Vegas Local Travel Guide

Okay, let’s talk about the Wynn and Encore. Specifically, that age-old question that pops up in everyone’s head when they’re booking a stay: is upgrading to the Encore Tower Suites actually worth the extra cash? Most people just look at the price difference and shrug, thinking a room’s a room. But here’s the thing: it’s not always that simple. Especially not here. We’re talking about an entirely different level of experience, not just a slightly bigger bed.

I mean, look, the standard Encore Resort King is already pretty fantastic, right? You get that beautiful room, the floor-to-ceiling windows, that ridiculously comfortable bed that just sucks you in at 3 AM after a night out. But for many, including myself, after a few trips, that upgrade starts whispering. And by whispering, I mean it’s usually about another $100 to $200 a night, sometimes more, especially on a busy Saturday night when you’re looking at a $750 base rate for a Tower Suite versus $500 for a regular room in March 2026. The mistake most people make is comparing it purely on square footage. What many don’t know is that it’s about a lot more than just space.

Beyond the Square Footage: The VIP Treatment Starts Early

Most don’t realize that the Encore Tower Suites experience kicks off before you even step foot in your actual room. We’re talking about a completely separate check-in process. You don’t queue up with the masses in the main lobby, which, let’s be honest, can be a bit of a zoo, especially on a Friday afternoon pushing 4:00 PM when literally everyone is trying to check in. Standing in line for thirty minutes after a cross-country flight? No thank you. I’ve had that delightful experience, and it’s not the best way to start a getaway. Back in December 2023, during a holiday rush, I saw people waiting over an hour just to get their room key. Total disaster, especially if you paid a premium for early check-in and then still had to wait for what felt like an eternity. The learned lesson there was clear: streamline the arrival. My advice is to skip the main registration desk at Wynn – if you’ve booked a Tower Suite, you just bypass that massive line entirely. It’s a huge time-saver and sets the tone for a more exclusive stay.

With the Tower Suites, you get your own dedicated lobby, typically much smaller, quieter, and with a considerably more personalized feel. The staff there, in my experience, is usually more attentive, knows the property inside and out, and can often expedite things that might take longer downstairs. There’s no constant ding of slot machines echoing into the lobby, none of that intense perfume scent that hits you like a wall. It’s calmer. More exclusive. It sets a particular tone from moment one. It’s not just about saving ten minutes; it’s about feeling valued and starting your trip with a sense of calm luxury, not chaos. They even offer you a cold bottle of water while you wait, a small touch, but it stands out when it’s 105 degrees outside in August and you’re hit with that wall of AC when you walk inside.

Another thing worth mentioning is the location of the Tower Suites elevators. They’re typically closer to the main thoroughfares of the resort but still feel secluded. You’re not trekking halfway across the entire property just to get to your room after a long gambling session or a lavish dinner. That might sound minor, but after a few nights of walking miles through a massive resort, those extra steps add up. Trust me, my feet were thanking me last spring after a particularly long night out when my room was just a quick elevator ride and a short walk away, unlike the ten-minute hike I once made from the casino floor to my room in another part of the property during a trip a few years back. The convenience factor alone can subtly improve your entire stay.

Unpacking the Suites: Space, Amenities, and Beyond

Let’s get down to the actual room. Yes, the Tower Suites are larger. Significantly larger. The standard Tower Suite starts at around 1,160 square feet, which, frankly, is bigger than many apartments. Compare that to the standard Encore Resort King at approximately 745 square feet. That’s nearly a 50% increase in space. But it’s not just volume; it’s how that space is utilized. You’re getting a separate living area, often with its own half-bath, a dining table, and a much more expansive bedroom and bathroom setup.

I find the separate living space to be a game-changer. My personal preference, and honestly, the general consensus I’ve picked up from other frequent visitors, is that having a distinct area to relax, entertain a couple of guests, or even just have breakfast without messing up your sleeping area, makes a huge difference. You can order room service, spread out your newspapers or work notes, and not feel like you’re doing it all from the foot of your bed. The dining table is actually usable, not just a small round table tucked into a corner. I remember one time, last October, trying to have a small business discussion in a regular room, and we were practically tripping over each other’s luggage. It honestly felt a bit unprofessional. My friend Sarah went last March and swore by the separate living space for hosting a few friends before heading out to XS, saving them a $50 round of drinks at the bar.

The bathrooms in the Tower Suites are also a league apart. They’re larger, often with dual vanities, a separate water closet, and a big soaking tub distinct from the shower. It’s not just a shower/tub combo you might find in the regular rooms. We’re talking spa-like. The extra space and the quality of the fixtures truly elevate the morning routine. You’ll also typically find higher-end toiletries. I recall they had some bespoke scent last summer – subtle, and luxurious, not that generic hotel soap you get everywhere else. It’s those little sensory details that make you feel truly pampered.

