending Contract, Judge Says".
62. (February 25, 2015). "Bank of America agrees to $300 million Fontainebleau settlement". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
63. Knightly, Arnold M.. (June 19, 2009). "Casino groups express interest in Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
64. Knightly, Arnold M.. (September 25, 2009). "Fontainebleau lenders pursue liquidation". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
65. Illia, Tony. (June 15, 2009). "Help on the Way?". Las Vegas Business Press.
66. Stutz, Howard. (September 18, 2009). "Analysts: Penn deal for Fontainebleau 'unlikely'". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
67. Stutz, Howard. (October 6, 2009). "Penn National Gaming makes bid for bankrupt Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
68. Stutz, Howard. (October 22, 2009). "Penn's interest in Strip persists". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
69. Knightly, Arnold M.. (October 8, 2009). "Judge names examiner to push for Fontainebleau sale". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
70. Knightly, Arnold M.. (October 2, 2009). "Stalled Fontainebleau project appears headed for fast-track sale". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
71. Stutz, Howard. (November 18, 2009). "Penn seeks approval to buy Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
72. (November 23, 2009). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas has new bidder". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
73. Steve Green. (November 23, 2009). "Carl Icahn offers $156 million for Fontainebleau, outbids Penn National". Las Vegas Sun.
74. Stutz, Howard. (January 14, 2010). "Penn won't pursue Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
75. (January 19, 2010). "Developer eyes Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
76. Stutz, Howard. (February 19, 2010). "Icahn officially the unfinished Fontainebleau's owner". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
77. Stutz, Howard. (January 20, 2010). "Icahn apparently wins Fontainebleau ownership". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
78. Knightly, Arnold M.. (January 27, 2010). "Icahn wins auction to buy Fontainebleau for $150 million". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
79. (January 28, 2010). "Icahn lands Las Veg bargain; what next?". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
80. Green, Steve. (August 5, 2010). "Carl Icahn: Fontainebleau to sit idle until economy improves". Las Vegas Sun.
81. Steve Friess. (October 21, 2010). "For many, gamble lost in once-booming Las Vegas". Agence France-Presse.
82. O'Reiley, Tim. (June 22, 2011). "Plaza gets lift from failed Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
83. Finnegan, Amanda. (January 24, 2011). "$8.5 million renovation a first for Primm Valley casinos". Las Vegas Sun.
84. Robison, Jennifer. (January 28, 2011). "Firefighters conduct drills at Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
85. Stutz, Howard. (May 13, 2014). "Removal of Fontainebleau's construction crane signals doom for ill-fated Strip hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
86. Shine, Conor. (May 18, 2014). "There's little the county can do to clean up eyesores left by recession". Las Vegas Sun.
87. (November 12, 2015). "Carl Icahn Looking to Sell the Fontainebleau Las Vegas". The Wall Street Journal.
88. (August 29, 2017). "Fontainebleau on Las Vegas Strip sells for $600M". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
89. Velotta, Richard N.. (January 8, 2020). "Gaming Control Board recommends licensing for owner of The Drew". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
90. Langeler, John. (December 7, 2017). "Empty Fountainbleau sold to new owner". KLAS-TV.
91. Segall, Eli. (December 13, 2017). "Unfinished Fontainebleau on Las Vegas Strip becomes Project Blue". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
92. Carmiel, Oshrat. (December 22, 2017). "A Stalled Las Vegas Resort Is Now a Go Thanks to the Tax Overhaul". Bloomberg.
93. King, Danny. (December 26, 2017). "Las Vegas Fontainbleau site's buyer says tax cut will speed up development". Travel Weekly.
94. Segall, Eli. (February 12, 2018). "Fontainebleau on Las Vegas Strip has new name and opening date". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
95. Garcia Cano, Regina. (February 12, 2018). "Stalled Fontainebleau Casino-Resort to Open in 2020 with New Name". Las Vegas Sun.
96. (February 12, 2018). "Marriott International And Witkoff Set To Open Integrated Resort To Be Named The Drew Las Vegas". Marriott International, Inc.
97. Palmeri, Christopher. (April 16, 2019). "Vegas Strip's $3.1 Billion Resort Postponed More Than a Year". Bloomberg.
98. Torres-Cortez, Ricardo. (May 3, 2018). "Man faces arson charge in fire at unfinished north Strip resort". Las Vegas Sun.
99. (August 31, 2020). "Man gets 5 years in fires at Strip resort construction site". Las Vegas Sun.
