Encore Las Vegas
The gold standard for luxury on the Las Vegas Strip.
66/100 | B TIER
See my detailed evaluation here. Learn more about my methodology.
Encore Las Vegas.
Introduction
Over Thanksgiving break, my family and I visited the Encore Las Vegas. As COVID was (and is) a problem, we decided not to venture outside of the country just yet. I haven’t been to Las Vegas since 2010, so this was long overdue. Because I am allergic to car rides over an hour long, I decided to fly into McCarran International (LAS) from San Jose International (SJC), the airport literally right next to my university. The rest of my family began their 8 hour drive from to Vegas while I was still sleeping in my apartment.
I was very excited to not only visit Las Vegas for the first time as someone over the age of 21, but also because it would be my first time in more than a decade. I was excited to see what new properties have been built since I had last been. (I was literally 10 years old last time but I remember being so impressed with the electronically-controlled blinds at the Vdara).
How much will I lose at the Blackjack tables? Lets find out…
Arrival
As mentioned, I flew into Las Vegas on the flying bus carrier known as Southwest. Getting to the hotel from the airport was not as seamless as I had hoped it would be. Ubers pick you up in a designated pick-up zone a 10 minute walk away from the arrivals area at the airport. It wasn’t a big deal for me, since I just had a backpack and duffel bag. I’d imagine for someone with large luggage it’d be quite the inconvenience though.
I had set my destination as the Encore Las Vegas, but the driver instead dropped me off at the Wynn Las Vegas entrance. I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings, so when I stepped into the lobby I was a little confused as to where I was. I figured it out and made the 10 minute walk to the Encore lobby to check-in. A little annoying, but it gave me the chance to explore the magnificent public spaces of the property.
There was no line at check-in since I arrived at noon, which is a few hours before the published check-in time of 3pm. I was able to check-in early and received a complimentary upgrade to a Panoramic Suite (higher floor) as a result of my status. I was given a map of the property and shown where I could have breakfast over the course of my stay.
For a gargantuan Vegas hotel with thousands of rooms, I was impressed with the arrival process.
Encore Panoramic King Suite
Although not a real suite, I was impressed with the size of the room. This is also the entry level configuration, which makes it even more impressive. I think the room was fairly clean, especially considering the age of the hotel. The bathroom was a little disappointing as in general, it wasn’t as clean as the bedroom. I also wish they gave some branded toiletries, as the Wynn-branded toiletries they provide kind of cheapens the whole experience.
Check out this brief room tour right as I got in the room.
Breakfast at Jardin
The next three sections are our meals at the three different restaurants open for breakfast between the two resorts. I’ll comment on all three here as it would get repetitive otherwise. The food quality was great (and prices were pretty reasonable) but the highlight for me was the unique ambiance of each restaurant. The service was fantastic too with friendly, attentive servers always ready to help out. If you had to ask for my favorites, I’d choose (in order) Jardin, Tableau, and Terrace Pointe Cafe. Be assured all three are great experiences though.
One complaint I had, which I understand is probably impossible to solve, is that these restaurants get very busy and usually require reservations. This was the first time I’ve had to make reservations for a breakfast meal at a hotel restaurant. Because I made reservations the day I arrived, we were relegated less-than-desirable time slots. Don’t make the mistake I did and try to book a few days or even a week in advance!
I had a Mango & Papaya smoothie, Bacon & Egg Tacos, and a Black Coffee.
Breakfast at Tableau
I had the Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal and a Black Coffee.
Breakfast at Terrace Pointe Cafe
I had the Eggs Benedict and a Black Coffee.
Wellness Facilities
The Encore shares all of their facilities with the next door Wynn Las Vegas, and vice-versa. If they were open, you could use either pool facility. Unfortunately during my stay the pools were drained out for renovations.
The Spa at Encore Las Vegas, a Forbes Five Star spa, was open though. My dad had a treatment there and said it was a fantastic experience. Here are some pictures I found online of the facility:
Conclusion
The Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is a Forbes Five Star property. I don’t know if I’d agree with this assessment, but I would definitely say it is the best resort with a casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The public space design is the highlight for me here, as is the service which is the best I’ve experienced on the strip. For those looking for a true luxury experience (and willing to pay rates regularly exceeding $1000 a night), I would advise taking residency at the Skylofts at MGM Grand, Aria Sky Suites, or even the Wynn/Encore Tower Suites. These are all much more intimate in nature and truly world class.
Regardless, I had a great time at the Encore Las Vegas. It is a great property with a beautiful shopping arcade that is sure to satisfy any designer cravings you could have. I also only lost $250 at the Blackjack table so I will count this as an overall win.
Final Rating
Service: 13.5/30
Standards: 6/20
Arrival
✓ Greeted at entrance
Doors opened
✓ Bags taken
Refreshments offered
Introduced to hotel facilities and room/suite
Intimacy
After interaction with staff, do they remember your preferences?
After interaction with staff, do they remember and address you by name?
Housekeeping
Turndown service
Aware of whether or not you’re in the room
✓ Concierge
Attitude: 7.5/10
Rooms: 15/25
Quality 3.5/5
Views 3/5
Cleanliness 3.5/5
Standards 5/10
✓ Entry room larger than 500 square feet
✓ Electronic controls for room functionality
✓ Separate bathtub
Rainfall shower head
Reputable brand of amenities
✓ Pillow menu
Nespresso or equivalent coffee machine
Balcony
✓ Welcome amenity
Multiple welcome amenities
Facilities 16/20
Public space design
Lobby 4/5
Pool 4/5
Other Areas 4/5
Quality and Cleanliness 4/5
Food 13/15
Standards 5/5
✓ Multiple restaurants
✓ One prestigious chef owned restaurant (Multiple here)
✓ Breakfast buffet
✓ a la carte option with breakfast
✓ Asian, Local, Juice, Pastry, and Western sections in buffet
Quality 8/10
Location 8/10
Standards (3 points possible, 1 point each)
✓ Walking distance to a major mall (within 5 minutes)
✓ Walking distance to at least 4 restaurants (within one block)
✓ Walking distance to at least two major attractions (less than 10 minutes)
Safety 2/3
Walkability of surrounding area 3/4