Encore At Wynn Las Vegas

Opened in December 2008 by famed Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn, the 2,034-room Encore At Wynn Las Vegas takes the whim and luxury of its next-door sister, the Wynn Las Vegas (opened in 2005), and steps it up a notch with even bigger rooms and a more attractive spa and fitness center. Much of the hotel, including its casino and pools, feels like a carbon copy to the Wynn, but that isn't a bad thing. Encore, however, feels a tad quieter and less hectic than the Wynn -- except for the Encore Beach Club, which draws hundreds of people on a daily basis.

Opulent interiors drip with excess, such as the lobby area sprouting trees from colorful flowerbeds, some dotted with peacock-shaped lighting fixtures with illuminated plumes of feathers. Spaces are bold and brash; the crimson-hued lobby bar features golden trees, while Wazuzu restaurant, also cloaked in red, features a shimmering Swarovski crystal-studded dragon on one of its walls and an eye-catching pattern of fans lining the carpet. Besides the peacocks and dragons, other Asian symbols of good luck permeate throughout the property, including colorful butterflies dotting the marble floors of the lobby.

This is a happening hotel, and its pools and casinos are buzzing throughout the day and well into the late hours. But, it's a bit more subdued and luxe than the party spots that host pop star residencies and Kardashian-hosted night clubs farther south on the Strip. The hotel draws lots of well-heeled business travelers and young partiers and, despite the hopping nightlife scene, quite a few families.

The Encore At Wynn Las Vegas is part of the large Wynn facility, which means there's plenty of designer shopping, a plethora of gourmet restaurants, and even an 18-hole golf course within walking distance. The hotel is at the northern end of the Strip, but it is by no means out of the way. In fact, it's within walking distance (15- to 20-minute walk) of Treasure Island Hotel & Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, The Palazzo at the Venetian, and The Venetian Resort. The other major (and hipper) hotels, like The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino take over 30 minutes to reach on foot. Luckily, cabs are easy to find at virtually any time of day or night. A generally less-expensive option is the Deuce, a double-decker bus that runs up and down the Strip 24/7. There's also a monorail system, which stops at several major casinos and hotels in the area. McCarran International Airport is around a 15-minute drive from Encore At Wynn.

Ranging from a generous 745 square feet to a massive 5,829 square feet, the Encore At Wynn Las Vegas offers some of the largest rooms on the Vegas Strip. Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the spaces in natural light and offer great views over the city. Decor is tasteful and contemporary, with stylish furniture and an inviting color scheme of warm neutrals. Luxurious touches abound, from 507-thread-count linens and plush bedding to 55-inch flat-screen TVs and even small flat-screens in the bathroom. All units have living rooms (most separated from the bedrooms by a privacy wall), with larger units adding extras like wet bars, dining areas, massage rooms, and even billiard and exercise rooms in some. Curtain, lighting, room service, and privacy controls are via touch screen. Luxe marble bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers.

Encore Tower Suites come with extra perks, including a dedicated concierge, access to a private Tower Suites pool, daily breakfast credit, and nightly turndown service. While guest rooms come with different bed configurations, the only one-bedroom Tower Suite that offers two queen beds at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas Resort is the Suite Two Queens.

Note that the daily resort fee that's tacked onto rates covers in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi and coffee and tea service, but coffeemakers are not available in any room or suite category.

Dining-wise, there's a plethora of options here. Encore guests get access to all restaurants at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, which range from casual to fine-dining and award-winning. Food on-site gets consistently outstanding reviews, but it is pricey. Those planning to take advantage of the breakfast credit at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas have several choices, including Tableau, which is one of the most popular venues.

Other standouts include Sinatra, a classic Italian restaurant decorated with the late singer's photographs and Grammys; Wazazu, serving pan-Asian fare; Michelin-star Chinese restaurant Wing Lei; and the atmospheric conservatory-like Jardin that serves contemporary and classic American fare.

There are plenty of stylish bars and lounges here as well, including Eastside Lounge, a swanky spot which offers live entertainment. Dinner and show pairings are available on-site.

Other nightlife options include XS Nightclub -- hosting top DJs like David Guetta, Diplo, and Skrillex -- and the Beach Club at Encore Wynn, which is a poolside club surrounded by palm trees, cabanas, and bungalows that can be rented out for a fee. The Beach Club is hugely popular among guests and non-guests alike, and crowds should be expected.

Both the Encore and the Wynn feature a number of large outdoor pools. The most popular here, aside from the rowdy Encore Beach Club, is the adults-only European Pool that allows for topless sunbathing. The main pool is beautiful and quieter than the Beach Club, and there is also an exclusive pool for Tower Suite guests. Luxe cabanas with mini-fridges, plasma TVs, plush chairs, and sofas are available for rent, plus there are loungers and daybeds lining the pool decks. Full food and beverage service is available by the pools.

An array of features and free access to all amenities at the adjacent Wynn complex are at guests' disposal. The Encore’s gorgeous full-service spa is designed like a Moroccan retreat, with lanterns, heavy orange curtains, lots of gold accents, and plush seating set around wooden tables with delicate inlays. It offers a myriad of treatments, including massages, body wraps and facials, plus spa packages and couples’ rituals. There's also another gorgeous spa at the Wynn and a salon at each hotel offering hair and nail services, as well as makeup application. The fitness center is well-equipped with modern cardio and strength-training machines, plus there are fitness classes offered daily. The resort fee covers two passes to the gym per day. The 18-hole championship Wynn Golf Club is located right behind the hotel.

For another sort of entertainment, the hotel's large casino offers poker (in a 28-table room), slots, craps, roulette, and blackjack, as well as race and sports books, while the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas attracts top stars for shows and residencies. Other features include a number of luxury designer shops, such as Chanel, Louboutin, and Hermès, as well as 260,000 square feet of event space, including wedding venues. Valet and self-parking are included in the daily resort fee.