100. Segall, Eli. (April 16, 2019). "Opening of Drew Las Vegas pushed back until 2022". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
101. Seeman, Matthew. (November 1, 2019). "Longtime gaming executive named CEO of Drew Las Vegas". KSNV.
102. Segall, Eli. (March 18, 2020). "Drew Las Vegas on hold, other construction continues amid virus' spread". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
103. Segall, Eli. (June 16, 2020). "Contractors say they're owed $36M for work done at Drew Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
104. Segall, Eli. (June 25, 2020). "Laid-off Drew Las Vegas staffers sue owner, claim money owed". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
105. Segall, Eli. (December 15, 2021). "Fontainebleau letter signage gets initial tryout on Strip tower". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
106. Horwath, Bryan. (February 12, 2021). "Firm acquires Drew Las Vegas with plans to finish stalled resort project". Las Vegas Sun.
107. Segall, Eli. (February 11, 2021). "Koch Industries teams with developer to buy Drew on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
108. (February 12, 2021). "Koch Industries Buys Stalled Las Vegas Casino Development". Bloomberg.
109. Segall, Eli. (December 31, 2021). "'Back in my hands': Fontainebleau's original developer to finally finish resort". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
110. Segall, Eli. (February 22, 2021). "New owners landed Drew Las Vegas through 'deed in lieu'". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
111. Segall, Eli. (October 15, 2021). "Marriott exits unfinished former Fontainebleau project". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
112. (October 14, 2021). "Marriott exits Fontainebleau deal". KSNV.
113. Lochhead, Colton. (November 9, 2021). "Fontainebleau to open by end of 2023, developer says". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
114. Gillan, Jeff. (November 9, 2021). "It's official: Work underway at Fontainebleau 2.0". KSNV.
115. Gillan, Jeff. (October 28, 2021). "Fontainebleau: New owners plan November 9 update". KSNV.
116. Stutz, Howard. (November 14, 2021). "Original Fontainebleau developer gets chance to finish resort a decade later". The Nevada Independent.
117. Radke, Brock. (December 7, 2023). "Finally, Fontainebleau is ready to bring its own style and luxury to the Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Weekly.
118. Wargo, Buck. (September 7, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas touts its luxury design ahead of December opening". CDC Gaming Reports.
119. Ross, McKenna. (September 7, 2023). "New images show luxury design at Fontainebleau Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
120. (September 7, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas Introduces Award-Winning Team of Architecture and Design Partners".
121. Stutz, Howard. (November 17, 2023). "Fontainebleau to finally open in December after clearing final regulatory hurdle". The Nevada Independent.
122. Ritter, Ken. (December 12, 2023). "Newest, bluest resort on Las Vegas Strip aims to bring Miami Beach vibe to southern Nevada". Associated Press.
123. Yamat, Rio. (May 2, 2023). "Long-unfinished blue Strip tower sets date for grand opening". Associated Press.
124. Ross, McKenna. (September 18, 2023). "Fontainebleau sets Las Vegas opening date after 18 years". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
125. Ross, McKenna. (December 14, 2023). "Stars, party precede Fontainebleau's long-awaited opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
126. Wang, Andy. (December 14, 2023). "Jeffrey Soffer's Fontainebleau Las Vegas Is an Instant Classic". Observer.
127. Zanger, Jesse. (December 27, 2023). "Times Square New Year's Eve ball gets bow tie makeover". CBS New York.
128. Paine, Kyle J.. (January 12, 2024). "Executives 'voluntarily resigned,' Fontainebleau says". KLAS.
129. Dowd, Katie. (March 21, 2024). "'Unhinged behavior': Vicious fight between 2 Vegas hotels goes public". SFGATE.
130. Velotta, Richard N.. (March 24, 2024). "Fontainebleau counterclaim against Wynn got nasty in a hurry". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
131. Ross, McKenna. (December 12, 2024). "A year after opening, Fontainebleau is defining its place on north Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
132. Cruz, Martha. (July 26, 2024). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas featured in Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places 2024' list". KSNV.
133. Overton, Stephanie. (July 26, 2024). "This Las Vegas resort made Time Magazine's list of greatest places this year". KLAS.
134. Ross, McKenna. (June 11, 2024). "New sale agreement at Riviera site approved". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
135. Woodhouse, Ellys. (8 November 2024). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas Launches $1M Race Week Package". Elite Traveler.
136. Brown, Bruce. (15 November 2024). "Aston Martin British Bloodline, a display of iconic vehicles, is now open at Fontainebleau Las Vegas". The Manual.
137. Kachelriess, Rob. (December 22, 2023). "The Fontainebleau Is a Grand, Indulgent Symbol of the New Las Vegas".
138. (November 14, 2017). "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor.
139. Kachelriess, Rob. (September 19, 2016). "The Worst Eyesores in Las Vegas".
140. Morris, J. D.. (November 11, 2015). "Fontainebleau on north Strip for sale". Vegas Inc.
141. (February 6, 2017). "The Tallest Building in Every State".