And then there are the practical amenities. The Tower Suites often come with higher-tier technology, better sound systems, perhaps even automated curtain controls that feel incredibly futuristic. Many of these suites also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, which, what many don’t know, sometimes costs an additional $25 to $35 per day in the standard rooms. It might not be advertised upfront, but when you factor in all those little incidentals, the price gap starts to narrow slightly. Oh, and the complimentary coffee/tea service at the Wynn Tower Suites elevator banks in the morning is a small but really appreciated touch – saves you from a costly Starbucks run just for a wake-up brew that would easily set you back $7-10.

Exclusive Access and Unparalleled Service

This is where the ‘worth it’ factor really kicks in for many. The Encore Tower Suites come with access to exclusive pools and lounges. For example, there’s often a dedicated Tower Suites pool – usually quieter, less crowded, and with more attentive service than the general resort pools. The chairs are plush, sometimes even with better shade options, and the servers are right there. The poolside beer might still be $18, but at least you don’t have to fight a crowd for it. During a trip in July 2024, the general pool area was a cacophony of sound, packed elbow-to-elbow with people, making finding a chair near impossible. Meanwhile, the Tower Suites pool, though still lively, had plenty of open loungers and prompt towel service. That’s a significant difference when you’re trying to actually relax in 115-degree heat. A couple from Ohio I met at the pool last summer told me it completely changed their summer trips compared to previous years when they felt like sardines at the main pool.

Then there are the intangibles of service. Most people don’t realize that the level of personalized service tends to be higher in the Tower Suites. The staff-to-guest ratio is often better. They might remember your name, your preferred drink, or those small requests you made the day before. I’ve seen firsthand that when you’re in a premium section of a resort, the communication channels between departments also seem smoother. If you need something, it happens faster. There’s less friction.

The common approach is to just call down to the front desk for everything. But for Tower Suites guests, there’s often a specialized concierge team available that can handle more intricate requests, from dinner reservations at prime-time slots (like 7:30 PM on a Saturday at a top-tier restaurant where a steak can run you $80+) to arranging transportation or even securing tickets for sold-out shows. I remember trying to get a last-minute reservation for a popular show back in the spring of 2025 – couldn’t get anything through the main concierge. A quick call to the Tower Suites desk, and suddenly, two tickets for Awakening at Wynn, about $150 each, opened up. Coincidence? Probably not. It’s about access and leverage that comes with being a high-value guest.

Honestly, I think these little perks add up. When you factor in avoiding long lines, having a serene space to unwind, superior amenities, and that extra layer of personalized service, the upgrade costs, which can range from $100 to $300 a night over a standard room depending on the season and day of the week (a standard Encore room might be $350 on a Tuesday in January, whereas a Tower Suite might be $500), start to look less like an extravagance and more like an investment in your overall experience.

Is It Always Worth It? My Take.

Look, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that a $200 per night upgrade is always sensible for every single person. If you’re planning to spend literally zero time in your room, only using it to crash for a few hours, then perhaps the extra space and amenities won’t register as much impact. If you’re on a strict budget and every dollar counts, then absolutely, stick to the excellent standard rooms. They are still fantastic accommodations, some of the best in the general hospitality category, without a doubt.

However, if you’re looking for an elevated experience, where your hotel room feels like a luxurious sanctuary rather than just a place to sleep; if you appreciate prompt, personalized service; if you value convenience and exclusivity; and if you plan to spend any significant amount of time relaxing in your suite, then yes, the Encore Tower Suites are absolutely worth the upgrade. I prefer the Tower Suites specifically for the separate check-in alone, especially if I’m arriving at peak times. Side note here: I’ve learned that checking in around 11:00 AM on a Friday, if your room is ready, can sometimes bypass those afternoon crowds entirely, even in the main lobby, but you still won’t get that dedicated service.

Unpopular opinion: I think most guides get this wrong by focusing too much on just the square footage. Everyone I know who goes regularly says it’s not just four walls and a bed, it’s a whole ecosystem of comfort and service that justifies that price hike. The added touches, the quietude, the dedicated staff – these are the things that take a great trip and elevate it to an unforgettable one. So, next time you’re booking, just give it some serious thought. The resort fee, by the way, is still going to be there (about $49.99 for both last I checked in January 2026, subject to change), but at least in the Tower Suite, you feel like you’re getting more for it. Sometimes, you truly do get what you pay for, and in this case, it’s often a much smoother, more luxurious, and ultimately more enjoyable stay.