The Walker Webcast Jeffrey Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development
Dec 18, 2025
Jeffrey Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development, is a titan in luxury real estate, known for his innovative resorts in Las Vegas and Miami. He shares insights on the evolution of the Fontainebleau brand, revealing his strategy to revive a half-finished resort after the financial crisis. Jeffrey discusses the importance of luxury design, the role of loyalty data in hospitality, and how market trends in South Florida influence luxury demand. With a focus on high-end development, he explains his vision for future opportunities and the impact of technology on the industry.
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Scale And Complexity Of Fontainebleau
- Fontainebleau is 9 million square feet and operates like an integrated, highly complex resort rather than a repetitive condo project.
- Jeffrey Soffer rebuilt and reimagined the property in 30 months after buying it back in 2021 and hiring 6,500 staff.
From Steel Skeleton To Reimagined Resort
- The project sat 70% built after the financial crisis and remained dormant for eight years before Soffer repurchased it.
- After buying it back in February 2021 he reconceived spaces, reduced rooms, and opened within 30 months.
Vegas Has Diversified Beyond Gaming
- Las Vegas revenue has shifted: gaming used to be ~60% of hotel revenue and now averages ~25%.
- High-end integrated resorts still capture more gaming share and rely on conventions, entertainment, F&B, and nightlife as drivers.