142. Parker, Benjamin. (December 18, 2023). "Tallest hotel in Las Vegas finally welcomes guests after sitting empty for 10 years". The Independent.
143. Ross, McKenna. (May 2, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas unveils opening, hiring details". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
144. Schreffler, Laura. (October 25, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas Unveils The 6-Star Fleur De Lis Suite Collection".
145. Konstantinides, Anneta. (February 24, 2024). "All the A-list stars are staying in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas' luxury suites, which start at $5,000 a night. Take a look inside.".
146. Phenix, Duncan. (August 17, 2022). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas retail space revealed as construction progresses". KLAS.
147. Stutz, Howard. (September 27, 2023). "'We have to make a very good impression:' Fontainebleau prepares for long-awaited December opening". The Nevada Independent.
148. (December 11, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas unveils retail lineup with Chrome Hearts, Missoni". KSNV.
149. Segall, Eli. (March 10, 2022). "Inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas: Renderings show plans for Strip resort". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
150. Gillan, Jeff. (March 9, 2022). "New renderings, info released of the 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas". KSNV.
151. McCarver, Katie Ann. (December 10, 2023). "Long-awaited Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings Miami chic to the Strip". Las Vegas Sun.
152. Rubenstein, Shelley. (May 30, 2025). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas". The Telegraph.
153. (March 13, 2025). "How Fontainebleau redefines Las Vegas' grandeur".
154. Morris, David. (September 18, 2023). "A New 67-story Luxury Hotel Is Opening in Las Vegas — With a 6-acre Pool Complex and 36 Bars and Restaurants".
155. Ross, McKenna. (December 9, 2023). "What to expect when Fontainebleau opens Wednesday". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
156. Carter, Geoff. (December 7, 2023). "Five things we noticed on our hard-hat tour of Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Weekly.
157. Mitchell, Allison. (November 29, 2023). "10 Insider Facts About The New Fontainebleau Las Vegas".
158. Saval, Malina. (May 7, 2025). "Two Fatigued L.A. Moms Live It Up Large at the Lavish Fontainebleau Vegas". Los Angeles Magazine.
159. Szydelko, Paul. (March 4, 2025). "The steamiest show in Vegas? Fontainebleau might have it". Travel Weekly.
160. Morris, David. (June 10, 2025). "11 of the Best Spas in Las Vegas". Travel + Leisure.
161. (February 9, 2024). "Tom Brady's Super Bowl rings shine brightly at Fontainebleau Las Vegas". Fox News.
162. Katsilometes, John. (February 9, 2024). "Tom Brady's Super Bowl rings displayed at Las Vegas resort". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
163. (2025-06-18). "Tom Brady opens Hall of Excellence in Las Vegas".
164. Michalski, Dan. (21 June 2025). "Babe Ruth's bat, Tiger Woods's ball: Welcome to the Hall of Excellence". The Washington Post.
165. (February 9, 2024). "Jim and Frann Gray, in Partnership with Tom Brady and the Tom Brady Family Collection Bring Hall of Excellence to Fontainebleau Las Vegas". PR Newswire.
166. Horwath, Bryan. (February 2, 2022). "New Fontainebleau Las Vegas president looks to 'bring soul to the building'". Las Vegas Sun.
167. Katsilometes, John. (February 4, 2022). "Fontainebleau reaches for the sky in Strip entertainment planning". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
168. Sheckells, Melinda. (October 17, 2023). "Post Malone to Open BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on New Year's Eve Weekend".
169. Katsilometes, John. (December 14, 2023). "Timberlake rocks the house in Fontainebleau opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
170. (December 14, 2023). "Justin Timberlake Headlines the Opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas as Jessica Biel Cheers Him On".
171. Havens, Lyndsey. (January 1, 2024). "Post Malone Delivers Celebratory New Year's Eve Show At Las Vegas' Hottest New Resort: 7 Best Moments".
172. Cruz, Martha. (January 1, 2024). "Post Malone opens new Fontainebleau theater with two sold-out performances". KSNV.
173. Radke, Brock. (December 11, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas set to introduce unique entertainment options on the Strip". Las Vegas Sun.
174. Ratner-Arias, Sigal. (September 20, 2024). "Dale! Pitbull Announces Las Vegas Residency for 2024-2025".
175. (December 10, 2024). "Toto, Christopher Cross, Men at Work to tour in 2025 with stop in Las Vegas". KSNV.
176. Gray, Mark. (7 October 2024). "Keith Urban Says He Wants Fans to Have the 'Best Freaking Night of Your Life' as He Kicks Off New Vegas Residency". People.
