Encore at Wynn Las Vegas

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Encore when I first walked through those doors – I mean, it’s technically part of Wynn, but it felt like discovering some exclusive club that just happens to be hiding in plain sight on the Strip. The whole place has this understated elegance that’s refreshing when you’re surrounded by all the neon chaos outside. You know what struck me most? The lobby actually smells good – like expensive candles instead of that stale casino air you get pretty much everywhere else in Vegas.

The suites here are genuinely spacious, and I’m not just saying that because Vegas standards are typically shoebox-sized. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you these sweeping views of either the Strip or the mountains (honestly, I preferred the mountain side – way more peaceful for sleeping in). The bathrooms are marble everything, with these deep soaking tubs that actually fit a normal-sized human being. What I really appreciated was the separate living area – it’s perfect when you want to decompress but your travel companion wants to keep the party going. The beds are ridiculously comfortable too, which matters more than you’d think after walking 15 miles around casinos all day.

Location-wise, you’re right in the heart of everything but somehow insulated from the madness. You can walk to Wynn’s casino floor in about two minutes, or head south toward Treasure Island and the Venetian without dealing with those brutal pedestrian bridges. The pool area is where Encore really shines though – it’s got this European vibe with actual grass (weird for Vegas, I know) and cabanas that don’t feel like you’re sitting in a strip mall. Summer gets absolutely packed, so if you’re planning a pool day, stake your claim early or just embrace the scene. Parking is valet-only, which runs about $25 a day, but honestly it’s worth it because self-parking on the Strip is becoming a nightmare anyway. The staff here actually seems to enjoy their jobs, which makes a difference when you’re trying to get dinner reservations or figure out show tickets. Room service is pricey – we’re talking $30 for a burger – but it arrives fast and hot, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need at 2 AM after a long night out.