177. Bernstein, Scott. (3 June 2025). "Tears For Fears Confirm Fall 2025 Las Vegas Residency". JamBase.
178. (October 28, 2024). "Duran Duran plans New Year's week concert at Fontainebleau Las Vegas". KSNV.
179. Kahn, Andy. (3 March 2025). "Heart Performs 'Treat Me Well' For 1st Time Since 1978". JamBase.
180. [https://www.theamas.com/2025/05/2025-amas-to-broadcast-live-from-fontainebleau-las-vegas/ 2025 AMAs to Broadcast Live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas]
181. [https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/event/american-music-awards/ American Music Awards - Fontainebleau Las Vegas]
182. Kachelriess, Rob. (December 22, 2023). "The Fontainebleau Is a Grand, Indulgent Symbol of the New Las Vegas".
183. Sunkel, Cameron. (January 2, 2024). "Dancing Into a New Dawn: LIV at Fontainebleau Opens a New Era of Vegas Nightlife".
184. Dibut Galera, Maria. (10 December 2024). "Skate To The Largest Ice Rink On The Strip at Fontainebleau". 8 News Now.
185. (6 December 2024). "Holiday season kicks-off with tree lighting ceremonies". News3.
186. Cruz, Martha. (September 8, 2025). "Oasis Ice Rink returning to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas this holiday season". KSNV.
187. Wright, Johnathan L.. (September 18, 2023). "A look at the 36 bars and restaurants going into the Fontainebleau". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
188. Stutz, Howard. (December 13, 2023). "'Built for 2023, not 2009;' Fontainebleau hopes to make high-end presence on North Strip". The Nevada Independent.
189. Sheckells, Melinda. (September 18, 2023). "The 16-Year Saga to Build the Fontainebleau, Las Vegas' Hottest New Hotel: 'It Could Be a Very Good Movie'". The Hollywood Reporter.
190. Konstantinides, Anneta. (November 1, 2024). "I tried a $1,000 steak at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. It was the ultimate Sin City dining experience.".
191. Karel, Janna. (December 20, 2023). "Fontainebleau's Miami Invasion Includes a $1,000 Steak".
192. Wang, Andy. (September 18, 2023). "Chefs Gabriela Cámara, Alan Yau and Evan Funke Will Debut Vegas Restaurants at the Fontainebleau".
193. Yang, Andy. (March 21, 2024). "Alan Yau, Bobby Flay and More Culinary Powerhouses Raise the Stakes in Vegas". Observer.
194. Heath, Larry. (February 9, 2024). "Las Vegas gets a sparkling new Hong Kong style Dim Sum hot spot: Washing Potato". The AU Review.
195. Dirkse, Jeffrey. (2024-05-31). "47 of the best Las Vegas restaurants, on and off the Strip".
196. Karel, Janna. (2024-12-03). "Introducing the 2024 Eater Las Vegas Award Winners".
197. Ayling, Kim. (February 21, 2024). "La Fontaine Leads Fontainebleau Las Vegas's Restaurant Offering".
198. (31 March 2025). "New Poolside Restaurant at Fontainebleau Vegas". This Week in Gambling.
199. Wright, Johnathan L. Wright. (2024-04-19). "Not everyone can dine at this new rosé-soaked restaurant on the Strip".
200. Konstantinides, Anneta. (2024). "I spent 2 nights at the Fontainebleau, Las Vegas' hottest new hotel — and it's ushering in a new luxury era in Sin City".
201. Wang, Andy. (2023-09-18). "Chefs Gabriela Cámara, Alan Yau and Evan Funke Will Debut Vegas Restaurants at the Fontainebleau".
202. Radke, Brock. (September 28, 2023). "The food of Fontainebleau looks like it'll be worth the wait". Las Vegas Weekly.
203. Harris, Jenn. (2023-12-18). "The best places to eat in Las Vegas right now".
204. Szydelko, Paul. (December 14, 2023). "Fontainebleau Las Vegas shimmers and glows with a wink to Miami".
205. George, Hannah. (8 July 2025). "10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Las Vegas".
206. Kachroo-Levine, Maya. (May 23, 2025). "The Best View of Las Vegas Is From This Hidden Poodle-themed Bar on the 89th Floor of a Luxury Hotel". Travel + Leisure.
207. (May 3, 2020). "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor.
208. "Chapter Five".
209. Mills, Heather. (February 27, 2024). "Fans line up on Las Vegas Strip to watch 'LIVE with Kelly and Mark'". KLAS.
210. . (2025-04-17). ["Fontainebleau to be featured on the show "Hacks""](https://www.fox5vegas.com/video/2025/04/17/fontainebleau-be-featured-show-hacks/). *Gray Local Media*.